Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS vs Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS is 400mm, the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is 50-150mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS for super-telephoto, the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM for telephoto.
Choose the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 150mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 400mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $3,899 vs $11,999 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 50-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 400mm can't reframe.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 vs the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS is 400mm, Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is 50-150mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM 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 50-150mm f/2 GM is $3,899, $8,100 under the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is 1340g (2.95 lb) vs 2895g (6.38 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS or the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS is 400mm, the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is 50-150mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS for super-telephoto, the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM for telephoto.
Who should choose the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS?
Choose the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 150mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 400mm prime over a zoom. 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 50-150mm f/2 GM?
Choose the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $3,899 vs $11,999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 50-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 400mm can't reframe.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS and the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM?
Aperture: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 vs the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 400mm | 50-150mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 23 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 17 | 17 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | 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 | 6° | 47° – 16° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 250 cm | 40 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 0.2x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $11,999 | $3,899 |
| Filter Size | 40mm | 95mm |
| Diameter | 167mm | 102.8mm |
| Length | 357mm | 200mm |
| Weight | 2895g (6.38 lb) | 1340g (2.95 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
