Super-telephoto photography often comes with a familiar challenge: getting closer to distant subjects can mean carrying a lot of weight.
Sony is taking a different approach.
On 16 September 2026, Sony announced two new G Master™ super-telephoto prime lenses for its Alpha™ full-frame E-mount system: the FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS and FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS.
The headline is hard to miss.
Sony says both lenses are the world’s lightest in their respective categories.
The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS weighs approximately 994g, while the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS weighs approximately 995g.
That lightweight construction is designed to give photographers greater freedom when shooting handheld, particularly when tracking subjects or moving through an environment in search of the next shot.
Super-telephoto reach without the usual weight
The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS has a 400mm focal length, while the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS reaches 600mm.
Both lenses are designed around portability and handling.
The 400mm measures approximately 108mm in maximum diameter and 242mm in length. The 600mm has the same approximate maximum diameter of 108mm, with a length of 263mm.
Sony has also designed the weight balance so that the centre of gravity sits closer to the camera body.
That matters when photographing moving subjects.
It can make it easier to maintain framing, track subjects and perform panning shots while shooting handheld.
For photographers working with birds, wildlife and sports, that combination of reach and handling is designed to expand what is possible without relying on a tripod or monopod.
G Master detail meets beautiful bokeh
Lightweight does not mean Sony has moved away from the image quality associated with its G Master range.
The two lenses feature optical designs incorporating three Super ED glass elements and one ED glass element. These elements are designed to suppress chromatic aberration and other optical aberrations that can occur at super-telephoto focal lengths.
Sony’s Nano AR Coating II is also included to reduce ghosting and flare, including when shooting in backlit conditions.
The lenses feature an 11-blade circular aperture, while spherical aberration has been optimised during both design and manufacturing.
The result is intended to deliver the smooth bokeh associated with the G Master series, alongside high resolution from the centre of the image to the edges.
Built for subjects that refuse to sit still
Wildlife does not wait.
Neither do sports moments.
Sony has equipped both lenses with two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors and a control algorithm designed specifically for these lenses.
The system delivers fast, precise and quiet autofocus performance for tracking fast-moving subjects.
The lenses are also fully compatible with the Alpha 9 III continuous shooting capability of up to 120 frames per second with AF/AE tracking.
Built-in optical image stabilisation further supports handheld shooting at super-telephoto focal lengths by helping reduce camera shake.
The lenses also support the camera body’s Active Mode image stabilisation and coordinated image stabilisation control for stills and movies.
For video creators, the lenses support the camera body’s breathing compensation function, which corrects changes in angle of view caused by shifts in focus position during movie recording.
Designed around the photographer
Sony has also focused on how photographers interact with the lenses.
Each lens features four customisable focus hold buttons positioned around the barrel.
There is also a function ring, focus range limiter, Full-time DMF switch, focus mode switch and image stabilisation mode switch.
These controls are designed to allow photographers to adjust the lenses according to different shooting styles.
And for those who need even more reach, both lenses are compatible with Sony’s optional teleconverters.
With a teleconverter, the FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS can reach up to 800mm, while the FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS can reach up to 1200mm.
That takes the super-telephoto possibilities considerably further.
Ready for the outdoors
Outdoor photography can be unpredictable, so Sony has given both lenses a dust and moisture resistant design.
The front lens element also features a fluorine coating that helps resist contaminants.
These features are designed to support use across a variety of outdoor shooting environments.
For photographers who spend time searching for wildlife, following sporting action or exploring outdoor environments, the combination of portability, stabilisation, autofocus and long focal lengths is at the centre of Sony’s latest G Master offering.
Coming to South Africa in November
South African photographers will not have to wait long.
The FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS will be available in South Africa from mid-November 2026, with a recommended retail price of R59,999.
The FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS will also arrive from mid-November 2026, priced at R84,999.
For more information, visit Sony South Africa – FE 400mm F4.5 GM OSS and Sony South Africa – FE 600mm F6.3 GM OSS.
Sony has also released a product video showcasing the two lenses, while additional stories and content created with Sony imaging products are available through Alpha Universe MEA.
For photographers chasing the moment from a distance, Sony’s latest announcement is built around a simple idea: serious super-telephoto reach does not have to mean carrying serious weight.
