Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens
The SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens is a medium-to-long telephoto lens that employs supersonic-wave motor (SSM) technology for quieter, smoother AF operation. This G-Series zoom lens covers a broad range of frequent telephoto shooting situations. The equivalent focal length in 35mm terms for this lens is 105-450mm.
With a full range of functions geared to the professional photographer, this lens provides sharp, color-shift-free images across the entire film area at all apertures. High-quality multi-coatings increase transmittance and reduce flare to preserve contrast.
- SSM (Super Sonic Wave Motor)
- Designed for fast, smooth, silent automatic focusing. It achieves high torque at low speed with rapid start/stop response and incorporates a piezoelectric device to reshape itself quickly when voltage is applied.
- ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass
- Because light of different wavelength (or color) bends at different angles when it passes through a lens, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass is used to eliminate chromatic aberration by correcting certain wavelengths of light for sharp, clear images with well defined colors.
- Focus-Range Limit
- For creative control and image preview, a focus hold button conveniently located on the lens barrel lets you firmly lock in focus, and a focus range limiter can be set to speed auto-focus response.
- Focus Hold Button
- For creative control and image preview, a focus hold button conveniently located on the lens barrel lets you firmly lock in focus, and a focus range limiter can be set to speed auto-focus response.
- Smooth Manual Focusing
- An easy-grip focus ring on the lens barrel gives you a solid "hands-on" feel in manual focusing.
- Circular Aperture
- Because the aperture blades form a near circle at the wide openings used for low-light shots, spot-light sources have a pleasing circular defocused effect.
- Compact Design, All-Around Versatility
- This 70-300mm zoom lens is a wide-range, medium- to long-distance telephoto. Its lightweight design lets you leave it on-camera or carry it easily as an accessory lens.
- Short Minimum Focusing Distance
- With the ability to focus as closely as 4 feet (1.2 m), this telephoto lens also lets you move in for dramatic shots of people, natural subjects and close-up details.
- Multi-Element Design With Internal Focusing
- The SAL-70300G is designed with 16 lens elements in 11 groups, with internal focusing so the balance of your camera never changes.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
70 - 300 mm Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 105 - 450 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4.5 - 5.6 Minimum: f/32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Sony Alpha, Minolta AF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor DSLR (APS-C Sensor) |
| Angle of View | 34° - 8° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.0' (1.22 m) |
| Magnification | 0.25x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4 |
| Groups/Elements | 11/16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 62 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.25 x 5.33" (8.26 x 13.54 cm) |
| Weight | 1.76 lb (800 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 45 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (46)
- Strong construction (31)
- Consistent output (25)
- Durable (25)
- Easily interchangeable (20)
Cons
- Heavy (11)
- Lens creep (3)
- Slow focus (3)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (31)
- Wildlife photos (24)
- Landscape/scenery (19)
- Wildlife (13)
- General purpose (9)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (18), Enthusiast (9), Semi-professional (7), Semi-pro photographer (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (18)
Most Liked Positive Review
Blown away
I expected the lens to outperform the standard 75-300 lens and my 28-300 Tamron. I expected better sharpness and contrast, less chromatic aberration, and a faster and more accurate autofocus. I ...Read complete review
I expected the lens to outperform the standard 75-300 lens and my 28-300 Tamron. I expected better sharpness and contrast, less chromatic aberration, and a faster and more accurate autofocus. I got what I expected and much more. I have been absolutely blown away by the quality photos this has taken. Color saturation is 100% perfect. It beats even my CZ 16-80, hands down. Build is pretty large, bigger and heavier than the 75-300. That's mostly because of the SSM zoom. I saw another reviewer complain that it was slow - well, I don't know if he's used other lenses of this length, but I'd hardly call it slow. It does hunt in very low light, but that's what the switch to limit its range from 3m to infinity is for. I think it's very fast, and amazingly accurate. The bokeh is also incredible, especially at 300m. It works well with the Sony SSS, and I'm able to handhold it and get great detail even on indoor shots when combined with my A700. All in all, I think you'll be very happy with this lens. If not, return it for a full refund. Only complaints are: 1) there is a tiny bit of lens creep, 2) lens hood is deep, making use of a circular polarizer quite challenging; and 3) lack of compatibility - do be aware that it doesn't work with a teleconverter or full frame.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not totaly what I expected
Seems very slow to focus in auto. perhaps more experience with lens will rectify this problem
Seems very slow to focus in auto. perhaps more experience with lens will rectify this problem
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 45 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
Using the lens I was able to capture hummingbirds and pictures at a recent Air show. The clarity and detail are great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
It's a great lens, a little heavy but worth what you pay for. You have to put ND filters or 81A to perform better and performance.
