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amazon Sony FE 70-300 f4.5-5.6 G OSS reviews
With the arrival of the Sony FE 70-300mm f / 4.5-5.6 G OSS, this is the first time that the E (or FE) mounts a lens with a focal length of up to 300mm. Not to stop there, with four aspherical lenses, two low-dispersion (ED) lenses add up to Sony’s Nano AR coating, which promises to produce high quality images, minimizing the aberrations, distortion and so on In addition, the Sony FE 70-300mm f / 4.5-5.6G OSS is also designed to be perfectly compatible or not to say it works perfectly with high-resolution cameras such as the A7R, A7R II.
Another interesting feature of this lens is the ability to focus very close to just 90cm and a magnification of 0.31x, which is not a bad choice if you want to have macro shots. In addition, a very important element in a telephoto lens, especially the two-lensed is the ability to withstand shake and the OSS mark on the lens shows that the feature has been included on 75-300mm f / 4.5-5.6.
where can you get a Sony FE 70-300 f4.5-5.6 G OSS online
Sony FE 70-300mm SEL70300G F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens: Buy it now
Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS Full-frame E-Mount Lens (SEL70300G) + 64GB Ultimate Filter & Flash Photography Bundle: Buy it now
Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS E-Mount NEX Camera Lens – Bundle With 72mm Filter Kit, Cleaning Kit, Lens Wrap (19×19), Lenscap Leash, Software Package: Buy it now
Sony FE 70-300mm SEL70300G F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens (SD Card Bundle): Buy it now
Optical Performance
The Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens features a sophisticated optical design, including 16 elements in 13 groups. This includes four aspherical elements and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, which help to reduce chromatic aberrations and distortions, ensuring sharp and clear images throughout the zoom range.
Sharpness and Resolution
The lens delivers impressive sharpness, particularly in the center of the frame, throughout its focal range. At the wide end (70mm), the lens is exceptionally sharp from corner to corner, even at the maximum aperture of f/4.5. As the focal length increases, some slight softness can be observed, particularly at the extreme telephoto end (300mm) and wide-open aperture (f/5.6). However, stopping down to f/8 improves the sharpness noticeably across the frame.
Chromatic Aberration and Distortion
Thanks to the ED glass elements, chromatic aberrations are well-controlled, with minimal color fringing visible around high-contrast edges. Any minor chromatic aberration present is easily corrected in post-processing.
The lens exhibits a slight barrel distortion at the wide end, which transitions to negligible pincushion distortion as you zoom in. These distortions are minimal and can be corrected in-camera or during post-processing without significant image degradation.
Bokeh and Background Blur
While the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens does not have the fastest aperture, it is capable of producing pleasing background blur (bokeh), particularly when used at longer focal lengths and close focusing distances. The 9-blade circular aperture helps create smooth, rounded out-of-focus highlights, contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing bokeh. This feature is particularly beneficial for portrait and wildlife photography, where subject isolation is often desired.
Autofocus Performance
The autofocus system in the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens is powered by a linear motor, which provides fast, quiet, and accurate focusing. This makes the lens well-suited for both still photography and video recording. The AF performance is responsive, locking onto subjects quickly and accurately, even in challenging lighting conditions.
The lens also supports Sony’s Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave Motor (DDSSM) technology, which ensures smooth and precise focus control. This is particularly beneficial for video shooters, as it minimizes focus breathing and provides consistent focus transitions. The focus hold button can be customized through the camera menu to perform various functions, such as eye AF, which is particularly useful for portrait photography.
Optical SteadyShot (OSS) Image Stabilization
One of the standout features of the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens is its built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization. This technology compensates for camera shake, allowing photographers to shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds without compromising image sharpness. The OSS system is particularly beneficial when shooting at longer focal lengths, where even slight movements can result in noticeable blur.
The effectiveness of the OSS system can be seen in its ability to deliver sharp images at shutter speeds as low as 1/60th of a second at 300mm, which would typically require a much faster shutter speed to avoid blur. This feature enhances the lens’s versatility, making it suitable for low-light situations and providing greater creative control.
