Published: June 11, 2019

Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS & FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lenses are Sony’s longest lenses to date. While aimed at vastly different buyers, Sony’s strategy of releasing these lenses together makes a lot of sense. Both lenses will begin shipping in August. I’ll post images shot with each lens in an upcoming post.

Order Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Order Sony FE 600mm F4 G Master OSS lens from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony

Both of these lenses will be in extremely high demand so if you want one, I strongly suggest placing a preorder now at B&H Photo where your credit card will not be charged until your lens is in stock.

Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS

Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS ($12,998 Pre-Order Now from B&H Photo | Amazon) is aimed professional sports and wildlife photographers. It joins the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS in Sony’s premium long glass line-up. Like the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS, it features Twin XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors for fast, precise AF and reliable tracking. A new lens control algorithm was developed specifically for these XD motors for fast, quiet positioning of the large focus lens group with minimum delay and vibration.

Lens construction features 24 elements in 18 groups including the largest XA (extreme aspherical) lens element ever made along with three fluorite elements to effectively suppress various aberrations to achieve high resolution right out to the image edges along with classic G Master bokeh.

The first thing I noticed is that it’s considerably lighter than it appears to be weighing in at just 6.7 pounds (3,040 grams) which makes it the world’s lightest 600 F4. Balance also feels much better. Unlike DSLR style super telephoto lenses which are typically very front-heavy, the weight is evenly distibuted with the majority of the elements towards the back of the lens. Despite it’s light weight, it features rigid, durable magnesium alloy construction and professional-grade dust & moisture resistance.

For consistency across the super prime line-up, it features the same layout of operation parts, switch panel, type drop-in filter and the same diameter and position of MF ring as the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS.

At $12,998, it’s priced in line with the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens ($12,999) and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens ($12,297)

Lens Specs:

Focal Length: 600mm
Maximum Aperture: f/4
Minimum Aperture: f/22
Lens Mount: Sony E
Format Compatibility: Full-Frame
Angle of View: 4° 10′
Maximum Magnification: 0.14x
Minimum Focus Distance: 14.8′ / 4.51 m
Optical Design: 24 Elements in 18 Groups
Diaphragm Blades: 11, Rounded
Focus Type: Autofocus
Image Stabilization: Yes
Tripod Collar: Fixed and Rotating
Filter Size: 40.5 mm (Drop-In)
Dimensions (ø x L): 6.44 x 17.68″ / 163.6 x 449 mm
Weight: 6.7 lb / 3.04 kg

Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS

Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens ($1,998 Pre-Order Now from B&H Photo | Amazon) is unquestionably the lens most-requested by readers of this blog. This is the first native fullframe superzoom designed for mirrorless camera. It’s smaller in size, weight and price than it’s big brother.

Lens construction features 24 elements in 17 groups, including 5 ED glass elements and 1 aspherical element achieve outstanding corner-to-corner high resolution throughout the zoom range.

Direct Drive SSM linear focus provides power and precision to drive the lens mechanism for fast, accurate focus that is at the same time extremely quiet. Focus breathing is effectively minimized by a precision internal focus mechanism.

Unlike Sigma & Tamron’s 150-600mm lenses, the FE 200-600mm G OSS features an internal zoom mechanism so the length of the lens does not change when zooming. This allows for stable handheld operation with consistent weight balance when zooming. It’s also a highly dust and moisture proof design because air isn’t sucked into the lens while zooming.

Only a short turn of the zoom ring is required to zoom from 200-600mm.

At $1,998, it’s priced right in line with the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens ($1,999)

Lens Specs:

Focal Length: 200 to 600mm
Maximum Aperture: f/5.6 to 6.3
Minimum Aperture: f/32 to 36
Lens Mount: Sony E
Format Compatibility: Full-Frame
Angle of View: 12° 30′ to 4° 10′
Maximum Magnification: 0.2x
Minimum Focus Distance: 7.88′ / 2.4 m
Optical Design: 17 Elements in 24 Groups
Diaphragm Blades: 11, Rounded
Focus Type: Autofocus
Image Stabilization: Yes
Tripod Collar: Removable and Rotating
Filter Size: 95 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L): 4.39 x 12.52″ / 111.5 x 318 mm
Weight: 4.67 lb / 2.12 kg

Sony FE 1.4X & 2X Teleconverters

Both lenses are compatible with Sony FE 1.4X & FE 2X Teleconverters.

Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS effectively becomes an 840mm F5.6 when using a 1.4x teleconverter and a 1200mm F8 using a 2x teleconverter adding to their versatility for sports & wildlife photography.

Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS effectively becomes an 280-840mm F8-9 with a 1.4x teleconverter and a 400-1200mm F11-13 using a 2x teleconverter.

Don’t ask me how, but when testing the FE 2X Teleconverter in Wide or Zone Focus Areas, Sony a9 was able to achieve Phase Detection AF-C all the way out to an effective aperture of F72!!!

Sony a7R III allows what I’d describe as fast to very fast Contrast AF-C also all the way out to an effective aperture of F72!!!

In other words, Sony a9 performs best when using teleconverters with these lenses, but the other cameras still allow extremely fast Contrast AF-C.

Full Press Text

Sony Introduces the New Super-telephoto 600mm F4 G Master Prime Lens

Sony’s Longest Reaching Prime Lens is World’s Lightest in its Class, Featuring High-performance Autofocus, High Resolution and Beautiful Bokeh

 
SAN DIEGO — June 11, 2019 — Sony Electronics Inc. today announced another impressive addition to its flagship full-frame G Master series lens lineup: the new FE 600mm F4 GM OSS super-telephoto prime lens (model SEL600F40GM).

As Sony’s longest reaching prime lens, the new 600mm includes many of the company’s most advanced optical and mechanical technologies, producing exceptional image quality with extraordinary focusing speed and precision. The FE 600mm F4 GM OSS is also the lightest lens in its class, weighing in at approx. 6.71 lbs., and features an extremely balanced design to ensure the best possible shooting experience. Along with the acclaimed FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens, the new 600mm lens gives professional sports, wildlife and news photographers more options for capturing subjects at a great distances with extreme accuracy and detail.

“With two new lenses announced today, our growing E-mount lens lineup now includes 33 full-frame models and 51 lenses in total,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging and Professional Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “The tenth model from our flagship G Master series, the new 600mm F4 raises the bar for speed, mobility and control in a super-telephoto prime lens. Combining the extensive 600mm reach with features like 20 fps shooting and AF/AE calculations at 60 times per second on the α9 or extremely high resolution, high-speed performance on the α7R III allow professional photographers to create images that were simply not possible to capture before.”

Fast, Precise and Quiet Autofocus

To take best advantage of the highly evolved autofocus systems of Sony’s latest full-frame E-mount cameras, the new FE 600mm F4 GM OSS lens features two extreme dynamic (XD) linear motors that drive the lens’ focus group to provide fast, precise AF and reliable subject tracking. These motors are supported by specially developed motion algorithms to minimize lag and instability, as well as to control noise levels, resulting in exceptionally quick, accurate and quiet autofocus performance, allowing the lens to capture dynamic, fast moving athletes or wildlife with ease.

Superb G Master Image Quality and Bokeh

As a member of Sony’s flagship G Master series lenses, this new large aperture super-telephoto prime lens features an incredible level of image quality and detail, with outstanding contrast and resolution maintained all the way to the corners of the image. The unique optical design includes a large extreme aspherical (XA) element that effectively suppress all common telephoto lens aberrations, in addition to three fluorite elements that help to minimize chromatic aberration and suppress any amount of color bleeding. Sony’s latest bokeh simulation technologies and XA element are also utilized to control spherical aberration and help achieve exquisite bokeh.

The lens features an 11-blade circular aperture mechanism that contributes to the high quality of bokeh in images, and it has been coated with Sony’s original Nano AR coating to suppress any unwanted reflections, glare or ghosting in images.

The new FE 600mm F4 GM OSS is compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x E-mount tele-converters, producing outstanding imaging performance at extended focal lengths while maintaining fast, precise AF performance.

Lightweight, Balanced Design

The new super-telephoto prime lens provides a level of portability and maneuverability that has never been achieved before in a lens of its class. Based on technology from the acclaimed FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens, the lightweight design of the new 600mm lens is achieved through the usage of three fluorite elements, with a reduced number of elements deployed at the front of the barrel. Magnesium alloy is also used throughout the lens to help minimize weight and bulk.

Also inherited from FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS, the new 600mm lens features a lens design that is not front-heavy, reducing moment of inertia that resists rotation and ensuring quicker, more precise panning when shooting handheld or on a monopod.

Durability, Reliability and Control

To withstand the harsh conditions of sporting events and wildlife photography, Sony’s new FE 600mm F4 GM OSS is built with a durable magnesium alloy and a strong, lightweight carbon fiber hood. The lens is dust and moisture resistant , and its front element is coated with fluorine to resist dirt and fingerprints.

