Sony AF 70-300 F4.5-5.6 G SSM reviews

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: shadowfax001 review date: May-15-13
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 75-300 SAL70200g SAL70400g
price paid:	799 USD
positive:	Overall sharpness Very nice colors/contrast Focal Range No too heavy Focus hold button SSM
negative:	Build quality (e.g. very plasticky) Rather "slow" lens No access window on lens hood Value at retail price
comment:	In good lighting this lens take beautiful shots on an A99. For example, a trip to the zoo and a beautiful summer's day will turn out nice pix (e.g. good colors, sharp) of animals, people, and flowers. Does not seem as sharp as the Sony's 70-400g — a lens that I no longer own. I'm not sure if it's head-over-tails better than Sony's much cheaper 75-300 economy telephoto. A $999 asking price, new seems a bit steep for a lens that is rather plasticky in nature and includes a lens hood with no access window (e.g. adjusting a polarizer). I'd feel better if this lens was priced at around $850.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: onehorseal review date: April-25-13
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	490GBP
positive:	Sharp through range. Well built
negative:	None so far
comment:	Bought new and has been on my camera 90% of the time.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: psychni review date: April-16-13
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL16-80 zeiss MINOLTA 24-85 3.5-4.5 Tamron SP 90 macro
price paid:	900 euro (new)
positive:	Fast AF Sharp Silent Full Frame
negative:	My copy micro adjusted to -6 with my A900
comment:	I took this lens together almost with my A700 with the vision to upgrade to Full Frame some time. This time arrived. Now I have a A900. I was happy but not as now. Because this lens saw the quality with the A900!! Now the AF is more accurate and really faster! Consider of course that (thanks to A900) micro adjust option my copy calibrated to -6 !! Highly recommended!!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: StuBlight review date: March-01-13
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 70-400 g
price paid:	$900 AUD
positive:
negative:
comment:	This is my goto lens for just about everything. It's relatively light, very crisp sharp lens on a a99. Auto focus is fast and accurate. Fantastic flare control . 4.5 min aperture is no problem on a99. It's still very fast. Surprisingly good portrait lens even compared with 85 and 135 primes. This lens should be in every kit bag. Especially for its reasonable price new.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: joestealthmode review date: October-03-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	85mm f/1.4 ZA 24mm f/2 ZA
price paid:	450 USD (used)
positive:	Very sharp SSM is quiet and fast! Brilliant, vibrant colors Inside focus ring
negative:	f/4.5-5.6 Made out of plastic 62mm filter
comment:	I got this open box used for $450 so I really can't complain. I am a person who loves prime lenses so Zoom lenses are a bit foreign to my style. I have a feeling I will be using this more at 70 and 300 than anything else. This is an ISO 400-800 lens unless it is a perfectly sunny day. The colors are magnificent, definitely worthy of the G designation. The lens is blazing fast to acquire and super quiet. I wish it was 2.8, but I can't complain as it was very inexpensive. I do like the short focus distance and I really like the inside focus ring. Can't wait to test on the A99. Updated on 10/12/2012 to reflect testing on A900. This lens is amazingly bright on the A900 and the background smoothing is quite nice, even at f/5.6 on the longer lengths. My favorite part about this lens is it is sharp wide open. Most zooms need to be stopped down to be sharp corner-to-corner and this lens delivers out of the gate. Updated on 1/4/2013 to reflect use on A99. I sold this lens in lieu of the Minolta 200mm f/2.8 HS APO. I just didn't use it as much as my other lenses. That being said, the lens served me well enough. Had it been AF-D enabled, it would have been harder for me to get rid of. The main reasons I got rid of the lens was the way it extended when it was zoomed out and the 62mm filter.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Flying Fossil review date: September-10-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 70-200mm G, Sony 70-400mm G
price paid:	800 (used)
positive:	Build, quiet SSM, Exc. Iq, Easier to handle than 70-400, more reach than 70-200, Full Frame or APS-C, works with tele converter.
negative:	None
comment:	Great lens on the A-580 and A77. Well balanced, quick to focus, easy to get sharp photos of still and or motion shots. Main use is for Soccer and birding but find that it is on my camera most of the time. Money well spent for a great outdoor lens that should last a long time. Big plus is that I bought this lens (used)?? however it was brand new unopened in the box.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Wingco review date: September-10-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100 Macro Minolta 100 300 Xi
price paid:	£599 new
positive:	Range Close focus distance Build quality SSM (near silent)
negative:	Length Lack of cpl adjust window
comment:	Another fantastic lens paired with my A77 and KM 5d it's difficult to fault, less sharp wide open and long with hood on and the lack of a window on the hood to adjust Cpl is a minor annoyance. As an aerospace engineer I have no concerns about the sensible use of composite materials to save weight. Well deserving of the G title. Have yet to test on my Dynax 7 film camera.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: StefB. review date: July-29-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SONY 70-400mm Minolta Big Beercan 75-300mm
price paid:	501 Euro (New)
positive:	- relatively lightweight and compact - Good range - Fast, silent and accurate AF.
negative:	All in plastic
comment:	I had the SONY 70-400mm. Even if this lens is very good, the 70-400 is very big and very heavy. That why I bought the 70-300mm. My big beercan was heaviest, very noisy, slow AF and strong CA. No regret.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: HiDesert review date: March-09-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF 100-300 F4.5-5.6
price paid:	$900
positive:	Very high image quality Well built SSM is great! Not too heavy
negative:	A bit slow BIG lens, especially with the hood in place No zoom lock
comment:	This is the most expensive lens I've ever owned, and it's worth it. The feel and build quality of the lens are great. No, it's not a metal body, and I don't care; it's very well built. It's heavy enough to help you hold it steady, but not so heavy that it needs a collar. The image quality is great. Very sharp all the time if you do your part, virtually no chromatic abberation; all the image quality one would expect from a G lens. I've gotten some very pleasing bokeh out of it, too. I love pulling this out of the bag.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Submariner review date: March-06-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 75-300 APO
price paid:	750 £ GBP
positive:	Build Very Quiet IQ and Colour SSM, DMF Excellent case incl Brilliantly packed Reasonably light Decent front lens size Bright Front Shutter Curtain Yes Fast Focus
negative:	Plastic Outer barrell Massive Hood Not weather sealed
comment:	Pros: It's very well made. Mine doesn't rattle when rotated. The IQ is very good for the price. And the colours seem very good. It's SSM, and Sony so no Sigma type issues. DMF is in the lens so no worries about turning the Focus ring at the wrong time. Sony confirmed you can turn the ring at any time with any setting [on or off] without damaging camera or lens [NB was refferring to on an A77 NB no legal responsibiity for this statement: just passing on what I was told. So do your own due diligence please]. Excellent case with it. Brilliantly packed so you know its not damaged on arrival. Reasonably light for what it is. Quite a decent front lens/filter size 62mm [seems a lot 'brighter' than the sigma] Cons: It's made of plastic [albeit a really high quality plastic]. Horrible Massive Hood, wish it was more discreet and not petal shaped[but it does the job, no flare, and fits nicelty and parks on the lens] A bit pricey at £850 RRP but then it works and takes beautiful pics. Not an expert but when you see the Sigma 70-300 APO for £188 on Amazon it makes you feel it's very expensive. But that doesn't support DMF, Lens ID, Flash ADI,Front Shutter Curtain [VIP IMO], Lens Comp [coming Ver 1.5 soon], AF Mico adjust [could be vital, mine was spot on so N/A]. So is it pricey maybe not [IQ is also better than Sigma IMO] Technically how good is it you need to ask someone experienced [sorry just don't know enough on how to compare images with graphs etc.] Summary it takes razor sharp pictures, focuses as fast as I need it to, is quiet can be used in video and is OK, seen others that are unacceptable, works brilliantly with the A77. It's also relatively compact and weight is ok, but with a A77 say sight seeing for an afternoon you'd want a bag.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: jrleo33 review date: February-27-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tamron 70-300 Di Sony Zeiss 16-80
price paid:	$849.00 USD (new)
positive:	(Sony a77) Fast and accurate auto-focus at all focal lengths right out of the box – Overall sharpness - Dazzling color rendition – well built and light for all day handling – Excellent overall image quality.
negative:	None
comment:	Comments: Based on the early reviews of the a77 and 16-50mm lens, I sold my a850 and 70-400mm lenses, and bought the new lighter combination. From the first JPEG fine, I knew this new camera and lens combo was something very special, and the reviews were accurate. I had a Sony Zeiss 16-80, that in combination with the a77 also was delivering terrific images. This review is about the Sony 70-300, so I intend to review the 16-50, and the 16-80 individually at a later time. I purchased a Tamron 70-300 Di for the use with the a77, and the images looked OK on the LCD, but when magnified, were an unacceptable blur, and the Tammy went back to the retailer. I had occasion in the past to use the Sony 70-300 G, so I bought one, and am content that the extra money was well spent. The sharpness and color saturation are discussed above, and I have not noticed any CA or flare as yet, and do not really think flare is an issue when using the Sony hood for the 70-300mm. The lens at F/4.5 is very sharp, however not a particularly fast lens, but then for “still photography,” this is an awesome lens. Whatever the Sony Engineers did to cram 24 megapixels into the APS-C sensor used in the a77 is not important to this user, only that the architecture works. What Sony has accomplished with the a77 is; that it has taken existing Sony lenses like the 70-300 G, and allow the existing optics to perform at a higher level. The same is true of the Sony 16-80mm Sony Zeiss. The “Smart Tele Converter” on the a77 also allows extending the focal length of the 70-300 G by either a 1.4X or a 2X factor. My initial tests show the 70-300 G is sharp enough to operate at these extreme focal lengths, however the skills of the photographer will be put to the test. The Sony 70-300 G, and the Sony Zeiss 16-80 both balance well on the a77, and have no weight issues. I will pack them both on vacations, simply because in combination, they cover a range of 16mm to 300mm, and both generate fantastic image quality.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Hols52 review date: February-12-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 16-50, Sony 70-400G, Sony 35mm 1.8
price paid:	£500
positive:	Sharpness, IQ, Speed of focusing, build
negative:	None
comment:	This lens is really good - no it is excellent! I managed to buy mine second hand - but came boxed and looks like new. Feel I got a real bargain. When I am out for photography often I rarely have the three zooms with me or if I know I am going to be out walking a lot then it will be this one and the 16-50. The 70-400G I tend to take out for "special" purposes - due to weight and tripod. Therefore this lens gets used far more than the 70-400G It's very sharp, great colours, I have not noticed any CA or flare, the auto focus is fast and accurate. On the A77 it balances very well and there is no weight issue - hence why I carry it around my neck so much. The build quality I think is also excellent, it feels very solid and well put together. To date I have not experienced any zoom creep at all, though there is very, very slight movement between the lens and body when attached - less than 70-400 but more than 16-50 ( I am guessing this is a size issue and the fact that so far I have only been using it in cold weather!) I find it is great for birds particularly BIF and it rarely hunts for the subject. But it is far more than a lens for wildlife or birds. I think it is an excellent all round lens and compliments the 16-50 so well. The IQ from both are totally comparable and I am not good enough to be able to tell or advice anyone which is better. The Bokeh on this I find more pleasing than on the 70-400 but that is simply personal preference I think. It comes with a hood which works very well and its own carrying case - both of which I like. I can see this lens alongside the 16-50 are going to give me years of pleasure and enjoyment. Love it.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: ChapelThrill23 review date: January-30-12
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	55-200
positive:	Excellent sharpness and overall image quality. Quiet. Well made.
negative:	Overpriced. AF is slow. Heavier than most lenses in its class. Drains the battery.
comment:	I like the lens but don't find it to be good value for money and wouldn't recommend it to others unless they get a good deal. The results it gives you are great and I do appreciate the SSM. It also feels very well made. There is no question that this is a good lens. That said it isn't a home-run. The auto-focus has always been slower than many of my other lenses on my A700. It is also larger than a lot of comprable lenses and is big for such a slow lens. The real problem is that my 55-200 gives results that are very close in quality for a fraction of the price. The 70-300 is an excellent lens but not at the inflated price it is at now. I find that I don't even use the 70-300G much anymore since purchasing the 55-200. I never thought i'd type that but its true.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: hp5 review date: December-04-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100-300 Apo
price paid:	1100
positive:
negative:
comment:	It's a great lens!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Snegren review date: November-16-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL 70-400 G SSM Sigma 70-300 APO DG
price paid:	800 EUR (new)
positive:	Everything. Well made, solid build, good AF, easy MF. beautiful images, but needs a stop down at 300 mm to peak.
negative:	70-400 big brother is so much sharper
comment:	Save up and get the 70-400 G SSM in stead. It weighs a lot more and is expensive, but the extra IQ and reach is worth it. The Sigma is cheaper, has Macro capabities and gave me a lot of good film images before the AF gear was stripped by my A700.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Leo Ferro review date: September-28-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	700 USD
positive:	Excelente en todo, un poco más veloz y seria PERFECTO!!
negative:	Diametro del Filtro!!
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: filipescu1007 review date: July-23-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	beercan/ big beercan
price paid:	550 EUR (new)
positive:	colors sharp no ca nice bokeh no flare silent SSM, fast and very good AF limiter and focus stop button reversed zoom/focus rings strong build despite plastic
negative:	aperture (if you're picky) zoom creep huge hood (but looks amazingly cool) drains battery unless you change your focusing settings
comment:	This lens is pretty much amazing. I had the chance to buy it second-hand but in an almost like new state. And I made a hell of a buy! I always have two lenses with me most of the time, and this is one of them. It's basically very sharp, great colors, virtually no CA whatsoever, no flare, the AF is great and silent, it does drain the battery unless you change a few things (such as the Eye-start AF) and use the limiter and focus stop button. If you want to use the MF, the reversed rings are smooth and actually very ergonomic. Some of the MF shots I took are purely stunning in IQ and sharpness. Nothing else comes closer to it, at least from what I tested so far. Besides, the bokeh is very pleasing and soft. It does come with a hood that looks like a bazooka but it can make you feel and look cool if that's what you're looking for. Otherwise just buy a rubber hood and you're good to go. The build, despite what some say, is actually very good. The lens feels solid and well build, nothing is out of place. The only negative thing that annoys me is the zoom creep. I had a few negative things to put in the negative section and all but this one have a mitigation. You can use a rubber wrist ring to hold it down, buy it black and you'll forget it's there. Overall, I would buy it all over again if I had to. It became my favorite lens, with the 50mm F/1.4. You can take a look at some shots with this lens here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/photographychronicles/ http://photographychronicles.wordpress.com/

