New Original So-ny FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS/FE 135mm F1.8 GM Full-frame Telephotos-Zoom G Master Lens
Here’s a detailed comparison table between the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS and Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM lenses:
Specification | Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS | Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM |
---|---|---|
Lens Type | Telephoto Zoom | Prime Portrait Lens |
Focal Length | 100-400mm | 135mm (fixed) |
Aperture Range | f/4.5-5.6 (variable) | f/1.8-f/22 |
Lens Construction | 22 elements in 16 groups | 13 elements in 10 groups |
Special Elements | 1 XA, 2 Super ED, 2 ED | 1 XA, 2 Super ED, 1 ED |
Aperture Blades | 9 (circular) | 11 (circular) |
Minimum Focus Distance | 0.98m (3.28′) | 0.7m (2.3′) |
Maximum Magnification | 0.35x | 0.25x |
Image Stabilization | Yes (OSS) | No |
Autofocus System | Dual Linear Motors | Dual XD Linear Motors |
Focus Hold Button | Yes (2 buttons) | Yes |
Filter Thread | 77mm | 82mm |
Tripod Collar | Included (removable) | No |
Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
Weight | 1,395g (3.08 lbs) | 950g (2.09 lbs) |
Dimensions | 93.9 x 205mm | 89.5 x 127mm |
Best For | Wildlife, Sports, Airshows | Portraits, Low Light |
Price (Approx.) | $2,500 | $1,900 |
Sony’s premium telephoto offerings present two distinct approaches: the 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS for versatile reach, and the 135mm F1.8 GM for unparalleled portrait perfection. While both serve long-focal-length needs, their designs cater to completely different shooting scenarios.
Key Features Compared
Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
The Ultimate Action Zoom
✅ Professional-Grade Reach
• 4x zoom from 100mm (portrait) to 400mm (wildlife)
• Maintains sharpness throughout zoom range
✅ Stabilized Performance
• Optical SteadyShot (OSS) for handheld shooting
• Tripod collar included for support
✅ Optical Innovations
• XA and Super ED elements control aberrations
• Nano AR coating reduces flare
Best For:
→ Wildlife and bird photography
→ Sports and motorsports
→ Airshow and aviation photography
Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM
The Portrait Artist’s Dream
🔥 Unmatched Shallow DOF
• f/1.8 creates dreamy background separation
• 11-blade circular aperture for creamy bokeh
🔥 Optical Perfection
• Extreme sharpness even wide open
• Dual XD linear motors for precise AF
🔥 Compact Professional Build
• Surprisingly lightweight (950g)
• 82mm front filter thread
Best For:
→ Studio and outdoor portraits
→ Low-light event photography
→ Artistic isolation shots
Head-to-Head Comparison
Feature | 100-400mm GM | 135mm GM |
---|---|---|
Aperture | f/4.5-5.6 (variable) | f/1.8 (constant) |
Stabilization | OSS (4.5 stops) | Relies on IBIS |
Close Focus | 0.98m (better for near subjects) | 0.7m (better for portraits) |
Weight | 1,395g (requires support) | 950g (handholdable) |
Ideal Pairing | With 24-70mm for coverage | With 35mm/50mm primes |
Which Lens Should You Choose?
Choose the 100-400mm GM if you:
✔ Need versatile telephoto reach
✔ Shoot fast-moving subjects
✔ Require stabilization for handheld work
Choose the 135mm GM if you:
✔ Specialize in portrait work
✔ Shoot in low light frequently
✔ Want ultimate background separation
Professional Insight:
These lenses serve different masters – the zoom for field flexibility, the prime for optical perfection. Many professionals own both, using the 100-400mm for wildlife/action and the 135mm for controlled portrait sessions. The 135mm also makes an exceptional concert/event lens when light is challenging.
Final Verdict
Sony demonstrates its optical mastery with these two approaches to telephoto work. The 100-400mm GM delivers unprecedented zoom flexibility in a (relatively) compact package, while the 135mm GM achieves near-perfect portrait rendering. Their complementary strengths make them ideal partners in a professional kit covering everything from safari wildlife to studio fashion.
Pro Tip:Â The 135mm GM focuses close enough to double as a macro-like lens for detail shots, while the 100-400mm’s 0.35x magnification at 400mm makes it surprisingly capable for small subject photography.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.