Review: Sony FE100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens by PM-R

This is a review of the new Sony FE100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens which is due to start shipping this Thursday on July 27th. I've had a chance to shoot this lens for the last two months at various events and it's really great! Please consider using my link to Amazon to purchase your very own copy to the new lens if you find this video helpful, and, please subscribe to my channel. The link: amzn.to/2uuQmfh thank you!!! pm-r :) #sonyalpha #sonyaoi #sonya9

[@chhansen]

great job. thanks for really going in depth and addressing issues that people who actually use their lenses really want to know more about. this was refreshingly not just a highly technical review, but much more practical.

[@PMRTV]

thats so much Christian!

[@tomlillandt1344]

Thanks Patrick for a great video once again! The 100-400 GM along with the 85GM and the 16-35GM are my favourite lenses in my bag,

[@michaellindenberger7946]

I have been doing a vast amount of research and finally put it on order to pair with my a7iii so I appreciate your video as it speaks to me directly with regard to the tech I current use. I also plan to use it with my a7ii although I have to admit I use a7ii much less these day. ;) Can't wait to have the reach of the 400mm...

[@andrewlunn]

I've watched a couple of your videos Patrick - keep posting great content!

[@PMRTV]

thanks man!!! I appreciate your reaching out :)

[@Jason_Hermann]

Excellent review, thank you!

[@robinrosser4198]

Patrick you are the best spokes person for Sony. You explain it in a way that I totally understand. I only want to listen to you you give great advice and tips.📸❤️🙏

[@josephcullen5872]

The most informative video on this lens I could have hoped for. Liked and Subscribed

[@PMRTV]

thanks Joseph!

[@josephcullen5872]

Patrick Murphy-Racey no problem, anywhere to see sample images of this lens by any chance?

[@MrDjlavor]

Great review of this lens. Very informative. Thanks!

[@wademorales]

Awesome review... I have an a7r3 and will be purchasing this lens. I was wondering how much quality you lose in shooting in the crop mode or do you just lose the ability to crop or print larger?

[@crisjansonpiers]

Very informative review Patrick...Thank You!

[@PMRTV]

thanks Cris!

[@alanjosephproductions]

Nice review; i bought this a couple of weeks ago and quickly falling in love with it :-) I assume you had a slider on the main camera for this Vlog for that nice cinematic effect, can I ask which you were using?

[@justinweeks6608]

Whats your opinion on using battery grips in cold conditions? Im looking at this exact set up for an upcoming winter yellowstone trip and want to see if a battery grip is at all worth it?

[@timwithers2866]

Good, informative video. My biggest concern with the Sony cameras and lenses is their weather sealing. I don't trust my Sony equipment anywhere near as much as I do my Canon equipment in wet conditions as they have rubber gaskets in all the doors/openings. You mentioned you wouldn't use it the rain for two hours at a football match, have you used it in the rain for any period of time? If so, could you please describe the conditions and the length of time you used it for? I'm considering purchasing this lens for wildlife, but I need to know it'll hold up in at least if I get caught in a bit of light rain. Also, sorry to mention it, but I found the slow panning from side to side in the video a little distracting.

[@richardningela]

Thank you so much, this really helped me!

[@PMRTV]

Glad it helped!

[@nissanpacific9793]

Thank you for this, you earned a new sub and many more to come

[@PMRTV]

thanks so much! :)

[@tuwandap]

With the aperture, will this lens work well in a gym shooting basketball, volleyball, etc? As Im looking for a lens specific for sports both in/outdoors. The added reach is needful as Im not always close to the action

[@TerenceKearns]

I love the idea of the zoom torque adjustment :)

[@bamboofever]

Hi Patrick, how do you feel about the sharpness with the Sony FE 100-400 + 1.4x teleconverter? I am debating on purchasing this setup but if it is unable to achieve a sharp image I may wait of a sharper native telephoto to be developed or rent the Sigma 500 f4. I will shooting motocross, motorcycle road racing and surfing. Thanks in advance for your reply.

[@KassandraTovar]

For concerts and live music would this be a good lens for the a9 or a7riii?

[@royjohnson8526]

A very nice review. Thanks 😊

[@PMRTV]

thanks so much!!! that one goes back to 2017!!!

