Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM vs Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is 50-150mm, the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS is 600mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM for telephoto, the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS for super-telephoto.

Choose the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 600mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You're on a budget — $3,899 vs $12,999 leaves more for other gear.
  • You want one-lens flexibility — a 50-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 600mm can't reframe.

Choose the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 600mm vs 150mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 600mm prime over a zoom.
  • You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 vs the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is 50-150mm, Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS is 600mm — different framing and reach.
  • Type: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
  • Price: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is $3,899, $9,100 under the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS.
  • Stabilisation: only the Sony FE 600mm f/4 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 3040g (6.70 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM or the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is 50-150mm, the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS is 600mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM for telephoto, the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS for super-telephoto.

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/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 600mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $3,899 vs $12,999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 50-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 600mm can't reframe.

Who should choose the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS?

Choose the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS if you need more reach — it goes to 600mm vs 150mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 600mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.

What is the main difference between the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM and the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS?

Aperture: the Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 vs the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length50-150mm600mm
Lens TypeZoomPrime
Optical Elements1924
Optical Groups1718
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2f/4
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades1111
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View47° – 16°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorXD LinearXD Linear
Focus LimiterYesYes
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance40 cm370 cm
Max Magnification0.2x0.14x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoYes
Aperture RingYesNo
Declickable ApertureYesNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomYesNo
General
Price (MSRP)$3,899$12,999
Filter Size95mm40mm
Diameter102.8mm168mm
Length200mm449mm
Weight1340g (2.95 lb)3040g (6.70 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarYesYes