Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS

Product Description

Superlative G Master quality in the world’s lightest1 400mm F2.8 lens uses two newly developed XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors for fast precise autofocus to take full advantage of the world’s fastest cameras2 - reaching speeds up to 20fps with the 24MP a9 and up to 10fps with the 42.4MP a7R III and 24.2MP a7 III

Key Features

• World’s lightest 400mm F2.8 super-telephoto lens
• XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors for fast, precise, quiet AF
• G Master quality with superior focusing speed up to 20fps2
• Balanced weight eliminates “front heavy” nature of similar lenses
• 3x fluorite elements, 1x ED glass element reduces flare and ghosting
• F2.8 with 11-blade circular aperture contributes to gorgeous bokeh
• Nano AR coating effectively suppresses reflections
• Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization significantly reduces blur
• 4x customizable multi-function focus hold buttons and function ring
• Light magnesium construction w/ dust/moisture resistant4 reliability

 

World’s lightest1 400mm F2.8 super-telephoto lens

The remarkable light weight and excellent balance of the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens - weighing it at only 6.38 lbs. - is achieved through an innovative optical design that includes three fluorite elements as well as the liberal usage of durable magnesium alloy components. The new design of this well-balanced lens, reduces the number of elements deployed at the front of the barrel, resulting in quicker, more precise panning, whether shooting handheld or on a monopod.

XD (extreme dynamic)

Linear Motors for fast precise autofocus To make full use of the rapidly evolving performance speed of modern and future camera bodies, the lens’s focus group is driven by two - newly developed - XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors that achieve higher thrust and efficiency than conventional types of AF drive motors. The XD Linear Motors deliver new levels of fast, precise, quiet autofocus operation and contribute to reliable and tenacious AF tracking (up to a 5x improvement3 in moving-subject tracking) that sports photographers will appreciate. Additionally, a new algorithm developed specifically for the XD motors, notably improves their response, minimizing lag and instability that can occur when driving a large aperture focus lens group, resulting in quiet, low-vibration operation.

Superlative G Master quality

All lenses bearing the G Master brand are designed to extremely high standards, ensuring that outstanding contrast at high spatial frequencies is maintained right out to the image edges. The optical design includes three fluorite elements that help to minimize axial chromatic aberration that can be a problem in large-aperture lenses, as well as lateral chromatic aberration that can reduce resolution towards the image periphery. Color bleeding is effectively suppressed, allowing clear reproduction of the finest subject details, while Sony’s original Nano AR coating suppresses any unwanted reflections, glare, or ghosting.

3x fluorite elements, 1x ED glass element reduces flare and ghosting

Based on a new optical design that conforms to stringent G Master standards, the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS includes three fluorite elements and one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element that help to reduce chromatic aberration, a common problem in telephoto lenses. Extremely high resolution is maintained right out to the image edges. Spherical aberration is optimized to create a perfect balance between high resolution and soft, beautiful bokeh through careful control at both the design and manufacturing stages. Each lens is individually tested and adjusted to achieve ideal characteristics.

Wide F2.8 max aperture

The wide F2.8 max aperture maintains exposure and depth of field while also allowing maximum light for shooting in almost any condition. When changing your aperture to defocus the background, the areas out of the focal plane appear blurred. This ‘bokeh’ effect of the blurred background can be enhanced with circular aperture blades used in this lens.

11-blade circular aperture contributes to gorgeous bokeh

Complementing the wide F2.8 aperture are the 11-blade circular aperture blades that result in soft-edged bokeh that is a hallmark of the Sony G Master series. While conventional aperture blades have flat sides creating unappealing, polygonal shaped defocused points of light. α lenses overcome this problem through a unique design that keeps the aperture almost perfectly circular from its wide-open setting to when it is closed by 2 stops. Smoother, more natural defocusing can be obtained as a result. In addition to careful control of spherical aberration at the design stage, each lens is individually tested and adjusted during manufacture to achieve the highest possible bokeh quality.

Nano AR Coating

Sony’s original Nano AR Coating is applied to interior lens surfaces to effectively suppress reflections that can lead to flare and ghosting, significantly enhancing image clarity and contrast. This precisely defined regular nano-structure allows accurate light transmission, contributing to high-quality images, even more so than with lenses that use coatings with an irregular nano-structure.

Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization significantly reduces blur

High-performance Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization is built right into the lens for sharp, blur-free images with a wide range of subjects and handheld shooting. An updated ‘Mode 3’ algorithm6 is optimized for smooth, stable framing of moving subjects. Control features have also been refined to effectively support professional requirements. 5-axis image stabilization becomes available when used with α series cameras that feature built-in image stabilization.

4x customizable multi-function focus hold buttons and function ring

The FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS features focus hold buttons in four locations on the lens barrel for easy access in any shooting situation. Once you’ve adjusted focus to where you want it, pressing one of the focus hold button on the lens barrel will keep the lens locked to that focusing distance. The focus hold buttons can also be customized via a camera body menu, allowing them to be assigned to a different function selected by the user: Eye AF, for example.

