Sony SAL-300F28G G Series 300mm f/2.8 Super Telephoto Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 9.5 inches ; 5.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000G27GKY
• Item model number: SAL300F28G
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 18, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

For definitive long-shot precision and spectacular portraits even in low light, this professional G-Series lens raises the standard of DLSR performance. Its 35mm-equivalent 450mm focal length and ultra-bright f2.8 aperture combine for superb results in virtually any light--and its high-speed SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) autofocus is fast, accurate, and quiet.

Features:

• SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor): A built-in lens motor for faster automatic focusing with high torque at low speed, quick start/stop response, and quiet, smooth operation.
• ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass: Three precision ED glass lenses correct chromatic aberrations to provide extremely sharp telephoto images distant subjects as well as dramatic sports close-ups.
• Internal Focusing System: Internal lens elements move, so the overall length does not change--creating an autofocus zoom lens that doesn't affect the balance of your camera.
• 2 DMF (Direct Manual Focus) Modes: Allow you to quickly revert to Manual Focus by just turning the Manual Focus ring of the lens.
• Versatile Focus Hold: Four focus hold buttons in different lens locations, plus electronic slider focus range selector switch.
• Lightweight Design: A strong, light magnesium lens barrel makes shooting more comfortable even on long wildlife or sports assignments.

What's in the box:
Lens, front and rear lens cap, SH0012 petal lens hood, lens carrying case

Product Description

The brilliant long-distance lens with wide aperture and fast auto-focus response. For definitive long-shot precision and spectacular portraits even in low light, this professional G-Series lens raises the standard of DLSR performance. Its 35mm-equivalent 450mm focal length and ultra-bright f2.8 aperture combine for superb results in virtually any light -- and its high-speed SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) auto-focus is fast, accurate and quiet.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best lens in the Alpha line, and maybe the best in the world!, April 6, 2009

By 

Timtim - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sony SAL-300F28G G Series 300mm f/2.8 Super Telephoto Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera (Electronics)

Here is my preliminary review of this lens, as I also published on Dyxum website (with small modifications):

The pros are clear - very sharp (even wide open), fast AF, great colors and Bokeh (Minolta style), accessories (drop in CP filter). Definitely the best Sony lens - a combination of CZ-type sharpness with Minolta-type colors/Bokeh/feeling. I use it mainly with 1.4xTC and it works as good as without it.

The main con was also clear as soon as I got the lens - it is heavy! I used Minolta 400/4.5 and Minolta 300/2.8 HS (which is supposed to be as heavy as the Sony), but the Sony is much heavier. Even without the tripod collar. I don't have problem with holding the Minoltas, but with the Sony my hands are shaking. Actually I used it today for ~1.5 hours, and now, 3 hours after I am back, my left hand is still shaking. And I don't think I have Parkinson. Not yet...

The other cons are related to the structure of the lens. First time I used it, I took out the tripod collar. But I realized that I am pressing many buttons accidentally. When I tried to used it with the tripod collar (thinking that I can hold it from the collar), it was very uncomfortable and I couldn't have a good hold.
Another problem is the focus ring. It is big and nice to use when you want to use it, but it cannot be covered (like in Minolta lenses) and you can easily move it when you don't want to move it...


*** UPDATE ***
I used the lens a little more and I think I finally learned how to hold it. Now I can hold it without shaking. I just ignore my fear to press/move buttons/switches/focus ring and hold it in the most comfortable way for me (the back of the hand on the control panel with all the buttons and the fingers on the focus ring). I just need to remember to check from time to time that I press anything...
****


I also don't like the front "cap", which is actually more like a leather carrying case.
And the last complain - there is no dedicated protective filter for the front element (like in Minolta lenses). I heard that the front element is the protective glass, but even if it is true, I cannot replace it by myself. So if I have a scratch on the front element I need to send the lens for service.

Overall, it is a great lens! The image quality is amazing and makes all the cons irrelevant - if you want the best picture, this is the price you have to pay! I believe that most of my complains are because I am not used to the lens yet. I believe that after using it for a while, I will learn how to hold it in a way that my hands wil not shake and my fingers will not press the buttons. At least I want to believe it...