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Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM II Lens

BH #SO7030045Q • MFR #SAL70300G2
12 reviews
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Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM II Lens
Key Features
  • A-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/4.5-5.6 to f/22-29
  • One Extra-Low Dispersion Element
  • Nano AR Coating
Benefitting from an enhanced AF algorithm and a newly implemented Nano AR coating, this 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM II Lens from Sony is able to deliver improved performance in a wide range of applications. Offering excellent reach with full-frame A-mount cameras, the lens also uses a variable f/4.5-5.6 aperture to keep weight and size down for added comfort while shooting. Ensuring maximum image quality, the lens features an extra-low dispersion element that helps reduce aberrations and increase contrast throughout the zoom range.
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Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM II Overview

Benefitting from an enhanced AF algorithm and a newly implemented Nano AR coating, this 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM II Lens from Sony is able to deliver improved performance in a wide range of applications. Offering excellent reach with full-frame A-mount cameras, the lens also uses a variable f/4.5-5.6 aperture to keep weight and size down for added comfort while shooting. Ensuring maximum image quality, the lens features an extra-low dispersion element that helps reduce aberrations and increase contrast throughout the zoom range.

Handling and operation has been improved with a dust and moisture-resistant construction along with the fast and responsive Super Sonic wave AF Motor (SSM) that benefits from a rear focus design. Furthermore, the lens barrel offers a focus hold button and electronic focus range limiter for improved tactile control over certain functions while shooting. Additionally, it offers a minimum focus distance of 3.9' and has a nine-blade circular diaphragm for smooth bokeh.

A telephoto zoom designed for full-frame A-mount cameras, the 70-300mm can also be used on APS-C camera systems where it will provide a 105-450mm equivalent focal length.
A variable f/4.5-5.6 maximum aperture helps ensure the overall size and weight of the lens is kept to a minimum while still providing good light-gathering potential and the ability to capture images with shallow depth of field.
One extra-low dispersion glass element is featured in the lens design to help reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing for improved clarity and color neutrality.
A Nano AR Coating has been applied to reduce surface reflections, flare, and ghosting for increased contrast and color rendering in strong lighting conditions.
An SSM autofocus system with an enhanced algorithm combined with a rear focus mechanism provides quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance and also contributes to more natural, intuitive manual focus control. The lens also features a minimum focus distance of 3.9' for achieving a 0.25x magnification.
An electronic focus range limiter switch allows you constrain the usable focus range between a set limited range or full for improving focus speed, and a focus hold button is also featured to manually stop the autofocus at a specified point.
Dust and weather-sealed construction benefits using the lens in inclement shooting conditions.
Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality when employing selective focus techniques.

Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM IISpecs

Key Specs
Focal Length
70 to 300mm
Maximum Aperture
f/4.5 to 5.6
Lens Mount
Sony A
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
62 mm (Front)
Maximum Aperture
f/4.5 to 5.6
Minimum Aperture
f/22 to 29
Lens Mount
Sony A
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
34° to 8° 10'
Minimum Focus Distance
3.94' / 1.2 m
Maximum Magnification
0.25x
Optical Design
16 Elements in 11 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
9, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
No
Filter Size
62 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
3.25 x 5.33" / 82.5 x 135.5 mm
Length at Maximum Extension
7.72" / 196 mm
Weight
1.65 lb / 750 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.955 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
13.4 x 5.1 x 5.05"

Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM II Reviews

Lens quality over the test of time.

By June
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2020-06-10

I bought the original G series lens 9 or 10 years ago. I have since upgraded to a Sony E mount camera and bought the e mount converter. I still use this lens nearly every day. I have dropped it, banged it and have a few scratches but I still get delighted at the photos I am getting for wildlife and nature shots. This is a great lens that lasts and is still a great purchase.

Best lens in my bag

By Dan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-10-30

This lens impressed me as being a solid, lightweight lens right out of the box. I use it with an A900 so every ounce counts. (A900 users know what I mean.) I have been to nearby Cades Cove and shot about 200 photos thus far. It is great for wildlife because the focus is so quick and quiet. The focal length of 70-300 is great for shooting in forests where there is usually no need for a 500-600 fixed lens. I love it!

Love B & H

By Bill
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-08-23

This is a wonderful lens. The SSMII is so quiet that by the time you bring the viewfinder to your face the lens has silently focused and is ready for the shot! I plan to use this for airshows and I think it is just the right combination of length (300mm) and speed. The focus limiter is a big plus also! A great lens and a great experience with B & H.

This is the tank

By Londo
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2016-03-14

Some people say a lense is built like a tank, well this is the tank. If all Sonys G lenses are built like this bless you Sony. On a crop sensor camera like my Sony a77ii the 300mm is actually 450mm. Yes you need a tripod. Heavy but I knew that when I ordered it. Beautiful bokeh, I am going to love this lense.

Second time's a charm

By Cortney
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2016-03-09

I had to return the first lens due to it being soft at 300 mm. Even micro-adjusting my NEX 7 would not improve the focus. The replacement lens is perfect, sharp from 70 to 300 mm. It works well with the Sony LAEA4 adapter. The focus is fast enough for birds flying (I use continuous auto focus). I just wish the magnified DMF worked with the adapter.

