This lightweight, compact 100-400 mm super-telephoto zoom weighs only 654 g (23.1 oz.) with a max. diameter of 78.2 mm (3-1/8 in.) and length of 164.5 mm (6-1/2 in.). Fill the frame with distant subjects and use telephoto compression for unique perspectives in scenic shots. An optional teleconverter provides up to 800 mm reach, which becomes 1200 mm in APS-C format.

An optical design that includes two ED glass elements and two aspherical elements effectively reduces colour bleeding and other aberrations for sharp, clear rendering of subjects from near to distant. A 9-blade circular aperture contributes to smooth, natural bokeh. Up to 0.41x magnification and 0.86 m (2.83 ft.) minimum focus distance, allow stunning closeups of flowers and insects too.

Dual linear motors contribute to fast, precise, quiet AF that easily locks onto and tracks active subjects. With the α9 III body, it is possible to shoot bursts at up to 120 fps with full AF performance. The lens’s optical stabilisation also works with compatible bodies for even greater stabilisation performance, effectively compensating for the large blur that can occur with telephoto lenses for consistently stable framing.

An easily accessible focus hold button makes it possible to temporarily hold focus while composing an image. Other features that support telephoto shooting can be assigned to the focus hold button via the camera menus. A combined focus mode and focus range limiter switch (AF FULL / AF ∞-3m / MF) makes operation faster and easier, and a zoom lock switch prevents unwanted lens extension when the lens is aimed downward.

A dust and moisture resistant design ensures reliable operation in outdoor conditions, withstanding morning fog when shooting birds or airborne dust at sports events. Sealing at critical joints and seams effectively keeps dust and water droplets out.