Sony’s Upcoming 100-400mm f/4.5 GM II Lens

credits: Sony

The upcoming Sony FE 100–400mm f/4.5 GM II is starting to take shape, with new reports and leaks adding a bit more clarity around its design and expected price. Nothing is official yet, but based on what sources are saying, this looks like a fairly substantial update over the current version, especially in how the lens is built and how it handles.

One of the bigger changes is the switch to an internal zoom design, meaning the lens will not extend when zooming. That is a noticeable update from the current 100–400mm GM, which uses an extending barrel. An internal zoom setup usually helps with weather sealing and balance, but it also means the lens is likely to be larger overall, even at its shortest length. Reports suggest it could be similar in size to the FE 200–600mm (so about 318mm length and 2,110g weight). The lens is also expected to feature a constant f/4.5 aperture, instead of the variable f/4.5–5.6 on the current model, which would be a meaningful upgrade for consistency across the zoom range.

Sources also say that the switches have been moved further back toward the mount, while the tripod collar has been pulled forward, closer to the focus ring. The spacing between the aperture and focus rings is reportedly very tight, leaving minimal room for markings. Pricing is expected to land somewhere around $4,700, which would be a significant jump from where the current version sits today. The lens is rumoured to be announced around mid-May, possibly alongside the Sony A7R VI.