The Sony 100-400mm f/5.6-8 Is Fine. Just... Fine.
PetaPixel·20,374 views·Aug 4, 2026Score and analysis
Summary
Jordan Drake reviews the Sony 100-400mm f/5.6-8 OSS lens, highlighting its affordability and compact size as key advantages.He details its performance in autofocus, sharpness, and bokeh, while also noting the limitations of its slower aperture.Drake concludes the lens is a solid choice for budget-conscious photographers prioritizing portability, provided they can manage the trade-offs in low light.
6.5
VIDSCORE
Summary
Jordan Drake reviews the Sony 100-400mm f/5.6-8 OSS lens, highlighting its affordability and compact size as key advantages.He details its performance in autofocus, sharpness, and bokeh, while also noting the limitations of its slower aperture.Drake concludes the lens is a solid choice for budget-conscious photographers prioritizing portability, provided they can manage the trade-offs in low light.
Breakdown
Alternatives & Context
7.3
Jordan Drake compares the Sony 100-400mm f/5. 6-8 OSS to offerings from Sigma and Tamron, specifically mentioning their 100-400mm and 150-500mm lenses.He highlights differences in aperture, weight, and price to contextualize the Sony lens's market position.
Honest & Unbiased
6.3
Jordan Drake clearly states the lens's limitations, such as its slow aperture and the autofocus motors not being the latest XD linear type.He balances these with the lens's strengths, like its affordability, compact size, and weather sealing, providing a nuanced perspective.
Covers Everything
5.0
The review covers the lens's design, controls, autofocus, flare, aperture range, bokeh, close-up performance, and sharpness.Jordan Drake also discusses its portability and price, offering a comprehensive overview of its features and capabilities.
Real Testing
6.4
Jordan Drake evaluates the Sony 100-400mm f/5. 6-8 OSS by testing its autofocus performance, flare resistance, bokeh quality, close-up capabilities, and sharpness at different focal lengths and apertures.He provides specific examples of how the lens performs in various shooting scenarios.
Helps You Decide
7.2
Jordan Drake concludes that the Sony 100-400mm f/5. 6-8 OSS is a good option for those prioritizing price and portability, especially if they can accept its slower aperture.He advises treating it as an F8 lens and notes that high ISOs may be necessary for fast action, impacting image quality.
Production Quality
7.8
Jordan Drake presents the Sony 100-400mm f/5. 6-8 OSS lens with clear on-screen graphics and a well-lit outdoor environment.The audio is consistently clear throughout the review, and the footage captures detailed shots of the lens and sample images.
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