Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS vs Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS
Sony E-Mount
Both are super-telephoto primes from the G Master line for Sony E full frame, designed for different distances. The FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS (June 2018) is the faster option and weighs 2895 g at 359 mm long. The FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS (June 2019) brings 600 mm at f/4 and is, according to Sony, the lightest lens in its class, yet at 3040 g it is barely lighter than the 400. It is much longer at 449 mm. Both can be combined with Sony's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters.
So they complement each other more than they compete: you choose between a stop more light and 200 mm more focal length.
Which one suits whom?
- 400mm f/2.8: You shoot sports in poor light, in halls or in the evening and need the widest aperture.
- 600mm f/4: You shoot wildlife or sports at long distance and need the longer focal length.
Key differences
- Focal length: 400 mm on the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS, 600 mm on the Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS.
- The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is faster: f/2.8 instead of f/4, about 1 stops more light.
- The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is 145 g lighter (2,895 g vs 3,040 g).
- The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is 90 mm shorter.
- The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS focuses closer: from 270 cm instead of 450 cm.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS | Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 400 mm | 600 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Weight | 2,895 g | 3,040 g |
| Filter diameter | 40.5 mm | 40.5 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 270 cm | 450 cm |
| Length | 359 mm | 449 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | yes | yes |
Size comparison
- Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS: 359 × 158 mm
- Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS: 449 × 164 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).