Sony has introduced the FE 600mm f/6.3 GM OSS, a compact professional super-telephoto lens for its full-frame E-mount system. Weighing 995 grams (2.2 pounds) and measuring 263 millimeters in length, the lens is engineered to provide significant reach without the bulk typically associated with long-focal-length primes. The design prioritizes handheld use, with a center of gravity positioned closer to the camera body to assist with tracking and panning.
The optical construction of the FE 600mm f/6.3 GM OSS consists of 24 elements in 17 groups, including three Super ED elements and one ED element to minimize aberrations. It features an 11-bladed circular aperture designed to produce smooth background blur. For autofocus, the lens utilizes two Extreme Dynamic (XD) Linear Motors, which Sony states are capable of fast, precise, and quiet performance. The lens also supports continuous shooting at up to 120 frames per second with AF/AE tracking when paired with the Alpha 9 III.
The lens includes several physical controls, such as four customizable focus-hold buttons, a function ring, and various on-barrel switches for focus range, focus mode, and image stabilization. It is built with a weather-resistant design and a fluorine coating on the front element to protect against dust and moisture. The lens can focus as close as 2.5 meters, offering a maximum magnification of 0.25x.
Compatibility with Sony’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters allows for extended reach, turning the lens into an 840mm f/9 or 1200mm f/13 optic, respectively. The lens also features built-in optical image stabilization, which supports coordinated control with compatible camera bodies and Active Mode stabilization. Additionally, it includes breathing compensation support for video applications.
The Sony FE 600mm f/6.3 GM OSS is priced at $3,699 in the United States. Preorders are currently open, with shipping scheduled to begin in October. The lens arrives with a protective soft carrying case.