[@Algerie.Football.Officiel]

Do you think that with this lens we can take pictures of correct sports at night ... in a properly lit stadium, I want to associate it with an a7iii or an a7riii.? Thank you

[@njrtech]

Patrick, wonder if you can provide an honest opinion? I own the 100-400 GM and love it for it's versatility, size and image quality. With Sonys new 200-600G announced... I'm debating whether I should go for the 1.4tc or get the 200-600G instead? I won't be selling my 100400GM... Love the lense. That said, have to wonder if I need another long lense to break the 500mm barrier. Thanks!!😉

[@scb2scb2]

We already have feedback from how it is on the a9 since that was given to all the reviewers. What i would like to see/hear about is how it works on a a6500 (and its replacement) using it with and without the tc14. Many of us own something like a sigma 150600 or tamron and are unhappy with the results and would consider getting this for its 400*1.5*1.4 range... Can you make a video/test that for us?

[@BobLee333]

Hi, Patrick, I got myself the Sony a6000 with the SEL55210 and a vintage MD Minolta 50mm f1.7 lens, what lens would you recommend for sports and for portraits? manual or a lens, and some examples please, thanks very much, I love your content.

[@robdaugherty4320]

Great review, very useful, I just got a Sony A7R3 and will be replacing all my Canon Glass with Sony GM and the 100-400 has always been my Goto - of course I will be getting a Sony 400 2.8 and the A9

[@sebaspetroni5479]

Nice review! greetings from Argentina, thanks!

[@PMRTV]

Hola???

[@batsgonemad]

Hey Patrick I shoot with the a7rii how do you think the speed with acquiring focus and sharpness will compare while using it on this body, I do landscapes portraiture but I do love to shoot airshows and locking on is obviously critical. Do you think it will have the same type speed with locking on and sharpness. Will it give me a better hit rate from the 5f/s shooting

[@PMRTV]

yes!!! AS I say in the video, the dual motors in the GM white glass will give you pretty much the max. AF performance with your A7RII. Whatever you do, just don't try an A9... It would be tough, if not impossible to go backwards from there...

[@kuau714]

Patrick, great review of this new lens, I will probably pick one up to go with my A9.Question I am a sports shooter and was wondering in general at what shutter speed do you turn off IBIS /OSS?

[@PMRTV]

I honestly leave it on all the time. Even when I'm shooting at the new high shutter speeds in the 1/32,000th range, the IBIS still helps settle things down in the EVF as you track moving subjects. IBIS just makes the experience more enjoyable all the way around. Last, the Z batteries are so good, I don't mind "wasting" the extra juice on the IBIS as I'm getting between 4500-6000 exposures on one charge.

[@kuau714]

Patrick Murphy-Racey Thanks for the tip Patrick. So I guess leaving on IBIS on the A9 when hand holding there is no hit in IQ at higher shutter speeds? Lastly if I turn on OIS on my 70-200/2.8 GM does this automatically turn on IBIS “steady shot” on the A9 ?

[@johnnya4549]

Great Review, thanks a Lot! I have received my one today :-) What monopod are you using when shooting sports with it? Cheers

[@PMRTV]

While I've been using Gitzo for 30 years, I recently tried a Sirui carbon fiber and I actually prefer that now...

[@timaylen]

Speaking of covering these lenses in the rain, how do you advise to attach a TT Hydrophobia cover to Sony's when they've haven't made an eyepiece yet. I asked them, and they said they don't know when they will...

[@PistolPC007]

Right now I can't afford the 400 GM lens. I have this lens along with the 200-600 G lens. I also have both 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverters. I like to photograph sports (mainly auto and motorcycle racing) when not doing family pics. Which lens would you recommend. I'm leaning to 100-400 plus 1.4 tele.

[@VladimirNaumoff]

Great stuff. Are the focus speed and accuracy is the same with A6500? I think I will consider buying this combo now. Now we need to 150-600mm and we are all set. Thanks, Patrick.

[@PMRTV]

no, the A9 is far superior even than the A6500 for Acquire speed, AF speed, low light AF performance and function, and overall tracking speed. Still, you will see faster results with either of the two white GM's on an A6500, and having a 150-600mm zoom would be super small, lightweight, and FAST!

[@BobbyCreech]

Going to Alaska late May, people say take the longest lens you can. I have A6500, trying to decide between this 100-400 and a 70-200 2.8 with a TC. I understand Alaska can have a lot of overcast days during that timeframe and wondering if loosing some reach but gaining light would be the better option. Any opinions, suggestions? Thanks

[@PMRTV]

Bobby, I've been up there on a motorcycle as well as on a cruise. You want to take the FE100-400 for sure, it paired up with your A6500, you'd be able to really reach out and capture the eagles, bear, and other wildlife. I would even maybe buy the FE70-200 but I'd rent the 100-400 for your trip. I think you will find it well worth having, especially if you will be often shooting off the side of a ship.

