Sony SAL70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SSM ED G-Series Compact Super Telephoto Zoom Lens from Digital Camera Showroom

The Sony G-Series 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens is a brilliant performer for a wide range of medium-distance and long shots, with SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) design for fast, silent auto-focus, ED glass to virtually eliminate chromatic aberration, focus hold button and more. Minimum focusing distance of about 4 feet (1.2m) lets you move in close to your subject?and even at full zoom extension it captures sharp, clear images thanks to the benefit of Super SteadyShot(R) image stabilization built into every Sony system DSLR. If this lens were used with a 35mm SLR, its focal length would be comparable to 105 to 450mm. 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 Multi-Element Design with Internal Focusing

Sony SAL70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SSM ED G-Series ...- User Rating:
Summary for Sony SAL70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SSM ED G-Series ...- A Home Run
Notes on Sony SAL70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SSM ED G-Series ...- Sony has hit a home run with this first G lens to be introduced since Minolta withdrew from the camera market. The lens is lightweight enough that it's easy to carry - much lighter and more compact than the Sony 70-200 f2.8. Also, the 70-300 more useful than the 70-200 when a longer focal length is needed. But the 70-200 is more useful in low light where the f4.5 to f5.6 aperture of the 70-300 is too small.

Although the 70-300 is larger and heavier than the Minolta 100-300 f4.5-5.6 APO, the extra size and weight are justified by the superior image sharpness and build quality that one obtains from a G lens. I have measured the sharpness of both the 70-300 and the 100-300 using the Imatest lens test software. The 70-300 is sharper than the 100-300, particularly at f4.5 and f5.6. However, the 70-300 does exhibit a minor amount of chromatic aberration, whereas the 100-300 does not.

The 70-300 makes a great travel companion for the Zeiss 24-70 f2.8. The SSM focusing motor is fast and quiet. My only minor complaint about this lens is that I would have preferred to see all metal construction instead of plastic, and for this reason I've awarded it 4 stars instead of 5.

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Sony SAL70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SSM ED G-Series ...- User Rating:
Summary for Sony SAL70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SSM ED G-Series ...- great lens
Notes on Sony SAL70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SSM ED G-Series ...- i used the "Tamron AF70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Lens" . it was a big disappointment.
i thought the G series is expensive, compared to other Sony lenses, but I still got it.
The SAL70300G is amazing. I used it extensively in wildlife shooting on A700, and the results were great.
its absolutely silent (which is not a luxury when you do not want to scare an animal away), fast (animals will not wait for your focus) and sharp (a must).
But, it was slow in focussing around sunrise and sunset times in the shadows.
I believe that cheaper alternatives are a big waste of money.

conclusion: strongly recommend it

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Sony SAL70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SSM ED G-Series ...- User Rating:
Summary for Sony SAL70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SSM ED G-Series ...- Sony SAL300G Tele Lens
Notes on Sony SAL70300G 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SSM ED G-Series ...- I purchased this lens to upgrade from the SAL75300, and what an upgrade it is! I was happy with the SAL75300, but felt the focus could be faster. The 'G' lens with SSM drive is VERY fast, And silent. I've only had the 'G' for a few days, but I used it at a water polo tourney and every shot was a keeper. Super sharp, well saturated colors, and everything else you could ask for from a 'G' series lens. A real winner with the A700 body.

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