When it comes to professional wildlife and sports photography, few decisions are as significant as choosing between Sony’s flagship super telephoto lenses: the FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS and the FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS. As a professional photographer who has spent countless hours in the field with both of these extraordinary lenses, I understand the weight of this decision—both literally and figuratively. In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll share my firsthand experiences and insights to help you determine which of these premium lenses deserves a place in your camera bag.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS | Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 400mm | 600mm |
| Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Optical Stabilization | Yes (5.5 stops) | Yes (5.5 stops) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2.7m (8.9ft) | 4.5m (14.8ft) |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.15x |
| Filter Size | 40.5mm (drop-in) | 40.5mm (drop-in) |
| Weight | 2895g (6.4lb) | 3040g (6.7lb) |
| Dimensions | 143 x 359mm (5.6 x 14.1in) | 160 x 452mm (6.3 x 17.8in) |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Launch Price | $11,999 | $12,999 |
Physical Characteristics: Size, Weight, and Handling
The first thing you’ll notice about both lenses is their substantial size and weight. These are not lenses you’ll casually carry around for street photography. The 400mm f/2.8 weighs in at 2895g (6.4lb), while the 600mm f/4 is slightly heavier at 3040g (6.7lb). In practice, I’ve found that the 200g difference is barely noticeable when you’re already dealing with this weight class.
What is noticeable, however, is the difference in length. The 600mm extends nearly 10cm longer than the 400mm, which affects balance and handling. During a wildlife safari in Kenya last year, I discovered that the 400mm felt slightly more balanced on my Sony A1, especially when shooting handheld for short periods. The 600mm, while manageable, definitely requires more upper body strength to stabilize effectively.
Both lenses feature excellent build quality with weather sealing, but I’ve found the 400mm’s slightly more compact profile makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces like photography blinds or crowded sidelines at sporting events.
Optical Performance: Sharpness and Image Quality
This is where both lenses truly shine, though they excel in slightly different ways. The 400mm f/2.8 is one of the sharpest lenses I’ve ever used, wide open at f/2.8. During a portrait session with a professional athlete, I was stunned by the level of detail and microcontrast the lens produced, even at its widest aperture.
The 600mm f/4 is also exceptionally sharp, though it benefits slightly from stopping down to f/5.6 for critical sharpness. Where the 600mm truly excels is in its ability to resolve fine details at distance. While photographing birds in Florida’s wetlands, I found that the 600mm captured feather detail that was simply not possible with the 400mm, even when cropping the 400mm images significantly.
Both lenses exhibit minimal chromatic aberration and distortion, which is impressive considering their complex optical designs. The 400mm has a slight advantage in bokeh quality due to its faster aperture, producing creamier backgrounds that make subjects pop dramatically.
Autofocus Performance
Sony’s autofocus technology is legendary, and both of these lenses take full advantage of the latest Alpha camera capabilities. The 400mm f/2.8 focuses incredibly quickly and accurately, acquiring focus almost instantaneously in most situations. During a motorsports event, I found that the 400mm locked onto fast-moving vehicles with remarkable precision, even when they were approaching directly toward me.
The 600mm f/4 is equally impressive in terms of autofocus speed, though it does hunt slightly more in low-contrast situations. Where the 600mm truly shines is in its ability to maintain focus on distant subjects. While photographing a surf competition in Hawaii, I discovered that the 600mm tracked surfers more consistently at greater distances than the 400mm.
Both lenses feature Sony’s XD Linear Motor technology, which provides fast, quiet, and precise autofocus operation. In practice, I’ve found that both lenses work exceptionally well with Sony’s advanced tracking features, including Real-time Eye AF for both humans and animals.
Image Stabilization
Both lenses feature Sony’s advanced Optical SteadyShot system with up to 5.5 stops of stabilization. In real-world use, I’ve found that both lenses allow for sharp handheld shots at surprisingly slow shutter speeds. With the 400mm, I’ve consistently captured sharp images at 1/200s handheld, while with the 600mm, I can usually get sharp shots at 1/320s.
