p.16 #1 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
Comparing side by side with my 800PF, it appears the zoom is a bit shorter than its advertised focal length - it looks to be somewhere in the 650-700mm range at closer distances, much like the behaviour we have with the FE 200-600G.
p.16 #2 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
Cliff L. wrote:
Comparing side by side with my 800PF, it appears the zoom is a bit shorter than its advertised focal length - it looks to be somewhere in the 650-700mm range at closer distances, much like the behaviour we have with the FE 200-600G.
I agree it looks to lose focal length at close focus but something else going on. Looking at shutter speeds and F stops, at same ISO don't quite match up.
If you cropped both to the same image size (bird size) as opposed to same magnification, how do they compare for sharpness? It almost looks like the 400-800 is sharper (and less noise) but that may be an artifact of it being smaller as shown.
p.16 #3 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
billsnature wrote:
I agree it looks to lose focal length at close focus but something else going on. Looking at shutter speeds and F stops, at same ISO don't quite match up.
It's 2/3 of a stop difference in exposure. Either the light changed a bit while I was switching cameras, or the Sony lens is actually a little slower than f/8?
p.16 #4 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
Cliff L. wrote:
Comparing side by side with my 800PF, it appears the zoom is a bit shorter than its advertised focal length - it looks to be somewhere in the 650-700mm range at closer distances, much like the behaviour we have with the FE 200-600G.
If you had to pick one, which lens do you prefer? I have been debating between the 800mm pf and the 400-800mm since the 400-800mm was announced.
p.16 #5 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
DWOfPaul wrote:
If you had to pick one, which lens do you prefer? I have been debating between the 800mm pf and the 400-800mm since the 400-800mm was announced.
Most of my testing has been between the 600mm PF with 1.4X and the 400-800. It is surprisingly close between those two. I tired an 800mm PF vs the 600 PF with 1.4X and wound up returning the 800 PF. For shooting small birds, the Min focus distance is long enough that it offered little advantage over the 600 PF and seemed a little less "sharp" than the 600 PF with the 1.4X. I put the "sharp" in quotes as the 600 with 1.4X allowed you to be closer and have more pixels on the small birds. Therefore, less cropping and better "apparent sharpness". If you aren't working near MFD, I would guess the 800 is better, but it wasn't worth it for me.
So in Nikon, I would buy the 600PF. Great versatile lens that takes 1.4X well. It is also much smaller lighter than the Sony 400-800. For me since I own both... When shooting mammals, I would take the 400-800 as the ability to zoom is frequently important. For shooting warblers, finches, I would take the 600mm PF with 1.4X
p.16 #6 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
DWOfPaul wrote:
If you had to pick one, which lens do you prefer? I have been debating between the 800mm pf and the 400-800mm since the 400-800mm was announced.
The biggest advantages of the 400-800 are the shorter MFD and the flexibility of zooming. However, I was surprised to see how much shorter the actual focal length of the 400-800 is when shooting close to the MFD, so the 800PF is not at as much of a disadvantage as it sounds on paper.
I shot approximately 200 images of the hummingbird with each lens, and got 38 keepers from the 800PF vs only 11 from the 400-800G. The light was so poor, I suspect the extra 2/3 of a stop advantage of the 800PF helped improve the Nikon keeper rate.
The 400-800G only weighs 25g (less than an ounce) more than the 800PF, but to me it feels much heavier in use due to the slightly better balance of the 800PF. The 600PF is significantly lighter, but has a long MFD relative to its focal length and aperture, and the 800PF actually yields a higher magnification ratio; I would pick the Z 180-600 f6.3 or 400mm f4.5 plus extender over the 600PF, as both allow much closer focusing for small birds.
I had hoped the FE 400-800G would be a one-lens solution that would replace all of these Nikon lenses in my bag, but now that I've had a chance to use them side by side, I'm probably going to stick with the Nikon 800PF and perhaps supplement it with a 400 f4.5 (I already have the 100-400).
p.16 #7 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
billsnature wrote:
Most of my testing has been between the 600mm PF with 1.4X and the 400-800. It is surprisingly close between those two. I tired an 800mm PF vs the 600 PF with 1.4X and wound up returning the 800 PF. For shooting small birds, the Min focus distance is long enough that it offered little advantage over the 600 PF and seemed a little less "sharp" than the 600 PF with the 1.4X. I put the "sharp" in quotes as the 600 with 1.4X allowed you to be closer and have more pixels on the small birds. Therefore, less cropping and better "apparent sharpness". If you aren't working near MFD, I would guess the 800 is better, but it wasn't worth it for me.
So in Nikon, I would buy the 600PF. Great versatile lens that takes 1.4X well. It is also much smaller lighter than the Sony 400-800. For me since I own both... When shooting mammals, I would take the 400-800 as the ability to zoom is frequently important. For shooting warblers, finches, I would take the 600mm PF with 1.4X...Show more →
Thanks for the info, makes the 400-800mm sound good for my needs. I usually don't get close to MFD and often end up using the TC 1.4x on my 200-600mm f6.3. So the 600mm PF + tc 1.4 would keep me at f9, which won't give me any advantage in low light, and I would lose the flexibility of the zoom. The 800mm f6.3 keeps me wondering if it's worth the 2/3 of a stop low light advantage, but I know I will lose some photos not being able to zoom.
(Making decisions a bit more complicated, I wish I could just fully use the Sigma 300-600mm f4 with TCs, it would be a bit heavy but almost perfect for my needs)
p.16 #8 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
Cliff L. wrote:
I had hoped the FE 400-800G would be a one-lens solution that would replace all of these Nikon lenses in my bag, but now that I've had a chance to use them side by side, I'm probably going to stick with the Nikon 800PF and perhaps supplement it with a 400 f4.5 (I already have the 100-400).
I had the same hope too, but got a similar feeling reading the reviews that the 400-800mm is not quite the perfect one lens solution for wildlife photos. Thanks for the info. I keep hoping that Nikon surprises us and makes something like a 300-800 f6.3 zoom to go along with the 800mm f6.3 PF, similar to how the 180-600mm f6.3 goes along with the 600mm f6.3 PF 🤞
p.16 #9 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
DWOfPaul wrote:
(Making decisions a bit more complicated, I wish I could just fully use the Sigma 300-600mm f4 with TCs, it would be a bit heavy but almost perfect for my needs)
Just grab a Lumix S1R II and you can use that lens with either the Lumix or Sigma teleconverters...
p.16 #10 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
Cliff L. wrote:
Just grab a Lumix S1R II and you can use that lens with either the Lumix or Sigma teleconverters...
I have actually taught about that. I am going to need another body anyway, Sigma lenses are not restricted, and Panasonic does seem to make some nice glass... But between L mount not having a stacked sensor camera and not being able to find much info on how the 300-600mm f4 and S1RII pair together, I hesitate to try such an expensive experiment.
p.16 #11 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
DWOfPaul wrote:
I have actually taught about that. I am going to need another body anyway, Sigma lenses are not restricted, and Panasonic does seem to make some nice glass... But between L mount not having a stacked sensor camera and not being able to find much info on how the 300-600mm f4 and S1RII pair together, I hesitate to try such an expensive experiment.
The Lumix S1 II has a partially stacked sensor - same as the Nikon Z6 III.
I thought I read somewhere that you can use the Sony TC's with the Sigma lens if you adapt the lens to a Nikon body via the Megadap adaptor, but you would need to confirm that.
p.16 #12 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
Cliff L. wrote:
I thought I read somewhere that you can use the Sony TC's with the Sigma lens if you adapt the lens to a Nikon body via the Megadap adaptor, but you would need to confirm that.
In a way, if worst comes to worst, and AF with TCs is lacking for BIF, it still sounds like it would make an awesome 300-600mm f4, and it would be the cheapest way to give it a try since I already have a Z8, Megadap adapters, and Sony TCs 🤔
p.16 #13 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
You can just look at the magnification, ignore the focal length for close up shots.
Nikon Z 600mm has 0.15x magnification at 4m
The Sony 4-8 has .23x magnification at (400mm)
The Sony 4-8 is also at .23x magnification at (3.5m)
So if the bird lands on your companions head use 400mm 😂
Cliff L. wrote:
The biggest advantages of the 400-800 are the shorter MFD and the flexibility of zooming. However, I was surprised to see how much shorter the actual focal length of the 400-800 is when shooting close to the MFD, so the 800PF is not at as much of a disadvantage as it sounds on paper.
I shot approximately 200 images of the hummingbird with each lens, and got 38 keepers from the 800PF vs only 11 from the 400-800G. The light was so poor, I suspect the extra 2/3 of a stop advantage of the 800PF helped improve the Nikon keeper rate.
The 400-800G only weighs 25g (less than an ounce) more than the 800PF, but to me it feels much heavier in use due to the slightly better balance of the 800PF. The 600PF is significantly lighter, but has a long MFD relative to its focal length and aperture, and the 800PF actually yields a higher magnification ratio; I would pick the Z 180-600 f6.3 or 400mm f4.5 plus extender over the 600PF, as both allow much closer focusing for small birds.
I had hoped the FE 400-800G would be a one-lens solution that would replace all of these Nikon lenses in my bag, but now that I've had a chance to use them side by side, I'm probably going to stick with the Nikon 800PF and perhaps supplement it with a 400 f4.5 (I already have the 100-400)....Show more →
p.16 #14 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
Cliff L. wrote:
The biggest advantages of the 400-800 are the shorter MFD and the flexibility of zooming. However, I was surprised to see how much shorter the actual focal length of the 400-800 is when shooting close to the MFD, so the 800PF is not at as much of a disadvantage as it sounds on paper.
