Super-telephoto primes have traditionally been the heavy artillery of wildlife and sports photography, the kind of glass that lives on a monopod and needs its own backpack. On September 15, 2026, Sony took a different route and unveiled two G Master primes that each weigh roughly as much as a mid-range zoom: the FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS and the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS. Sony calls them the world’s lightest lenses in their class. For the 400mm, that means among full-frame interchangeable lenses at 400 mm with a maximum aperture of F4.5 or faster. For the 600mm, it means 600 mm lenses at F6.3 or faster.
The two lenses are near twins. The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS weighs approximately 994 g, and the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS approximately 995 g, both measured without the tripod mount. Both are approximately 108 mm in maximum diameter. The 400mm is 242 mm long and the 600mm is 263 mm.
Light, but still a G Master
According to PetaPixel, the 400mm uses 22 elements in 16 groups. Sony’s release says the design includes three Super ED elements and one ED element, plus Nano AR Coating II to cut ghosting and flare. An 11-blade circular aperture handles the bokeh, and a fluorine coating on the front element helps keep off grime. PetaPixel reports that the 400mm focuses as close as 2.5 meters (8.2 feet), with 0.18x maximum magnification, and takes 95mm front filters.
Here is how it compares with its closest rival. PetaPixel notes that the 400mm is 166 grams lighter than Nikon’s Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S, which it describes as 14% lighter.
Built for fast action
Focusing is handled by two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, and both lenses have built-in optical image stabilization. Sony says both are fully compatible with the α9 III shooting continuously at up to 120 fps with AF/AE tracking. That is the kind of burst where a slow lens would give up first.
The barrel is set up for working pros:
- four customizable focus hold buttons around the barrel
- a function ring
- a focus range limiter and a Full-time DMF switch
- focus mode and image stabilization mode switches
- a dust- and moisture-resistant design, which Sony notes is not completely sealed
Both primes work with Sony’s 1.4x Teleconverter (SEL14TC) and 2x Teleconverter (SEL20TC). With the 2x converter, the 400mm reaches 800mm and the 600mm reaches 1200mm. PetaPixel adds that the 400mm comes with a protective soft carrying case.
Price and availability
Sony says both lenses will be available from October 2026. The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS costs US$2,699.99 and the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS US$3,699.99 (MSRP). The 400mm is the more interesting of the two. PetaPixel calls it the lightest and most affordable lens of its kind and an accessible way into G Master telephoto shooting for E-mount owners. Buyers no longer have to choose between a heavy f/2.8 and a variable-aperture zoom.
