So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
p.1 #1So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
My 1st post here :-), looking for some actual users reviews if any…
Sep 17, 2026 at 10:42 AM
p.1 #2So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
No. Too slow for me.
Sep 17, 2026 at 01:35 PM
p.1 #3So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
I have a rental reserved the first week in October after I get back from Montana. I'm not holding out a ton of hope for it, but I am curious.
Sep 17, 2026 at 02:40 PM
p.1 #4So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
Yannis76 wrote:
My 1st post here :-), looking for some actual users reviews if any…
I responded over on DPReview also, in case that's easier for you
________________________
The eval copy from Sony Pro Services just arrived. Terrible light today, but what can you do? Took it out for a walk around the neighborhood anyway.
My very preliminary impressions:
• very light and compact
• focuses quickly, but not as responsive as my 400-800mm
• sharpness is better than I expected, frankly.
• definitely feel the need for more light, given how slow the lens is
Meanwhile, here's a bunch of random shots.
My 1st post here :-), looking for some actual users reviews if any…
I responded over on DPReview also, in case that's easier for you
________________________
The eval copy from Sony Pro Services just arrived. Terrible light today, but what can you do? Took it out for a walk around the neighborhood anyway.
My very preliminary impressions:
• very light and compact
• focuses quickly, but not as responsive as my 400-800mm
• sharpness is better than I expected, frankly.
• definitely feel the need for more light, given how slow the lens is
Meanwhile, here's a bunch of random shots.
ILCE-7RM6 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 300mm f/8.0 1/1250s 5000 ISO -0.3 EV
ILCE-7RM6 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 400mm f/8.0 1/1250s 4000 ISO -0.3 EV
ILCE-7RM6 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 400mm f/8.0 1/1250s 12800 ISO -0.3 EV
ILCE-7RM6 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 400mm f/8.0 1/1250s 6400 ISO -0.3 EV
ILCE-7RM6 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 400mm f/8.0 1/400s 500 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM6 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 400mm f/8.0 1/400s 1000 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM6 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 400mm f/8.0 1/400s 320 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM6 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 123mm f/6.3 1/1250s 500 ISO -0.3 EV
ILCE-7RM6 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 133mm f/7.1 1/160s 1250 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM6 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 157mm f/6.3 1/160s 500 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM6 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 400mm f/8.0 1/400s 800 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM6 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 203mm f/8.0 1/250s 2000 ISO 0.0 EV
Sep 17, 2026 at 02:40 PM
p.1 #5So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
The images look just fine, Mike! Like you mentioned, better than anticipated.
Sep 17, 2026 at 02:56 PM
p.1 #6So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
Wow... they look much better than expected!! I wonder how close-ups at 400mm (1-2m from subject) would look like... I am particularly interested if this lens can compete with the Fuji 70-300 for insects and nature close ups.
Sep 17, 2026 at 03:35 PM
p.1 #7So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
I bought a 100-400/4.5 and accidentally got sent the 5.6-8 so I guess that sorta counts :P
I didn't take it out of the box though.
I didn't take it out of the box though.
Sep 17, 2026 at 04:22 PM
p.1 #8So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
High ISO and big crop...
ILCE-7RM6 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 400mm f/8.0 1/1250s 12800 ISO -0.3 EV
Sep 17, 2026 at 04:53 PM
p.1 #9So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
Mike, I would very much appreciate a few landscape/cityscape type shots if you have the chance. Camera on a tripod, lens stopped down, images with detail to the edge of the frame. That would be my primary use for this lens. If it's too much of a hassle, no worries.
Sep 17, 2026 at 05:08 PM
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p.1 #10So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
Sharif Abdou wrote:
Mike, I would very much appreciate a few landscape/cityscape type shots if you have the chance. Camera on a tripod, lens stopped down, images with detail to the edge of the frame. That would be my primary use for this lens. If it's too much of a hassle, no worries.