Great lense!

By Anonymous
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2016-01-04

Great lense, sharp pictures and fast focus. Thanks B&H

WOW

By Michael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2018-06-20

I have the Tamron 70-30mm, which is a fantastic lens for the money you pay, but is soft at 300MM, the Sony 70-300MM just blew me away at 300MM, simply Amazing. This picture was shot in JPEG, with very little editing, at 300MM.

Best Value Telephoto Zoom for the A-mount

By Srinivas
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2018-02-04

The lens is built well, has a very silent autofocus motor and has very good bokeh between 250-300mm range. I shoot mostly at 85mm or below and was looking at a telephoto zoom on the rare occasion when I may need the extra reach. After researching this lens, the 70-200mm 2.8 and the 70-200mm f4 for the E-mount. I decided on the 70-300mm because it was sharper across the frame unlike the 70-200 A-mount which was sharp in the centers and softer in the corners. The E-mount 70-200mm f4 is a very good lens too, but I have always felt Tele Zoom lenses looked funny on the small E-mount bodies. Overall a great value zoom lens for the A-mount. However, you will need good light for the lens to really excel, because of the 5.6 aperture.

See any errors on this page? Let us know

Does this lens can be used on Sony a99?

Does this lens can be used on Sony a99?
Asked by: Tan
Yes I use it on my Sony A99 and my Sony A99 II
Answered by: Michael
Date published: 2020-12-21

How does this lens compare w/Carl Zeiss T* ...

How does this lens compare w/Carl Zeiss T* lenses?
Asked by: Tracey
We would need to examine identical specification lenses to make the assessment. We cannot compare one specific lens against a group of lenses. If you look, you will see Sony only lenses tend to have longer zoom ranges, lower f/stops and prices. With the Sony Zeiss T*, you find the lenses have a limited zoom range, higher f/stops and prices. If you were to shoot identical scenes with identical mm and apertures, you will be hard pressed to see the difference. However, in time you will see the difference in image and build quality of the T* lenses. When it comes to higher quality gear, usually you know when you need it.
Answered by: Dennis A
Date published: 2018-11-13

question

Can it be mounted directly on my Nex 7 Sony Mirrorless camera, which I believe is an alpha mount camera?
Asked by: Anonymous
According to Sony's specifications it will. Sony lists the Nex-7 as having a standard A-mount lens base, in which case it will work. I use it on a Sony SLT-a99, as well as a Sony A580, and it will also work on any Minolta, Konica Minolta AF cameras.I don't know if the Nex-7 is a full frame or not, but the lens should work in either case since it has the A mount base. As you know, the focal length will be different if it is not a full frame camera. Any of the helpful people at B & H will assist you if needed. I believe it would be in the 105-450mm range if using a C size sensor. It's a wonderful lens and I highly recommend it. Fast and accurate focusing, and very quiet. Steve
Answered by: WILLIAM W.
Date published: 2018-08-25

When mounted on a tripod with the LAEA3 adapter, ...

When mounted on a tripod with the LAEA3 adapter, will it potentially damage the camera mount?
Asked by: Curtis
When using the Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G SSM II Lens with the Sony A-Mount to E-Mount Lens Adapter there will NOT be any damage to the camera mount.
Answered by: Lawrence
Date published: 2019-05-17

Is the zoom ring the outer ring?

Is the zoom ring the outer ring?
Asked by: James
Hi James, you are correct the zoom ring is the outer ring (the one closest to the front glass).
Answered by: SonyListens
Date published: 2019-01-29

question

Hello, would that be a good telephoto option for my a7? I'm also looking also at a used Sony 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G (<a href= http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801176881-USE/sony_sal70300g_70_300mm_f_4_5_5_6g_telephoto_zoom.html target= _blank >http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801176881-USE/sony_sal70300g_70_300mm_f_4_5_5_6g_telephoto_zoom.html</a>). What are the differences between MarkI and MarkII? If I choose to go with the LAEA3 adapter for my A7 will i be able to retain a relatively slow contrast auto-focus or no auto focus at all? Many reviewers contredict on this aspect. I guess it depends on the lens used with the adapter. Could anyone confirm that?How are your lenses rated? is a 8 good? I mean I don't care much about esthetics, but the glass must be neat.Thanks for answering my questions
Asked by: Anonymous
No, that lens is an Alpha lens mount and the Sony A7 needs a full frame NEX 7 lens. This would be the best lens to get.Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Lens . B&H # SO2424035 MFR # SEL24240
Answered by: Robert K.
Date published: 2018-08-25

question

Will this lens work with the A73?
Asked by: Anonymous
You will need an A-mount to E-mount adapter like the LAEA3.
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2018-10-24

question

I woud like to know if the 70-300 G SSM II lens on a SONY A is compatible and works in Autofocus with a Teleconverter 1.4 Kenko
Asked by: LUIS G T.
Hi Luis! There's no Sony teleconverter for this lens. Sony can't guarantee 100% compatibility/functionality of this lens with 3rd party teleconverters. -Anthony
Answered by: Sony Support Sony Expert
Date published: 2018-08-25
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