[@iambwolff9566]

can you please make a video about the Aony a6000

[@k8wxq0]

Will this lens work well shooting high school soccer at night on my a6300? Thanks!

[@777-Phil]

AWESOME! I can see this now for outdoor use only and only during daylight (birding + events + football) Myself, loving (1) indoors + (2) nightlight +(3) astro ... + (4) vids + (5) portraits (A7SII body) ... I'd probably still op for the 70-200mm F/2.8 GM ... despite this being 'less sharp'. Utmost blessings!

[@efrainsueldo]

Hi Patrick, great review. Are you able to change the settings for the sony a9 to work as an APSC and with this way increase your reach? it is important for BIF, if you are using the 1.4x is it already high F stop

[@PMRTV]

yes, this is called "clear image zoom." You can actually zoom slowly to 1.4 and even 2x and everything in between using this feature. Obviously, your file size will decrease as you zoom more and more, but I use this all the time when you need just a little more reach....

[@longrider9551]

you can also shoot in apsc mode, its in the menu

[@njrtech]

@@PMRTV only one issue with clear zoom... Limited to jpeg only :(

[@theoriginalonion7545]

Totally cool

[@IanWilkinson]

I'm confused by your explanation of the IBIS/OSS system at 7:14 as you seem to imply a choice, for α series cameras with a moving sensor, between stabilization *either* from the lens *or* in-body. My understanding was that it's either completely on, where the combined system provides 5-axis stabilization, or completely off - but that you can turn the whole system on or off, either with the switch on the lens or a control (either a menu option or a configured button) on the camera, rather than choose between OSS and IBIS. Please tell me I'm wrong.

[@PMRTV]

I'll look into that. I thought you could disable the IBIS and simply turn on the lens OSS

[@DaveBurbank]

I don't believe that's the case. I think when the lens stabilization switch is "on" both the camera and lens wiil work together. And when "off" neither the camera or lens will stabilize. Please correct me if I'm mistaken. Elsewhere, Jim Kasson says "...you can't turn off IBIS and OSS individually. It's either both or none. The switch on the lens tells the firmware in the camera what to do with IBIS. With the switch on the lens set to on, the camera will use the OSS for pitch and yaw, and use IBIS for roll, up/down and right/left."

[@PMRTV]

thanks for the clarification :)

[@donnydefenders]

Great review, I have been thinking about buying this lens, but I am not sure if it would be wasted on my somewhat older a6000 body.

[@jstevo15]

Great stuff sir

[@tagtheshooterphotography2540]

Great review.. cant wait to get mine tomorrow I hope and pray.. I go shoot the Steelers Training camp and cant wait to use it.. I hope it comes before I leave.. what focus modes do you tend to use with this lens or 70-200 when shooting football. I also do have the 1.4x tele too

[@PMRTV]

It's a bummer that Face Detect doesn't work well with helmets on... So I usually use Center for the 70-200GM, but for the 100-400, I'd use the small setting on expand flexible spot most of the time. I love looking through the line at iso'd guys and stuff like that.

[@tagtheshooterphotography2540]

oh hell i forgot all bout helmets on face detect. u right.. i shoot football alot too/ i never really used center.. alwasy been scared of center when u lose them out the center

[@aikgazarian7512]

Thank you for the great review ! - appreciate it very much! - interesting if any additional tele converters work with this lens?

[@pennycarlson4058]

Both the FE 1.4X and the FE 2X Teleconverters work with this lens. I just got the lens this week. I have tried it with both teleconverters. It focuses quite quickly with the 1.4X teleconverter. It focuses with the 2X teleconverter but hunts, though its not much worse than my Tamron 150-600. The quality is very good with the 1.4X. You definitely lose some quality with the 2x. I've been using everything on an A6500. Here's a shot with the 1.4X that was cropped some more in post. www.flickr.com/photos/penny_carlson/36272822831/in/dateposted-public/ . I do have sharper shots with the 1.4X but not with birds quite so nice.

[@PMRTV]

it might be worth some testing to try doing the 2x at various shutter speeds. If you are getting sharp frames with the 1.4 and then switch to the 2x and do not raise your shutter speed, the images would suffer from movement that is unavoidable when hand-holding. Might be worth a test. While I don't own the FE2x, I have shot and tested it and I found it to be very sharp... my .02 :)

[@VladimirNaumoff]

Does Sony have any plans to come up with A7? We like to see Crop in A9 body. That would be a killer for bird photography and wildlife. I sold all my E-mount bodies. Shooting with A99II and A77II. I hope A77II gets some face lift soon. Also, I found the Tamron's 150-600mm G2 lens is very slow on my A99II and it does hunt at 600mm 80% of the time with a good light. Can you suggest what I can adjust in A99II for that? I did follow your setup for sports (A99II). The Tamron lens still gives me this attitude. Tried their dock adjustment but that is more about accuracy than a speed of the lens.