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: cleinhungary review date: July-05-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:	Sharp
negative:
comment:	bought it at the same time as my alfa 550 december 2009. It is a good pair. It is a battery drainer, pictures are very sharp. Mostly used for shooting my kids when they are playing outdoors

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: linnmimik review date: June-28-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	70-300 sigma apomacro 70-300 minolta 100-300 minolta 16-105 sony tamron 90 macro 50mm f 1,8 sony
price paid:	400€ (used)
positive:	sharp fast silent focus Weight SSM solid build
negative:	Aperture
comment:	in this price range nothing is better (Canon and Nikon don't have a lens with this quality in this price range) light, well built, fast and silent autofocus and very sharp. only the best 300mm Fixed focal length lenses have's a better sharpness.Nice bokeh. no ca. The only drawback is the aperture but at this price you can not have a 2.8..... I love this lens. some shots made with this lens http://www.flickr.com/photos/linnmimik/sets/72157626595244057/

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: MKoziara review date: June-28-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Beercan Tamron 70-200/2.8
price paid:	666 USD (used)
positive:	Nice colours Contrast and sharpness Weight SSM AF accuracy
negative:	Price new
comment:	It's a great lens though I didn't think so before buying it. I had a chance to buy it for a quite nice price, used but only several months old, so I thought "well, I'll buy it and if I don't like it, I'd sell it with no money loss. Well... I don't want to sell it at all! :-) It's sharp and accurate, not to heavy, bot not to light, great contrast and very nice colours. The build quality is... solid I would say, the SSM works silently and fast enought. I haven't used a beercan since I bought it and beercan was my favourite tele once. Now a set of A850 and 70-300G is my favourite :-) It works fine with my wife's Nex-3, too. One could say "I wish it was f/2.8" but not me - it would be bigger and heavier, as was the Tamron which was too heavy for me. The only thing - it would be nice if it was a bit cheaper.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Mortenmb review date: April-03-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100-300 Sigma 70-200 F2.8 HSM II Minolta beercan Minolta Big Beercan
price paid:	5000 DKK
positive:	Weight Sharpness SSM focusing! MFD Contrast
negative:	Build quality Price Aperture
comment:	This really is a great lens! takes awesome photos every time, good contrast, great sharpness. My favorite lens for the zoo. This lens is much better than both the minolta 100-300 and the big beercan, to my tests and specific lenses at least. better sharpness, better contrast, less flare, way better focusing (and nice limiter like on the BB). the bad things about this lens is the price and the aperture. I would like it to have been a bit cheaper, it's very expensive in my country, more than 1200 USD from new, and the aperture is simply not okay for that amount of money. Other than that, the weight is kept low because of the plastics used, and that's both good and bad. Low weight is good, plastic build is not. though this is definately the nicer type of plasic! i could not image this to fail or break, the lens seems very sturdy! BTW, SSM focusing is awesome :)

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: CBA100 review date: March-28-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	390GBP (Used)
positive:	Very Sharp Lovely colours SSM (quiet & fast) Weight
negative:	Build Quality No window on the hood for a CP.
comment:	I recently purchased this for my Sony A700. I have previously tried both the Sony AND Minolta budget zooms, and this Sony 70-300mm knocks socks off any of them. The sharpness and colours are immense and the SSM is Soooooooooo quiet! The only negatives are the build quality (Although the internals are going to be very well made...the outer seems very plasticy) and that there is no window on the hood to be able to use a CP (unlike the 70-400mm SSM G)

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: Trav review date: March-23-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Canon 75-300 cheapo - this is my first tele-zoom in Sony/Minolta
price paid:	600 USD (used)
positive:	Light SSM is quiet and accurate Decent hood (plastic) Good balance on A700 Focus limiter
negative:	Zoom creep is pretty bad SSM hunts occasionally soft-ish on long end aperture increases quickly Price for what it is
comment:	This is my favorite lens, but is also by far my nicest lens. I shoot at longer focal lengths much more frequently than wide and wanted a nicer tele-zoom (70-200/400 out of my range currently) and this lens has lived up to my expectations. The build is plastic, but ok for what it is. I kind of like the reversed zoom/focus ring orientation too. Images I get from it are far superior to my kit lens (18-70), as to be expected, but not as nice as my Minolta 50 1.7 stopped down, though the focus is more accurate on the G. And these are completely different lenses, so really not useful for a comparison. The best comparison I have is previous use of the cheap 75-300 in Canon mount years ago, and this is far superior. There are some negatives, however. First, as a NIB I think this lens is over-priced. It is all plastic (minus the glass) and the zoom creep is pretty significant. The aperture increases very quickly, and I don't expect an f/2.8 at $800, but would be nice if it took a little time getting to f/5.6. With that said, I had read reviews prior to purchase and decided what my budget was for this particular lens and knew I would only purchase used and got it for a price I liked. At the $600 price point, I don't think it can be beat.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Leo Ferro review date: March-17-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	700 USD (New)
positive:	Peso y discreto.-
negative:	Filtro de 62mm y tamaño de Parasol.
comment:	Supero mis espectativas en FF, estoy muy contento, no se despega de mi A850!!!!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: dcisive review date: February-09-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Nikkor 70-300vr
price paid:	849.95 (new)
positive:	Outstanding build, focus speed and accuracy, sharpness and contrast
negative:	very large hood
comment:	This lens is an example of top flight build, finish and performance. It is near instant to lock focus and is a pleasure to hold. Solid construction and excellent balance on a A55. The color rendition is top flight as well. Sharpness is good in the center wide open and just keeps getting better as you stop it down throughout the rest of the frame. Focusing is instant and quiet. It's a tad expensive for what it is perhaps, but at least it delivers the goods. A view of Downtown Salt Lake City from 30 miles away can be seen at: http://www.pbase.com/traveler/image/132403744/original.jpg

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: gsaronni review date: January-28-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100-300 APO (D) Minolta 80-200 APO G HS Minolta 200mm f2.8 APO
positive:	Very good compromise between size and weight Very good colours Nice SSM focus system Close focus Focus limiter Impressive and useful hood
negative:	It a real f5.6 for near all the focal lengths Slow focusing, sometimes hunts Maybe the hood can annoying in some situations
comment:	This is the perfect tele zoom for amateur photographers, not very big, not very heavy. Maybe a bit overpriced. It is a good match for the Carl Zeiss 16-80, but only should be used in good light condition. I always use it at f5.6-f6.3 since there it is always sharp enough When the sun goes down it is a bit hard to lock the focus

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: donwally review date: January-15-11
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100-300APO(D)
price paid:	800 USD (new)
positive:	Bokeh Lightweight Focusing on A55 & A700 is pretty fast.
negative:	Wish it were f/2, 1000mm and same price and weight.
comment:	I live in the country and this is my 'walk around' lens! Performs well as a tele macro combined with some cropping of the image. I posted some 'macro' shots taken with this lens in the 70-300G picture forum. At the long end I find I get the improved results on my copy stopped down just ~ 2/3 to 1 stop. Sharpness (and the nice A700, A55 images) permit a good degree of cropping. Continues to preform well. Using a tripod has helped get more bird photo keepers. Together with the 16-80 it makes a nice travel kit. Build quality - a solid lightweight lens.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: glina review date: December-06-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	100-300/4.5-5.6 APO 80-200/2.8G 70-210/4 several old Minolta zooms
price paid:	500 GBP (new)
positive:	quiet focus (SSM) good results overall on FF great bokeh no distortion, flare, ca
negative:	bulky size overpriced average build quality zoom creep reversed zoom/focus rings
comment:	Sony might have shot themselves in a leg with this one - it sends a wrong message to somebody who has never used a G lens before. It’s made out of plastic (don’t let the marketing term “composite materials” fool you) and just doesn’t look like it will last 20, or even 5 years of heavy use, like the true Minolta G’s have. Then, the sharpness at 300mm@5.6 is not that excellent and the contrast there is noticeably reduced. My opinion is that a pro grade lens should be useful in its entire range, wide open, in any conditions. Zoom creep on a professional grade “G” lens? That should not happen. But enough bashing. If this lens didn’t carry a G tag, there would not be that much to complain about. It doesn’t cost as much as a proper G lens did, although I do think that it is still far overpriced on European markets (price is better in Asia). It’s more of a successor to the good, old 100-300 APO and it does improve upon it. The SSM motor is not very fast, but it is quiet and impressively accurate. Quality is great in any conditions at 70-210mm range, but so is the beercan@F5.6, right? Sharpness @ 300mm is good in bright and contrasty conditions, but on a gloomy day it needs to be stopped to F7.1-F8 for optimal results; otherwise it produces rather flat looking shots. I do admit that imperfections greatly recover with the DXO Optics package, which has a profile for this lens. Bokeh is smooth and very pleasing, and reportedly much nicer than that of its bigger brother, the 70-400SSM. Flare and distortion control are both excellent (G level actually ;-) ). CA is non-existent. Build quality does not deserve a G though. It is on par with Minolta mid-range lenses from the 90ties, maybe slightly better, but not up to the 17-35G, 28-70G or 80-200G or the G primes. The 70-300G catches internal dust rather easily as it’s not sealed. Proper G lenses, while never advertised as sealed, are much more resistant to this problem. Zoom creep might also be an issue. I personally dislike the enormous hood and the reversed zoom/focus ring positions. With any other lens, I can work instantly without mounting the hood, not with this one. Then comes the huge external size. I wish Sony took classes from Minolta on how to design compact lenses. There’s absolutely no reason for a lens of this range and speed to be this large. It is rather light for it's size, because it’s mostly made of plastic and air. Take this out of you bag with the lens hood on, and the average crowd will consider you a lunatic. I actually think the 80-200 HS APO G appears more discrete. So where does this leave us? The Sony 70-300G still is the best, sharpest, speediest (focusing) amateur telezoom available for any system. If only Sony adjusted the price to better compete with it’s peers, this would be an obvious winner. In most cases you can still get it from Hong Kong at a better price, even after taxes. And for gods’ sake Sony, drop the G tag and make more lenses which truly deserve it!

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 2 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: gustav7117 review date: November-12-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	CZ 24-70 Tamron 70-200 Sony 70-400
positive:
negative:
comment:

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Eric Todd review date: November-09-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 70-200 with 1.4 tc
price paid:	799
positive:	lightweight silent AF focus limiter sharp at 5.6
negative:	almost too light when zoomed out, shakey without the mass expensive
comment:	Nice lens for hiking, etc. I like it, but it is almost too light. When using at long end with slower shutter speeds, it seems to be less sharp than the Sigma with 1.4 tc that is quite heavy. I feel like there is movement in hand when shutter is pressed. With tripod and MLU, it is really sharp. I find the sigma combo just as sharp at F5 and more versitle. Probably will sell off

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: infractal review date: October-25-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony DT 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 Sony 50mm f1.4
price paid:	450 GBP (used)
positive:	- Fast to focus - good build - smooth manual focus ring
negative:	- no "polariser door" - zoom creep
comment:	Purchased because it was a good deal at the time and I wanted something a little faster & higher quality than the superzoom. If fulfilled my requirements well, the image quality throughout the zoom range is much better than the superzoom, but particularly above 150mm. Focus is rapid, and manual focus is accurate and a joy to use. Probably a little bigger & heaver than I would like for a 4.5-5.6 zoom, but solidly built so I think this can be forgiven. As mentioned above, there is some zoom creep and when I pull it from my bag with the hood reversed I find that it extends out - not ideal. Would also be nice if it had a door in the hood for turning a polariser (as on the 70-400G), but I guess you can't have everything.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Stever review date: October-10-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	$550 used
positive:	Build quality Good hood Sharpness Focusing speed
negative:	Slow (f4.5-5.6) Large hood Flare w/o hood
comment:	This lens is fantastic. The build is solid, SSM is fast, and IQ is as great as I've seen. The reversed focus and zoom rings take a while to get used to, but I actually like it now. The only things I don't really like about this lens is the large lens hood and the slow aperture. I don't really intend to use this lens for indoor or low light shots, so the slow aperture really doesn't bother me, but both the zoom and focus rings are inaccessible with the hood mounted backwards. Without the hood, this lens is somewhat prone to flare, which creates slightly washed out colors. I tend to keep the hood one however, as it makes the lens look really cool :p.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Blair7 review date: October-07-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	28-135 Minolta Beercan Sigma 70-200 HSM 70-400G Sony
price paid:	500 CDN (used)
positive:	really nice to use, smaller and lighter than some other options, great colours and sharpness
negative:	Large lens hood. Minimum aperture.
comment:	I lusted after this lens for a long time. It was on my list but I really could not justify the expense given the 28-135 and 70-400G that I already had (not to mention the Sigma 70-200). I made a lowball offer based on my need for the lens (not my lust) and eventually the seller accepted it. I am so glad I have it now. It really lives up to its reputation and is nice to handle.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Darrell52 review date: September-22-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Beercan Minolta 80-200 Sony 75-300 (kit lens)
price paid:	850.00 new
positive:	sharpness focus speed size (without hood)
negative:	Focus and zoom ring location Not that fast (4.5-5.6)
comment:	IMO anyone looking for a long zoom should seriously consider this lens. It is very sharp, focuses quickly and quietly and produces excellent images at a pretty reasonable price. I find the position of the zoom ring confusing but once it's mounted and you're settled in, it's fine. It's reasonably priced and appears to be well built. It's only shortcoming is the speed but there are limits with this wide a range. If you are looking for a low light lens with a narrower DOF you must look elsewhere, but for a great telezoom for your a mount, this one is a winner..

