Bird and wildlife photography rarely gives you time to adjust. A subject may be close one second and far away the next, moving through branches, across water, or out of view entirely. The 100-400mm f/4.5 G Master is built for those moments, combining versatile telephoto reach with a constant f/4.5 aperture and the speed needed for active subjects.
In a recent Sony Alpha Universe video, bird and wildlife photographer Jared VanderMeer shares his experience using the lens for birding, including with a 1.4x teleconverter for additional reach.
“I love this lens. I’ve been testing it out and here’s why...”
A Flexible 100-400mm Range For Wildlife Photography
The 100-400mm focal range gives photographers room to adapt as a scene changes. At the wider end, it can accommodate larger animals and more environmental context. At 400mm, it helps photographers frame more distant birds and wildlife without needing to get closer.
For VanderMeer, flexibility is central to the experience. “For birds and wildlife, I’m always looking for flexibility, and the 100-400mm specifically for mammals and wildlife is a great mix – it’s a great focal range.”
That range can be especially helpful when a bird moves between branches, changes direction in flight, or suddenly comes within closer range.
Photo by Jared VanderMeer. Alpha 1 II. 100-400mm f/4.5 G Master + 1.4x TC. 1/2500-sec., f/6.3, ISO 5000
More Reach With A 1.4x Teleconverter
For photographers who need additional reach, the lens is compatible with Sony's 1.4x teleconverter and 2.0x teleconverter. VanderMeer tested the lens with a 1.4x teleconverter, extending its range from 140mm to 560mm.
“I’m combining G Master glass with 140 to 560 millimeters, and that is the range that I’m looking for when photographing small birds,” he says.
That added reach can make a meaningful difference when photographing smaller or more distant subjects. Just as importantly, it preserves the ability to zoom and reframe when a subject changes position.
As VanderMeer puts it, “It allows me, when they’re flying close or far away, to be able to move with them and capture the shot having them fill the frame.”
Handheld Balance For Long Days In The Field
A telephoto setup needs to work not only for a few frames, but for the full day. The 100-400mm f/4.5 G Master uses an inner-zoom design to maintain a more consistent physical profile while zooming, helping the lens feel balanced in hand.
That balance stood out to VanderMeer while shooting handheld with the teleconverter attached.
Photo by Jared VanderMeer. Alpha 1 II. 100-400mm f/4.5 G Master + 1.4x TC. 1/3200-sec., f/6.3, ISO 1000
“With this teleconverter on and this lens, which is lighter, I don’t find that [balance issue]. I’m able to balance the camera really well,” he says. “As a handheld shooter out in the wild, I want to make sure I’m not stressing my back and shoulders all day long. It allows me to hold the camera in the field for the entire day.”
For wildlife photographers who hike, wait and track subjects for hours, comfortable handling is not a minor detail – it is part of staying ready when the moment arrives.
Features That Support Fast-Moving Subjects
The 100-400mm f/4.5 GM is designed for action, with fast autofocus performance and built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) to help support steadier handheld shooting at longer focal lengths.
VanderMeer also calls out its practical field controls: “We’ve got all of the functions and Optical SteadyShot, full-time DMF, and then we have the filter holder built in.”
Together, these features help photographers work more confidently when conditions are changing and subjects are unpredictable.
Photo by Jared VanderMeer. Alpha 1 II. 100-400mm f/4.5 G Master + 1.4x TC. 1/320-sec., f/6.3, ISO 1600
Who Is The 100-400mm f/4.5 G Master For?
The lens is a compelling choice for photographers looking for:
- Flexible reach for birds, wildlife, sports, and action
- A constant f/4.5 maximum aperture
- Fast autofocus for moving subjects
- Built-in image stabilization for handheld shooting
- Teleconverter compatibility for extra reach
- G Master image quality and control
VanderMeer believes the lens will make an impression on photographers who spend time in the wild: “This is a lens that I think is going to get a lot of wildlife and bird photographers to stop and think.”
Watch the full video below as Jared gives his breakdown on the lens. Watch more videos like this one on the Alpha Universe YouTube Channel.
See more of Jared VanderMeer's work on Instagram @jared_vandermeer.
Interested in more Bird Photography?
–Click here to take the free Bird Photography course on Alpha Camera Academy.
–Click here to explore the Best Lenses for Bird Photography.
–Click here to explore more bird photography content across the Alpha Universe.