[@PMRTV]

bummer to hear. I tried the G2 70-200 and it seemed pretty quick. have you set the AF sensitivity to #1? That's pretty much where mine is parked. It will give you the fastest possible response. Last, it may also be that there is a firmware update coming from Tamron that will better set up the lens for use on the A99II... Hopefully so!

[@VladimirNaumoff]

Thanks, the firmware is not out yet. We will wait. Thanks for quick response.

[@notlim1983]

Great review Patrick! I purchased a Sony A9 and Sony FE 70-200 f/2.8 GM OSS and also the 1,4 TC. Im very happy with this setup when I shoot icehockey. But my problem when I shoot hockey is when the play is on the other side of the short side of the rink. Then I need to cover almost the whole ice and the 70-200 seems a bit short. I dont have the time to add the TC and to have the TC on the whole time isnt a good option. So Im looking to buy another setup and Sony FE100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS might do the job, it will also help me get som better headshots of the players. I thinking of buying the Sony A7R III aswell to have with one of the lenses. Now to the question: To shoot hockey in a pretty dark enviroment will that be a problem with the Sony 100-400 if I'm at 400mm f/5.6? Will it be to dark? Also if I add the TC to it if I shoot from an high platform I will loose another f-stop.. I cant find any video on people shooting hockey with 100-400mm so I dont know if its a good choice or not =)

[@PMRTV]

OK, first, you are spoiled. You will not enjoy the A7RIII after using the A9. Second, the AF on the A9 and the 1-00-400GM will work great even in very low light. Last, the 1.4x and 2x will work really well on the 70-200GM but I'd recommend using the 100-400 with out the TC's. I think you'd be impressed by the performance of the AF on the 100-400GM. Even though it's dark where you shoot hockey, the A9 will still work.

[@pietdv]

Thank you Patrick. I’m wondering why the camera and the lens that you are referring to are not actually in focus for most of the video’s duration. I would have thought this would be a prerequisite when discussing photography. A shame, because your information and delivery is first class.

[@lfcfanatic]

Hey Patrick, just curious. Are you still using the A99 II for work?

[@PMRTV]

sadly, no. the A9 is where it's at for me. I am using the SAL300mm f/2.8G SSM II with he LEA3 on the A9 and getting fantastic results, however. I miss the size and feel of the A99II but with the grip, the A9 is working very well for me...

[@MidsierramusingBlogspot]

I have the 100-400 gm with the 1.4 TC. Adequate light is mandatory. Forget early morning bird BIF shots.

[@richodphoto]

This summer, after the high school year is over i am considering the move from Nikon to Sony. I currently have the Sigma 120-300 and i saw your video on that but from what i can tell, the Nikon lenses dont seem to adapt well to the Sony bodies. Would this 100-400 lens hold up to low light, fast action like a hs football game under the friday night lights?

[@PMRTV]

more than likely, yes, but the a9 or a9II would really be the icing on the cake...

[@richodphoto]

@@PMRTV so a9ii and a Sony 100-400 would be great for hs football under the lights? in that situation is the 100-400 fast enough? thanks!

[@AviaryGuru]

Great informative video mate, was wondering when you had a moment if you could do a video of your settings for sports photography on the a9 be good cheers 😉

[@PMRTV]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/npOwc5qmoNmUgNU

[@AviaryGuru]

Patrick Murphy-Racey thanks a lot and all the best

[@PMRTV]

my pleasure!!!!

[@greghoyle7610]

Also excellent!

[@wigbert9417]

I have a Sony NEX-7 and have been using a Sony 18-200 lens but I want something longer. Would it be daft to use this 100-400FE GM lens with a NEX-7? Pros and cons of doing so?

[@PMRTV]

1st, it would be really really sharp. Second, it would actually be a 150-600mm lens on that body, which is really long for a lot of things. Third, the ancient sensor (in Sony terms) would be kind of wasted on GM glass I think... and last, I don't think the NEX7 would have the chops to really move the AF as fast as even the A6000... it's simply mixing too old of a body with too new of a lens designed for full-frame... hope this helps...

[@mohan16862]

Would like to know the perform of sony a9 with canon 400mm f5.6 + mc-11 . Will u able to test this combo?

