Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS vs Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is 100-400mm, the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is 16-35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS for super-telephoto, the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II for wide-angle.
Choose the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 547g (1.21 lb) it's lighter than the 1395g (3.08 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is 100-400mm, Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is 16-35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is $2,299, $200 under the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is 547g (1.21 lb) vs 1395g (3.08 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS or the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is 100-400mm, the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is 16-35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS for super-telephoto, the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS?
Choose the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II?
Choose the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 547g (1.21 lb) it's lighter than the 1395g (3.08 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS and the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II?
Aperture: the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-400mm | 16-35mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 22 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 16 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 24° – 6.2° | 107° – 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | DDSSM | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 98 cm | 22 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.35x | 0.32x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,499 | $2,299 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | 93.9mm | 87.8mm |
| Length | 205mm | 111.5mm |
| Weight | 1395g (3.08 lb) | 547g (1.21 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
