Product Reviews

Used the lens a few times and compared it to the 200-600G which is excellent. It's a bit heavier, a fraction longer and bigger but not overtly cumbersome. I can hand-hold it and swing it about quite easily for tracking flying birds. For someone less strong or of a smaller build, it might prove a challenge for prolonged use. You need a dedicated bag, something like the Vanguard Alta Sky 66 due to its size. AF is excellent - faster, more reliable and 'stickier'. The focus limiter at 8 meters to infinity appears to work at closer distances too and seems less fussy than the 200-600. Sharpness is better too. Colour rendition is excellent and typically natural like all modern Sony lenses. I've not yet tried it with my 1.4x convertor. It would be 5 out of 5. However, the equipment registration process via the internet is as usual with Sony, very, very poor. It's almost as if they don't want you to take out an extended warranty! The software doesn't use field updates from the same entries in previous forms. The font size is tiny with light grey text on a glaring white background! I can excuse the American address template but please, not everyone lives in a bloody city! In fact this very review form is a good example of how not to design a review form. Free text field too small, dark text on white background, no auto-update of email field etc.

This lens is everything it needs to be. Much better image quality than I expected for the price. Highly recommend.

I sold my 200-600 to upgrade to the 400-800, I’m very happy with the lens,the 800 end is nice and shape for my type of photography,which is locating birds nest. I’m not able to supply any images,due to the sensor of showing birds on nest.

Excellent,a really a nice choice for Sony users ,althought the aperture of F8 is limiting in some scenarios ,the convenience of the zoom with reach surpasses other telephoto zoom options ,and even some primes ,the lens is built with Sony's expertise so rest assured of high quality ,internal zoom assures good balance and fast zoom throw ,coupled with Sonys superlative XD linear motors insured fast focusing ,a step up from competitors,lens hood is well designed everything has a premium feel,there will times when you may need something shorter for your needs ,but for birding wildlife where you subject can be either small or distant this lens gives you opportunitys only the best primes could achieve ,kudos to Sony it has now replaced my 200-600mm Sony g lens ,as first choice .only the weight will be a limited factor for some people.

bought new had for a couple of weeks mainly for bird photography but i think would be great for airshows, bit heavier than the 200-600 but sharper. F8 not so great on those dull days in the UK but the last couple of weeks of sun have been great, no issues at F8 and at 800 mm backgrounds blur very well.