[@PMRTV]

no, I'm sorry. Because I own a copy of the FE100-400, I have no need to test the Canon 400 f/5.6L or the access to one. The EF400mm f/5.6L is one of the oldest lenses in the EOS lineup and I think it was available in 1988 or 89. it is one of the longest running lenses but realize it was made for film so it won't be nearly as good as the newer glass. Last, the 400 was fairly slow in terms of AF even on a 1DMIII (the last time I owned one). hope this helps you--sorry I can't help you with your request :)

[@pedrodiazphotography]

I have to check my back after... lol Awesome.video thanks Man.🖒

[@mightymikerocks]

What's the closest you can take video?

[@gheorghefalcaru]

SUPER!

[@SkiRinkevicius]

I have G2 70-400 4-5.6 using it with laea3 adapter on sony a6500 and I'm very happy with. No money for new lens :D

[@PMRTV]

I hear you... but you will have to try it sometime, it's amazing!!!! pm-r :)

[@SkiRinkevicius]

Patrick Murphy-Racey I believe it more better than G2 I wish have it in my bag. I believe it does well as all GM series lenses.

[@christianmarcel7766]

Nice review. I'm going to test that lens during a motocross race of the AMA championship in 2 weeks. Can't wait to have it. Just minor correction, the A7II has IBIS. Only the A7, A7r and A7s do not have IBIS.

[@PMRTV]

how did it go?????

[@christianmarcel7766]

Patrick Murphy-Racey , very well! I loved the lens. Of course I would have liked a wider aperture but then hanging around with a heavier, bigger lens would not have been as convenient. You can check 2 galleries I did with that lens and my A7II at the motocross races and an air show. Perfect events to test that lens! m.facebook.com/IdealuzPhotography/?ref=bookmarks

[@susilofelix]

Great review SIr. Can you advise is it better compared to Sony 70-200mm GM F2.8?

[@PMRTV]

it's not really better, only different. the AF speed, overall performance, and sharpness seem identical to me between the two. It's just a matter of which lens is needed more for what you do.

[@susilofelix]

Thanks!

[@tony_r_pierce]

Nice, Patrick.

[@PMRTV]

thanks Tony!

[@kingweddingmedia]

Have you tried this with the a6000 yet? I have the 70-200 f4 on my a6000 which I love but could sometimes do with some extra reach, but the aperture concerns me as I’d like to blow the background out a bit.

[@PMRTV]

yes! MM's always trump aperture. So even though it's a f/5.6 lens, it's a true optical 400mm. It would beat out the background bokeh of your lens at 200mm even at 300mm f/5.6. So, yeah, you'd see a big difference. pat :)

[@kingweddingmedia]

Patrick Murphy-Racey thank you! Just need to get saving!! 😂

[@PMRTV]

I HEAR YOU!!!

[@MatthiasMontgomery]

so no reason to keep my f/4 70-200 if I picked this one up is there :) thanks Pat , good video , thorough.

[@50talist67]

Would you know if this lense and the 1.4 teleconverter would offer the speed needed for say bird photography? Asking as I am considering the purchase this lense and the 1.4 teleconverter and I have a Sony A7. Appreciate your view on this - thanks in advance.

[@PMRTV]

absolutely! I would only have to add that the A9 would be much better but the A7RII and A7II would be your goto cameras as they have phase detect AF rather than just contrast detect as in the A7, A7S, A6000, tc...

[@50talist67]

Patrick Murphy-Racey Thanks then i know. Will see if I can try the lense before I buy it.

[@50talist67]

Patrick Murphy-Racey one more question, are you using polarized filters rather then UV filters?

[@50talist67]

Patrick Murphy-Racey read a bit about this, phase detection and it seems as if the A7 has the same hardware, sensor and controller as A7m2. But for some reason Sony decided not to offer the software to incoporate phase detection on A7 as they did for A7m2. Well I guess we have to wait and see if this might change in the future. I mean A7 is still a valid product and is produced and sold. On the other hand if I would consider another camera I would go for the A6500 and get that extra reach, 4K video, phase detection, FE 100-400 mm GM lense and on top of that perhaps even add the 1.4 teleconverter. That, as said could be one way forward. So let me ask this - what is your opiniom on that combination, should you have tried that combination. Anything I should keep in mind selecting this set?

[@TheBeast-hd9bl]

Can tou make a video, using the sony a6300 with canon 400mm 2.8 please shooting sports soccer and others please make it

[@johnrumble2383]

I use the Sony 100-400mm gm with Sony 1.4x TC on the A7R3. I am now getting vignetting in the corners, which when I used this combo on the A7R2 I did not have this problem. I shoot raw so it can be solved in post. But why on the A7R3 and not the A7R2. Have you noticed this too? Why would this be

[@PMRTV]

Dear John, It turns out that your TC1.4X needs to be updated and then this will fix the problem. E-mail Johnny at Pro Support at [e-mail]:)

[@johnrumble2383]

Hi Patrick, Thank you for making the effort to help me, much appreciated. I contacted Johnny, who was very helpful, he suggested I send my 1.4x TC back to Sony, either for repair or replacement. However, and this is my fault, he didn't realise I was in the UK. So he said he would contact Sony Uk and forward my problem to them. BUT turns out Sony UK customer services are no where as helpful as Sony USA. Sad. Johnny did suggest I send it for repair to a company in London, but as I live a fair distance away I tried contacting them to see if I could post it. Still waiting on that one. Shame Sony UK didn't get back, guess you guys in the USA are lucky. But thanks once more, regards john

[@15toolman]

just bought this lens, thank you for a very informative clip :)

[@town3]

Great Review Patrick Murphy, I sure you ment a 150-600 zoom :) and the lens also has 3 focus hold buttons not trying to pick the video apart here just notice that as you was talking. again great video and continued success. :)

[@PMRTV]

yes, did I say something else? and thanks for the button info.. kindest regards :)

[@town3]

No big deal, you said on a APSC crop sensor it turns into a 150-600 prime :) but we all know thats not going to happen being a zoom and having an adjusting aperture, I think we all would pre order that lens lol. So it was fine.

[@kamenrida1]

Really enjoying your videos and insight, Patrick! Do you think this GM lens with extenders can replace Canon super telephotos in term of image quality? In addition, this lens is more compact, has better AF tracking & FPS (when paired with a A9), and is a fraction of the cost than say a Canon 200-400mm. Thanks!

[@PMRTV]

So, yes, and no. The image quality of the GM's are killer, but they will not blow the background out of focus like an f/2.8 lens. So If you compared the optical quality only of the new 100-400 at 400mm at f/5.6 to the same shot taken with a 400mm f/2.8, I'd still rather look at the f/2.8 version. I believe the Sony lens would be sharper but it wouldn't matter. Good thing we can just use a Canon 400mm f/2.8L with an adapter on the A9 and have the best of both worlds ;)

[@efrainsueldo]

I used the sony a9 with the canon 400mm f2.8 and the AF was too slow to be useful for me , in soccer and BIF

[@PMRTV]

bummer. i have an older 600mm f/4L IS and a new 200-400mm f/4L that I'm going to test with both the mbIV and the MC11. I'll post a video with the results of that test here on youtube when I get it done. I'm also going to test the Sony 300mm f/2.8G SSMII lens with the LEA3. I know this works pretty flawlessly...

[@kamenrida1]

Thanks for your previous response, Patrick! And I'm really looking forward to your 200-400mm + MBIV/MC11 + A9 conclusions.

[@efrainsueldo]

Hi Patrick, I tested the sony a9 with canon 500mm f4 and the results were very decent, check you tube video: sony a9 real wildlife photography part II using prime canon 500mm

[@JeffreyAlvarez1]

Have you used the 2x converter on this lens?

[@PMRTV]

I have not. At f/11, the allure fades for me...

[@PsychicWorldTV]

Thank you

[@johnharvey1786]

I am thinking of getting this lens but I am confused about some of the reviews given 400 mm is a little short for wildlife. You state that you love the combination of the lens and the 1.4x tele converter and there isn't a lot of degradation and it remains really sharp. Others seem to agree with you but John Sison's video dated 14 February 2018 on this lens at 6:17 states that he wouldn't recommend using the 1.4x (or 2.0x convertors) as there is a real drop in image quality. Is this correct or are some reviewers thinking back to older tele converters that did cause issues. I understand the one stop drop in light for the 1.4x and that would be a challenge given this is a 4.5-5.6 lens but possibly workable given the ISO performance plus the quality of the image from the a7riii does allow for serious cropping.

[@PMRTV]

I have made much of my living for the last 30 years shooting sports. I think the Sigma 1.4x is very sharp. Sometimes people don't use a high enough shutter speed when they use long glass, especially with TC's. I can't explain why John Sison disagrees with me but I can tell you that he doesn't have my experience behind the camera or my time spent with long glass from Canon FD to Nikon AIS, to Canon EF, to Nikon AFS, to Sony A9... Draw your own conclusions. I'm not trying to slam John as he is a talented internet reviewer of many products... There is little to no drop in image quality when using the FE1.4X on my two GM lenses. They are fantastic together...

[@johnharvey1786]

Patrick, thank you very much for replying. I think your experience speaks for it self and you wouldn't have become a Sony Artisan if that was not so. I assume you meant Sony 1.4x in the first line of your reply. We have a local Sony open day at my local Wex on March 1st so I will go along and hopefully check the lens and tele converter on my a7riii then but its difficult in store to get the full impression. I am also guilty of not using a high enough shutter speed as I worry about the higher ISO needed but with the a7riii this is much less of an issue. I think your comments have definitely made the purchase much more likely as I need to move over fully from A mount lenses with adaptors which are just not quite fast enough focusing on fast moving objects. I thank you again for taking the time to reply.

[@CanInelli]

I recently bought a new 100-400 GM and when mounted on my A7IV and A7RV there is a slight rotational wobble (clockwise-counterclockwise) which I never experienced in another lens. Also tried it on my good old A7III and on that it does not wobble. I notice the wobble when holding the lens and the body handheld and rotating the zoom ring (smoothest setting) Anyone else noticed this? Is it normal?

[@PMRTV]

weird!!!

[@keverton123]

are canon making these for sony? looks exactly the same as the 100-400 ii

[@vladoh2011]

Yeah, it looks that way. I used Canon v2 on Sony with Metabones until this lens came up. One design difference - they have switched zoom and focus rings. Probably because of the second AF motor. Tested both and could not see appreciable optical difference. But native lens is smaller, lighter and works faster. So I switched. BTW, Sony added quick release lever to the tripod foot. For sport photography, this is heaven sent feature. With Canon, I used Acratech head with lever operated quick release clamp to allow removal of the camera with whole foot assembly from tripod in a hurry. Now the foot stays on monopod when I need quickly release the camera for the out of range shots.

[@bellographix]

What will give you a better out of focus bokeh for soccer, 100-400 or 200-600?

[@PMRTV]

200-600. Focal length trumps speed

[@bellographix]

@@PMRTV Thanks Patrick. I got the 200-600. It's an awesome lens.

[@fightingmink]

What I like to do on my 70-400 is sometimes switch my a7rii to crop sensor mode so I can get some distance. That's 105-600 if I'm correct. I did a few graduation ceremonies for my relatives this summer in basketball arenas. I just bought the GM 24-70 so this lens is next on my list, maybe next year when I get my tax refund. Lol.

[@PMRTV]

it's is steep but I think worth the casheesh...

[@nyambe]

Nice, we want to see them seagull pictures! lol

[@Someone-ue6on]

What is my maximum aperture will be if I added 1.4x for my 100-400mm f4.5 - 5.6?

[@PMRTV]

f/8 with 1.4x, f/11 with 2x

[@Someone-ue6on]

Patrick Murphy-Racey Thank you 🙏 you are the best

[@dajusta87]

I'd contend that some G glass is better than Zeiss glass

[@SeanKingPJ]

Will it replace your 2.8 400mm?

[@PMRTV]

for daytime field sports, you bet! The A9 is really remarkable in low light so the 5.6 doesn't bother me as much as it used to when I shot Canikon.

[@anthonym3051]

I guess the point about heavy clunky set up people pointed our about Canon/Nikon is no longer a justification. Having such lens will required a battery grip to bring some balance to the set up.

[@wesleygermann4013]

The A7 does not have IBIS but the A7II has IBIS.

[@OlegKorsak]

Zeiss is not always above G series! SEL90F28G is sharp as hell

[@PMRTV]

absolutely correct

[@PMRTV]

I had to post this: briansmith.com/dxo-tests-sony-fe-100-400mm-gm-sharper-12000-canon-200-400mm-l/

[@IlanDavid]

I liked the info but Why is your video shot with such a shallow DoF? in many of the shots, the focus is on your face while the lens you're about is blurry.

[@PMRTV]

LOL, because I can. Sony on the video side has "face detect AF" which allows me that narrow DOF and it just tracks my face. I like the look...

[@Delphisteve]

If I were you I'd make a video of you testing a G-master lens against a Zeiss lens at the same focal length before you state that the G-master lenses are sharper or better lenses ... When you say the G-master's are the sharpest lenses you generalize

[@MotoRich900]

Looks like a Canon clone, does it focus closer (minimum focus distance) vs the Canon?

[@lifewithmattandnikki3903]

good but sample images would have made this better

[@johngray9434]

Stunning lens but 5.6? Capturing moving subjects at low ISOs sounds completely impractical?

[@njrtech]

Why? Lense has extremely fast dual linear focus motors in it. 5.6 is the amount of light you allow into the lense...Sony bodies handle high ISO exceptionally well. This isn't 1990 where 2.8 was mandatory

[@chazcov08]

a7ii has IBIS.

[@PMRTV]

true that!

