The gigantic Sony 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens announced as ‘in development’ back in October 2017 has allegedly been spotted IRL at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
A photo that claims to show the un-released lens—covered in tape to hide telltale markings, of course—was shared by the Photosthelife blog (here it is translated) and later on Instagram by SonyAlphaRumors. This appears to be the first image of the 400mm lens, whose rumored price tag will very likely tip the scales around ten grand, just like the Canon and Nikon versions of the same lens.
In its announcement last year, Sony explained that the new lens would “deliver a new elevated shooting experience for all professional sports” photographers, among others. The Olympics presents a great opportunity to put the lens to the test in an incredibly challenging environment, so it makes sense that Sony would be testing it out there.
Unfortunately, additional details—such as how many of these lenses are actually being tested in the wild, and by whom—aren’t public.
Sony says it plans to release the 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens in Summer 2018. Until then, this blurry picture will just have to hold all of those Sony a9 owners over.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)