The stabilization system in both lenses works seamlessly with Sony’s in-body stabilization, creating a powerful combined system. During a golden hour landscape shoot in the Rocky Mountains, I was able to capture sharp images at 1/60s with the 400mm by bracing against a tree—something that would have been impossible with older telephoto lenses.
For video work, both lenses provide smooth stabilization, though the 400mm’s slightly lighter weight makes it easier to handle for extended periods. I’ve used both lenses for wildlife videography, and the resulting footage is remarkably stable, even when shooting handheld.
Teleconverter Compatibility
One of the key considerations when choosing between these lenses is their compatibility with Sony’s teleconverters. Both lenses work with the Sony 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, but the results differ significantly.
With the 400mm f/2.8, adding the 1.4x teleconverter gives you a 560mm f/4 lens, while the 2.0x teleconverter extends it to 800mm f/5.6. I’ve found that the 400mm with the 1.4x teleconverter maintains excellent autofocus speed and image quality, making it a versatile combination. However, with the 2.0x teleconverter, autofocus speed decreases noticeably, and image quality, while still very good, shows a slight reduction in contrast.
The 600mm f/4 with the 1.4x teleconverter becomes an 840mm f/5.6 lens, and with the 2.0x teleconverter, it extends to 1200mm f/8. I discovered that the 600mm maintains excellent autofocus speed even with the 1.4x teleconverter, making it a formidable combination for distant wildlife. With the 2.0x teleconverter, autofocus is slower but still usable in good light, and image quality remains impressive.
Low-Light Performance
This is where the 400mm f/2.8 has a clear advantage. The extra stop of light gathering ability makes a significant difference in challenging lighting conditions. During an evening football game under stadium lights, I found that the 400mm allowed me to shoot at ISO 3200 while the 600mm required ISO 6400 for the same shutter speed, resulting in noticeably cleaner images with the 400mm.
The 400mm’s wider aperture also provides a brighter viewfinder image, which makes composing and focusing easier in dim conditions. While photographing owls at dusk, I appreciated the 400mm’s ability to acquire focus more quickly in the fading light.
That said, the 600mm f/4 is still capable of excellent low-light performance, especially when paired with Sony’s high-resolution full-frame sensors. During a night safari in South Africa, I captured stunning images of leopards under moonlight with the 600mm, something that would have been nearly impossible with earlier generations of telephoto lenses.
Price and Value Analysis
Both of these lenses represent significant investments, with the 400mm f/2.8 priced at $11,999 and the 600mm f/4 at $12,999. While the price difference is relatively small, the value proposition differs significantly based on your specific needs.
The 400mm f/2.8 offers better low-light performance and more flexibility with teleconverters, making it a more versatile all-around option. If you shoot a variety of subjects including sports, events, and portraits, the 400mm provides more bang for your buck.
The 600mm f/4 is more specialized, excelling at wildlife and sports where maximum reach is critical. If your primary focus is wildlife photography or sports where you’re positioned far from the action, the 600mm is worth the investment.
Real-World Performance: Wildlife Photography
For wildlife photography, both lenses have their strengths, but the 600mm f/4 often has the edge due to its longer reach. During a bird photography workshop in Costa Rica, I found that the 600mm allowed me to capture frame-filling images of small hummingbirds and tanagers that would have been tiny specks with the 400mm.
However, the 400mm f/2.8 excels in situations where animals are closer or in low light. While photographing bears in Alaska during salmon season, I appreciated the 400mm’s ability to capture sharp images in the dim light of the forest understory, as well as its faster autofocus when the bears were moving quickly.
The 400mm also has a closer minimum focusing distance (2.7m vs. 4.5m), which I found useful when photographing smaller creatures like frogs and insects that allow closer approach.
