Sony FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS Officially Priced at €899

Summary

• The Sony FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS has an official recommended price of €899 in Germany
• It weighs 654 grams and features built-in optical image stabilization
• It offers 0.41x maximum magnification and a minimum focusing distance of 0.86 meters at 400mm
• It supports continuous shooting at up to 120 frames per second with the Sony α9 III
• With a 2x teleconverter it reaches 800mm and up to 1,200mm in APS-C mode
• Its release in Germany is scheduled for August 2026

Sony has introduced the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS, a lightweight super-telephoto zoom lens for full-frame E-mount cameras, featuring optical stabilization and an official recommended price of €899 in Germany.

The new lens is aimed at photographers interested in wildlife, sports, aircraft, trains, and other distant or moving subjects, with availability in Germany scheduled for August 2026.

Its significance lies in the combination of a 100-400mm focal length range, a weight of just 654 grams, and a lower price than Sony’s more advanced G and G Master telephoto lenses. Its main compromise is the relatively slow F5.6-8 maximum aperture.

A lightweight body for a lens reaching 400mm

The Sony FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS weighs approximately 654 grams, measures 164.5 millimeters in length, and has a maximum diameter of 78.2 millimeters. The lens extends while zooming and accepts 67mm filters.

Its low weight makes handheld photography, long outdoor sessions, and transportation easier. The 100-400mm range is suitable for distant subjects and can also be used in landscape photography to create the perspective compression associated with long focal lengths.

Optical design with ED and aspherical elements

The optical construction includes two ED low-dispersion glass elements and two aspherical elements, which reduce chromatic aberrations and other optical imperfections throughout the zoom range.

The aperture uses nine rounded blades to produce smoother out-of-focus areas. The lens is not part of Sony’s G or G Master ranges, as its design places greater emphasis on portability and affordability.

The main compromise is the aperture

The variable maximum aperture starts at F5.6 and reaches F8, with the lens moving to F8 from 220mm. Throughout most of its telephoto range, it therefore gathers less light than more expensive 100-400mm lenses.

In good lighting conditions, this limitation should be relatively manageable. In low light or while photographing fast action, higher ISO settings may be necessary to maintain sufficiently fast shutter speeds.

Autofocus and shooting at up to 120 frames per second

Two linear motors deliver fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus. When paired with the Sony α9 III, the lens supports continuous shooting with AF and AE tracking at up to approximately 120 frames per second, depending on shooting conditions and settings.

Built-in OSS optical image stabilization reduces camera shake during handheld shooting. Compatible cameras also support coordinated camera-and-lens stabilization, Active Mode, and focus-breathing compensation for video recording.

Close-up shooting with 0.41x magnification

Although it is primarily a super-telephoto lens, the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS offers a maximum magnification of 0.41x. Its minimum focusing distance is 1.13 meters at 100mm and decreases to 0.86 meters at 400mm.

These capabilities allow photographers to capture smaller subjects such as flowers and insects, even though the lens is not classified as a macro lens.

Teleconverter support and a reach of up to 800mm

The lens is compatible with the optional 2x SEL20TC teleconverter, increasing its maximum focal length to 800mm. In APS-C mode, the combination provides an angle of view equivalent to a focal length of up to 1,200mm on a full-frame system.

Using the teleconverter substantially extends the lens’s reach for very distant subjects, although it also results in an additional loss of light.

Controls and protection for outdoor shooting

The lens body includes a customizable focus-hold button, a combined focus mode and range switch, a SteadyShot switch, and a zoom lock. A lens hood is included to help reduce flare and ghosting.

The construction is designed to resist dust and moisture but is not completely sealed against dust or water droplets.

Pricing and availability

Sony Germany has announced that the FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS will become available in August 2026 with an official recommended retail price of €899.

In the United States, the lens is priced at $849, with availability scheduled for September 2026.

What we think

The FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS fills a meaningful gap in Sony’s lens range by offering substantial reach without the weight and cost of a professional telephoto lens. Its F8 aperture from 220mm is a noticeable limitation for low-light action, but the 654-gram weight, optical stabilization, 0.41x magnification, and €899 price create an attractive package for photographers who prioritize portability.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Sony FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS cost?

Its official recommended retail price in Germany is €899.

Which cameras are compatible with the lens?

The lens uses the Sony E-mount and is designed for full-frame Alpha mirrorless cameras. It can also be used on APS-C bodies, where it provides an angle of view approximately equivalent to 150-600mm.

Does it feature optical image stabilization?

Yes. It includes built-in OSS and supports coordinated stabilization with compatible Sony cameras.

Can it be used for close-up photography?

Yes. It offers 0.41x maximum magnification and a minimum focusing distance of 0.86 meters at 400mm.

Is it compatible with a teleconverter?

Yes. It supports the 2x SEL20TC teleconverter, increasing the maximum focal length to 800mm.