Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS vs Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II

The bottom line

Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II opens to f/4 versus the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Choose the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Choose the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You're on a budget — $1,799 vs $4,298 leaves more for other gear.
  • You value portability — at 794g (1.75 lb) it's lighter than the 1840g (4.06 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
  • You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II opens to f/4 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 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is 70-200mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is $1,799, $2,499 under the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS.
  • Weight: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is 794g (1.75 lb) vs 1840g (4.06 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS or the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II better?

Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II opens to f/4 versus the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Who should choose the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS?

Choose the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Who should choose the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II?

Choose the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II if you shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $1,799 vs $4,298 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 794g (1.75 lb) it's lighter than the 1840g (4.06 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.

What is the main difference between the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5 GM OSS and the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II?

Aperture: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II opens to f/4 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 Length100-400mm70-200mm
Lens TypeZoomZoom
Optical Elements2819
Optical Groups2013
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/4.5f/4
Minimum Aperturef/22
Aperture Blades119
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View24° – 6.2°34° – 12.5°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorXD Linear MotorXD Linear
Focus LimiterYesYes
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance64 cm26 cm
Max Magnification0.5x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationYesYes
Aperture RingNoYes
Declickable ApertureNoYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoYes
General
Price (MSRP)$4,298$1,799
Filter Size72mm
Diameter119.8mm82.2mm
Length328mm149mm
Weight1840g (4.06 lb)794g (1.75 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarYesYes