Sony Unveils FE 16mm f/1.8 G and FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lenses
02/26/2025Sony expands its G-series lineup with two new lenses catering to vastly different shooting needs: the FE 16mm f/1.8 G, a compact ultra-wide prime ideal for vloggers and video creators, and the FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS, Sony’s longest zoom lens designed for wildlife, sports, and birding enthusiasts. Both lenses reinforce Sony’s commitment to performance, portability, and affordability, blurring the lines between G and GM optics while offering unique advantages over existing options.
The FE 16mm f/1.8 G is a lightweight yet powerful ultra-wide prime that fits between Sony’s 14mm f/1.8 GM and 20mm f/1.8 G. Unlike many ultra-wide lenses, it features a non-bulbous front element, allowing 67mm screw-in filters—a major advantage for landscape and video shooters. Despite its 16mm field of view, the lens remains highly portable at 2.90 x 2.95 in and 0.67 lb, making it an excellent choice for handheld and gimbal use. Autofocus is handled by two XD linear motors, supporting fast, silent performance and 120 fps AF tracking, with low focus breathing and internal focusing making it ideal for video work.
At the other end of the spectrum, the FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS is a super-telephoto zoom that extends Sony’s reach beyond the existing 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS. Designed for wildlife, birding, and sports photographers, this lens boasts an internal zoom mechanism that maintains balance during handheld and gimbal use, along with a short rotational throw for quick focal adjustments. It is teleconverter-compatible, reaching 1120mm with a 1.4x TC and 1600mm with a 2x TC, while dual XD linear motors ensure fast, accurate autofocus even at extreme focal lengths. Optical SteadyShot stabilization includes three distinct modes, along with a focus limiter and three focus hold buttons for advanced control. Despite its extended range, the lens remains relatively compact at 4.71 x 13.62 in and weighs 5.45 lb (including its fixed, rotating tripod foot).
These two lenses highlight Sony’s growing emphasis on usability and functionality, ensuring that photographers and videographers get specialized tools tailored to real-world needs. The FE 16mm f/1.8 G offers an ultra-wide perspective with the flexibility and practicality that creators demand, while the FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS delivers unprecedented reach in an accessible, portable design. Together, they represent Sony’s continued investment in high-performance glass that provides premium results without the premium price tag.
With these new G-series releases, Sony is not just expanding its lens lineup but redefining expectations for what G-series lenses can offer. Whether you're capturing immersive wide-angle footage or tracking distant wildlife with stunning clarity, these new lenses ensure that content creators and professionals alike have the right tools for the job.
Comments
9 Comments
As with other brands, Sony doesn't include any Arca-style bottom for the foot. Any specification on the foot replacement that will fit this lens? Will Leofoto NF-06, for example, be one of the candidates for that? Thanks!
The Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens (Sony E) is new. And not in stock yet. At this time there is no plate or foot that is Arca-Swiss style that is compatible. As time goes by, options should be made and tested.
Sony 400-800 with f6.3-8 ????? there would be blurry shots due to slower shutter speeds on fast moving subjects
Depends on lighting and ISO settings. Also need to look at the main objective size and use the F stop to get the true exit pupil size. A given F stop isn't the same exit pupil size across all lenses. May not be as bad as you think. Canon's 200-800 F9 caused a big stir too regarding the F stop.
Considering that a lot of wildlife/birding photography, one of the main uses for this lens, takes place near sunrise and sunset, low light situations, and you’d want a high shutter speed, this lens is probably not as useful as I would hope. Also of limited use handheld unless you’re a body builder.
If one shoots at a low shutter speed with the Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens (Sony E), you can get blur from movement. Depending on the shot and light, you might need to up your ISO to get a higher shutter speed.
++ISO should fix those slow shutter speeds. The SONYA1ii eats ISO for breakfast
Is there an adapter for this lens to make it compatible with EOS 5D Canon camera?
No, there is not. Due to the difference in the lens mounts' focal flange distance, there are no adapters available to allow you to connect a Sony E-mount lens onto the larger Canon EF lens mount, so neither the new Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G Lens (Sony E) nor the nor Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens (Sony E) would be compatible for use on the Canon EOS 5D DSLR Camera.