Leaked Photo Hints at New Sony 100-400mm GM Lens

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Darryl Lara is a portrait and concert photographer based in the Philippines. Since 2010, he has captured performances of some of the biggest local and international artists and built a strong presence in the concert scene. In 2022, he shifted to full-time writing and editing, where he now covers photography, technology, and gaming with the same passion for storytelling that defines his photography.

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By Darryl Lara

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Last updated 04/28/2026

Sony is rumored to be preparing a successor to its long-running FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS, and a newly leaked image is adding weight to those claims. The original lens dates back to 2017, making it one of the older options in Sony’s current G Master lineup.

The image, first shared by Photo Rumors, appears to show the upcoming FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM II. While it’s just a single photo, it offers a clearer look at what could be one of Sony’s next high-end telephoto releases.

What the Leak Shows

The leaked image shows the lens nameplate marked “FE 4.5 / 100-400 GM,” along with the familiar 100–400mm zoom range. That labeling lines up with earlier reports suggesting a shift to a constant f/4.5 aperture across the zoom range.

If accurate, that would be a notable change from the variable aperture design of the current model. A constant aperture would bring it more in line with Sony’s newer pro-level lenses.

First leaked pictures and additional details on the upcoming Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM lens:https://t.co/AYhZjQbUnV

— Photo Rumors (@photorumors) April 27, 2026

Internal Zoom and Larger Design

One of the more interesting rumored changes is the move to an internal zoom mechanism. Unlike the current 100-400mm, which extends when zooming, the new version is expected to maintain a fixed length. That could improve balance, especially for tripod or monopod use.

The new lens is also rumored to be longer overall, measuring around 318mm, which is similar to the FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS. That would make it noticeably larger than the existing version, which extends to about 285mm at full zoom.

Expected Pricing and Positioning

Early reports suggest the lens could land in a significantly higher price bracket than its predecessor, which is currently listed at $2,798. The rumors point to pricing close to the FE 50-150mm f/2 GM, which sits around $3,998.

That would position the new 100-400mm firmly in the premium category. In return, it’s expected to offer improved optics and more consistent performance for sports and wildlife shooting.

Possible Launch Timeline

The lens is rumored to be one of three Sony lenses scheduled for release this year. Some reports suggest it could be announced alongside the Sony A7R VI as early as May 2026.

As with most early leaks, details remain unconfirmed. Sony hasn’t officially announced the lens, and specifications could still change ahead of launch.

For now, the leaked image gives a first glimpse at what could be a significant update to one of Sony’s most popular telephoto zooms—though it’s still best to treat the details as preliminary.