SUMMARY
Steve Perry evaluates the Sony 100-400mm f/5.6-f/8 lens, priced at $850, comparing it to its f/4.5 sibling. While offering advantages in size, weight, and cost, the lens effectively operates at f/8 from 200mm to 400mm. This aperture significantly impacts low-light performance, leading to high ISO noise and motion blur when shooting wildlife, especially when cropping is necessary. Autofocus is fast but can struggle in dim conditions. The lens is recommended for specific use cases like travel or budget-conscious photographers, but not for low-light or edge-to-edge sharpness demands.
TAKEAWAYS
The Sony 100-400mm f/5.6-f/8 lens costs $850, significantly less than pricier alternatives.
Its effective aperture is f/8 for wildlife photography from 200mm to 400mm, challenging low-light performance.
The lens offers portability and faster autofocus than its siblings, but hit rates decrease in dim light.
It is best suited for specific situations like travel or daylight wildlife, not for low-light or demanding sharpness requirements.