Sony SAL70400G 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens

by Sony

• Aperture (Max.) - f/22
• Aperture (Min.) - f/32
• Aspheric Elements - 0(0 surface)
• Blades - 9 aperture blades
• Focal Length - 70-400mm

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13.4 x 6.5 x 6 inches ; 5.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B001FORGMK
• Item model number: SAL70400G
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 18, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The SAL70400G lens is a 5.7x super telephoto zoom lens and the latest addition to Sony’s G-series line of premium lenses. Designed to deliver extremely sharp descriptive performance across its wide focal length range, it is ideally suited for sports, action and wildlife photography.

Constructed of 18 elements in 12 groups, it includes two extra-low dispersion glass lenses for high contrast, sharp details, and exceptional center-to-edge resolution with minimal chromatic aberration. A circular aperture with nine diaphragm blades is utilized to achieve natural, aesthetically-pleasing de-focusing effects.

With a minimum focus distance of 1.5m and maximum magnification of 0.27x, the lens delivers best-in-class performance. Like the SAL1635ZA lens, focus drive is provided by its SSM system, which offers the speed and rotational precision often required for telephoto shooting. Additionally, the lens has an internal focusing system for faster auto focusing.

A focus-mode/range switch and three focus-hold buttons have been added to the lens barrel for enhanced operability.

When attached to the flagship a900 camera body, the AF hold buttons can be customized to activate the intelligent preview function.

Product Description

Sony System 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I really love this lens June 12, 2010

By N Doxey

I have owned this lens for nearly a year and use it mainly for shooting landscapes, wildlife and birding. I love the 70-400mm range. I use with both an A300 and A700 camera. There is a definite performance difference between the two camera bodies. The lens is much more responsive on the A700 for moving subjects (try panning a bird going by at 30 mph with quick changes in vertical pitch). Focus is not an issue if I obtain focus on the subject zoomed out and then move in. You cannot get quick focus on a different moving subject when zoomed in. The picture quality is very good with sharpness, color and boken. I believe that most of my missed shots with the lens are my fault. The photographer's skills in using equipment is far more important than specific features of the equipment anyway.

I use a monopod but have good results shooting from the hip so to speak by holding the lens body with only my hands. I was in Yellowstone National Park recently and a person walked up to me and asked me how I could use the lens without a tripod and the answer is because it is attached to a Sony body. The Sony Super Steady image stabilization system works great.

Since I use the lens outside so much, including the winter months, I do not like the silver finish because it is not durable. I would rather have a durable black finish than could take a few bumps without incidents and so wildlife cannot spot me easily. I am very unhappy that the lens does not have a lens lock. I use a holster type bag that I modified myself so the I can protect the lens between shots while keeping the lens hood attached. As I lift the camera out of the bag vertically is a pain since the lens will extend due to gravity.

Overall, I have taken some wonderful pictures with this lens and will use it as long as I have a desire to capture moments among God's beautiful creations.

Update: I have used this lens for another year and remain very pleased. I use a Sony a55 with a Zeiss 16-80mm and this lens with a Sony a700. With this combination I am completely covered for any focal distance. The color, contrast and sharpness is great. I do not mind carrying all of this around because the IQ is worth it. This lens makes either of these camera bodies shine when a long focal length is required. The 70-400mm G autofocus works fine with the Sony a55. Sony image stabilization rocks. I can go to 1/10 sec handheld (when needed) and still get sharp pictures. I only use a tripod for night pictures.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice lens November 21, 2009

By S. Paradise

Amazon Verified Purchase

Have owned many lenses of this focal length . Namely the Nikon 80-400mm, Canon 100-400mm , etc and I have to say the Sony is a fine lens . Fast and very quiet AF. Very sharp for a lens in this focal range.Build quality is top notch. The focus limiter is a great help when in low light as all these type lenses hunt a bit in difficult light.Some have a problem with the silver finish on the lens but I thought it looked cool plus is reflective which prevents the lens from getting too warm in sunshine.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Budget Sports Shooters Dream May 22, 2009

By Joseph

I have been using this lens for the past three weeks. Mostly to shoot local league Rugby, Soccer, and Baseball. Let me say up front, if you do not have a monopod get one now. The total weight of a A700 and this lens is about 4.5 pounds. If you include the A700 grip you are lugging around about 6 pounds of gear. For the images you get its is well worth it the weight. For the bang for the buck this has got to be the best Sony lens out there. With the 1.5x crop factor on most of the Sony DLSR's (only the A900 is full frame) this becomes an effective 105-600mm zoom. It's used mostly at the 400mm (equivalent) setting and my shots are tack sharp even wide open. Since I use this mostly for sports I keep the camera is in shutter priority setting, usually at 1/1000 or 1/800 of a second. Focusing seems a bit faster with the built in SSM as opposed to the screw drive on the other lenses but not much different. Because the SSM uses a bit of battery power you will experience fewer shots per charge. The only negative about this lens is that when zoomed the lens does extend quite a bit. I had hoped that it's length remained the same throughout the zoom range as my Tamron 70-200 F2.8 does. But this is a small quibble when you factor in the image resolution and very fair price for a premium lens. Another plus, the silver finish really looks great. It really stands out nicely when I'm in the press box with the Canikon crowd.