Sony 400-800mm f/6.3-8.0 G – It’s Here!

first detailed information about the new <strong>Sony 400-800mm f/6.3-8.0 G</strong> lens has surfaced”/></figure>
<p><strong>Update February 26, 2025:</strong><br />
The question I raised in my article about the new Sony 400-800mm lens has now been answered:<br />
How do the f-stops between f/6.3 and f/8 distribute across the focal range?</p>
<p>This could be a crucial factor in the purchase decision. For some, it might be a better choice to go with the 200–600mm f/5.6–6.3 G OSS and use a 1.4x teleconverter when needed to have more light available at 600mm.</p>
<p>– <strong>F/6.3</strong> = 400mm – 484mm<br />
– <strong>F/7.1</strong> = 485mm – 590mm<br />
– <strong>F/8</strong> = 591mm – 800mm</p>
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<p>The time has come: Here is the official announcement of the Sony FE 400–800mm F/6.3–8 G OSS. It looks like the leaked information from the past few days was largely accurate.</p>
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<p>[<strong>Steve Perry</strong>](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=422s&v=31gT3yeehxw) was one of the first to release an in-depth hands-on test of the Sony 400-800 mm on YouTube after the official announcement.</p>
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<p>The first detailed information about the new <strong>[Sony 400-800mm f/6.3-8.0 G](https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=422s&v=31gT3yeehxw)</strong> lens has surfaced. According to an report from <strong>Sony Alpha Rumors</strong>, concrete details about the <strong>Sony 400-800mm</strong> are now available, and the lens is expected to be officially announced on <strong>February 26, 2025</strong>.</p>
<p>In recent weeks, there has been speculation that the price might be similar to the <strong>Sony 200-600mm</strong>. Personally, I found this assumption a bit too optimistic. The <strong>200-600mm</strong> had an initial launch price of around <strong>€2,000</strong> and has since settled at approximately <strong>€1,600</strong>. A newly developed lens with the performance level of the <strong>Sony 200-600mm</strong>, but offering <strong>400-800mm at f/8</strong>, for just <strong>€1,600</strong> at launch seems rather unrealistic.</p>
<h3><strong>Technical Specifications of the Sony 400-800mm f/6.3-8.0 G</strong></h3>
<p>– <strong>Optical Construction:</strong> 27 elements in 19 groups<br />
– <strong>Aperture:</strong> 11-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh<br />
– <strong>Zoom:</strong> Internal zoom for consistent balance<br />
– <strong>Image Stabilization:</strong> Built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS)<br />
– <strong>Filter Thread:</strong> 105 mm diameter<br />
– <strong>Minimum Focus Distance:</strong> Varies between 1.7 m and 3.5 m<br />
– <strong>Teleconverter Compatibility:</strong> Supports additional focal length extension</p>
<h3><strong>Dimensions and Weight of the Sony 400-800mm f/6.3-8.0 G</strong></h3>
<p>– <strong>Weight:</strong> 2,475 g<br />
– <strong>Length:</strong> 34.6 cm</p>
<p>Additionally, the lens features a <strong>Full-Time DMF switch</strong> and a <strong>Far Mode</strong>, which activates at <strong>8 meters</strong> and beyond.</p>
<h3><strong>Announcement and Availability</strong></h3>
<p>According to the leaked information, the <strong>Sony 400-800mm f/6.3-8.0 G</strong> will be announced on <strong>February 26, 2025</strong>, and will be available starting in <strong>March</strong>. With its impressive focal range, optical stabilization, and relatively compact design, the lens primarily targets photographers and videographers who need to cover large distances—whether for wildlife, sports, or nature photography.</p>
<p>Personally, I find this lens particularly appealing for <strong>wildlife videography</strong>. Of course, I would also use it for photography, but it wouldn’t be my <strong>everyday lens</strong>. In that case, I would likely stick with the <strong>200-600mm</strong>. The main reason? <strong>f/8</strong> is quite challenging in low-light conditions, such as dawn or early morning hours.</p>
<p>I’m also curious about how the <strong>aperture values change across the focal range</strong>. If the <strong>400-800mm still offers f/6.3 at 600mm</strong>, it could be a very attractive alternative to the <strong>200-600mm</strong> for many photographers.</p>
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Markus Nilles
Markus Nilles

Nature Photographer & Photojournalist – Founder of WildeNatur.com

Since 2014, Markus Nilles has dedicated himself to nature-focused video and photography. His passion developed during numerous journeys through Japan – from Hokkaidō in the north to Okinawa in the south. These experiences reconnected him more deeply with nature and sharpened his eye for the WildeNatur right on his own doorstep.

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