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: dumbasadoorknob review date: September-16-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Min 100400 Min Beercan Min 100200
price paid:	usd 550 new
positive:	Light for its size Beautiful colors Wonderful clarity
negative:	Heavy battery drain clunky hood
comment:	This lens produces wonderful pictures -- but it's just not as friendly as my older Minolta lenses. Still, it is qualitatively better. Sony has captured Minolta colors, and it has made a lens that is beautifully focussed from edge to edge. But the hood makes it into a monster, and when the hood is left on but backwards, it obstructs the zoom. The hood is outstanding to prevent flare, but it's huge. The SSM, I think because it is independent of our own pressure on the focus button, drains the battery, fast. So I carry extra batteries -- but with my 500 Reflex and the 100400, I don't feel that I need constantly to review the battery charge as I do with this lens. I think that replacing the lens cap whenever the lens is put down may delay the battery-draining problem The SSM is impressively fast and silent, but occasionally freezes: the focus limiter switch is very useful. Once the hood is installed (or, as I prefer, just not mounted) the body of the lens is fatter than I like: the texture of the armature is very comfortable in hot and cold weather; while the zoom ring at the end is well placed, every so often I twist the focal ring by mistake. I got it at the Circuit City closeout, which accounts for the price -- and even at that price, I'm still dubious that I like the lens. I like the incredible results it produces, but the disadvantages, in my eyes, are very large -- especially since I am not a pixel peeper or sharpness fanatic. I have the same relationship with my Zeiss 135, so it may just be a problem that the lens is too bulky overall.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: pcarmalt review date: August-28-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Beercan, CZ85, CZ135, 100 Macro, 100/2, 135/2.8, 200/2.8 HS, 100-300 APO
positive:	- Very nice bokeh - Really great colour - SSM - Very convenient range on full frame - Great balance on A900, feels lightweight (esp. compared to 70-200/2.8 and I can only imagine 70-400) - Good availability on used market
negative:	- Not really any sharper than Beercan - Already at f/5.6 by 135mm - Focus could be quicker - Expensive new
comment:	This lens wasn't love at first sight, as I was disappointed it wasn't really any sharper than my beercan (though I know I have a good copy of the beercan). However, looking through the photos, and especially prints, the colours really pop while looking very natural at the same time. And bokeh is really smooth. So I am happy and would recommend this lens on full frame. Range 70-300mm is very convenient on full frame, and if you can't stomach the weight of the 70-200/2.8 or 70-400, it's pretty much your only option to get to 300mm with acceptable quality. This lens is quite expensive new in the UK (at least GBP 600), though you can find second-hand copies for much less and since this is quite a new lens, many second-hand copies are in almost mint condition. I think the Tamron 70-300 USD will give this lens some serious competition and hopefully drive the price down a little.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: JuanJuan review date: August-09-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100-300 APO
price paid:	700€
positive:	Very sharp, silent lens Not too heavy
negative:	4.5-5.6 ... :-( But it out performs everything I have tried to this day
comment:	I loved this lens during a safari in South Africa. some times I would have liked to have more light... so a 2.8 would be wonderful, but it was much better than the Nikon AF-S VR 70-300 4.5-5.6G IF-ED

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: michaelg review date: August-08-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 75-300 Min 135 Beercan Big Beercan
price paid:	550 USD
positive:	SSM quite fast Sharp Good Colour
negative:	AF in low light small Aperture
comment:	I've taken a while to review this partly because I've been very busy & partly wanted to use it extensively 1st. I am very impressed. It is wonderfully sharp & has lovely colours. I cannot fault the build quality. It is a joy to use & the reversed zoom rings I actually like. Highly reccomended lens if you dont need the wide aperture.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Roby72 review date: August-04-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 70-300 DG APO Macro Minolta 70-210 f4 beercan
price paid:	about 700 EUR (new)
positive:	Sharpness SSM Focus hold button Focus limit It's black Colors No CA at all No flare
negative:	Zoom creep No weather sealed
comment:	Talking about the lens, sharpness is perfect on my copy, no front-back focus issues. Much better than Sigma and Minolta. Absolutely usable wide open, it gives better performance between f6.3 - f10. SSM is not super fast but neither I can say it's slow. Birds and superbikes are easy to catch if you make good use of focus lock and focus limiter. CA and flare control are superb. no traces. CA is why I sold my beercan. Colors are as you can expect from a G lens, more neutral than Sigma (yellowish) and pretty similar to Minolta style. I think it's well built except for the hood...I would have preferred something like the hood of the 70-400G but it works very well and all in all it helps protecting the precious piece of glass. I don't use filters except CPL and I always use hoods on all my lenses to avoid bumps to the front glass. Zoom creep could be a problem when you hang your camera on your shoulder with the lens facing the ground. It tends to strength till 200mm or so...I would have preferred a simple and useful lock. So, if you want a very nice lens, functionally and aesthetically and you have some money to invest...don't hesitate and buy it.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: dca1213 review date: August-04-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Beercan Tamron 70-210 f2.8 Sony 55-200
price paid:	800 USD
positive:	Nice solid build
negative:	Soft, not sharp even at f8 Greatly overpriced for the IQ
comment:	Perhaps its a case of sample variability, which one would not expect in a G series lens, but I recieved mine today, brand new in box, and I was totally dissapointed in the performance of this lens. Even on a solid heavy tripod at f8 with MLU the image is not sharp, CA is well controlled but other than that the my 25 year old Beercan is head and shoulders over this lens in sharpness, colors and contrast and so is the Tammy. I only hope I can send it back to the ebay seller I purchased it from. With all of the hype this lens has recieved here in the reviews I expected far better performance from an $800 lens. My $200 Sony 55-200 is sharper with better contrast and saturation. This lens hunts for focus even in bright overcast conditions, it hunts far more than the Beercan, I missed several shots of birds waiting for the lens to lock in, I finally switched to manual focus. For the price this lens IQ and AF performance is flat out unacceptable.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: hanugro review date: July-31-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	75-300 D
positive:	SSM & G quality
negative:	slow aperture
comment:	Well the SSM and G is really an upgrade from my Minolta 75-300 D. Bit slow but it is OK when pair with A550 that has a very good high ISO. Focus is significantly faster than in-body motor. Very good flare control as well.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: eccles review date: July-15-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	70-210mm beercan 75-300mm Big Beercan 70-400mm 'G'
positive:	Very sharp Bokeh Comparitively light Quiet SSM motor Nice build quality
negative:	Relatively slow maximum aperture Expensive
comment:	I have had a couple of big beercans and haven't been all that impressed with either of them, both falling short somewhat at 300mm. The beercan is a fine lens with good IQ at f5.6 and higher although it has some CA which can be corrected during post processing. I have the 70-400mm 'G' as well, which is a fabulous lens but a bit of a monster to cart around. This lens is sharper than the beercan. It is also as sharp as the 70-400mm but much cheaper and lighter. It uses more plastic than the 70-400mm but it's still well constructed and has a quality feel. The SSM drive is a little faster than the 70-400 but on my A700 maybe not quite as fast as the beercan. Bokeh is better than the 70-400mm. This is a very, very good lens, and despite the relatively slow maximum aperture is every inch a 'G'. The current new price in the UK is prohibitive but if you can find a clean s/h example I can thoroughly recommend it. Edit: after about a month with this lens, I am loath to take it off my A700. As a lover of dragonflies this is for me the perfect compliment to these insects, with superb colour rendition, clean sharp images and smooth soft bokeh. Some say the 70-400mm is sharper, but if it is, the difference is minimal, and the backgrounds are much better with the smaller lens. You DO have to watch for camera shake - being much lighter than the 70-400 there is the temptation to dispense with the monopod and/or tripod, and at 300mm, steady-shot might be struggling to keep your images sharp, particularly in less than ideal light. Lean against a tree, or get down on your haunches and rest your elbows on your knees, anything to give steady-shot a chance and it'll bring home the results.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: ghmcs review date: July-01-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100-200 f/4.5
price paid:	620USD used
positive:	image quality is very good, focus is fast and silent
negative:	the f/4.5 aperture doesn't last very far into the zoom range
comment:	I purchased this lens for it's 200-300mm zoom range for wildlife and landscape photography. There is nothing bad you can say about it's image quality; it certainly edges out the Minolta 100-200. Other review websites fussed about the size of this lens, but it's not much larger than the iconic Minolta 28-135 and it weighs a heck of a lot less. We've been spoiled by the small size of the Minolta zooms - which, by the way, I kept for just that reason and those times when a max of 200mm is all I need. One caution, even with image stabilization, I find it difficult to hand-hold at 300mm and get the kind of sharpness I want. List price is pretty high, but if you can get this lens for around $600US, I think the performance-to-cost makes it a good buy.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Watchman review date: June-05-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL1680CZ SAL55200 SAL50 f1.4 Tokina ATX100 f2.8 Macro Minolta AF135 f2.8
price paid:	750 usd (new)
positive:	Sharp Nice colors Nice bokeh Very usable zoom range Not too heavy Very fast focusing speed - SSM Very silent Focus Limiter Focus Hold
negative:	Pricey
comment:	I find this zoom a little heavy to pack along for travels but it remains much lighter then the 70-400G. Love the sharpeness, color and bokeh.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Stinus review date: June-04-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 II APO EX DC HSM Sony DT 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 Carl Zeiss
price paid:	500 EUR (used)
positive:	sharpness colours build quality
negative:	maximum aperture drops quick to f/5.6
comment:	This lense is sharp wideopen (maybe a bit less excellent at 300mm), but the maximum aperture drops very quick to f/5.6. The colours and flare control are very good (even without the enormous hood). Chromatic aberration and distortion are very well controlled. The autofocus is fast, even more so with the limiter.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Dryce review date: June-01-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 75-300D
price paid:	599 UKP (new)
positive:	Sharp Quiet Fast AF with limiter
negative:	Weight compared to 75-300D Front zoom ring
comment:	This lens is a step up from the 75-300D. You don't have to stop it down and it's good at the edges. It's usable wide open and dependable out to the end of the zoom range. Focus is silent and noticably quicker - especially with the focus limiter. However. Compared with the lighter 75-300 it's more difficult to handhold IMO. I've started using a monopod to get the best out of it. One big difference between using this and the 75-300 has been the visibility of atmospheric effects that were previously hidden - the higher contrast and definition from the 70-300G makes this more apparent and it's changed the feel of some background landscape shots in good light. The zoom ring placement might be logical in some ways to deal with holding and supporting it. But it's a pain when switching between lenses - and with DMF means that you mess the focus when you get it wrong. A tripod ring isn't critical on a heavy tripod or on a monopod but it would be a handy option for use with lighter tripods when traveling. While there are complaints that it's more F5.6 than F4.5 across the range the F5.6 is still sharp - so you're not forced to stop it down. Update: Having now used this lens on A77 I'm much happier with it on the A77 than the A700 when handholding. I'm fairly sure that this is down to the softer shutter action of the A77.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Azazello13 review date: May-19-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	beercan cz 16-80
price paid:	750 USD (new)
positive:	- great images at all apertures and focal lengths - SSM - fairly compact - focus limiter is useful
negative:	- price
comment:	well, the strengths and weaknesses of this lens are pretty straightforward. it's very expensive for a slow, telephoto zoom that stops at 300mm. but its image quality is truly exceptional for that class. for a lens with that kind of reach that is small enough you can carry it around your neck and shoot handheld, it is probably without peer as far as IQ. all I can really say is if you think the range and speed suits you and the price is acceptable, go for it -- because you certainly aren't likely to be disappointed with the IQ.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: MartinM review date: May-10-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Olympus 50-200 SWD Leica D 14-150 XSM
price paid:	980
positive:	- Silent - Better Image Quality than 75-300. - Weight
negative:	- No Lock to prevent zoom creep - Aperture - Soft at 300mm - Not as fast as you would expect
comment:	I am back to Sony after 18 month with Olympus. The 50-200 / 2.8 - 3.5 SWD is a true speed deamon. Dpreview claims it one of the worlds best lenses. I have to admit, the fact of being sharp from 50 to 200mm makes it hard for other. The Leica offers top sharp image quality, the XSM motor delivers fast focus, not as sharp as the Zuiko. The Sony offers for me the same great performance as both mentioned lenses. At least, the optical one. In terms of speed, probably, not as fast as the Zuiko. It is not as fast as you would expect for an G SSM lens. When holding down, the tube tends to extend very easily, almost no help is needed. I assume, based on experince, that this ends up like other lenses in zoom creep. I haven't noticed any distortion or flare. Zoom ring and focus ring are the other way around. Not Sony like, but for me, having had, the Leica 14-150, this is easy. The placement is identical ;-) Overall seen, this lens is a good start. It can be taken with you anywhere. The 70-200SSM you won't take on vacation. Basically, this lens would have better been called 70-300 SAM, cause the focus is indeed silent and the IQ expectation would have been lower. Cheers Martin