FE 600mm F4 GM OSS features an ample number of hard controls on the lens, including customizable focus-hold buttons in four different locations on the lens barrel, which can be programmed for control of features, if desired. There is also a Full-Time DMF switch to immediately engage manual focus at any point, and a focus ring that features Linear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus.

Additionally, the new lens includes built-in optical stabilization for dynamic action and three different ‘Mode’ settings, including a Mode 3 setting with an advanced algorithm that ensures easier framing when following moving subjects. It also features a function ring with selectable ‘Preset’ and ‘Function’ settings, and a drop-in filter slot that accepts ø 40.5mm ND and other filter types, as well as the optional VF-DCPL1 Drop-in Circular Polarizing Filter. The VF-DCPL1 filter can be rotated to achieve the desired polarization while installed in the lens.

Pricing and Availability

The FE 600mm F4 GM OSS will ship in August 2019 for approximately $13,000 US and $16,900 CA. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new lens and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony’s Alpha™ brand.

The new content will also be posted directly at the Sony Photo Gallery and the Sony Camera Channel on YouTube. For detailed product information, please visit:

(US) – FE 600mm F4 GM OSS (CA) – FE 600mm F4 GM OSS

I. Compared to interchangeable 600mm F4 lenses for 35mm full-frame format camera bodies, as of June 2019. Sony survey

II. When the NEX series, ILCE-3000/3500, ILCE-5000/5100, ILCE-7/7R/7S, is attached, the autofocus function is limited. For details, please visit our support site.

III. Maximum aperture with the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters is F5.6 and F8, respectively

IV. Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof

V. MODE 3 is supported by the latest α9/α7R III/α7 III software version. Refer to the Sony support site for camera body compatibility information

Sony Announces New FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS Super-telephoto Zoom Lens

SAN DIEGO — June 11, 2019 — Sony Electronics Inc. today announced another new lens for their expanding full-frame FE lens lineup, the new FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS super-telephoto zoom lens (model SEL200600G).

Sony’s furthest reaching E-mount zoom, the new G Lens™ series model utilizes many of the company’s most advanced lens design technologies to ensure excellent image quality, high-performance autofocus (AF) and outstanding control. When paired with any of the latest, fastest E-mount camera bodies, it will reliably track and accurately capture all types of moving subjects, including birds, wildlife, athletes in motion and much more.

“We will continue to innovate and expand upon our E-mount lens lineup, which now features 33 full-frame models and 51 lenses in total. The new 200-600mm super-telephoto zoom lens gives Sony’s camera users yet another powerful tool to realize their vision,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging and Professional Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “For wildlife or bird photographers, sports photography enthusiasts and many others, it offers a new level of creative freedom, striking the ultimate balance between performance and portability.”

Key Features – New FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS super-telephoto zoom lens

Versatile tele-zoom range from 200mm telephoto to 600mm super-telephoto

Compatible with Sony’s E-mount 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, extending the reach to a maximum of 840mm at F9 or 1200mm at F13 with outstanding image quality and AF performance
Built-in optical stabilization with three different mode settings, enabling images that are sharp and in-focus at extended super-telephoto focal lengths
High resolution and corner-to-corner sharpness throughout the entire zoom range

Five extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements and an aspherical element, arranged in a new optical design that minimizes chromatic aberration

11-blade circular aperture mechanism that ensures beautiful bokeh
Coated with Sony’s original Nano AR coating to suppress unwanted reflections, glare or ghosting in images
Fast, precise and quiet autofocus

Equipped with Sony’s Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) focusing system, which has the power and precision needed to drive the lens mechanism for remarkably fast, accurate focusing

Advanced focus system for exceptionally quiet operation, avoiding any unwanted noise that can disrupt an unpredictable subject like a resting bird or other forms of wildlife
Internal zoom mechanism for reliable and stable handheld shooting

Overall lens length does not change while zooming, maintaining consistent balance and distance between the front of the lens and desired shooting subject

A fixed-length structure – internal zoom mechanism – retains high resistance to dust and moisture in order to deal with difficult outdoor conditions
Quick zoom operation with light zoom ring torque
Refined control and reliability for use in the field

Focus ring featuring Linear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus control

Three customizable focus-hold buttons, plus a Focus Range Limiter
Dust and moisture resistant designii and fluorine coating on the front element to resist dirt and fingerprints
Pricing and Availability

The FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS will ship in August 2019 for approximately $2,000 US and $2,600 CA. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

Order Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Order Sony FE 600mm F4 G Master OSS lens from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony

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