Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Full-Frame Autofocus Lens for E-Mount with Tripod Collar, White {40.5 Drop-In} SEL400F28GM

Sony's lightest 400mm f/2.8, built for mirrorless shooting.

At 2,895g, this is the lightest 400mm f/2.8 lens built for full-frame mirrorless, and that weight advantage is real in the field. Sony's engineers placed mass toward the rear of the barrel than the front, reducing rotational inertia so the lens tracks moving subjects more naturally during long shooting sessions. The XD Linear Motor drives internal focusing with no external barrel movement and near-silent operation, critical when you're close enough to a subject that noise matters.

The optical formula runs 23 elements across 17 groups, with 1 fluorite and 3 ED elements working together to control secondary chromatic aberration at f/2.8. Nano AR and Fluorine coatings address flare and front-element contamination. The 40.5mm drop-in filter system keeps filter swaps practical on a lens this size, and Sony offers a matching drop-in circular polarizer. OSS (Optical SteadyShot) includes a Mode 3 specifically calibrated for panning sports subjects.

Four programmable focus lock buttons, a focus distance limiter, full-time manual override, and a function ring that can store preset focus distances give working shooters the physical controls they actually need. Weather-sealed magnesium alloy construction means you're not watching the sky before deciding whether to bring it. For Sony E-mount shooters who need maximum reach and maximum speed in one package, this lens has a well-established track record at the highest levels of professional work.

Who It's For

Sports and wildlife photographers shooting on Sony E-mount bodies will find the AF system pairs directly with on-sensor phase detection across the full frame, keeping fast subjects locked without the compromises of adapted glass. Portrait photographers working at longer distances benefit from 400mm compression at f/2.8, which renders facial geometry differently than shorter telephotos. Photojournalists and press shooters who carry equipment all day gain from the weight distribution, since 2,895g with the balance point rearward handles more like a lighter lens than the number suggests. Nature photographers working from hides or blinds will appreciate silent linear motor focusing.

Key Features

• 400mm f/2.8 prime with internal XD Linear Motor autofocus
• 2,895g weight with rear-biased mass for reduced rotational inertia
• 23-element optical formula with 1 fluorite and 3 ED elements
• OSS image stabilization with Mode 3 panning calibration
• 40.5mm drop-in filter system
• Four programmable focus lock buttons and function ring
• Weather-sealed magnesium alloy construction with Fluorine coating
• Sony E-mount for full-frame mirrorless

FAQ

How does the 2,895g weight compare to other 400mm f/2.8 lenses?

It's the lightest 400mm f/2.8 built for full-frame mirrorless-roughly three-quarters the weight of Nikon's newest f/2.8 400mm. Sony positioned mass toward the rear, reducing rotational inertia so the lens tracks moving subjects more naturally during extended shooting.

What autofocus system does this lens use?

An XD Linear Motor drives internal focusing with no external barrel movement. The system is completely silent and responds linearly to the focus ring, with a dedicated DMF switch for instant manual override in any autofocus mode.

Can you use standard threaded filters on this lens?

No. The lens uses a 40.5mm drop-in filter system instead of a threaded front element, which keeps the design practical on a lens this size. Sony offers a matching drop-in circular polarizer (VF-DCPL1), and the optics are optimized expecting the included clear filter to be in place.

What stabilization modes does the OSS system include?

OSS includes a Mode 3 specifically calibrated for panning sports subjects. The tripod collar features a smooth rotary friction lock with defeatable 90-degree clicks, so you can disable the clicks for fluid panning.

How many programmable controls does this lens have?

Four programmable focus lock buttons, a function ring that can store preset focus distances or enable variable-speed power focus, a focus distance limiter, and full-time manual override give working shooters the physical controls they need without menu diving.

What optical elements control chromatic aberration at f/2.8?

The 23-element formula includes 1 fluorite and 3 ED elements working together to control secondary chromatic aberration at the widest aperture. Nano AR and Fluorine coatings address flare and front-element contamination.

Is this lens weather-sealed?

Yes. Weather-sealed magnesium alloy construction with a Fluorine-coated front element means you're not watching the sky before deciding whether to bring it to a shoot.