I recommend this lens, is very successful for Sony. Congratulations.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
- Very Sharp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
I use this lens for bird photography. In adequate light it is a fast-focussing lens and is sharp as expected from a Sony G lens. It has lived up to my expectations- good contrast, good focus out to the corners, and seems very solidly built.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Great IQ
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
- Super fast AF
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
IQ is like watching HD compared to Reg. TV.
AF is Fast & Quiet
Not overly heavy. Has a real good feal to it and looks great on my a700.
As long as your not looking to shoot in real low light conditions the lens is well worth the money!
My other lens thats on my a700 90% of the time is the 16-80z Lens and the 70-300G Lens is just as Sharp. I couldn't be more happy with the Lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
Use it often out in the city, compared to the 75-300 Sony lens, this lens is a big upgrade and the difference is worth it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
I really enjoy this lens. While heavier than its 100-300 counterpart it is definetly quite a step up. I used it at spring training games this season and got great shots. My tests show better color rendition than my 100-300. This will definetly help with my wildlife photos this summer. Fast and quiet autofocus are much improved over the 100-300, and I really like the focus limiter feature. The lens hood makes this a fairly conspicuous lens but I can live with that for the performance. I considered a 70-200 f4, but am glad I chose this for the extra reach. It pairs perfectly with the zeiss 16-80 as they use the same filters. Both are equally sharp.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
This lens will give you near-prime quality over a remarkable range of focal lengths. Fast focus, silent operation, and superb optics make this lens a winner.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
Great pics, great color, great sharpness. I heard grumblings about focus speed, but I'm not seeing that at all. Focuses as fast as any other lens I have. extremely quiet.
I sure would like to have another stop or two though. It would be worth an extra $200 and make low light stuff much better. Regardless, this lens is worth the cost. buy it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Huge lens hood
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
Wildlife, Outdoor Landscape Compression, Macro Like Shots.
This lens possesses superb bokeh, sharpness, contrast and of course fast accurate focusing with the SSM motor on board.
What's not to like, it's solid as a rock and nicely balanced. The hood is a bit overwhelming but you get used to it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
I use this lens mostly for outdoor photography. It is great for sports and wildlife. The images are sharp and the lens is quick to focus.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
Just upgraded from an older cheaper Minolta lens with the same zoom; the motor on the new lens is totally quiet, whereas the old one was noisy; the sharpness of the images of the new lens is much better than the old.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
Amazing telezoom!
Good build, contrast & sharp!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
Good build, sharp, colors and contrast. This lens provides full advantage to replace the Sony kit 75-300
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
I use this mostly for sports shot of the kids. Fast, accurate focus. Works great on my SLT-A55. Nice sharp images.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
I always buy my photo equipments here at B&H. They are the best store!!!
This is an excellent performing lens with just the right price. The bokeh is second to none. The SSM AF is super quiet and fast. This is a very sharp lens and highly recommended. I just wish it has a constant aperture of f4.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
I like nature and photograph birds,bugs,mushrooms and flowers. I had been useing the Sony 75-300 kit lens which was noisy and slow to focus. The 70-300G lens is silent and acquires focus almost instantly.I no longer have purple fringing on my bird shots. I love this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
I use this lens for scenery and landscape. It is very sharp and clear with excellent color, and contrast thru the entire focal length of the lens. Focus is very quiet and very fast. It is a little heavy but the pluses of this lens outweigh the weight. I would recommend it to anyone.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
I use this SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens for most of my outdoor photography.
Easy to use
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
The lens is quick focusing and very sharp.
The only con is that it is a little heavy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Sony SAL-70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G SSM Autofocus Lens:
LENS IS A FANTASTIC, worth every penny, is a bit heavy, but worth it. IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. AND WITH THE 18-85 MM, is the perfect companion.
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What's in the Box
- Front & Rear Lens Caps
- SH0010 Lens Hood
- Lens Pouch
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