Sony Reveals New Patent For Five Prime Telephoto Lenses

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Sony has some truly beautiful cameras and optics in their massive portfolio. The company introduced stellar series like the a9 and a7, but they also have commendable lenses to complement these cameras. While they already announced a 400mm f2.8 GM lens in 2022 and a 600mm f4 GM in 2019, a new patent suggests that we may see an update or a prime telephoto variant very soon. And no, it is not just the 400mm; the company also has plans for a 500mm and an 800mm lens.

According to a report by Asobinet, Sony published patent P2025063175 on April 15, which showcases examples of four lenses: 400mm f2.8, 500mm f4, 800mm f5.6, 600mm f4, and 400mm f4. As we mentioned above, the company already has a 400mm f2.8 and 600mm f4 in its GM lineup, so we believe these new lenses could be an update to the lens, perhaps with a different design to support newer cameras. But, since there is an f4 option for 400mm, we aren’t sure whether f2.8 and f4 are patents for research purposes or whether they are lenses in a very different series. Perhaps a non-GM lens.

In addition, the patent mentions that the lenses aim to be lighter and offer better optical quality and “swingability.” Furthermore, the new designs also aim to meet the demands of high-resolution sensors, as well as the trend of smaller and lighter cameras and lenses. Here are the examples of the lenses:

Example 1

Illustration of Sony 500mm f4

Focal Length: 497.08 mm
F-Number: 4.12
Half Angle of View: 2.47°
Image Height: 21.633 mm
Total Length: 416.13 mm
Back Focus: 35.63 mm

Example 2

A technical lens diagram showing multiple labeled lens elements and groups in a horizontal arrangement. — Illustration of Sony 400mm f2.8

Focal Length: 388.00 mm
F-Number: 2.91
Half Angle of View: 3.15°
Image Height: 21.633 mm
Total Length: 380.75 mm
Back Focus: 28.23 mm

Example 3

Diagram of a camera lens assembly with multiple labeled lens groups and components. — Illustration of Sony 800mm f5.6

Focal Length: 776.00 mm
F-Number: 5.83
Half Angle of View: 1.57°
Image Height: 21.633 mm
Total Length: 498.28 mm
Back Focus: 24.21 mm

Example 4

Diagram of a lens system with labeled lens elements and groups in a horizontal arrangement. — Illustration of probably a 600mm f4

Focal Length: 581.97 mm
F-Number: 4.12
Half Angle of View: 2.11°
Image Height: 21.633 mm
Total Length: 455.32 mm
Back Focus: 39.18 mm

Example 5

Diagram showing a detailed lens arrangement with labeled components from a patent document. — Illustration of Sony 400mm f4

Focal Length: 388.0 mm
F-Number: 4.12
Half Angle of View: 3.15°
Image Height: 21.633 mm
Total Length: 352.00 mm
Back Focus: 34.68 mm

There are a few 500mm options in the market, but again, Sony’s optics would be very different. This includes Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III for Sony and Sigma 500mm f4 DG OS HSM Sports (which can be adapted to Sony via an adaptor). With both lenses, we noticed the autofocus is slower, so having a dedicated Sony 500mm lens will be exciting.

As for an 800mm, Sony already has a Sony 400-800mm f6.3-8 G, realized in 2025. But we realized it was not as sharp as we had hoped for. So, having an 800mm with f5.6 would be a welcomed change. Canon already has an 800mm f5.6L lens, so it’s about time Sony has one, too.

However, whether updated lenses or entirely new ones, these prime telephoto lenses will be very expensive. We do hope with newer optics, Sony thinks of reducing the price, along with the size and weight. This will benefit many photographers.

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