[@chazcov08]

Just wondering what you meant around 3:10 or thereabouts.

[@richkroll7741]

I am watching this and you reference the weight as 2.5 lbs. I believe it is just over 3 lbs at 49+ ounces.

[@TW-iu9zy]

... hmm, no real world review so far? Have you ever used the lens for sports? 🧐

[@joetaiwo4086]

Hi Patrick, you videos have helped me alot I must say especially on the A6500 front which brings me to my question on your thoughts. Feel like going to get this tomorrow :) Been shooting some soccer as you Americans call it and sometimes Ice Hockey on the 70-200 G lens, great for Hockey but not so for Football/Soccer lol. What are your thoughts on the A6500 and this lens considering the varying aperture? I am so excited I think I need to calm myself down. Please check my website and tell me what you think on the sports pictures.(westillshooting.com)

[@dmlchannel3262]

4:08 minutes in : "Another great benefit of the 100-400 is that when you put it onto a crop sensor body, like the A6000, or 63 or 6500, you now have a 150-600mm prime, which is really, really nice". Gotta love those Sony zoom prime lenses. 😀

[@dmlchannel3262]

5:53minutes: "The new 100-400 weighs exactly 49 ounces, which ends up being just a little tiny bit over 2.5 pounds". Uh... no... 49 ounces means the lens actually weighs 3 pounds 1 ounce... according to Sony. www.sony.com/electronics/camera-lenses/sel100400gm?cpint=SG_CATEGORY_SEC-TOUT-OTHER-S07B07B07B0-EN_GL-2017-03-M01-SUPERTELEPHOTO-TOUT01-SUPERTELEPHOTO#product_details_default This isn't "knit-picking" Patrick, although I'm sure you might claim so. As a Sony "Ambassador", you should at least provide ACCURATE information.

[@RichardKrajewski]

At around 12min.. 49oz is a little over 3lbs. I suspect you mean 39oz.

[@scifoc7]

Nope, he meant it. 49oz is 3.06 pounds. Obviously 49oz is a little over 39oz. 10 to be exact 😉

[@ianbrown704]

£2500 for an f5.6 lens thats a grand more than the Canon

[@PMRTV]

good point, but consider that you are still $500 ahead when you take into account the cost of the 1DXII vs. the A9 which is $1500 less ;)

[@ianbrown704]

Not in the UK, the 1dx is 5k and a9 is 4.5k

[@PMRTV]

wow!!! I had no idea! cool for you guys :)

[@sportspressphoto]

So what do we learn from this review. Sony sends Patrick a lens which he says he "loves" but has never produced a real world review with... No pictures in any video Patrick has ever produced with this lens (correct me if I am wrong). He preferred to use the Sigma 120-300mm 2.8 than his 100-400 (that he "loves")... Reading between the lines do not buy this lens...

[@PMRTV]

it's good to check the dates of the various videos I produce. I do love the 100-400GM. I don't use it much anymore because I got the 400GM. I used it all through hoops season though and love it as it's so lightweight and small and SHARP!!!!

[@sportspressphoto]

Thanks for the response Patrick but the point is simple, given Sony has an extremely limited arsenal of pro sports glass I would have expected you to have backed up your endorsement for this lens with some detail (including pictures) of your experience. I am aware you have a 400mm 2.8 but this lens does not work for me and many other working photographers. I work with one camera so 400mm is too big, I currently use Canon 300mm 2.8 IS but am strongly drawn to the A9. But what glass should i use? The Sigma 120-300 is too slow (its too slow even on the Canon it was designed for) so that leaves the 70-200mm with a 1.4 tele or this 100-400mm but you're stuck at f/5.6 even at 300mm... Its nuts that Sony appears not to be planning a 300 f/2.8 or even f/4... I guess they are afraid it would cannibalise their 400mm sales....

[@davidvenezia6737]

thats an easy lens to handhold so u dont need a monopod

[@AlanPototsky]

Fast lens? 5.6 isn’t really fast enough for high school football under the lights. Too bad it isn’t a F4 throughout the entire zoom range.

[@garbygarb31]

Did he just say 150-600mm prime? Uh...

[@orangeblack1285]

yepp

[@bsdgffishtuna5186]

it's a shame the A9 body is useless with bigger lenses UNLESS you cough up the $500 for the battery pack grip. Seems scummy.

[@PMRTV]

I have to disagree. All fotball season in 2016, I shot with the A6500 and A6300 bodies on Canon long lenses. They don't even have an option for a grip through Sony. The A9 works just fine with the longer FE lenses as well as the Canon glass I own. I just prefer to use the grip as I have large hands and it feels better to me...