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: ddoctor review date: May-06-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 28-135 CZ 85 f 1.4 Minolta 50mm 1.7 RS
positive:	Sharp wide open No CA like other old minolta tele except APO lenses SSM Nicely built. Not to heavy Focus hold button
negative:	Big hood
comment:	After having a lot of cheap teles and trying 70-200 G and the big beercan. This is the one. This lens have comparable sharpness to Minolta 28-135 at 85mm. Only got beaten by CZ. Definitely. :) what I like is the no CA pics, SSM, not so heavy like 70-200G. Bokeh is nice. Not f2.8 but dont really need the f2.8 becouse I use it for outdoors only. Prefer the less weight and size to the 70-200G.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Realm review date: April-29-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL180-250 SIGMA 170-500 APO
positive:	Good reach, fast focussing and good IQ.
negative:	Size of the lens hood
comment:	This lens is reasonable in weight, combined with good IQ. Can give older (backup) body's a new lease on life. Even a relative slow Sony Alpha 100 + 70-300G is a useable combo. Recent addition, more work with this lens is needed. Could not afford a 400G, and i allready own a SIGMA 170-500 APO

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: LeeOsenton review date: April-28-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100-300 APO Sony 75-300
price paid:	750 USD(new)
positive:	Sharp & Quiet
negative:	Lens hood is Gnormous
comment:	This lens is fantastic in every way. It is heavy and quite large, so be prepared if you have not handled one before buying. I knew it was far heavier than anything I had touched, but I still was not prepared. I love the lens, although like most, the lack of focusing sound is a bit disorienting. I adapted very quickly, but now my other lenses seem so loud. I couldn't afford the larger 400G, so I settled for this one, and I am actually glad I did. The reach is adequate, and it is so sharp (even wide open) that I can crop in and still get good results. I bought a monopod and it really helps.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: yakkosmurf review date: April-21-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 16-80CZ Sigma 70-300 APO
price paid:	750 USD (new)
positive:	Excellent sharpness and color Excellent build quality Silent and quick focusing
negative:	Lens hood size Zoom ring placement
comment:	For the APS-C user, this lens is the perfect companion to the 16-80CZ. I suspect it would go just as well with the 24-70CZ for a FF user. Sharpness, contrast, and color are excellent. I have found it to be a bit softer at the long end than the short, but that's to be expected. The primary reason I traded up from the Sigma to this lens was wide open performance. It has not disappointed. I have used this lens on my a700 and a850, and it works well on either. Losing the crop factor with the a850 does have been looking at the 70-400G down the road to recover the reach I had been accustomed to with the a700. However, using this lens on a FF camera has really shown what it can do. I use it to photograph my wife participating in triathlons and the focus speed, focal length, and sharpness are great. It's not an f2.8 lens, but I have only found that a short coming in low light, which is rare for me. The build quality is quite nice. It's a solid lens, but not overly heavy. The zoom ring is still nice and firm a year after purchase. Focusing is quick, but slower than my 16-80CZ. The focus limiter definitely helps speed things up. This is my first and only SSM lens, and the lack of focus noise takes some getting used to. Many other reviews have commented about the large hood and the zoom ring placement. In practice, they aren't too bad in my opinion, I just get frustrated with the combination of the two. The lens cannot be zoomed with the hood stored in reverse. This requires either using the hood when shooting conditions don't necessitate it, or finding a place in my bag to store it. The zoom ring being toward the end of the lens is not an issue for me, nor is the rotation direction being opposite my other lenses.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Canadapt review date: April-21-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Beercan
price paid:	660 CAD
positive:	Zoom range Sharpness Quiet Comparatively light and small 62mm filter size
negative:	Sony chose to put the zoom ring at the front unlike all other lenses - drives me crazy!
comment:	A wonderful complement to my CZ 16-80mm this lens is sharp and mercifully quiet. Best of all, you can hang it about your neck and carry it around for more than 10 minutes unlike all that other wonderful glass that is sharp as a tack but weighs a ton and makes you look like you have a bazooka rather than a camera. A keeper for sure but Sony - why did you choose to put the zoom ring in the opposite position of most other lenses? Bad, bad, design choice!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: godsakes review date: March-10-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sigma 100-300mm f4 minolta 100-400mm
positive:	Sharpest 70-300mm lens I've used reasonable size
negative:	very expensive so so AF speed
comment:	I briefly owned this lens before selling it on, it is a sharp lens and produces a noicably sharper picture than the minolta 100-400 and it edges the excellent sigma 100-300mm f4 APO (slightly crisper results) making this the sharpest 70-300mm I've used so far. Despite having SSM, AF speed on this lens isn't particularly fast but does benefit from accuracy and silent action. For a lens of it's class (i.e. one that doesn't have a constant aperture) it's fairly large but no where near as large/bulky as the sigma 100-300/4. If you don't need the extra stop of light from the sigma 100-300/4 then the sony is a excellent if expensive choice to go for.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Apocalypse_later review date: March-03-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 50 1.4 Minolta 135 2.8 Tamron 17-50 2.8 Beercan
price paid:	530€ new
positive:	Sharp, "light", very good colours. Good build. AF very smoth and decently fast. Bokeh is ok. Really a "G" lens.
negative:	Its luminosity decrease a lot even in the medium focals, (5.6 very soon). Giant hood, no totally compatible with the lens cup. Price.
comment:	I like very much this lens. Very sharp, smoth AF, goof build, fantastic focal in aps (105-450). It´isnt very luminous. Lens hood is really big and You can´t put the cap in the lens with it assembled.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Wodan review date: February-22-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- Min. 100-300 xi
price paid:	650 EUR (new)
positive:	- bokeh - size - sharpness - smooth and silent AF
negative:	- zoom creep - SSM eats batteries
comment:	I really like this lens. It's compact and delivers superb image quality. My main gripe with it is that for some reason it devours batteries on my KM7D. I suspect this has to do with the SSM.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Mink review date: February-22-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	S75-300 M100-300xi M100 macro
price paid:	1200 USD (new)
positive:	Superb optics, accurate focusing, relatively compact and light.
negative:	Nothing yet
comment:	I've been waiting for a quality tele-zoom for a long time, and the 70-300G hasn't disappointed. it has a real quality feel to it - not in the traditional sense of hard and heavy, but in terms of good materials, tight tolerances and G-class specifications. Hopefully this will translate into durability - only time will tell. Switching the position of zoom and focusing rings takes some getting used to, but it's not a deal-breaker - and not worth deducting points, IMHO. The max aperture of 5.6 for much of its range may not be fast but it is USABLE, and it helps to keep the size and weight down. The hood is a monster, for sure, but it works! I use the lens mostly for weddings. Of course I considered the 70-200 2.8, but I wouldn't use that speed (I mostly use f/8 for the DOF), I'd struggle with the extra weight and cost, and I'd miss the extra reach. Until this lens came along, there really wasn't a long zoom - from any manufacturer - that fitted my need for a relatively compact but great quality lens.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: gillbod review date: February-21-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sigma 10-20/4-5.6 sigma 30/1.4 tamron 90/2.8 minolta 135/2.8
price paid:	485GBP (new)
positive:	sharpness throughout all lengths and apertures contrast lightweight flare control
negative:	build
comment:	ssm focusing is nice, but not as fast as i expected. it is, however, very accurate. this is a great general purpose telephoto. i don't need to worry about lens limitations of the lens when i use it. it will resist flare well, and always be sharp. i find the bokeh a bit hit or miss. i haven't decided what i think about it yet, because it seems so different in different situations. there are times when i think i'd rather have picked up an old minolta 300/4 for a bit more money, just to keep those out of focus areas a bit smoother.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Churst review date: February-09-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	KM 70-210mm f4 beercan Sony 18-70mm kit lens
price paid:	475 GBP (new)
positive:	- excellent sharpness across the whole zoom range. - Sharp wide open. - Negligible colour fringing. - Pretty much completely silent AF.
negative:	- Quite heavy.
comment:	I'm hugely impressed with the overall quality that this lens exudes. For me it was a good upgrade from the 70-210 f4 beercan on every level. If you have the extra money to spare get this. Probably the best lens I'll own for quite some time!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: oldguy review date: January-28-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	beercan tamron 18-250 tamron 200-500 minmolta 100-300
price paid:	849 USD
positive:	Light. Sharp. Fast focus and balanced on both the 700 and the Maxxum 7.
negative:	zoom/focus rings reversed.
comment:	Gave it a 4 for build not because of the plastic but because of the position of the zoom ring and the MF switch, which I seem to touch inadvertantly. I know the 70-400 is supposed to be better but it's a lot heavier. This one fits in my bag, can be easily handheld and it's black.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: SClight review date: January-24-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma - 70-300 F4-5.6 DG APO Macro Minolta 500mm F8
price paid:	$600 USD (LNIB)
positive:	Sharpness Reach Relatively light weight
negative:	F4.5-5.6 Hood is cumbersome
comment:	I continue to be excited each and every time I use this lens. Colors are are well balanced, pleasing bokeh and tack sharp until you get to the outer reaches of the lens. Focuses well enough + for action shots, and otherwise is spot on. For the price this is an outstanding lens, do not hesitate to buy.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: htarash review date: January-23-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 28-300
price paid:	1179AUD (new)
positive:	Sharp SSM is quite Color Bokeh
negative:	I can not see much extra speed on SSM compare to the screw AF
comment:	My first G lens and SSM, and you have to love this, it is so quite, it is unbelievable. This is sharp, compare to anything I have seen in my very limited time with DSLR, love the IQ and I think I slowly made up a nice lens line up with this in the kit. The image quality is nothing compare to my Sigma 28-300, at the range they have in common, but again the price are also not in the same range. At 300, I got a very nice 3D effect out of this lens with a very nice back ground separation from the subject. The Bokeh is very nice. Highly recommended.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Bob Socko review date: January-07-10
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	* Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 * Minolta 70-210mm f/4 "Beercan" * Tamron 70-200 f/2.8
price paid:	849 USD (new)
positive:	* Lighter than a 70-200 f/2.8 lens. * SSM is reasonably fast and completely silent. * Excellent color, no flare. * It has a focus limiter switch. * Sharp wide open.
negative:	* Very expensive for a narrow-aperture 70-300 lens. * Slight vignetting wide open, though it is easily corrected in software.
comment:	I was considering picking up Sony's 70-400mm f/4-5.6 lens but had trouble justifying the price. This lens seemed like a reasonable compromise, losing 100mm of zoom while cutting the cost and the weight in half. This lens is sharp wide open - not "decent", not "soft but workable", but sharp. It is lighter than my Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8, which makes it easier to use handheld. Colors are excellent. The SSM focuses very quickly and the only noise made is by components shifting around in the lens. During a trip to the zoo, I saw no flare in over three hundred images shot. The aperture on this lens is somewhat narrow, but I don't feel this should detract from the rating of a lens; were this a f/2.8 lens, it would be much larger, heavier, and more expensive. Like any tool, you use the right one for the job, and this is an excellent tool for daylight shooting. My only complaint about this lens is the price. $849 is an awful lot for a lens of this focal range and aperture. If you don't need as long of a zoom or require a faster aperture, Tamron's 70-200mm f/2.8 will be just as sharp for at least $100 less.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Mr_Canuck review date: December-17-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	beercan 200/2.8G 100/2 28-135 55-200
positive:	Sharp, nicely sized, good colour, bokeh, filter size.
negative:	A little slow aperture-wise. Massive hood with no filter adjustment slot.
comment:	On both apsc and full-frame, this is a really nice lens. I'd concur with most other's comments, which says something about the lens's consistency. The SSM is silent but not blazing fast. Build is good, quality plastic and that's a plus in that it's not $500 more expensive. I'd probably prefer a modern 70-200/f4 as the aperture is a little slow. But the trade-off is its size and weight benefits for such a quality zoom. It takes beautiful pictures with great colour, contrast and bokeh. It resists CA and flare admirably. Quite competitive with the 200/2.8 and 100/2 at common lengths/apertures. I'll continue to depend on primes for fast aperture whereas the 70-300 is a great all-rounder when you need flexibility. Highly recommended, particularly if you only want one telephoto lens, especially if you can find one used for a little less money.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: teddybear review date: December-11-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	minolta 70-210 F4 tamron 70-210 F2.8 Sony 75-300 F4.5-5.6
price paid:	R 11500 (new)
positive:	lightweight color SSM motor sharpness
negative:	huge hood price new SSM eats batteries
comment:	When the lens was bought the exchange rate was bad. The lens itself was purchased instead of the SAL70400G for its weight and above all its price. The lens is mainly used to cover sport such as rugby and it has been used extensively in the game reserves. I have discovered that the Tamron 70-210mm F2.8 with a 1.7X converter is giving it a go in sharpness but it has nothing on its focusing speed. The lens copes perfectly well with everything that I have used it for and I have been very happy with my purchase.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: Opus1966 review date: November-19-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta Beercan & Big Beercan
price paid:	779CAN (new)
positive:	- cheap - small & light - full frame compatible - circular aperture blades - Lens Hood
negative:	- maybe a bit slow
comment:	I bought this to have in my bag when I wanted to take some distance shots or my son playing in the park and when hiking. I have not been disappointed. I have taken this lens and shot in bright fields and in indoor pools. It performed well and reproduced sharp vibrant colours in the park and did better than I expected shooting my son swimming at our local indoor pool. Take from that what you will. For the price it is an awesome performer. A solid lens.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: zabaz review date: November-17-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	70-200G
price paid:	850 eur new
positive:	good collors black
negative:	it ghosts to much focus not fast enough for a G lens
comment:	i sold it after a few months

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: russellsbags review date: October-29-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 70-300 APO Min 75-300D Min 70-210 F4 Beercan Sony 55-200
price paid:	499UKP (new)
positive:	Very sharp - lightweight - quiet, quick, precise focus - great range - good price for a G lens
negative:	Nothing for the price
comment:	This is definitely my best lens for so many reasons. I love the silence of the focus and the convenience of the reversed zoom and focus rings. The beercan is good but doesn't compare with the quality of this lens. It feels great on my A700 too. I'd recommend it to anyone who was looking for this range. Others have said the build quality is not so good but there really is nothing wrong with it. Why would I want a metal lens just for the sake of it? I have to carry this about after all. If I was a pro giving it hell then maybe it would need to be more substantial but for the amateur it is above satisfactory. I have no zoom creep either. Maybe I've been lucky but mine feels very unlikely to creep but also not stiff. How anyone can say it is not a G because it doesn't cost enough is beyond me. If Sony gave it a metal body and doubled the price everyone would be happy but all we'd get extra from this is a sore arm and a smaller bank balance.