Also Read: Fujifilm X-Pro3 vs X-T5
Real-World Performance: Sports Photography
For sports photography, the choice between these lenses often comes down to the specific sport and your shooting position. The 400mm f/2.8 is ideal for sports like basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics where you’re relatively close to the action. During the Olympics last year, I found the 400mm perfect for indoor events, where its wider aperture allowed me to freeze action at lower ISO settings.
The 600mm f/4 excels at outdoor sports like soccer, football, and baseball where you’re positioned farther from the action. While photographing a major league baseball game, I appreciated the 600mm’s ability to capture tight shots of the pitcher and batter from the outfield stands.
Both lenses offer excellent autofocus tracking, but I found the 400mm slightly better at tracking subjects moving directly toward or away from me, while the 600mm had a slight edge in tracking subjects moving across the frame.
Real-World Performance: Portrait and Event Photography
While not typically considered portrait lenses, both of these telephotos can produce stunning portraits with beautiful background separation. The 400mm f/2.8, with its wider aperture, creates incredibly creamy bokeh that makes subjects pop dramatically. During a corporate portrait session, I used the 400mm to capture environmental portraits that isolated executives from busy backgrounds with remarkable effectiveness.
The 600mm f/4 also produces beautiful portraits, though its longer focal length requires more working distance. While photographing a traditional wedding in India, I found that the 600mm allowed me to capture intimate candid moments from a distance without disrupting the ceremony.
For event photography, the 400mm’s versatility and low-light performance make it the more practical choice. During a charity gala in a dimly lit ballroom, I relied on the 400mm to capture speakers and attendees from across the room without resorting to high ISO settings.
Pros and Cons
Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS
Pros:
- Faster f/2.8 aperture for better low-light performance
- More versatile with teleconverters
- Lighter and more compact
- Closer minimum focusing distance
- Better balance on most camera bodies
- Superior background separation (bokeh)
- More versatile for multiple photography genres
Cons:
- Less reach for distant subjects
- More expensive per millimeter of focal length
- Requires cropping for distant wildlife
Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS
Pros:
- Greater reach for wildlife and distant sports
- Excellent image quality throughout the frame
- Better for subjects that can’t be approached closely
- Maintains good performance with teleconverters
- Ideal for specialized wildlife and sports photography
Cons:
- Slightly heavier and longer
- Narrower aperture (f/4) limits low-light performance
- More specialized, less versatile
- Requires more working distance for portraits
- Higher minimum focusing distance
Also Read: Tamron 24-70 G2 vs Sigma 24-70 Art Canon
Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which Lens?
After extensive use of both lenses in various conditions, I’ve come to some clear conclusions about who each lens is best for:
Choose the 400mm f/2.8 if:
- You need a versatile telephoto for multiple genres
- Low-light performance is a priority
- You frequently shoot events or portraits
- You want more flexibility with teleconverters
- You prefer a lighter, more manageable setup
- You often shoot subjects that allow closer approach
- You want the best possible background separation
Choose the 600mm f/4 if:
- Wildlife photography is your primary focus
- You need maximum reach for distant subjects
- You primarily shoot outdoor sports from a distance
- You specialize in subjects that can’t be approached closely
- You’re willing to sacrifice some versatility for reach
- You often shoot in good light conditions
- You have the budget for a more specialized lens
Pro Photography Tips for Super Telephoto Shooting
Regardless of which lens you choose, here are some tips I’ve learned that will help you get the most out of these extraordinary lenses:
- Use proper support: While both lenses can be used handheld for short periods, a quality tripod, monopod, or gimbal head is essential for extended shooting sessions. I’ve found that a gimbal head provides the best combination of stability and mobility for wildlife and sports photography.
- Master your shutter speeds: As a general rule, use a shutter speed at least equal to your focal length (1/400s for 400mm, 1/600s for 600mm). With image stabilization, you can often go slower, but this is a good starting point.
- Practice good long-lens technique: Tuck your elbows into your body, control your breathing, and gently squeeze the shutter release. For critical sharpness, consider using a remote release or the camera’s self-timer.
