A 654g super-telephoto zoom lens drops in India

The Takeaway

• Built-in Optical SteadyShot coordinates with in-body Active Mode to smooth out handheld footage.
• Over 41 percent of the plastic used to build the exterior barrel and protective caps is recycled material.
• The internal drive sustains autofocus tracking at burst speeds of up to 120 frames per second on the Alpha 9 III.
• The lens body measures exactly 165.5 millimetres in length.

Sony brings the SEL100400 to India this week. The new super-telephoto zoom officially arrived on August 20, 2026. This E-mount lens gives wildlife photographers massive focal reach without forcing them to pack unusually heavy equipment. Customers looking to purchase the unit immediately can find it available at national retail outlets, Alpha Flagship stores, Amazon, and Flipkart.

The optical layout pairs two extra-low dispersion pieces with two aspherical elements to suppress colour bleeding. A nine-blade circular diaphragm handles background blur. Users can attach optional 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverters to push the reach to 800mm on full-frame sensors, or 1,200mm in APS-C crop mode. Autofocus relies on dual linear motors that track subjects quietly. Standard Alpha bodies cap out at 15 frames per second during continuous shooting. The barrel features a customisable focus hold button alongside a focus-mode and range limiter switch. A physical zoom lock prevents the front element from creeping outward during transit.

The genuine draw is how aggressively it prioritises portability. The FE 100-400mm F5.6-8 OSS weighs just 654 grams. It is dramatically smaller than a standard G Master telephoto, making it easy to hike with all day.

Sony 100-400mm lens price and specifications

The F5.6 to F8 variable aperture is the main compromise here, dropping to F8 by the 220mm mark. This limits its low-light utility, forcing shooters to use higher ISO settings on local safari trips. Meanwhile, the brand’s wider local portfolio is also expanding this week, as Slimmer WF-1000XM6 earbuds and 1000X headphones drop in India for domestic shoppers. Even at this budget tier, the lens retains full weather sealing to handle sudden monsoon showers.

The Unboxed Truth

Unbox Daily HQ recommends the SEL100400 for anyone tired of hauling massive camera bags into the wilderness. You do not always need a premium G Master aperture to capture distant birds in daylight. By accepting F8, you gain an incredibly lightweight optic that costs roughly the same as a flagship smartphone. It forces you to embrace brighter conditions, but the dramatic weight reduction means you will actually bring it on your next trip.

Best for: Daytime wildlife safaris and casual outdoor sports.

Who Is This For: 20 to 45-year-olds.

Courtesy: Sony