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: kevinbm review date: October-28-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	L500
positive:	Colours Weight AF speed
negative:	Large hood Can be a little soft
comment:	A nice lens. I always found the colours on my A700 were a bit muted with this lens and that I had to work hard to get a sharp picture - more I think to do with my technique than the lens itself. On the A900 the colours are amazing - vibrant and contrasty. One note - this is not a lens for photographing action as it is not fast enough (hence my comment about technique) but a non moving target produces a sharp image especially at f8.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: Wordfreak review date: October-28-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 80-200 2.8 Beercan 70-210 f4
price paid:	850 CDN
positive:	Well-built, typical G (except for all the plastic) Great range Focus hold button
negative:	Manual focus ring position tricky at first Soft at long end wide open Price (way overpriced for what it is)
comment:	Tried this lens for a couple of weeks and was unimpressed. Sure, it's a useful range, but when you've got a Beercan, the only benefit of this is a little more reach at the expense of weight. And you're sacrificing a few stops. I'd rather schlepp around my Minolta 80-200 2.8 (possibly with a 1.4 TC) and get sharper images. The SSM is nice, but takes a bit of getting used to. Sometimes you're not sure when the focus quite "locks in" because of its quietness. The lens hood is effective, but perhaps a little unnecessarily long. This lens is way overpriced, even for a G lens. Had they made it a constant 4.5 or better yet an f4 throughout like the Beercan, it would be much more a useful lens to me.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Cato79 review date: October-18-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Various glass
price paid:	6999 NOK (new)
positive:	Superb optical quality
negative:	May hunt in low light
comment:	This lens is a popular lens, and righteously so! I wonder if this lens is as popular as the famous beercan was when the beercan was the one being sold new. I wanted a versatile tele lens that I could use for street photography. As such it was important for me that the lens would not be too big, which ruled out the f/2.8 tele lenses. The size of this lens is usable for street photography (in my opinion), though some people have still mistaken me for being a photo journalist due to this lens. A definitive plus is the reach of this lens, which goes up to 300mm. I also did not require a street lens that would perform in terrible light conditions, so F4.5-5.6 is fine, and it keeps the size of the lens down. Although with today's cameras you can set the ISO higher and higher if required. It is sharp even wide open. The lens does not compromise on optical quality. Bokeh is smooth and beautiful. The hood may be a little large, and some times attract more attention when shooting out on the street. Here in Norway, everything is more expensive, so I had to pay premium price for this lens. www.xe.com shows that 6999NOK is roughly 1200 USD (19th October 2009), but it was worth every penny (or kroner, as we say here).

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: stamper review date: October-15-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-200 F3.5-6.3 CZ 16-80 F3.5-4.5
price paid:	700 USD (approx)
positive:	Range Fast focus Location of zoom ring and focus ring
negative:	Big, somewhat flimsy hood Zoom creeps under lens weight
comment:	When upgrading from an a100 with 18-200 kit lens to an a700, I purchased this lens to cover the long end. Having two young kids, a lot of my photography is kid related and my goal was to shoot outdoor activities that are beyond the range of my 16-80. Most of the time, I either carry it around and shoot handheld, say in a park or similar setting, or use it mounted on a monopod to shoot from a more stationary position. I really like that the zoom ring is at the far end of the lens instead of close to the camera, which is the case with my other lenses. While it seems a bit odd at first, and takes some getting used to, I find it helps to stabilize the camera for handheld shots. Because the focusing is so fast and accurate, I don't tend to manually focus much with this lens unless the subject doesn't move. As others have noted, the zoom tends to creep when carrying the camera with the lens pointed down, it extends under its own weight. I don't think it matters much but it's kind of annoying. Not that the lens is all that heavy, but I find that a monopod helps if you're shooting from a stationary position. I am using the 70-300 a fair amount to shoot little kids soccer games and it's nice to have some stable support when sitting or standing on the sideline and shooting at the long end. Under bright conditions, the lens performs very well. Focusing is fast and accurate. Colors are great and sharpness is good, certainly much better than my older 18-200. I've used the lens indoors as well, but find that you really need a flash to make it work. It's just too slow for anything that isn't stationary. In combination with my older Minolta 5600HS the lens is usable indoors, but it's not great. That leads me to two disadvantages of this lens, although through no fault of its own: the slow and variable aperture. Although an improvement over the 18-200 at the long end (which goes down to F6.3 quickly), F5.6 is still not that great for lower light conditions. Worse, the aperture is variable over the range. So for example, for soccer games with a lot of zooming, it's a choice between using the maximum aperture and use variable shutter speed or ISO, or use fixed aperture/shutter speed/ISO but not take advantage over the wider aperture at the lower end. I like to not rely on metering too much and prefer manual settings in those circumstances. So I've been contemplating a 70-200 F2.8 for lower light conditions, in addition to the 70-300. Obviously a very different lens for a different purpose, with its own drawbacks (reduced range, increased weight and cost if new Sony G) and not a fair comparison. Overall, the 70-300 F4.5-5.6 G SSM is a great performer.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: curiouscat review date: October-08-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Beercan 70200G Tamron/Sigma 70-200/2.8
price paid:	L559
positive:	Sharp wide open Fast accurate AF with little hunting Incredible value for money
negative:	No zoom lock
comment:	I shoot with an A700. This little performer is probably my favourite lens. Lightweight, sharp and accurate, this lens performs better for me than my 70200G when given suitable light. For f5.6, bokeh is more than acceptable. Compared to beercan: Benefits - Practically no fringing, does not hunt, much faster & quieter focusing/tracking, sharper until f8 (then at least as sharp), lighter. Drawbacks - More expensive. Compared to 70200G: Benefits - Half the price, as sharp, lighter, quicker focus, longer zoom. Drawbacks - Two stops slower. Compared to Sigma/Tamron 70-200/2.8: Benefits - Sharper, lighter, quicker, longer (Daft punk's new release). Cheaper and more accurate. Drawbacks - Two stops slower. If you are deciding whether to get this lens... 1) ...and you have/want the beercan - Excellent upgrade, yes you lose a stop of light wide open, but I found the beercan's F4 unusably soft, so its not really a loss. 2) ...and you're also considering a 70-200/2.8 - Consider whether you want to pay L100 more for an inferior lens that gives you two stops, or L600 more to keep the quality and add two stops.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: anice review date: October-06-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Min AF 200/2.8
positive:	best tele-zoom for money convenient for travel very fast AF AF limiter
negative:	plastic no f4 max (like beercan)
comment:	most used for travel and bright shiny days and near and fast objects (I have other equipment to use)on A-700. Well liked in my collection!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: UldisL review date: September-26-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tokina 80-200mm f2.8
price paid:	525 GBP
positive:	SSM focusing motor Focus hold button and AF/MF switches
negative:	Focus and zoom ring order Very small gap between lens eject button and AF/MF switch extrusion
comment:	Image quality is very good. You can definitely see the difference even on the camera screen. Focusing speed is also excellent. To add, it seems to be more precise than on other lenses. The 'delayed' manual focus ring allows for very precise manual focusing and it doesn't make manual focusing any slower. The MF hold button is very well placed and is a good alternative when tinkering with the camera/lens AF/MF switches is just too slow. Probably the most major downfall of this lens is the order of the focusing and zoom rings. All of the lenses I have worked with have the focusing ring at the end of the barrel and the zoom ring following right after it. It's just hard to get used to when constantly switching lenses. Overall this lens is a good addition to anyone's collection. Despite some of the cons, I have not had any frustrating moments when working with this lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: mambo review date: September-22-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta Beercan Sony 75-300mm
price paid:	$880 Canadian
positive:	sharp, fast, excellent control.
negative:	price,
comment:	a worthwhile investment. I am delighted with the purchase.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: samwak review date: September-03-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	cz24-70 SAL 70-200mm f2.8
positive:	Sharp lens even when wide open good colour light ssm
negative:	f4.5
comment:	I like this lens for its weight. I have the 70-200G and I almost prefer to carry tis lens around instead. Picture quality wise, I like the colour on this lens better too. I only use the 70-200G reluctantly when I have to shoot in low light. The extra 100mm in focal length also makes it a better lens than the 70-200G for a holiday lens. The hood is too big for my liking. I've often left it at home instead as I find it a nuisance. Flare control has been excellent even without the hood. Focusing is not too bad. Not lightning quick but do-able.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Tetraodon review date: September-02-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100-300 APO D
price paid:	780 € (new)
positive:	- sharp wide open - colours - bokeh - silent AF (SSM) - solid build and smooth operating
negative:	- Reversed focus/zoom grips compared to many lenses (takes some time to adjust) - huge hood (makes the lens unoperable if attached in "rest position") - price
comment:	I'm really impressed by this lens. The build is solid (quality carbon). IQ is far better than Minolta 100-300 APO. AF tends to hunt at low lights and SSM seems to drain the accu faster. This lens is no doubt a solid contender in its class.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: nitrosyl review date: September-02-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- Minolta 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan) - Minolta 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 APO - Sony 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 - Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM - Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM - Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor
positive:	- Sharp at all aperture & focal length. - Minimal chromatic aberration. - Quiet SSM. - Excellent bokeh. - Circular aperture blades. - Best in its league.
negative:	- Build quality is very good but not great. It's hard to expect more though, at this price range. - It's not a small lens, especially with the hood attached. Be ready to attract some eyeballs when shooting.
comment:	This lens is a significant step-up from the good old Minolta 70-210/4 (beercan) and 100-300/4.5-5.6 APO. Sharpness is excellent from wide open at all focal length. Color rendition is neutral. No distortion I can detect of. The supplied deep lens hood makes flare a non-issue. SSM is very quiet. Build quality is very decent; it could be better but I don't expect more at this price range. All in all an excellent tele-zoom lens worth the "G" label. It beats the Canon and Nikkor equivalents hands down! UPDATE Excellent performance on 24.5MP FF dSLR. Sharpness on 70mm end is amazing and on par with the mighty Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 SSM.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: karchon review date: August-30-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Min 80-200mm HS G Min 70-210 F4 Bcan
price paid:	$570 USD
positive:	Sharp wide open Light weight Nice size for a700 Bokeh
negative:	Plastic feel
comment:	I love using the 300mm end of this lens for wildlife. The SSM is fast for my usage and very consistent. The image quality isnt prime sharp, but I have some of my best wildlife shots from this lens as opposed to the Minolta 80-200. The polycarbonate body of the lens bothers some but I appreciate it as it reduces a lot of weight. I like the balance it gives on the a700. The "feel" of the body doesn't feel like a G lens but its the glass that matters most right? It is a great price for a G lens, and despite the aperture range, the bokeh is very alluring.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: fjbyrne review date: August-16-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 75-300 Tamron 70-300 beercan
price paid:	560 USD (new)
positive:	- Good Range - IQ is very good to excellent - Deep hood really helps control flare - Good AF performance especially with the limiter
negative:	- Sony's dirt attracting grips - Focus/Zoom grips are reversed compared to most other lenses - Focus/Zoom grips should have different textures
comment:	I got what I consider an excellent deal on this lens from the Circuit City bankruptcy. This lens has very good to excellent IQ in a very manageable package. The big deep hood is a pain to carry around but is very effective in keeping flare down. The focus limiter really helps the AF speed for things like sports. It might seem a little pricey but the performance justifies it IMO.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 3 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: tobyjay review date: July-11-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 200/2.8 HS Minolta 100/2 Big beercan Beercan
price paid:	L550 UK
positive:	Excellent colours Contrast / flare resistance No CA Silent focusing Lightweight Sharp at MFD throughout range
negative:	Suspect QC AF slightly slow Lightweight Cheap hood MFD Pricey for its speed
comment:	I bought one copy and it was soft all over the place and was overexposing above f/11. The second copy was very sharp throughout but SSM failed. These problems were proen not related to the body (A700) so two attempts, two bad copies. I marked down Build rating by one point for each bad copy. Otherwise, the build is good although it did seem a bit light in use after the BBC. I didn't feel comfortable steadying it handheld, others do. Colours are rich and owe a lot to Minolta. There is no CA on A700. Flare is non-existent. It's a high resolution lens at every focal length, good wide open. At distance, the image softens as the light weight lens wafts about in the breeze. Fix this by nailing it to a tripod. One of the nice things about an all purpose tele lens is being able to chase small wildlife but the minimum focus distance is not that great for butterflies, bees etc. Cheaper lenses such as the Tamron equivalent have a very useful 'macro' function - check the specs for MFD before you choose. Autofocus I found a bit slow on moving subjects. The Minolta primes track with much more success, but then they are much brighter and the AF sensor can see better. If you want a silent zoom, this is hard to beat! I can see that huge, plastic hood is necessary for flare-free, accurate exposures but I didn't enjoy using it. I think it looks a bit daft and cheap, and would replace it with a lined metal tube if I bought a 3rd copy, which I'm not going to risk. All in all it is a very well engineered slow telezoom lens which gives clean, colourful, sharp pictures at all settings, free of CA in the brightest conditions but due to its spec' has shortcomings in low-light and macro departments. TEST YOUR COPY THOROUGHLY BEFORE BUYING!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: RDoe review date: July-01-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- Sigma 70-300 - Minolta 70-210F4
price paid:	600E (new)
positive:	- AF - Build - Weight (well balanced) - Range - Magnification 1:4
negative:	- A bit long on APS-C - Maybe F4 (but will make it heavier) - Hood (huge)
comment:	Well this is the 70-300 lens to get, no doubt. It is well build, although it is plastic. I like the size and weight. Dead silent AF and precise. Not as fast as I hoped, but fast enough. It is sharp full open and will get more detail when stopped down one stop. It is a bit long on APS-C in some situations, an extra Sigma 50-150F2.8 would make sense to counter that. On APS-C I would not get a 70-200F2.8 as 70mm is sometimes a bit to long if you are using a zoom lens. I you can get around that, then buy a fixed 135mm or 200mm lens. In the end a perfect lens with some minor negative points. The MFD is also really nice in getting macro-ish shots at 1:4.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: cdsmar review date: June-29-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 75-300 APO DG Macro Minolta "Bigbeercan"
price paid:	780 EU (New)
positive:	Sharp Colors Fast Light
negative:	Big hood
comment:	Great lens, but hunt a bit in lower light conditions

