Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II Lens Review

The Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II is a high quality 70-300mm zoom lens for both full frame and APS-C interchangeable mirrorless cameras. When mounted on the APS-C bodies it will give an equivalent field of view to a 105-400mm lens on a full frame body.

This lens is often compared with the older 70-200mm f/4 lens and looking at the overall ratings for both lenses the 70-200mm wins with an overall rating of 4.71 (based on 511 reviews) vs the newer 70-300mm lens having 4.57 out of 5 stars (based on 325 reviews). The Advantages of the 70-200mm are the constant f/4 aperture and the removable tripod mount while the advantage of the 70-300mm lens is the slightly smaller/lighter size and the extra 100mm of telephoto reach.

Pricing*

• Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II - $1149.99

*Pricing from Manufacturer's website - Current selling price may be different.

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What I Like

Image Stabilization
Lens Hood Included
Excellent Image Quality

What I Don't Like

Price
Size
72mm filter thread (most 70-300mm lenses feature a 67mm or smaller filter thread)

The Bottom Line

Overall this is an excellent lens. It offers better image and build quality than your typical consumer 70-300mm zoom lens. Canon is the only other manufacturer to make a pro grade 70-300mm lens and this lens is pretty close to matching the Canon.

This lens (as well as the 70-200mm f/4) pairs well with the 16-35mm f/4 on full frame bodies – especially since both lenses take a 72mm filter. Throw in the 50mm f/1.8 for low-light and general purpose shooting and you have a very good 3-lens kit. On APS-C bodies this lens compliments either the 16-70mm f/4 Zeiss or the newer 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6. Throw in a 10-18mm and you have an excellent 3-lens zoom kit that goes from 10mm (15mm equivalent) to 450mm.

The real question becomes should you get this lens or the 70-200mm f/4 lens? While the 70-200mm lens is a little bit better overall in the ratings, if you need more reach or want a smaller/lighter lens then the Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II is a great option and should be strongly considered. If you need the faster f/4 constant aperture and don’t mind the extra cost, weight and bulk, then the 70-200mm f/4 lens is the lens for you.