Sony’s most advanced lens technologies have been unsparingly applied in this large-aperture super telephoto lens, achieving extraordinary speed, outstanding G Master resolution and bokeh, plus professional control and reliability. Moreover, the SEL400F28GM is a remarkably lightweight super telephoto lens, providing unparalleled handheld shooting freedom.
The XD Linear Motors used in the SEL400F28GM have been newly developed to deliver higher thrust and efficiency than conventional types in order to make the most of the rapidly evolving speed performance of current and future camera bodies. Linear motor design and component layout have been thoroughly revised to achieve significantly higher thrust. Two of these new motors are used in the SEL400F28GM, achieving up to a 5x improvement3 in moving-subject tracking performance. This means that the full speed performance of advanced camera bodies can be applied to capturing perfect images of the most dynamic sports or wildlife subjects. The XD motors are further supported by new algorithms developed specifically for them, notably improving the motors’ response to control signals and minimising lag and instability that can occur when driving a large aperture focus lens group for quiet, low-vibration operation.
All lenses bearing the G Master brand are designed to extremely high standards, ensuring that outstanding contrast at high spatial frequencies is maintained right out to the image edges. The optical design includes three fluorite elements that help to minimise axial chromatic aberration that can be a problem in large-aperture lenses, as well as lateral chromatic aberration that can reduce resolution towards the image periphery. Colour bleeding is effectively suppressed, allowing clear reproduction of the finest subject details.
In addition to careful control of spherical aberration at the design stage, each lens is individually tested and adjusted during manufacture to achieve the highest possible bokeh quality. An 11-blade circular aperture mechanism further contributes to smooth circular bokeh. The SEL400F28GM allows the narrow depth of field achievable with a 400 mm F2.8 lens to be utilised to create images with deep, lush, defocused backgrounds.
Sony’s original Nano AR Coating is applied to interior lens surfaces to effectively suppress reflections that can lead to flare and ghosting, significantly enhancing image clarity and contrast. (1. Nano AR coating / 2. Glass / 3. Transmitted light)
Optional high-performance 1.4x and 2.0x tele-converters are supported, providing up to 800 mm focal length (1200 mm equivalent on APS-C bodies) with an F5.6 maximum aperture4. Outstanding imaging performance and fast, precise AF operation are maintained when either of these excellent tele-converters are used, ensuring that the lens’s superior G Master image quality is not compromised.
An innovative optical design that includes three fluorite elements and reduces the number of elements deployed at the front of the lens barrel is behind the remarkably light weight of this fine lens. Another weight-reducing factor is the use of durable magnesium alloy components in the barrel. The SEL400F28GM weighs just 2,895 grams (102.2 ounces), providing portability and handheld manoeuvrability that active photographers will appreciate. Repeated field tests and evaluation by professional photographers has led to a design that is not front-heavy, reducing the moment of inertia that resists rotation by up to approx. 50% compared to the SAL500F40G.5 Quicker, more precise panning is assured whether shooting handheld or on a monopod.
A durable magnesium alloy is used not only for the lens barrel exterior and tripod mount, but also for interior barrel components as well. This provides the tough durability that demanding professional applications require, while minimising overall weight.
Dust and moisture resistant design provides the reliability needed for outdoor use in harsh conditions.
The number of mount attachment screws has been increased to ensure maximum rigidity and durability that will easily withstand professional use.
The supplied lens hood is made of strong, lightweight carbon fibre, with interior flocking for optimum light control.
The front lens element features a fluorine coating that helps to prevent dirt and fingerprints from sticking, while making it easier to wipe dirt and fingerprints away if they do become attached to the lens surface.
Optical image stabilisation is built in, making it easier to capture sharp images when shooting handheld. In addition to the Mode 2 setting that is provided for panning shots, the SEL400F28GM features a new Mode 37 setting with an advanced algorithm that ensures easier framing when following moving subjects. Mode 37 provides optimum stabilisation for tracking and shooting dynamic, unpredictable sports action. 5-axis image stabilisation becomes available when the SEL400F28GM is used with an α body that features in-body image stabilisation.
When the FULL-TIME DMF switch is ON, manual focus is immediately engaged by simply rotating the focus ring, even while shooting in the AF-C mode. If AF causes focus to shift to a different subject while shooting, the focus ring can be used to quickly bring focus back to the desired subject. In situations where the user wants to fine tune focus manually after initial AF, the body’s shutter button half-press focus function can be turned off and AF assigned to a different button, making it easy to use the focus ring for final focus after initial AF has been achieved. The ability to instantly switch to manual focus can also be useful when it is necessary to focus beyond a set focus range limit.
A dedicated trunk style hard case is supplied to protect the lens from shock and vibration during transport.
The SEL400F28GM includes a new function ring with switch selectable PRESET (preset focus) and FUNCTION settings. Functions such as Power Focus can be assigned to the FUNCTION mode via a camera body menu.
Focus hold buttons are provided in four locations on the lens barrel for easy access in any shooting situation. The focus hold buttons can be customised via a camera body menu, allowing them to be assigned a function selected by the user: Eye AF, for example.
The focus ring features Linear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus control. Focus changes linearly in response to focus ring rotation, giving you the control immediacy needed for fast, accurate manual focusing.
When the function ring select switch is set to FUNCTION, the function ring can be rotated to switch between APS-C and full-frame angles of view.
The SEL400F28GM includes a filter slot that accepts ø 40.5 mm ND and other filter types, as well as the optional VF-DCPL1 drop-in circular polariser. The VF-DCPL1 circular polariser can be rotated to achieve the desired polarisation while installed in the lens.
When the function ring select switch is set to FUNCTION and the function ring is rotated, focus shifts smoothly at a speed determined by the amount of function ring rotation. This allows smooth focus shift for movies.
The tripod collar ring employs bearings to ensure smooth rotation as well as high reliability. The tripod collar ring also features 90-degree click stops and a switch that engages or disengages the click stops as required. With the click stops engaged it is easy to shift quickly between horizontal and vertical camera orientations. The click stops can be disengaged when smooth, low-resistance operation is desired.
The SEL400F28GM includes a filter slot that accepts ø 40.5 mm ND and other filter types, as well as the optional VF-DCPL1 drop-in circular polariser. The VF-DCPL1 circular polariser can be rotated to achieve the desired polarisation while installed in the lens.
The SEL400F28GM includes a filter slot that accepts ø 40.5 mm ND and other filter types, as well as the optional VF-DCPL1 drop-in circular polariser. The VF-DCPL1 circular polariser can be rotated to achieve the desired polarisation while installed in the lens.
The SET button is initially used to memorise the desired focus point. If the mode switch is then set to the PRESET position, moving the function ring in either direction will immediately set focus to the memorised point. This can be a huge advantage for sports and other rapidly changing situations, allowing focus to be preset in advance and instantly recalled to ensure that the decisive moment is properly captured. This function is available whether shooting with AF or MF, and can focus outside a set focus limit range.
The focus range limit switch allows a limited focus range to be selected when the fastest possible focusing is required. Three settings are provided: FULL, 7 m–2.7 m, and ∞–7 m.
| Classification | Full-Frame |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | TELE-LENS |
| Focal Length | 400mm |
| Min. Focus Distance | 8.86' / 2.7 m |
| Image Stabilizer | YES |
| Smallest Aperture | f/22 |
| Largest Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Lens Version | G MASTER |
| Filter Size | 40.5 mm (Drop-In) |
| Lens Hood | ALC-SH155 |
| Mount | Sony E-Mount |
| AF/MF Switch | Autofocus |
| Weight | 6.4 lb / 2895 g |
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