Sirui Venus 100mm T2.9 1.6x Sony E vs Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Sirui Venus 100mm T2.9 1.6x Sony E vs Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
When comparing Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS and Sirui Venus 100mm T2.9 1.6x Sony E, which one is better?
1. Lens Mount Comparison
These two lenses use the same lens mount, the Sony E. This means that both lenses are compatible with cameras that use this mount.
Winner: Tied
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
2. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Sirui Venus 100mm T2.9 1.6x - Sony E has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 2.9 compared to the 4.5 - 5.6 aperture of Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Sirui Venus 100mm T2.9 1.6x - Sony E wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Sirui Venus 100mm T2.9 1.6x Sony E
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
3. Anamorphic Comparison
Winner: Sirui Venus 100mm T2.9 1.6x Sony E
Regarding anamorphic: Anamorphic lenses are usually used on cinema cameras and squeezes the image when its recorded, which gives the final, stretched out, image oval bokeh and a different angle of view. The most common lenses, however, are not anamorphic but spherical, which gives a spherical bokeh and is a much cheaper lens design.
4. Lens Type Comparison
The Sirui Venus 100mm T2.9 1.6x - Sony E is a Prime lens while the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is a Zoom lens. Whether or not a zoom lens or a prime lens is what you need, is up to you to decide; they both have their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
5. Stabilization Comparison
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS features built-in image stabilization and Sirui Venus 100mm T2.9 1.6x - Sony E does not. Depending on your shooting style, this may be a heavy factor to choose Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS instead of Sirui Venus 100mm T2.9 1.6x - Sony E.
Winner: Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Regarding image stabilization: When a lens features built-in stabilization, it will actively help you hold the image steady by adjusting the optical elements inside the lens to compensate for movements. Do remember that lens stabilization is not required, but it may be suitable depending on your specific needs.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Sirui Venus 100mm T2.9 1.6x Sony E and Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS:
| Sirui Venus 100mm T2.9 1.6x - Sony E | Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Sirui | Sony |
| Weight | Missing | 1395 g |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Focal Length | 100 mm | 100 - 400 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 2.9 | 4.5 - 5.6 |
| Anamorphic | Yes | No |
| Anamorphic Squeeze Factor | 1.6 | Missing |
| Minimum Focus Distance | Missing | 98 cm |
| Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Filter Thread Diameter | Missing | 77 |
| Aperture Blades | Missing | 9 |
| Lens Groups | Missing | 16 |
| Lens Elements | Missing | 22 |
| Image Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Autofocus | Missing | Evet |
| Macro | Missing | No |
| Weather Seal | Missing | Yes |
| Full Frame Coverage | Missing | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Missing | Yes |
| Stabilization Type | Missing | Sony Optical SteadyShot (OSS) |