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Ivanhoe review date: June-24-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 16-105
price paid:	EUR 769
positive:	Build quality Range Image quality Colors Weight
negative:	Thickness Brightness
comment:	What a lens. The cheapest G lens does not disappoint. When I wanted a lens in this range I was looking at the cheaper Tamron and Sony lenses, but the reviews here convinced me to go for this one. The SSM is so quiet and smooth, and the first pictures out of my camera immediately showed great color and sharpness. It is quite a light lens for what it offers. It is a bit thick and with the hood reversed it is even thicker, so fitting it in a smaller bag can be a challenge. Some complain about the size of the hood and while it is pretty big, I figure it has to be big to be effective. It would be nice if it was a bit brighter, but then it would probably be a lot bigger and heavier. It can hunt a bit in lower light conditions, but the focus limiter is effective in minimizing this.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: rvmalsen review date: May-24-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	CZ16-80
price paid:	€700,-
positive:	+ Great colors and contrast + IQ + Bokeh + Sharp + Fast, silent and accurate AF + Light weight and quite small compared to 70-200G / 70-400G + Range + Build, really like the manual focus ring and focus limiter
negative:	- Large Hood, not usable with CP filter
comment:	I use this lens for sports on the beach and nature / birds. When I first used it I could really appreciate the focus limiter and focus lock in this lens. This is very usefull shooting birds/sports on the longer focal lenghts. The focus gets really fast using the limiter. Also with the manual overide you can handle hunting (only in low light/contrast situations) very well. I can talk on and on but this is just an excelent lens for it's price, a must have for Sony alpha user imo.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: joel22484 review date: May-21-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 70-210 beercan Minolta 75-300 big beercan Minolta 75-300 restyled Sony 55-200 Sigma 17-70
price paid:	$600 used
positive:	Range Sharp Colors Bokeh Fast AF Quiet AF Light Hood Leather Case :) Pretty light for a 300mm lens
negative:	Thick Could always use a faster lens
comment:	When you put this on your camera, this is one of those lenses that just make you smile. I debated for a while on whether I should get this for $600 or stick with the beercan ($150) and big beercan (another $150). I know that $600 is nothing to some people to spend on a lens, but it is quite a bit to me. Anyway I decided to go ahead and get it and resell it if it didn't work out. On to the lens now. When I opened up the packing box I was shocked at how big the Sony box was. It has to be over a foot long. But when I opened that up, the lens was in 1/2 the box, the lens hood was in the other 1/2. And when people say the lens hood is big, they aren't kidding. However I personally very much like the build of the hood. It's light, but very durable and seems that it can take a good amount of abuse. The lens itself is very well built IMO. It might not be exactly beercan tank-build, but it is well built. I'm glad they made it the way they did to save a little on weight. When I finally put the lens on my camera, the first thing I noticed was the zoom/focus rings switched around. I had read about it, so expected it and it only took me a couple minutes to get used to it. I also noticed how quiet the AF is. It's dead silent. I'm used to the minolta lenses and their somewhat quiet to noisy AF so this was a great change. And it's fast too! Now the pictures itself are amazing. This is truly what buying a lens is for. Compared to the BC and BBC, this lens wins (it should after all, being a G and more expensive). No CA, very sharp, great colors, and great flare control. I don't see any advantages of the BBC over this lens other than price. The BC still has a place with the constant f4, but I'm really considering letting it go too and picking up a 2.8 lens for when I need speed. My 2-lens conbination is this and the Sigma 17-70mm and I am 100% happy with them. Unless I will be in dark areas, these are the only 2 lenses I'll be carrying around.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: photoimpact review date: May-19-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100-300 APO Sigma 70-300 APO Tamron 70-300 Di Minolta 75-300
price paid:	610 USD new CC
positive:	Excellent resolution Quiet focusing
negative:	Heavy, bulky Huge hood Polarizer unusable with hood
comment:	If you want to use a zoom lens that covers this range, and want consistently excellent results, then look no further. This lens will not disappoint. Images are sharp across the aperature range and all the way to 250mm with a slight drop off after that. Bokeh is smooth and pleasing. I have used it for kids softball, the zoo, and landscapes with great results right out of the camera (A200). Because I use a polarizer frequently, I don't usually use the hood. This has not been a problem. Be aware that this lens is on the large side. Much larger than any of the compared lenses. My preference is to own both this lens and the Minolta 100-300 APO. Sometimes I just want to travel lighter. The results are superior with the G lens, but sometimes it isn't critical. Color is fine, but I always shoot jpeg (WB at cloudy -3) + RAW. So I can adjust the color in PP. I recently used this lens in combination with the Tamron 18-250 on a vacation to the desert southwest. A great one-two punch with reasonable overlap so that I wasn't changing lenses in a dusty environment all the time. I'll post some sample pix soon. With my Tamron 28-75/f2.8 and Minolta 500 AF reflex, I think I have all of the bases covered. (Although one can never have too many lenses!) Got mine at a Circuit City closeout. Also added a 7 year extended warranty that I purchased from an online dealer for $30. Not the cheapest lens around (now listed at $849 on SonyStyle), but quality always costs more. I highly recommend this lens. I won't be getting rid of mine anytime soon.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: alphaholic review date: May-12-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 70-300, Sony 18-250
price paid:	675 USD
positive:	Absolute dream to hand hold and manual focus with ring location. SSM Quiet compaired to in camera motor. Sharp glass! The "G" stands for Great IQ!
negative:	Hood will be a pain when using a polarizer. An f4-5.6 would have made this lens perfect.
comment:	This lens is the sharpest and most vivid I have used to date. I traded a Sig 180 macro and decided to try Kenko tubes for macros due to the sharpness. This lens does very well outdoors even on rainy over cast days. SSM locks and tracks very well on slow to medium speed subjects(show dogs) when using the center spot focus on the A700. The SSS is really put to a test in dim conditions and this lens would be better used for panning while attached to a monopod. This should make a great field/travel lens but not a street level candid shots due to the min. focus distance being over a meter and very a narrow field of view. I plan to add a cz 16-80 as others have also mentioned. Shame the 18-250 will never be as sharp as this "G" is. This lens is an excellent value even at full price.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Happy Hour review date: April-30-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	70-200G 70-400G Bigma
price paid:	$650 USD
positive:	Everything I can say!!!
negative:	would like to have it a bit faster. but for the price you can't cry!
comment:	Where to start? I have been looking for a replacement for my (stolen) 70-200G for quite some time. This lens is it! Lighter and smaller than both the 70-200 & 70-400. This is the sharpest lens I have ever shot with! I've tested a few copies in the past but I don't think they were as sharp as my copy. The color is very impressive. Giving beautiful Minolta quality color! The SSM is dead silent and very accurate! It does not seem sluggish at all to me and I think is the fastest focusing lens I have ever owned. I think the 70-400 is a great lens. but I found the ssm a bit sluggish and it was not a very sharp lens at 400mm. This lens seems to be flawless from 70 all the way to 300. If they ever upgrade it to a constant F4 or faster I will defiantly be buying it. I loved my 70-300 sigma. but comparing it to this lens would be a disgrace to this lens. It really puts the sigma to shame!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: Remko review date: April-27-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tokina 80-400/4.5-5.6 Sony 70-200/2.8
positive:	light silent nice bokeh
negative:	hunts a bit when not enough light available bit short (but I hoped to test a 70-400 G SSM)
comment:	Did not work on 700si (film) too bad, doesn't make sense for me to upgrade right now. Though would be a great replacement for 100-300/4.5-5.6. Liked the lens a lot.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Deasy review date: April-23-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 70-210 APO
price paid:	L550
positive:	Light weight Fast and silent SSM Excellent PQ
negative:	A stop brighter would have been nice
comment:	Coming to this from the big Sigma my first look in the viewfinder was a shock due to the smaller aperture. However in all other respects this is a superb lens to have in your bag. The SSM works like a dream and the light weight makes a welcome change from the 1.5kg f2.8 I am used to carrying around. My first set of prints arrived yesterday and it shows itself to be the perfect companion to my CZ24-70.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: kassi review date: April-23-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	none
price paid:	600 Eur new
positive:	Sharp, silent, DOF
negative:	slow a little
comment:	Great lens! Not heavy at all for its range.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Kotse review date: April-12-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 70-300 APO, Carl Zeiss 16-80.
price paid:	525 Pounds (new)
positive:	Quick and accurate focusing. Very sharp.
negative:	None
comment:	Still think that this is the best lens for this money.

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: almassengale review date: April-05-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 70-300 APO, CZ 16-80, Sigma 105 macro, Sony 50 1.4, Minolta 85 1.4, Minolta 11-18, Minolta 70-210, and SIgma 30 1.4.
price paid:	400 USD (new cc)
positive:	Very sharp, silent AF, solid bokeh, good build quality.
negative:	Slow and often inaccurate auto focus, eats battery, bigger than some comparable lenses.
comment:	This makes an effective travel combo with the 16-80. Sure a 70-200 might have more speed but you don't want to haul a monster like that around all day long in situations where you don't need that extra speed. This lens is built well (don't let the plastic scare you off) and is light enough to be portable. That said it still is pretty big for something of its speed and does eat up bag space. The color is good, the sharpness is great, and the autofocus is silent though a lot slower and less accurate than i'd prefer. All in all this is well worth what I paid. I got it for $400 at the Circuit City closeout. I would not personally consider it worth its higher list price.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: andrewlamwc review date: April-04-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony - AF DT 55-200 F4-5.6 Sony - AF 75-300 F4.5-5.6 Sigma - 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC
price paid:	668 USD (new)
positive:	+ Great Colour + Sharp + Silent + Accurate focus + Smoothly blur
negative:	- Big leans hood - F5.6 - Min 1.2 m focal distance
comment:	Another must-buy lens for upgrading from kit lens. Image quailty fine at all range.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: SerdarA review date: March-31-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	675 USD (new)
positive:	Bought it for the 300mm and the SSM and it didn't dissappoint. Focuses quickly and accurately. It is very sharp wide open.
negative:	Relatively expensive for a slow lens, but for the price I paid, it is well worth it.
comment:	I thought long and hard about whether to get this lens (Got mine in January) or wait for the 70-400g. At the end, I chose the lightweight option over the longer focal length option.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 4 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: R1user review date: March-27-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Beercan 70-210, BigBeercan75-300, CZ 16-80
price paid:	600 euros
positive:	Build quality, Silent, accurate focus, compact, sharp even wide open
negative:	Lens hood too big, Eats battery power
comment:	The lens is smaller than I thought, except the huge hood. Build quality is impressive and manual focusing easy and accurate. SSM can hunt in low light but manual overide solves this point. SSM is obviously silent but not so fast. I was somehow disapointed with the purple fringing and CA of the Beercan. BigBeercan is better in this respect but image quality of the 70-300G is so much better. No CA at all, and sharpness is good even wide open. Excellent lens!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: eyesthruthelens review date: March-22-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	100-300mm Minolta
price paid:	US$500
positive:	Sharp and with beautiful color. One of the best new lens from Sony. I hope Sony will release more G-lens series.
negative:	Needs good light for the best shots.
comment:	This lens is very useful - sharpness is good and with the great G lens bokeh and color. It's very portable with great zoom range, 70-300mm. When traveling, this lens and 28-70 or 24-105 will makes a perfect 2 lens travel set. One of its strength is the short MFD. At 300mm, with the short MFD, you can have very good portrait shot with great bokeh. Hope to see more new G lens release from SONY soon. :)