Dust and moisture resistant4 for robust reliability

Sony’s lens sealing maximizes resistance to dust and moisture4, providing the reliability needed for outdoor use and in challenging environmental conditions as demanded by professional photographers. Additionally, the front lens element features a fluorine coating that helps to prevent dirt and fingerprints from sticking, while making it easier to wipe clean if they do become attached to the lens surface.

Liberal use of magnesium alloy

A durable magnesium alloy is used not only for the lens barrel exterior and tripod mount, but also for interior barrel components as well. This provides the tough durability that demanding professional application require, while minimizing overall weight.

1.4x and 2.0x tele-converter support5, with high imaging and AF performance

Optional high-performance 1.4x and 2.0x tele-converters are supported5, providing up to 800mm focal length (1200mm equivalent on APS-C bodies) with an F5.6 maximum aperture*. Outstanding imaging performance and fast, precise AF operation are maintained when either of these excellent tele-converters are used, ensuring that the lens’s superior G Master image quality is not compromised.* Maximum aperture with the 1.4x and 2.0x tele-converters is F4 and F5.6, respectively.

Instant auto/manual focus selection

Instantly and quickly switch between auto and manual focus via an AM/MF switch on the side of the lens. This makes operation faster and easier as you let the camera and lens focus for you, or decide to take control and manually focus on the precise point you chose.

Fluorine front-element coating

The front lens element features a fluorine coating that helps to prevent dirt and fingerprints from sticking, while making it easier to wipe clean if they do become attached to the lens surface.

Full-time DMF

DMF (Direct Manual Focus) give you the ability to instantly switch to manual focus while in autofocus mode. This is particularly useful when acquiring a subject using AF and then allowing you to fine tune your focus point using the manual focus ring. When the FULL TIME DMF switch is ON, manual focus is immediately engaged by simply rotating the focus ring, even while shooting in the AF-C mode. If AF causes focus to shift to a different subject while shooting, the focus ring can be used to quickly bring focus back to the desired subject. It can also be useful when it is necessary to focus beyond a set focus range limit.

Linear Response MF

The focus ring features Linear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus control. Manual focus changes linearly in response to focus ring rotation, giving you the control immediacy needed for fast, accurate manual focusing.

Focus range limiter

The focus range limit switch allows a limited focus range to be selected when the fastest possible focusing is required. Three settings are provided: FULL, 7m-2.7m, and ∞-7m.

Drop-in filter slot

The FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS includes a filter slot that accepts ø 40.5mm ND and other filter types, as well as the optional VF-DCPL1 Drop-in circular polarizing filter. The VF-DCPL1 can be rotated to achieve the desired polarization while installed in the lens.

High-speed, accurate AF tracking at F22 aperture

High-speed, accurate AF tracking for continuous shooting at minimum F22 aperture8 (α9 software must be updated to the latest version). This is an important advantage allowing maximum depth of field to be used without limitations when shooting continuously to follow action and ensuring that AF tracking can keep the subject in focus.

Strong, lightweight carbon fiber lens hood

The supplied lens hood is made of strong, lightweight carbon fiber to minimize added weight. The interior of the hood is lined with flocking to minimize reflections for optimum light control.

Increased mount strength and reliability

While conventional lenses use four mount attachment screws, the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS uses seven. The number of mount attachment screws has been increased to ensure maximum rigidity and durability that will easily withstand professional use.

Versatile high-durability tripod mount

The tripod collar ring employs bearings to ensure smooth rotation as well as high reliability. It also features a switch that engages or disengages click stops which when engaged, easily and quickly allows the user to switch between horizontal and vertical camera orientations in 90-degree click stops as required. The click stops can be disengaged when smooth, low-resistance operation is desired.

Supplied hard carrying case

A dedicated trunk style hard case is supplied to protect the lens from shock and vibration during transport. The case has carrying handles on two sides and a convenient carrying strap.

Function ring

The FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS includes a new function ring with switch selectable for PRESET (preset focus), FUNCTION and OFF positions. When in the PRESET position, the SET button is initially used to memorize the desired focus point, moving the function ring in either direction will immediately set focus to the memorized point. This can be a huge advantage for sports and other rapidly changing situations, allowing focus to be preset in advance and instantly recalled to ensure that the decisive moment is properly captured. This function is available whether shooting with AF or MF, and can focus outside a set focus limit range. When in the FUNCION position, functions can be assigned to the FUNCTION mode via a camera body menu. If Power Focus is assigned and the function ring is rotated, focus shifts smoothly at a speed determined by the amount of function ring rotation. This allows smooth focus shift for movies. If APS-C/Full Frame Select6 is assigned, the function ring can be rotated to switch between APS-C and full-frame angles of view.