Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS
Announced March 29, 2016
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS provides a versatile telephoto zoom range for full-frame E-mount cameras, delivering sharp imagery and reliable autofocus performance in a compact, weather-sealed build. That said, the lens carries a high price tag that some find difficult to justify given its variable aperture and occasional edge softness at longer focal lengths.
Weighted from 14 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast, quiet, and consistent autofocus performance
- Sharp image quality across the zoom range
- Sturdy, weather-resistant construction
- Effective optical image stabilization
- Useful close-focusing capabilities
Cons
- High price point relative to performance
- Heavy and bulky physical design
- Limited performance in low light due to narrow maximum aperture
- Softness at the edges when zoomed to 300mm
- Susceptibility to zoom creep
- Launch price $1,198 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
- Mount & coverage Sony E Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 90 cm (0.31x)
- Filter thread 72mm
- Autofocus motor linear actuator
- Weight & size 854g · 84 x 143.5 mm (3.31 x 5.65 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 14 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- OpticalLimits 6/10
[T]he lens is a bit expensive relative to its performance.
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The Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS fills an important gap in Sony’s FE lineup as it offers a high-quality mainstream telephoto-zoom lens option at a relatively approachable price tag.
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The Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens is a right choice for those looking for a relatively long range of telephoto focal lengths in a compact package with a moderate price tag.
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This Sony lens can potentially get you very good quality, detailed images if used within its limitations, but at an alarming cost of over 1,000, it's badly overpriced. And so, because of its poor value for money, I can't quite bring myself to recommend it.
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The lens fills a real need in the Sony full frame E mount range. Handling is excellent, performance is very good throughout, albeit tailing off at the edges as we zoom in.
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The Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS makes a solid case for itself by offering a useful focal range incorporating the longest reach of any E-mount lens, and all in a relatively compact package.
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The Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS is a solid telezoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, but a narrow aperture limits use in dim light.
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The Sony 70-300mm G lens is a very good option, and at the time of writing, the only one really.
- Photo Review 8.7/10
There’s no doubting Sony’s FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS lens is a good performer, regardless of which E-mount camera you fit it to. It fills an important gap in the company’s range and delivered excellent performance in our tests.
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All right guys, so the bottom line for the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens is I loved it. It was fun and easy to use.
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This Sony 70-300mm is a great lens, arguably Sony's best general-purpose full-frame telephoto. It's well-made with great optics that handles and performs superbly.
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The Sony 70 to 300 is a great lens to use, especially if you're thinking about using it for sports, wildlife, nature, photography.
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[T]his is a great versatile lens for a hobbyist or a beginner with some coin.
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For those of you who use the Sony E-mount system, if you're willing to compromise on some downsides of the aperture, then I would recommend this lens for those of you that are in the market for one.