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: akollias review date: March-22-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	700 euros
positive:
negative:
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: alanfrombangor review date: March-19-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF 100-300 F4.5-5.6 APO Minolta AF 200/2.8 HS G
price paid:	L450 (new)
positive:	Fast, silent, accurate focussing Sharp all the way. Comfortable weight for hand holding.
negative:	Only f5.6 for most of its range. I'll have to consider selling my beercan as it's pretty much redundant now.
comment:	A very useful range, for me the f5.6 limitation is well worth it for the convenience of a compact and relatively light package. I consider the price to be good value for the image quality it delivers. The plastic build doesn't bother me, it's high quality and feels solid.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: bms44974 review date: March-15-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony - AF 75-300 F4.5-5.6
price paid:	675 USD (new)
positive:	fast, quiet AF, focus limiter, compact, good detail @300mm/f5.6, no rotation with zoom or focus, price
negative:	Relative to SAL75300: none Relative to other G-lenses: aperture
comment:	I bought the 70-300G as a replacement for my kit 75-300 and was amazed at the differences! While it is a bit heavier than the 75-300 and has the same aperture, it outshines the kit lens in all areas. The first difference I noted was the quiet, fast AF (even on my A100). Then there was the detail! The IQ was such that I could crop much closer to my subjects (typically birds) without loosing detail. I have noted little if any CA even with backlighting on small branches. I do not routinely use the hood, but have had no problems with flare. It took me about a week to get used to the reversed position of the focus and zoom rings (zoom forward, focus behind). I might consider the new 70-400G as a replacement, but for size and flexibility this lens will stay in my bag (and probably on my camera) regardless of the other G-series lenses I might acquire.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: chthoniid review date: March-11-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	M70-210/4 beercan M75-300 D M 300/4 G
price paid:	1315 NZD
positive:	Sharpness Image colours Weight SSM
negative:	Loses sharpness at the long end. Not compatible with Sony 1.4x TC.
comment:	I got this lens as an upgrade for the beercan, and to take when I don't want the weight of the 300/4 G. Together with the CZ16-80, this makes a potent and useful travel combination. Build quality is good, but I'm not prepared to test it under very rough conditions. Colour rendition is good, slightly more neutral than the beercan but still with a touch of warmth. I've been able to use it on the Dynax 7 and the Alpha 700. It suppresses purple-firnging very well, and in this regard is better than the beercan and 300/4 G. It's quite sharp up to about 200mm, and then there's a fall-off to acceptable sharpness. It is not on par with the 300/4 G at 300mm. It is usefully sharp wide-open but seems to hit its sweet-spot at about f8. Overall, it does what it does. It's a light, compact, travel-friendly telephoto zoom of high IQ. You don't take it to squeeze the maximum detail out of feathers on a distant bird. But it will capture enough detail for a lot of demanding purposes.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: NZalpha review date: March-11-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Canon FD 80-300 lens (film)
positive:	This lens scores 5/5 on all counts
negative:	none
comment:	This lens is difficult to fault. Nearing 300mm it goes a little softer than in rest of range. There is a hint of CA at edges but its only a hint. The main issue with any lens with an equivalnet FL of 450mm (in film terms) is controlling camera shake at 300mm in low light. Racking up the ISO helps and using mirror lock and a good tripod helps. I use a Sony A700 which has these features and good low light high ISO NR. A lesser camera would make this lens unseable in low light but thats no fault of the lens - just the laws of physics. The lens is contrasty making the max aperure of 4.5 a non issue. Recommended lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: jfan review date: March-07-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 18-250mm
price paid:	750 USD
positive:	Silent Sharp Color Contrast
negative:	Hunts a little
comment:	I bought this lens (and also a CZ 16-80) to replace my Sony 18-250 super zoom. I have been pleased with results. It is much sharper at long end. Focus is fast and silent, although it still hunts a little. I am not bothered by the long lens hood. It is designed to reduce flare. I carry it around with the hood reversed. I was also considering 70-400G. But its weight is a deal breaker because I do a lot of hiking. You can see some of my recent pictures with this lens and A700 camera at http://photocreation.zenfolio.com/p536951797 As a comparison, some of my older pictures with Sony 18-250mm and A700 at http://photocreation.zenfolio.com/p721103369

sharpness: 3.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: DonSergio review date: March-06-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- beercan - 200G + TC14 - 85 and 135 primes
positive:	+Silent and fast SSM focusing + Good sharpness all range + Good colors and contrast
negative:	- Lens hood too big and plastic - expensive in canicon competitors - extends on zooming - no weather resistant
comment:	I have some day experience with this lens. It have nice colors and very good sharpness all ranges wide open. The lens is big and lens hood no usable. Often i left hood at home.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 3 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: MaxCat review date: March-06-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 70-210mm f/4.0 (BeerCan) KM 75-300mm
price paid:	559 USD
positive:	Very sharp Excellent contrast Silent SSM motor balances well on camera
negative:	Small f5.6 maximum aperture for most of range (90-300mm). Focus hunts in anything other than bright light. Eats battery power. Plastic build is too thin. Focus speed just "OK". Lens is "fat" and hood is much too large creating stowing problems.
comment:	I bought this lens for my a700 camera at a Circuit City liquidation sale at a discount price to replace my KM 75-300 lens. After all I had read about the 70-300G, I was really excited when I first got this lens, but my excitement quickly faded once I began using it. Although noticeabley sharper than my cheap KM 75-300mm, I find the 70-300G is only a "competent" lens, and not "G" quality as I anticipated it would be. The biggest disappointment was discovering the f4.5 is gone by 90mm and you are left with a f5.6 lens from 90-300mm! This causes the a700's autofocus mechanism to hunt and not lock focus in lower lighting conditions, even outdoors on a heavily overcast day. This lens hunts more than any other lens I own in lower light conditions, even with the focus limiter engaged, and I find myself using manual focus too much of the time in these conditions. Yes the lens is sharp, but then again at f5.6 most lenses are sharp, including my old BeerCan lens. I found the build is disappointing as the plastic is much too thin and flimsy in the area of the focus distance window Sony really should have made the plastic thicker there, especially on a "G" lens. Also the hood doesn't match well with the lens - the length and diameter is unnessarily too large which makes the zoom and focus rings inaccessable when stowed in the reverse position. The SSM was another disappointment. It is just not as fast as I had expected it to be, and I suspect it may even be slower to focus than my old screwdrive Minolta 70-210mm f/4.0, but can't prove it. Conclusion: I think I would be happier with a Sigma or Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 lens with a x1.4 TC . I will probably keep this lens because I use shorter focal lengths most of the time and this range is not very important to me. If it were, I would be looking for something with a faster maximum aperture for sure.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: Zappa review date: February-25-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	749 €
positive:
negative:
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: YorkieBen review date: February-20-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Beercan Tamron 70-300mm
price paid:	L450 (NEW)
positive:	Price Build Quality Focus hold and focus limiter 62mm Sharp wide open and between 200-300mm
negative:	Slight lens creep Focus speed not quite as fast I had hoped (but not bad in anyway) Only f/4.5 (Tamron starts at f/4) but I'd say 90% of my shots with this are at the long end.
comment:	I bought this lens as I wasn't 100% happy with the results I was getting from the Tamron 70-300mm Di LD Macro, especially at the long end (200-300mm) - it was soft wide open (winter time in the UK frankly you don't always have much choice). Also I found the beercan although nice to hold (albeit heavy) too short for wildlife. So I sold the 'can and the Tamron and bought the 'G' in the sale. People have complained it isn't a real 'G' but from my point of view the build quality is very good, there is alot of (high-grade) plastic but it feels 'built' to me - it feels solid that my other lenses (except the beercan) don't). However my lens does have a slight bit of zoom creep. The zooming action is nice and smooth. When zooming there is a bit of a vacuum affect so this could cause dust problems (none for me so far though) It is sharp wide open, with mininal purple fringing as far as I can see, and the focus is pretty quick (although it can hunt - but the 3m-infinity zoom option makes it much quicker and the instant manual focus you have with SSM (which is so quiet it is unnerving) makes this less of an issue imo. The focus ring and zoom rings being swapped around (the focus ring is next to the camera body) works well for manual override as well. Now to the hood. Well firstly its massive! It makes the lens almost unusable when reversed for storage as it covers all the zoom ring and half the focus ring, however the hood is excellent, I have had no problems with flare etc. A sliding door a la the 70-200mm for a polarizer would be great though. The lens although not large on its own with the hood on does get a few glances on occassion I must admit... All in all since I bought this lens (c 3 months ago) it has spent ALOT of time on my camera and taken alot of excellent shots.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Neuroform review date: February-13-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony SAL75-300
price paid:	799.99 USD (new)
positive:	Very sharp Quiet Solid build
negative:	Would prefer fixed f4 Lens hood
comment:	Really like this lens! Have found it to be sharp at all focal lengths. No problem learning the reverse positioning of the focus and zoom controls. Very quite SSM autofocus. Frustratingly long lens hood but, again, you learn to adjust. Not too heavy, but solid build. Would have gladly paid more for a slightly faster, fixed apeture. (Absolutely no comparison to the "kit" telezoom SAL 75300 lens - totally different league.) You will not regret purchasing this lens.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: ultrasam review date: February-09-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL 75-300
price paid:	479 USD
positive:
negative:
comment:	Pretty stoked to try this thing out. Picked it up at Circuit City yesterday for $479! So far it seems like it's pretty much what everyone else says.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: madecov review date: February-04-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 75-300 Big Beer Can Tamron 70-300 LD DI
price paid:	560. USD closeout
positive:	Sharp at all apertures and focal lengths, Good Contrast, Silent operation,virtually no CA.
negative:	Slow, only f4.5 at 70-90mm, effectively a f5.6 lens. Huge lens hood. Reversed zoom-focus rings from other lenses. Focus can hunt at the long end
comment:	Incredibly silent. If you have never used an SSM style lens it can be a bit unnerving. I'm not sure the SSM is faster than screw drive but since there is no audible feedback or vibration it is hard to judge. Incredibly sharp wide open at all focal lengths, my copy hardly softens at the long end wide open. Stopping down hardly affects the image so shooting wide open is no problem. Dimensionally it is shorter and lighter than the Big Beer Can but wider. There is absolutely no CA or purple fringing with this lens that I can detect on my copy. As other reviews have stated the lens can hunt and fail to lock focus under certain conditions, with SSM you just grab the manual focus ring and go manual. The hood is large and makes the lens look huge when attached. This lens will become my primary for Police K9 photography

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: utcreeper review date: February-04-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL 18-250
price paid:	550 USD New (CC)
positive:	Quiet focusing, handy range, nice feel.
negative:	Not a 2.8?
comment:	I'm one of the many who got a nice deal at a CC closing. I had the 18-250 (best backpacking lens ever imo) so I wasn't convinced that I needed this one, but the price was right, and hey, 'everyone' was doing it. The quiet focusing is great, but then my A100 shutter goes off and scares all the birds away. Not the fault of the lens though. After a few quick test shots, I foresee 90% of my future pictures being taken with either this, or the 16-80CZ, depending on need. And the 100Macro will get the other 10%. I shoot mostly outdoors, so the slower aperture won't bother me in most cases, but I sure do like the clarity and sharpness!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: pauljg review date: February-04-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tamron 30-300 f 4.5-5.6
price paid:	580 euro
positive:	Very sharp and practically no chromatic aberration, easy to handle, very fast autofocus and easy manual focus
negative:
comment:	A very fine lens, easy to handle The price I paid was 680 euro and I got 100 euro cashback!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: AnneM review date: January-31-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Beercan (+1.4 TC) Sony 16-105
price paid:	599 euro
positive:	Sharp over whole range, even wide open Light weight Fast AF Manual foccusing easy and quick
negative:	Zoom-creeping
comment:	Very happy with it. I gave it a 4 for build-rating because the missing Zoom-Lock. The lens creeps very easy. Price whas 599 Euro (699 - 100 cashback)in the Netherlands. After two day I ordered the lens, price was 30 Euros higher:-)

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: hg102 review date: January-26-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	100-300 xi f4.5 Minolta 18-200 f3.5 Sony 16-105 f3.5 sony
price paid:	700 usd used
positive:	Immage sharpness and color
negative:	Lens will change focal length when on camera hanging from neck strap
comment:	It would be nice to have my cake and eat it too. I am keeping this lens and thinking about buying one lighter and smaller for back packing and hiking but finding one with this image quality may be impossible.

sharpness: 3.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: Pirate review date: January-23-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 100-300 F4 EX APO Sigma 70-300 EX DG Macro Tamron 55-200 Di-II
price paid:	£450.20 (new)
positive:	IQ (only under bright conditions) Bokeh Silent AF Build quality Focus lock button and AF switch Weight Ease of use CA control
negative:	Packaging Should've been constant F4 or better Overpriced CPL filter only with hood off Poor performer under dull or overcast conditions
comment:	Upon seeing the box for the first time, I thought the lens was going to be the size of my former Sigma 100-300 EX APO. On opening, I see Sony (in their wisdom) decided to pack the lens in one half of the box and the lens hood/lens bag in the other half. Why not just reverse mount the hood onto the lens and place in the lens bag and ship in a box half the size? On using the lens on A700, I was impressed with the richness of colours produced, IQ, silent AF, lens weight (a fraction of the Sigma 100-300 F4 EX - or so it feels like), buttery bokeh and the overall general feel of the lens. Value for money . . is it worth the current retail price? Personally I think it's overpriced, but for G grade glass (my first ever) I was prepared to invest in the critically acclaimed G lens. I took some samples under changable overcast conditions with the lens hood on and off. I was surprised by the difference in shutter speed in A mode. Maybe the hood is too good - where did the light go? F4.5 to F5 was at 85mm (not much - pretty pointless), and F5-F5.6 at 130mm-300mm. I miss the constant F4 of the Sigma, but not the size or weight. This G lens should and could've been faster. UPDATE: If only it was F4 or better, but all things considered, it is just so sweet when the light is bright and abundant. The Bokeh is gorgeous. I've reduced my rating points for IQ. HOWEVER . . in less than good bright light conditions, the lens doesn't perform at all well. It's simply not capable of dealing with dull overcast days and as such is pretty much useless under those conditions. In hindsight, I should've kept my Sigma 100-300mm F4 EX. I have now sold the lens. It did a lot of things right, but at 300mm, it was soft and too slow for my requirements.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: Spike review date: January-20-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 17-70mm Sigma 70-300mm Sigma 105mm Macro
price paid:	L427 (new)
positive:	Great Bokeh Sharp wide open even at 300mm Fast quiet autofocus
negative:	Long hood Bit pricey
comment:	I used to use a Sigma 70-300mm APO until it broke, then saw this lens in Jessop's sale and although not cheap I have not regretted it one bit. This lens is a massive leap forward in terms of use and image quality compared to my Sigma 70-300. If you get the chance to get it at a good price buy it!!