Usability and Handling
The Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens is designed with ease of use in mind. The zoom and focus rings are well-placed and easy to operate, even with gloves on. The lens extends during zooming, but the operation is smooth, and the balance of the lens remains manageable throughout the zoom range.
The lens mount is metal, adding to the overall durability, and the rubber gasket at the mount provides additional weather sealing. The tripod collar is not included, but the lens’s relatively light weight and built-in OSS make it possible to shoot handheld comfortably.
The minimum focusing distance of 0.9 meters (2.96 feet) and a maximum magnification of 0.31x make the lens suitable for close-up photography, although it does not qualify as a macro lens. This capability is useful for capturing detailed shots of smaller subjects, such as flowers and insects.
Compatibility and Versatility
As a full-frame lens, the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS is compatible with Sony’s A7 and A9 series cameras, as well as other E-mount bodies. On APS-C cameras, the lens provides an equivalent focal length range of 105-450mm, making it even more versatile for telephoto applications. This makes the lens a strong choice for users of both full-frame and APS-C Sony cameras, offering a long reach and consistent performance across the board.
The lens is versatile enough to be used in various photographic genres, including sports, wildlife, portrait, landscape, and even some close-up work. Its compact size and lightweight design make it a practical option for travel and outdoor photography, where carrying heavy gear can be cumbersome.
Image Quality Considerations
While the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens performs admirably in most situations, there are some image quality considerations to be aware of:
- Vignetting: Some vignetting is noticeable, particularly at the maximum aperture and at the longer end of the zoom range. This is relatively minor and can be corrected in post-processing or by stopping down the aperture.
- Flare and Ghosting: The lens is relatively resistant to flare and ghosting, thanks to Sony’s Nano AR coating, which reduces reflections and enhances contrast. However, shooting directly into strong light sources may still result in some ghosting artifacts.
- Aperture Range: With a variable aperture of f/4.5-5.6, the lens does not offer the low-light capabilities or shallow depth of field control of faster lenses. However, this trade-off allows for a more compact and lightweight design, making it more practical for handheld and extended use.
Comparison with Other Lenses
When considering the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens, it is essential to compare it with other options in the market to determine if it meets specific needs and preferences:
Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS is a shorter telephoto zoom lens with a constant f/4 aperture. It offers excellent sharpness and build quality, with a more compact design and a tripod collar included. However, it lacks the extended reach of the 70-300mm and may not be as versatile for subjects at greater distances. It is also generally more expensive.
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is a premium telephoto zoom lens that offers even greater reach and image quality. It features a faster autofocus system, superior optics, and a more robust build. However, it is significantly more expensive and heavier, making it less portable and more demanding to use for extended periods.
Third-Party Lenses
Several third-party manufacturers, such as Sigma and Tamron, offer telephoto zoom lenses for Sony E-mount cameras. These options may provide different focal ranges, features, and price points, offering alternatives depending on specific needs and budget considerations.
Conclusion
The Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS is a highly versatile and capable telephoto zoom lens that delivers excellent performance across a wide range of photographic applications. Its blend of solid build quality, advanced optical design, effective image stabilization, and user-friendly features make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit. While it may not match the absolute performance of more expensive, specialized telephoto lenses, it offers a compelling balance of quality and affordability.
Pros:
- Versatile 70-300mm focal range
- Excellent build quality with weather sealing
- Effective Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Good sharpness and optical performance
- Pleasing bokeh and background blur
Cons:
- Some vignetting and minor chromatic aberration
- Slight softness at the extreme telephoto end
- Variable aperture limits low-light performance
Final Verdict
The Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS is an outstanding choice for photographers looking for a reliable, high-quality telephoto zoom lens that can handle a wide variety of shooting scenarios. Its combination of performance, versatility, and value makes it a lens that can serve well in both amateur and professional contexts. Whether you’re capturing the subtle details of a landscape, the fast-paced action of a sporting event, or the intimate moments of a portrait, this lens is a worthy tool that won’t disappoint.