Sony SAL-300F28G G Series 300mm f/2.8 Super Telephoto Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera
by Sony
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SonyRelease Date: 2006-09-20
Model: SAL300F28G
Product features:
- G Series 300mm f2.8 G super telephoto lens for long-shot precision and crisp portraits, even in low light
- SSM (Super Sonic Wave Motor) for fast autofocus; fast internal focusing--lens length does not change
- 2 DMF (Direct Manual Focus) modes
- Electronic slider focus range selector switch; versatile focus hold with 4 buttons on lens
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony SAL-300F28G G Series 300mm f/2.8 Super Telephoto Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera
Customer Review: The best lens in the Alpha line, and maybe the best in the world!
Summary: 5 Stars
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...
Description of Sony SAL-300F28G G Series 300mm f/2.8 Super Telephoto Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera
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.
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