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New Lenses from Sony
Published June 19, 2020
Sony’s high-end mirrorless line has been wildly successful and they recently jumped Nikon for the #2 spot in market share for interchangeable lens cameras. They also have plans to invest more than $9 billion in camera sensors over the next few years. There is no question that Sony is turning into one of the biggest and best camera manufactures on the planet.
A big announcement came from Sony this week, one that many had been anxiously awaiting. Sony announced two new telephoto lenses for its mirrorless full-frame FE lens lineup: the 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS and the 600mm f/4 G.
Sony has produced maybe the best wildlife/action/sports camera in the Sony A9. But up until now, the longest reach you could get with a native Sony lens was 400mm, and the longest prime available was the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM FE OSS. A big missing piece was native reach up to 600mm, and a prime at 600mm. Well, the wait is over and Sony users can expect these two new super telephotos to begin shipping later this summer. Both of these lenses are compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x converters as well, thus focal lengths of 840mm and 1200mm are now achievable.
A big announcement came from Sony this week, one that many had been anxiously awaiting. Sony announced two new telephoto lenses for its mirrorless full-frame FE lens lineup: the 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS and the 600mm f/4 G.
Sony has produced maybe the best wildlife/action/sports camera in the Sony A9. But up until now, the longest reach you could get with a native Sony lens was 400mm, and the longest prime available was the Sony 400mm f/2.8 GM FE OSS. A big missing piece was native reach up to 600mm, and a prime at 600mm. Well, the wait is over and Sony users can expect these two new super telephotos to begin shipping later this summer. Both of these lenses are compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x converters as well, thus focal lengths of 840mm and 1200mm are now achievable.
Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens – $12,998.00
Product Specifications
Product Specifications
- E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/4 to f/22
- ED, Fluorite, and Aspherical Elements
- Nano AR and Fluorine Coatings
- Extreme Dynamic Linear AF Motors
- Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- Internal Focus; Focus Range Limiter
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
- Fixed, Rotating Tripod Collar
- Eleven-Blade Circular Diaphragm
This lens has to be one of the most anticipated from Sony, and it seems to deliver. Fast focus, great resolution, incredible bokeh, and lightweight (for a prime), what more could you ask for.
It measures in at 6.44 by 17.67 inches and weighs 6.70 lbs with the tripod mount, making it the lightest 600mm f/4 prime in its class. It features 24 elements in 18 groups, including 1 XA elements, 2 ED elements, and 3 fluorite elements. It uses 11 aperture blades.
This lens should have excellent autofocus. Two XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors provide fast, accurate autofocus, and consistent tracking. Sony’s 400mm f/2.8 has been lauded for its autofocus capabilities, and this lens should be no different, perhaps even better.
The 600mm f/4 also features a newly designed large extreme aspherical (XA) element, which delivers superb image quality and bokeh. This is a perfectly engineered lens.
It measures in at 6.44 by 17.67 inches and weighs 6.70 lbs with the tripod mount, making it the lightest 600mm f/4 prime in its class. It features 24 elements in 18 groups, including 1 XA elements, 2 ED elements, and 3 fluorite elements. It uses 11 aperture blades.
This lens should have excellent autofocus. Two XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors provide fast, accurate autofocus, and consistent tracking. Sony’s 400mm f/2.8 has been lauded for its autofocus capabilities, and this lens should be no different, perhaps even better.
The 600mm f/4 also features a newly designed large extreme aspherical (XA) element, which delivers superb image quality and bokeh. This is a perfectly engineered lens.
The G Master optical design typically implores three fluorite elements to reduce chromatic aberration, which can be problematic in telephoto lenses. This lens also adds a large XA (extreme aspherical) element is to eliminate what Sony calls ‘onion-ring bokeh’. Every manufactured lens is individually calibrated to attain the perfect balance between quality and bokeh.
Of course, this lens is weatherproofed too. A dust- and moisture-resistant design provides reliability for use in harsh environments (rain, sand, salt, etc.). The front lens element also features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other substances. Many elements of the lens are reinforced with magnesium alloy, ensuring the highest level of mechanical durability and reliability.
The lens is priced at $12,998.00, which is appropriate for a 600mm f/4 prime. It will be available for preorder immediately and hopefully, start shipping this summer.
