Jonny Gios tests the new Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS

When Sony's latest long lens arrived through the doors of Hireacamera HQ, we knew just where to send it for a proper shakedown. Regular collaborator and customer Jonny Gios has had his eye on the Sony FE 400-800mm for some time, and whilst he wasn't heading off to the extreme landscape of Iceland this time round, his local surroundings of Cumbria and The Lake District offer more than enough opportunities for incredible images. Over to Jonny now to share his experiences:

"I had the opportunity to test the new Sony FE 400-800mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens thanks to the team at Hireacamera—and what a privilege it was. As someone who regularly photographs wildlife, sport, and landscapes across Cumbria, I was excited to put this lens through its paces in real-world conditions. For the purposes of this review I paired the Sony 400-800 with my Sony A1 mark 1 – what a combo!

The build quality is outstanding, as you’d expect from Sony’s G Master line. Despite the extended reach, it handles well, especially when paired with a monopod. Autofocus performance is exceptionally fast and precise, locking onto moving subjects effortlessly. Even at 800mm, sharpness is impressive edge-to-edge with beautiful compression and creamy bokeh.

I tested this lens across a variety of settings. In Kendal, I captured moody telephoto landscapes and town details that are often missed with wider lenses. At a youth football tournament in Carlisle, the reach allowed me to isolate players cleanly even from the sidelines, with crisp detail and frozen motion.

Wildlife work in and around Kendal was equally satisfying—capturing cormorants on the River Kent and even bees on flowers – don’t underestimate the lens' macro capabilities.

The real magic came during a visit to the Lake District, where I photographed red squirrels darting through the trees. The lens's reach and clarity made it possible to capture intimate, natural moments from a respectful distance.

If you’re able to hire a teleconverter as well you will be in for a real treat if you’ve got a wildlife subject that you can’t get close to – well that combination will nail it in good light!

For photographers needing reach without compromise, the 400-800mm opens creative doors. It’s not a lens for everyone—but for those who need its power, it’s a serious professional tool. I’m grateful to Hireacamera for the chance to review it."

Our thanks as ever to Jonny for providing such stunning photos and a comprehensive write up. The Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 F OSS is available now, so BOOK TODAY and see what you can capture with this stunning telephoto lens.

We also have the Sony A1 and the A1 II if you're looking for a body to match the 400-800's precision.