Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS vs Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS
The bottom line
The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS is a zoom (100-400mm) and the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS is a 400mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/4.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 100mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $4,298 vs $11,999 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 400mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 1840g (4.06 lb) it's lighter than the 2895g (6.38 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS 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 prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 400mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS is 100-400mm, Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS is 400mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS is $4,298, $7,701 under the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS is 1840g (4.06 lb) vs 2895g (6.38 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS or the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS better?
The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS is a zoom (100-400mm) and the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS is a 400mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/4.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS?
Choose the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS if you shoot wide — it starts at 100mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $4,298 vs $11,999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 400mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 1840g (4.06 lb) it's lighter than the 2895g (6.38 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS?
Choose the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS 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 prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 400mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS and the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS?
Aperture: the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-400mm | 400mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 28 | 23 |
| Optical Groups | 20 | 17 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | − | 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° | 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear Motor | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 64 cm | 250 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 0.17x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $4,298 | $11,999 |
| Filter Size | − | 40mm |
| Diameter | 119.8mm | 167mm |
| Length | 328mm | 357mm |
| Weight | 1840g (4.06 lb) | 2895g (6.38 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