Of course, this lens is weatherproofed too. A dust- and moisture-resistant design provides reliability for use in harsh environments (rain, sand, salt, etc.). The front lens element also features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other substances. Many elements of the lens are reinforced with magnesium alloy, ensuring the highest level of mechanical durability and reliability.
The lens is priced at $12,998.00, which is appropriate for a 600mm f/4 prime. It will be available for preorder immediately and hopefully, start shipping this summer.
Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS – $1,998.00
Product Specifications
The biggest standout feature of this lens versus comparable options is the internal zoom and focusing. This means that the lens does not extend as you zoom. That is a big plus in terms of weather sealing and durability. This lens should be bulletproof.
The lens measures in at 4.38 by 12.51 inches and weighs 4.6 pounds. That might not seem very light, but it is really good for a high-quality lens offering a range up to 600mm. Paired with a Sony mirrorless body, it should be a very portable and mobile setup.
The lens was engineered with five ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one aspherical element, this is a new design from Sony, which they state will offer superb resolution and image quality throughout the zoom range. The aspherical element suppresses spherical aberration and distortion, while the ED glass elements minimize chromatic aberration that can be a problem at super-telephoto focal lengths.
Product Specifications
- E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/5.6-6.3 to f/32-36
- 5 ED Elements & 1 Aspherical Element
- Nano AR Coating and Fluorine Coating
- Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF Motor
- Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- Zoom Torque Adjustment Ring
- Internal Focus; Focus Range Limiter
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
- Eleven-Blade Circular Diaphragm
The biggest standout feature of this lens versus comparable options is the internal zoom and focusing. This means that the lens does not extend as you zoom. That is a big plus in terms of weather sealing and durability. This lens should be bulletproof.
The lens measures in at 4.38 by 12.51 inches and weighs 4.6 pounds. That might not seem very light, but it is really good for a high-quality lens offering a range up to 600mm. Paired with a Sony mirrorless body, it should be a very portable and mobile setup.
The lens was engineered with five ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one aspherical element, this is a new design from Sony, which they state will offer superb resolution and image quality throughout the zoom range. The aspherical element suppresses spherical aberration and distortion, while the ED glass elements minimize chromatic aberration that can be a problem at super-telephoto focal lengths.
It is relatively affordable for a superzoom telephoto at $1,998.00. It is not cheap, but much less expensive than purchasing a 400mm or 600mm prime lens. It is actually cheaper than the current 100-400mm zoom offered by Sony. This should be a great performer for you wildlife photographers out there, obviously quality will not be as great as the 600mm f/4, but you will save $10,000 and have a great focal range at your disposal.
Summary
This is a really exciting release for Sony. Their cameras have been pushing the boundaries, and the Sony A9 especially is an absolute beast when it comes to wildlife photography. I really think it could be the best wildlife/action camera body on the market. The only flaw in the system was the lack of super primes and superzooms. The Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS and FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS now fill that void and this release has to worry Canon and Nikon.
It really is amazing what Sony has been able to do since entering the digital camera market. These lenses are both two great options. It is hard to go wrong with the 600mm f/4, as I am almost sure reviews will prove this lens to be the sharpest 600mm prime available…but of course price has to be a consideration. The 200-600 f/5.6-6.3 will be easier on the budget and should have excellent image quality as well.
If you are shooting with a Sony, drop us a comment if you are considering purchasing either of these lenses. Either lens should be a great addition to your wildlife gear setup.
Summary
This is a really exciting release for Sony. Their cameras have been pushing the boundaries, and the Sony A9 especially is an absolute beast when it comes to wildlife photography. I really think it could be the best wildlife/action camera body on the market. The only flaw in the system was the lack of super primes and superzooms. The Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS and FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS now fill that void and this release has to worry Canon and Nikon.
It really is amazing what Sony has been able to do since entering the digital camera market. These lenses are both two great options. It is hard to go wrong with the 600mm f/4, as I am almost sure reviews will prove this lens to be the sharpest 600mm prime available…but of course price has to be a consideration. The 200-600 f/5.6-6.3 will be easier on the budget and should have excellent image quality as well.
If you are shooting with a Sony, drop us a comment if you are considering purchasing either of these lenses. Either lens should be a great addition to your wildlife gear setup.
We offer world-class travel photography
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
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- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.