kit check | Sony A7R VI
Sony’s redesigned 100-400mm zoom is faster, brighter and sharper than ever Long-range weapon
ony has finally reinvented one of its most popular telephoto zooms – and the new Sony FE 100-400mm f ∕ 4.5 GM OSS is
The autofocus sticks to subjects, even during erratic movement, while the optical stabilisation helps maintain sharpness when shooting handheld at extreme focal lengths. Optically, this is classic G Master territory. Sony has packed the lens with advanced XA and ED glass elements to keep sharpness high across the frame, while suppressing chromatic aberration and maintaining smooth, attractive bokeh. The lens stays impressively sharp right out to 400mm, even wide open. And it also works with Sony’s teleconverters, although we didn’t get to try them. Of course, all this performance comes at a price – both financially and physically. The new lens is much larger and heavier than the previous model at £4399 ∕ $4298 and 1.84kg ∕ 4lb. But it is a premium optic aimed squarely at serious shooters who prioritise performance above portability. Handling has also been refined, with customisable focus hold buttons, a dedicated aperture ring, drop-in filter support and extensive weather sealing. The Sony FE 100-400mm f ∕ 4.5 GM OSS is one of the most capable long zooms currently available for mirrorless systems as it’s fast, sharp and uncompromising.
much more than a simple update. Built for sports, wildlife and action, this new lens takes the familiar 100-400mm concept and pushes it into flagship territory. The biggest boost is the constant f ∕ 4.5 aperture. Unlike the older 100-400mm GM, which dropped to f ∕ 5.6 at the long end, this lens stays brighter throughout the zoom range. Sony says it could have made an f ∕ 4 version, but it would be twice as heavy. The new lens now has a fully internal zoom design, no longer extending as you zoom, which keeps balance consistent and is vital for video. Autofocus is another huge upgrade. Sony claims the new lens focuses up to three times faster than the original thanks to four XD linear motors and updated tracking algorithms – and you can see the difference, especially when shooting video. If you zoomed the old lens during a take, it would lose focus, but this version keeps up. Subject tracking performance has improved by around 50%, and it locks on well with the Sony A7R VI we used it on.
AF sticks to subjects, even during erratic movement
Wild thing If shooting wildlife or sport is your bag, the latest Sony lens is a must. Lots of buttons give easy customisation
Long game The Sony 100-400mm f∕4.5 zoom can be handheld as it’s not too heavy – and the image stabilisation is impressive
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July/August 2026
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