Touting the lightest weight in its class according to Sony, the new 400mm F2.8 G Master lens is a sports and wildlife photography stalwart. Unveiled today, the lens is the seventh in the growing G Master lineup and the first super-telephoto wide-aperture full-frame E-mount lens.
Weighing in at 6.38 pounds, and with impressive optical features, the lens is a natural match for the A9.
With fewer optical elements (three fluorite and one ED glass), the optical design of the lens allows for reduced chromatic aberration. As for spherical aberration, it’s optimized to give you the perfect high-resolution and bokeh balance. The durable magnesium alloy components, lightweight carbon fiber hood, and the reduced number of elements also contribute to quicker panning ability, no matter if you’re shooting handheld or with the help of a monopod.
“We’re extremely excited and proud to officially introduce the new 400mm F2.8 G Master prime lens,” said Neal Manowitz, Vice President of digital imaging at Sony Electronics, in the official release. “The latest in our flagship series of G Master Lenses, this new lens offers exceptional image quality and an innovative lightweight design that will give professionals a level of flexibility with a 400mm lens unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. Combined with the unmatched shooting speeds and autofocus capabilities of our full-frame E-mount cameras, it will allow them to capture and create in ways that were never before possible.”
The lens’ autofocus gets an upgrade thanks to the new high-speed XD Linear Motors that power its focus group and help improve subject tracking, making it an especially powerful tool for those photographing fast-moving subjects like animals or athletes.
The lens also includes several different hard controls, and four spots for customizable focus hold options (as you can see above), which users can program to control features like Eye AF functionality. The addition of a “Full-Time DMF” switch is also highlighted, which can let you switch to manual focus, and a focus ring that includes a Linear Response MF for more responsive focus.
There are three additional Mode settings, including the new Mode 3, which helps in framing moving subjects, and a function ring with “Preset” and “Function” settings — a first for a Sony lens.
The FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS also has a drop-in filter slot for a 40.5mm ND filter, and an optional VF-DCPL1 Drop-in Circular Polarizing Filter, which can be rotated to the polarization of your choice.
The lens will be available for preorder on June 29th on Adorama.com, with a retail price of .
Check out these additional videos highlighting the lens, including a testimonial from photographers Bob Martin and Nick Didlick:
