The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS is an impressive performer and I can’t wait to see more real world results, but until then we will have to rely on sources like DXO that have scored the lens very high in sharpness, but not overall. The shortcomings DXO list is some vignetting wide-open.
Telephoto zoom lenses like this tend to be quite large and unwieldy, and are inclined to be sharper at the shorter end of the zoom range. They also often have troublesome chromatic aberration that contributes to the decline in image quality, particularly at the longer end (where you need it the most).
While there has been some slightly improved performance in more recent models, such as the Canon EF 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L IS II, Sony’s new FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS stands out not only for its seismic shift in sharpness, but also for being not much different in size to the FE 70-200mm F2.8. Best of all, perhaps, is that for once there’s a tele-zoom that offers seriously impressive image quality at that prized 400mm focal length.
Highlights
- Compact and relatively light in weight
- High sharpness levels throughout the zoom range, especially at 400mm
- Low lateral color aberration
Potential shortcomings
- Some vignetting wide-open
You can read the full review here
Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
