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Review of Sony 400-800mm Lens

Mar 31, 2025

Lecture Notes: Review of Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens

Introduction

  • Presenter: Dustin Abbott
  • Subject: Review of the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens
  • Context: Comparison with the Sony 200-600mm lens, exploring its worth considering its size, weight, and price.

Sony FE 400-800mm Lens Overview

  • Design: Based on the 200-600mm lens, expanded to 800mm.
  • Attributes:
    • First Sony zoom to reach 800mm.
    • Larger, heavier, and more expensive.
    • Variable aperture zoom from f/6.3 at 400mm to f/8 at 800mm.

Key Features

  • Focal Range:
    • 400mm to 800mm with a 2x zoom range.
    • Variable aperture affects light intake and depth of field.
  • Build Quality:
    • Made from metals and engineered plastics.
    • Thoroughly weather-sealed with multiple gaskets and a fluorine coating.
    • Professional-grade construction comparable to Sony's GM lenses.
  • Compatibility:
    • Compatible with Sony's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters.
    • Note: Using teleconverters impacts aperture and focus precision.

Handling and Ergonomics

  • Physical Attributes:
    • Diameter: 11.98cm; Length: 34.6cm.
    • Weight: 2.47 kg (~5.2 lbs).
    • Front filter diameter: 105mm.
  • Handling:
    • Excellent balance for handheld shooting despite weight.
    • Non-extendable zoom maintains balance and ease of use.

Autofocus and Stabilization

  • Autofocus:
    • Utilizes XD Linear Motors for quick transitions.
    • Effective for tracking and quick focus in good lighting conditions.
  • Optical Steady Shot (OSS):
    • Provides about four stops of stabilization at 800mm.
    • Less effective for handheld shooting at extreme focal lengths.

Image Quality

  • Optical Design:
    • 27 elements in 19 groups.
    • Six extra-low dispersion elements to minimize aberrations.
  • Performance:
    • Sharp image quality, particularly at 500mm.
    • Lower contrast at 800mm, improves slightly when stopped down to f/9.
  • Distortion and Vignette:
    • Minimal distortion and vignette across the range.
    • Excellent control over chromatic aberrations.

Video Performance

  • Autofocus: Smooth and precise with minimal focus breathing.
  • Quality: Good for video work, tracking well in dynamic scenarios.

Recommendations and Conclusion

  • Target Audience: Suitable for wildlife and sports photographers needing extreme focal length.
  • Value: Offers good value compared to high-end primes.
  • Considerations:
    • Requires adequate lighting to achieve optimum performance.
    • Heavy and requires practice for effective handheld use.
  • Summary: A capable and specialized lens offering excellent features and performance for a niche market, worth considering if the focal range is needed.

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