- Take advantage of custom buttons: Both lenses have customizable buttons that can be programmed for functions like focus hold, autofocus range limiting, or aperture preview. I’ve set mine to activate focus magnification for precise manual focusing when needed.
- Use the drop-in filter system creatively: Both lenses accept 40.5mm drop-in filters, which allow you to use polarizers or ND filters without changing the balance of the lens. I’ve found this particularly useful for landscape and wildlife photography.
FAQ
Is the 600mm f/4 worth the extra cost over the 400mm f/2.8 with a 1.4x teleconverter?
This is a common question, and the answer depends on your specific needs. While the 400mm f/2.8 with a 1.4x teleconverter gives you a 560mm f/4 lens, the native 600mm f/4 generally provides better image quality and faster autofocus. I’ve tested both combinations extensively, and while the 400mm + 1.4x is excellent, the native 600mm has a slight edge in overall image quality and autofocus performance. If wildlife photography is your primary focus and budget allows, the native 600mm is worth the investment.
Can I use these lenses for handheld photography?
Yes, both lenses can be used handheld, though it requires practice and good technique. The 400mm f/2.8 is slightly easier to handle due to its lighter weight and more compact size. I’ve used both lenses handheld for wildlife photography when situations didn’t allow for a tripod, but I wouldn’t recommend it for extended periods. For best results, especially with the 600mm, a monopod or tripod is recommended.
How do these lenses compare to the Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G?
The Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G is a more affordable and versatile option, but it doesn’t match the prime lenses in terms of image quality, autofocus speed, or low-light performance. I’ve used the 200-600mm extensively, and while it’s an excellent value, the 400mm f/2.8 and 600mm f/4 are in a different class in terms of optical quality and performance. If you’re a professional or serious enthusiast who needs the best possible image quality and low-light performance, the prime lenses are worth the investment.
Which lens is better for bird photography?
For bird photography, the 600mm f/4 is generally the better choice due to its longer reach. I’ve found that the extra 200mm makes a significant difference when photographing small or distant birds. However, the 400mm f/2.8 with a 1.4x teleconverter (560mm f/4) is also an excellent option, especially if you also photograph other subjects or need better low-light performance. If you primarily photograph larger birds or in situations where you can get closer, the 400mm might be the more versatile choice.
Do these lenses work well with Sony’s APS-C cameras?
Both lenses work perfectly with Sony’s APS-C cameras, though the effective focal lengths will be longer (600mm and 900mm respectively). I’ve used both lenses with the Sony a6600, and the results are impressive, though the combination can feel quite front-heavy. The main consideration is whether you need that much reach on an APS-C camera, as the field of view becomes extremely narrow. For most wildlife photographers, the 400mm f/2.8 on APS-C (600mm equivalent) is often sufficient, while the 600mm f/4 (900mm equivalent) is best reserved for specialized situations.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Sony 400mm f/2.8 and 600mm f/4 is a significant decision that depends largely on your specific photography needs and style. After spending countless hours with both lenses in various conditions, I can confidently say that both are exceptional optics that represent the pinnacle of Sony’s lens design.
The 400mm f/2.8 is the more versatile option, offering incredible low-light performance and flexibility across multiple photography genres. It’s the lens I recommend to photographers who need a single super telephoto for various applications, from sports and wildlife to portraits and events.
The 600mm f/4 is the specialist’s choice, delivering unparalleled reach for wildlife and sports photography where getting closer to the subject isn’t possible. It’s a significant investment, but for photographers who need maximum reach without compromising on image quality, it’s worth every penny.
Before making your decision, I’d recommend renting both lenses if possible. There’s no substitute for hands-on experience, and you might discover that one feels more natural to you than the other. Remember that the best lens is ultimately the one that helps you capture the images you envision.
Bookmark this page for future reference, as I’ll be updating it with new sample images and comparisons as Sony releases new cameras and firmware updates that might affect the performance of these exceptional lenses.