Sony 500 mm f/2.8 + 1.6x Teleconverter Lens
Hello everyone,
Today, I'd like to briefly discuss a new lens from Sony that is expected to hit the market in the coming months. It is the Sony 500 mm f/2.8 for E-Mount with an integrated 1.6x teleconverter, which would result in a focal length of 800 mm at f/4.5. Pretty impressive!
According to an anonymous source from Sony Alpha Rumors, Sony plans to release a new FE 500 mm F2.8 GM OSS lens by May/June 2024. This "relatively" lightweight super-telephoto lens with a large aperture should be ready in time for the 2024 Olympics. Although slightly heavier (almost 700g) than the FE 600 mm F4 GM OSS, weighing less than 3.7 kg, it is still manageable. Notably, it will come with an exclusively developed 1.6x teleconverter, enabling it to extend to 800 mm f/4.5.
Original text from the source at Sony Alpha Rumors:
"Sony is planning to release its latest FE 500mm F2.8 GM OSS by May/June 2024, a relatively lightweight, large aperture super telephoto lens that will be in service for the 2024 Olympics. It is slightly heavier than the FE 600mm F4 GM OSS, but less than 8.2 lbs. It also has an exclusively designed 1.6x TC that can be converted to 800mm F4.5."
My personal opinion on the rumor about the Sony 500 mm f2.8
As the rumor’s website itself categorizes as "wild rumors" I see it similarly. While I would be interested in such a lens based on the broad technical details, the idea of a 500 mm f/2.8 lens seems like a dream for many wildlife photographers but appears rather unrealistic. A 1.6x teleconverter that extends the lens to 800 mm f/4.5 would indeed be ideal and extremely useful. Despite the promising specifications, I find this rumor rather unlikely. However, I am open to being convinced otherwise.
Facts and Market Overview
Existing 500 mm f/2.8 lenses:
To my knowledge, there are currently no pure 500 mm f/2.8 lenses on the market. This focal length and aperture would be an exceptional combination that would pose both technical and economic challenges. Most super-telephoto lenses in this focal range have a maximum aperture of f/4 or f/4.5.
However, there is an exception:
SIGMA released the only telezoom lens with 500 mm at f/2.8 in 2008. It has a focal range of 200 to 500 mm, a constant aperture of f/2.8, and an integrated 2x teleconverter. It weighs 15.7 kg and had an original price of 27,999.00 €. This lens was made available for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma mounts.
More information about the SIGMA lens can be found on:
Wikipedia English
Price estimate:
A lens with these specifications would likely be very expensive, possibly in the range of well over 20,000 euros.
Sports application:
For sports photography, a 400 mm lens with a built-in teleconverter might be more practical. It would offer better flexibility for close and distant shots without the need to manually switch the teleconverter. A 500 mm lens is a bit too much for closer shots, which makes the 400 mm so popular among sports photographers. With an integrated TC, most sports photographers would then no longer need a second camera with a 600 mm. Effective photography with an integrated TC would be prepared for situations like a penalty kick in the final match.
Weight of the Sony 500 mm f2.8 + 1.6 TC:
According to rumors, the new 500 mm f/2.8 from Sony is expected to weigh, 3719 g. I have listed the weight of the three telephoto prime lenses available in the Sony universe below. I myself photograph with the 400 mm f/2.8, which at 2895 g is not exactly lightweight and becomes quite heavy after a while when shooting without a tripod. The 600 mm f/4 from Sony adds a few more grams. At 3719 g, the 500 mm f2.8 lens would not be a "lightweight" and not one for longer hand-held shoots. And Sony is not really known for "outstanding" stabilization. They would need to step up their game compared to other manufacturers, as photographing or filming with the 500 mm could be a very shaky affair.
Sony’s E-Mount Prime Lenses:
Sony 300 mm f/2.8 = 1470 g
Sony 400 mm f/2.8 = 2895 g
Sony 600 mm f/4 = 3040 g
Sony 500 mm f/2.8 = 3719 g
Alternative considerations or a realistic wish:
A GM 400 mm f/2.8 II lens with an integrated 1.5x teleconverter, which when needed could provide a focal length of 600 mm at f/4.5 and weigh 2200 g. It would also feature improved OSS "Optical SteadyShot" allowing for hand-held filming as other manufacturers demonstrate. This seems more realistic and would also be extremely attractive to many video & photographers in sports and wildlife areas. The built-in teleconverter would eliminate the need to manually switch, thus saving valuable time.
GM 400 mm f/2.8 II:
Integrated, switchable 1.5x teleconverter
Switched TC 1.5 = 600 mm f/4.5
Weight reduced to 2200 g
Improved OSS "Optical SteadyShot"
So, it remains to be seen what turns out to be true about this rumor. Such a lens would undoubtedly be a highlight in Sony's portfolio, but it seems to me for now an unrealistic and very heavy option, hardly sustainable for long hand-held shooting. 🙂
Let's hear what you think!