I shot approximately 200 images of the hummingbird with each lens, and got 38 keepers from the 800PF vs only 11 from the 400-800G. The light was so poor, I suspect the extra 2/3 of a stop advantage of the 800PF helped improve the Nikon keeper rate.
The 400-800G only weighs 25g (less than an ounce) more than the 800PF, but to me it feels much heavier in use due to the slightly better balance of the 800PF. The 600PF is significantly lighter, but has a long MFD relative to its focal length and aperture, and the 800PF actually yields a higher magnification ratio; I would pick the Z 180-600 f6.3 or 400mm f4.5 plus extender over the 600PF, as both allow much closer focusing for small birds.
I had hoped the FE 400-800G would be a one-lens solution that would replace all of these Nikon lenses in my bag, but now that I've had a chance to use them side by side, I'm probably going to stick with the Nikon 800PF and perhaps supplement it with a 400 f4.5 (I already have the 100-400)....Show more →
In looking at your images, it appears you were near the MFD of the 800mm PF and therefore were nowhere near the MFD of the 400-800. Where the 400-800 would really shine is if you shot closer with it, and probably without the 1.4X TC. For bird on a stick kind of stuff I found the 300 GM with a 2X TC and the 400-800 without one better than the 800mm PF just because I could get closer. Most of what I shoot is from a movable blind. The 800mm PF made me move it back pretty far. If you haven't ditched the 400-800 already, try getting closer to subjects. If you are shooting long range stuff like eagles, or ducks the 800mm PF is probably better, but for Hummers... I think you should test again.
p.16 #15 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
billsnature wrote:
In looking at your images, it appears you were near the MFD of the 800mm PF and therefore were nowhere near the MFD of the 400-800. Where the 400-800 would really shine is if you shot closer with it, and probably without the 1.4X TC. For bird on a stick kind of stuff I found the 300 GM with a 2X TC and the 400-800 without one better than the 800mm PF just because I could get closer. Most of what I shoot is from a movable blind. The 800mm PF made me move it back pretty far. If you haven't ditched the 400-800 already, try getting closer to subjects. If you are shooting long range stuff like eagles, or ducks the 800mm PF is probably better, but for Hummers... I think you should test again....Show more →
I guess I will have to learn to levitate to get closer to that hummingbird, photographed from a second story window...
The problem with the 400-800G, like the 200-600G, is that if you get even closer, the focal length shrinks even more. The 800PF is not my only lens, and I have better alternatives available for situations where I can get closer to the subject; it's those times when I can't get closer that I've learned the 800PF is the superior choice due to its higher subject magnification and faster aperture.
Even better would be a 400mm f2.8 and extenders, but that's a bit outside of my financial comfort zone.
p.16 #16 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
I found F stoppers has a good comparison video of the Sigma 300-600mm VS Sony 600mm F4 vs Sony 400-800mm, it's probably worth a watch for anyone interested in these type of lenses and talks about MFD:
Also, as a side note, people are reporting success with AF using the Viltrox tc 2x with Sigma lenses like the 300-600mm f4 and 500mm f5.6 on Sony cameras with AF. But as noted above, using the Sony TCs on Nikon, the camera will see the wrong aperture and focal length, which appears to impact AF a bit.
p.16 #17 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
Been following along a bit here on this comparison Cliff
My first take is that you have a Nikon body with a dedicated Nikon prime with a Nikon 1.4TC, and a Sony zoom lens 'adapted' to a Nikon body with a Sony 1.4TC.
Steve Perry has a great review about "magnification' on this Sony lens, 400mm has the .23x rating, magnification is the least at 600 but then it climbs more at 800 but does not equal the .23 @400.
I have never been a fan of a TC on any zoom lens, and is there a variable between the Nikon and Sony TC in true magnification that is contributing to your results?
I wonder how this comparison would have worked out if things were reversed, shooting the Nikon optics on a Sony body for AF accuracy? The fact that the Sony gear is adapted really gives me doubts it's getting all the proper input it needs?
I gave up my 200-600 recently for this 400-800, I have been shooting in lousy light, just got a taste of good light and have been most impressed with focus accuracy and speed on my Sony A1. For me I'd rather just go into APSC mode and make it a 1280mm effective focal length and not give up any aperture or ISO if I am close enough to a fuller frame.
There are still many benefits of having a zoom range of 400-800, not so much on small targets but on mid to large targets IMO.
Anyhow ....... I am thrilled, not doubting your results just leaving the door open on the variables that may have influenced some of your results
Karl Witt 2026
ILCE-1FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS lens800mmf/8.01/1600s1000 ISO+1.3 EV
p.16 #18 · Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Image Thread
Karl Witt wrote:
My first take is that you have a Nikon body with a dedicated Nikon prime with a Nikon 1.4TC, and a Sony zoom lens 'adapted' to a Nikon body with a Sony 1.4TC.
If you look at the exif data, you can see I'm using the Sony 400-800G on an A1 II.