I'll see what I can do (if we get any sunshine before the lens has to go back).
Mike, I would very much appreciate a few landscape/cityscape type shots if you have the chance. Camera on a tripod, lens stopped down, images with detail to the edge of the frame. That would be my primary use for this lens. If it's too much of a hassle, no worries.
I'll see what I can do (if we get any sunshine before the lens has to go back).
Sep 17, 2026 at 05:17 PM
p.1 #11So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
MikeEvangelist wrote:
I'll see what I can do (if we get any sunshine before the lens has to go back).
Thank you sir. Don't put yourself out.
I'll see what I can do (if we get any sunshine before the lens has to go back).
Thank you sir. Don't put yourself out.
Sep 17, 2026 at 05:23 PM
p.1 #12So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
I was intending to buy one but some reviews showed it is not sharp off center particularly at close distances. Since half of usage of this lens would have been at its minimum focusing distance for capturing flying insects, I thought this lens isn't made for the type of user that I am. The new 100-400mm fixed aperture GM lens is too heavy and too expensive for me. Maybe, Sony will come up with an updated version of their older aperture variable lens, designated as a G lens. If it turns out to be lighter than the old one, with typical G performance level and good magnification ratio, I will be all over it. Basically, I am hoping something similar to their 70-200mm G ii macro lens but in the range of 100-400mm.
I am also speculating, Sony may eventually come up with a 100-500mm lens as they have a tendency to follow the Canon footprint in some regards. Remember, they had to come up with a 28-70mm f2 after Canon made one and now a consumer grade 100-400mm lens because Canon made one. The same is true for some camera features. Sometimes, Sony is too slow if left alone but once the competition introduces a new feature, they will eventually catch up even if it may take them a few years!
I am also speculating, Sony may eventually come up with a 100-500mm lens as they have a tendency to follow the Canon footprint in some regards. Remember, they had to come up with a 28-70mm f2 after Canon made one and now a consumer grade 100-400mm lens because Canon made one. The same is true for some camera features. Sometimes, Sony is too slow if left alone but once the competition introduces a new feature, they will eventually catch up even if it may take them a few years!
Sep 17, 2026 at 09:37 PM
p.1 #13So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
I have this lens for 3 weeks now and these are some of my initial experiences with the Sony 100-400 f5.6-8.0:
1. The build, operation of the mechanisms, and switches are satisfactory. The quality of the plastic is decent, the lens is aesthetically pleasing, lightweight, and versatile.
2. Sharpness from mid-focus distances to infinity is good/very good across the entire 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, at all focal lengths.
3. Sharpness differences between the center of the image and the edges/corners are noticeable. This is most noticeable at 100mm and 135mm (the largest difference here), gradually decreasing from 200mm to 400mm. Stopping down the aperture by f1-2 usually improves sharpness at the edges, also eliminating longitudinal chromatic aberrations that sometimes occur in contrasting light.
4. Photos from distances below 3 meters, and especially close-ups, are noticeably less sharp, with microcontrast decreasing to a relatively smaller extent. At the same time, the sharpness differences between the center and edges of the image become more pronounced, especially in the 100-135mm range. However, these are not problems that cannot be overcome..
5. Focus tracking is quite slow and easily lost in low light (Sony A7RV).
6. Overall, the Sony 100-400f5.6-8.0 turned out to be better than I expected. If you need a lightweight, versatile telephoto zoom with good/very good optical quality, decent mechanical performance, and a few minor drawbacks, you might want to seriously consider buying it.
1. The build, operation of the mechanisms, and switches are satisfactory. The quality of the plastic is decent, the lens is aesthetically pleasing, lightweight, and versatile.
2. Sharpness from mid-focus distances to infinity is good/very good across the entire 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, at all focal lengths.
3. Sharpness differences between the center of the image and the edges/corners are noticeable. This is most noticeable at 100mm and 135mm (the largest difference here), gradually decreasing from 200mm to 400mm. Stopping down the aperture by f1-2 usually improves sharpness at the edges, also eliminating longitudinal chromatic aberrations that sometimes occur in contrasting light.
4. Photos from distances below 3 meters, and especially close-ups, are noticeably less sharp, with microcontrast decreasing to a relatively smaller extent. At the same time, the sharpness differences between the center and edges of the image become more pronounced, especially in the 100-135mm range. However, these are not problems that cannot be overcome..
5. Focus tracking is quite slow and easily lost in low light (Sony A7RV).
6. Overall, the Sony 100-400f5.6-8.0 turned out to be better than I expected. If you need a lightweight, versatile telephoto zoom with good/very good optical quality, decent mechanical performance, and a few minor drawbacks, you might want to seriously consider buying it.
ILCE-7RM5 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 100mm f/11.0 1/100s 100 ISO -0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM5 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 100mm f/5.6 1/200s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 300mm f/8.0 1/60s 100 ISO -0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM5 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 400mm f/8.0 1/80s 250 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 206mm f/7.1 1/250s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 257mm f/8.0 1/60s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 200mm f/7.1 1/60s 100 ISO 0.0 EV
ILCE-7RM5 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 100mm f/8.0 1/640s 100 ISO -0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM5 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 141mm f/11.0 1/160s 100 ISO -0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM5 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 323mm f/8.0 1/40s 100 ISO -0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM5 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 400mm f/8.0 1/100s 100 ISO -0.7 EV
ILCE-7RM5 FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS lens 400mm f/8.0 1/80s 100 ISO -0.7 EV
Sep 18, 2026 at 06:15 AM
p.1 #15So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
Lee Saxon wrote:
I bought a 100-400/4.5 and accidentally got sent the 5.6-8 so I guess that sorta counts :P
I didn't take it out of the box though.
You need to send it to me as fast as possible :-)
But seriously if can test it for close ups (1-3m) would be good
I bought a 100-400/4.5 and accidentally got sent the 5.6-8 so I guess that sorta counts :P
I didn't take it out of the box though.
You need to send it to me as fast as possible :-)
But seriously if can test it for close ups (1-3m) would be good
Sep 19, 2026 at 06:04 AM
p.1 #16So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
Peire wrote:
I have this lens for 3 weeks now and these are some of my initial experiences with the Sony 100-400 f5.6-8.0:
1. The build, operation of the mechanisms, and switches are satisfactory. The quality of the plastic is decent, the lens is aesthetically pleasing, lightweight, and versatile.
2. Sharpness from mid-focus distances to infinity is good/very good across the entire 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, at all focal lengths.
3. Sharpness differences between the center of the image and the edges/corners are noticeable. This is most noticeable at 100mm and 135mm (the largest difference here), gradually decreasing from 200mm to 400mm. Stopping down the aperture...Show more →
The close-up photos I see here are certainly not weak... Would it too much to ask if you could share the closeups RAW files?
thanks
I have this lens for 3 weeks now and these are some of my initial experiences with the Sony 100-400 f5.6-8.0:
1. The build, operation of the mechanisms, and switches are satisfactory. The quality of the plastic is decent, the lens is aesthetically pleasing, lightweight, and versatile.
2. Sharpness from mid-focus distances to infinity is good/very good across the entire 61-megapixel full-frame sensor, at all focal lengths.
3. Sharpness differences between the center of the image and the edges/corners are noticeable. This is most noticeable at 100mm and 135mm (the largest difference here), gradually decreasing from 200mm to 400mm. Stopping down the aperture...Show more →
The close-up photos I see here are certainly not weak... Would it too much to ask if you could share the closeups RAW files?
thanks
Sep 19, 2026 at 06:07 AM
p.1 #17So has anyone actually bought the new Sony FE 100-400 f5.6-8?
Glad they made this lens for people on a budget. But F8 is a killer for most of us.
Sep 25, 2026 at 10:19 PM