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: Themisa review date: January-16-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	- 135/2.8 - 200 HS - beercan
price paid:	560,- Euro
positive:	- Great build lens - light weight - SSM - good to work with
negative:	- sharpness issues - big when zoomed out + hood.
comment:	Well, what do I have to say....I really like(d) this lens. It should be worth the money....but at this moment it isn't. After 2 false copies I don't know what to think. Both the copies will be send to Sony for service. I will update this review when I've got my lens back. UPDATE: 11-02-2009. The lens is repaired bij Sony Service. Now it is up for its task. Sharpness 4,5 because it isn´t the best G in the field. Build rated 4 because of the 2 bad copy´s. Sony Service did a great job, AF is on the spot with my A700, SSM is smoother then before, it is faster too. Now it´s worth the money.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: iwantrt review date: January-13-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	70-200 mm f2.8 SSM
price paid:	700 usd (new)
positive:	Very light and compact... Very sharp
negative:	Lens hood is too long
comment:	A very good lens all round... Recently I just have a 3 weeks holiday, this lens is perfect for that purpose very compact, light, sharp and wide range.

sharpness: 4 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: jvandegr review date: January-11-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF 100-200mm f/4.5 Minolta 75-300mm f/4.5 - 5.6 (new) Sony 75-300mm f/4.5 - 5.6
price paid:	0
positive:	Light weight Decent ergonomics Consistent sharpness across frame Minimal chromatic aberration
negative:	Should be sharper Color is somewhat flat Build quality is average Variable max aperture Max aperture is too small Larger than comparable zooms
comment:	I spent a lot of time testing this lens, and then decided not to buy it. On both the A200 and A700, it was hard to capture a photo that was poor, but also hard to capture one that truly impressed me somehow. Color is flat compared to any of my legacy Minolta lenses. Build quality is decent, but not as good as my $65 Minolta AF 100-200mm. Sharpness is consistent across the frame at nearly every aperture and focal length, which I was very happy to see. However, the level of sharpness really only impressed me at 70mm when stopped down to f/5.6. I would never say this lens is soft, but nor is it tack sharp. I'm also happy to report that it is sharper than the Sony 75-300mm f/4.5 - 5.6 when shot wide open. However, it is not as sharp as my Minolta 100-200mm f/4.5. Flare is well controlled, and chromatic aberration is much less of a problem with this lens than the Sony 75-300m f/4.5 - 5.6. Autofocus is reasonably fast and I never really had problems with accuracy, although it will hunt a little too much in low light. My Minolta 100-200mm is f/4.5 through its range, which reduces its tendency to hunt. This Sony loses f/4.5 before it hits 100mm, which greatly limits its low light ability. Compared to the Minolta 75-300mm f/4.5 - 5.6 (new edition), this Sony is noticeably better optically, especially near 300mm. The Minolta struggles with strong spherical aberration, while this Sony exhibits almost none. Chromatic aberration is also much lower on this Sony than on the Minolta. Sharpness is similar between the two lenses from 75mm - 200mm in the center, but the Sony gives a slightly better edge performance. The Sony also focuses more a little more quickly and accurately. In summary, this isn't a bad lens, but it is not exceptional either. Comparing it to other 70 - 300mm designs, this is probably the best you can get. However, if you don't need this exact focal range, there are better options for less money. Sony needs make this lens a little more 'G' than it is.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Dune review date: January-09-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 75-300 kit lens
price paid:	450 GBP (new)
positive:	Fast and quiet focus Sharp
negative:
comment:	I wasn't going to buy this lens for some time being quite happy with my Sony 75-300 kit lens despite its limitations. Seeing it in Jessops sale at L450 was too much of a temptation so I took the plunge and picked it up as a birthday present. If I had searched a bit harder I could have saved another L20 with on-line vouchers but I am not complaining at this price. I was expecting a negative to be weight but it isn't the house brick I thought it would be! It balances nicely on my A100 and I like the front mounted zoom ring which gives good handling. The two biggest differences between the kit 75-300 and this is the lack of CA and the much faster and almost silent AF. I had got used to the focus noise of the kit lens but the difference is astonishing to me. I have only taken a few shots so far so take my image quality ratings with that in mind and I will try and do a more comprehensive test v the kit lens in future. Update: 18 Aug 2009. I have had time to use this lens quite a lot now and I think it is brilliant. It is very sharp and delivers high quality results. I can not recommend it highly enough. I have also removed my comments under the negatives regarding build quality because strange though it may sound my first impressions were overly critical. It is a well built lens and inspires pride of ownership compared to the 75-300 kit which isn't badly built itself.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Pochmahone review date: January-09-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Beercan Bigma
price paid:	565 GBP (New)
positive:	Sharp at all apertures No visible CA Fast and quiet AF Good solid build
negative:	None yet
comment:	Good value for this quality of glass

sharpness: 5 color: 4 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: tommyrider review date: January-03-09
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 75-300 Minolta 70-210 F4 Sony 500 F8 reflex Sony 18-250
positive:	-A real winner from 70 to 300mm -Sharp at the both ends at all apertures. -Nice finish and built,good looking with the alpha bodies. -Silent Af -Focus limiter -Smooth manual focus -Great bokeh .
negative:	-Exagerated hood size ,is easy to caught the atention from the croud(specially for candid`s shooters ) -Almost inimaginable ,how to change/put a filter the hood atacched. -Not as accurate and Fast Af as a expected,but miles away faster from sal 75-300 kit lens. -You`d better buy an extra battery pack (if you didnt)
comment:	Theres no much to say about this lens. Simply ,the best XX-300 around. Great (just) colors and contrast,fast focussing ,specially when shooting to moving subjects. After two months with it, I think I`ll keep it for a long time.i mostly use the long lenses at the long end. This one is sharp enough wide open at 300mm , and it`s not really necessary to stop it down hardly to get the best of this lens. Its not the cheapest lens around,and not the fastest lens too. In terms of value,i personally prefer 70-300g than the new 70-400. 2x the price for the extra 100mm (despite the deserved G build quality ) and size,is a little to much for me.For the same money I prefer an "easy to carry" nature Telephoto lens combo. 70-300G+AF 500 F8. Both fits perfectly in my Lowerpro A200W bag. When the hood is atached, its very frustrating to deal with a CPL or change filters,because its long size. The built quality its Ok, according to its price tag,but i dont think it has a G grade built quality. focus limiter switch seems to be made with cheap plastic,it seems to be like the a200`s MF/AF switch. But overall is well constructed,feels good and balanced on the alpha bodies,enough to feel it strong,but not so heavy Everything seems to be in the right place.I didnt notice any play regarding manual focus ring or other external controls. Its very pleasant opperate a SSM lens. .

sharpness: 4 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Beer_Stalker review date: December-29-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta AF 75-300 F4.5-5.6 (new)
price paid:	£450 (new)
positive:	No noticeable CA
negative:	Lens hood is very big
comment:	The SSM focusing is very fast and there is no zoom creep. Performs great on my A700 but less so on my A850 where there is noticeable FF or BF depending on the focus distance when used wide open.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: hallojenshans review date: December-11-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Zeiss 16-80 Minolta 4/70-210 Zeiss 1.8/ 135
price paid:	659 Euro
positive:
negative:
comment:

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: maewpa review date: November-08-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 200/2.8 G HS Minolta 300/4 G HS Minolta 100-300
price paid:	850USD new
positive:	Compact & light for the quality Silent and smooth focus Hood helps control flare Accurate focus Performance at long end
negative:	Slightly sluggish AF speed
comment:	I like to shoot wildlife and am not qualified to comment on other uses. This lens is the ideal light zoom for walking in challenging terrain. The 100-300 is the ultimate in light and compact, but quality is just not comparable. This is closer to my primes. I want a LONG zoom and given the quality of the images at 200-300mm, I consider this to be a really light lens. Also, for people like me who live and vacation in hot and sunny places, the long hood is a big positive and really helps control flare and save pictures. The fact that you can still have confidence in its quality wide open is an amazing plus. Build quality seems to decline proportionate to weight and for me the balance is right here. The SSM slows things down but it is accurate and the focus limiter helps -keep it on. Oh, and bokeh is good too. What a great thing to have in your bag. One thing that some may find odd is colour - the colors are a little muted sometimes. However, I do not personally mind that.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: RoMo review date: November-06-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	70-300 APO DG sigma 50 1.4 Minolta 28-135 4 4.5 minolta 90 macro Tamron
price paid:	€ 658 new
positive:	compaired to 70-300 APO DG SIGMA, it's sharp and fast
negative:	UUUUUHHHHH Don't know
comment:	Wow what a difference compaired to the Sigma sharp all the way even wide open Not that long not that heavy 70-200 2,8 is off the wish list ( temporarly) Paid €658 -/- €100 ( cash back Sony) Anybody needs a Sigma

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 4 flare control: 4	user: STraj review date: November-03-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	SAL70200G SSM
price paid:	$1160AU
positive:	- Sharpness wide open - Colours - Pleasing bokeh - Not overly large or heavy
negative:	- Aperture range (should've been a constant F4) - Not much else
comment:	I've only had this lens for 2 weeks now and have had minimal time to play with it. However, a few shots around the house have proven that this lens is indeed sharp as a tack when wide open. I was considering a 70200G instead of this lens and was seriously concerned about its small aperture, however I've been getting pleasing results so far - albeit at high ISO. The reverse zoom is easy to get used to.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: minfansony review date: November-02-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	10-20mm Sigma 16-80mm Sony 17-50mm Tamron 18-70mm Sony 28-85mm Beercan 70-210mm Beercan 100-300mm Minolta Apo 50mm 1.7 Minolta 24mm Sigma 500mm Reflex Minolta
price paid:	L569
positive:	Very Quite Good Build Sharp Good Focus My best lens by far
negative:	Size (only a minor niggle)
comment:	Love this lens, only had it 3 weeks and not had many chances to play with it. Impressive build compared to Sony 16-80mm, which is in the same price bracket. Still can't get used to the SSM focusing, it's so quite and pretty fast, especially compared to Sigma 70-300mm Apo. This is my favorite lens and looks the part on a A700. Will update this once I've tried it out more, but early results are very promising.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: nhuynh review date: October-12-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	BEER CAN 70-210 F4 MIN 50 F1.4 MIN 24-105D
price paid:	799 USD (NEW)
positive:	SHARP , NO CA , QUIET AF
negative:	NONE
comment:	SHARP SHARP WIRE OPEN ON MY A700 AND A100 . COMPARE TO BEERCAN IT'S A GOLD LEN .

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 4	user: goldencode review date: October-11-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	rented
positive:	sharp hand holdable well built ssm focus image quality very useful zoom range
negative:	wish it was constant f4
comment:	We rented this lens for 2 weeks on an African Safari and fell in love with it. Love the fast, accurate and silent SSM auto focus. Very nice image quality and very sharp. Now I have to buy it for my girlfriend !! Combined with the built in anti shake technology of the Sony dslr's, this is a GREAT lens for any situation. I was very impressed with this lens. We rented it from Matt at Alpha Rentals...he provides a great service !!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: musicol review date: October-08-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	70-200 SSM
price paid:	780€
positive:	Excellent lens, very fast focus, great bokeh, great colors and sharpness.Excellent range.
negative:	None
comment:

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: nathan_68 review date: September-28-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	715 Euro (new)
positive:	SSM sharpness weight
negative:	none
comment:	Excellent lens in this zoom range. It's my favourite walk-around lens. Focus is extremely precise (thanks SSM!) and very fast even if not extremely fast. Finally A100's AF-C works! The lens is sharp, no CA, excellent colors, build quality very good (all plastic of very good quality), no creep or defect at all. I would rated it 4.5, if I had this option. SSM works with my Dynax 7. Another positive point for this lens. I wished a wider aperture (maybe a constant f/4.5) but I can live with it. A100 + 70-300 is an excellent "light package". I can bring camera and lens everywhere, without worries for weight, or cost. It's not a 1,5 kilo lens and 2.000 Euro worth!

sharpness: 2 color: 1 build: 1 distortion: 3 flare control: 2	user: eyescene review date: September-09-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	18-200mm, 500mm reflex, 100mm macro (all Sony)
price paid:	$799cdn
positive:	Acceptable, barely
negative:	lens creeps poor construction huge, awkward
comment:	In terms of picture quality it might pass for OK but normally we expect more for the price. Pictures are somewhat sharp. Often we see lens performance drop at extreme ranges of the zoom, but not so much on this lens. Everyone ranting and raving about this lens does have to come back to down Earth, however. It should come with an elastic to deal with the lens creep. Yes, in spite of other testimonials, the lens creeps, and anyone who says otherwise is dead dead wrong!!!!! If you disagree, walk with the lens as I have. Indeed if you walk a short distance you may not notice it, and I am sure that is the case with most users. Other design flaws such as the reversal of the zoom and focus rings, do not bother me as much. Overall I can say it is not a very bad buy. The marks are heavily distorted because there is not enough bias on build and I was asked to inflate the low marks by a moderator, so I am not sure why, but I complied. In reality the overall mark should be lower.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: overeema review date: September-07-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
price paid:	€ 789
positive:	Zoom to weight ratio Image quality Focussing speed, especially when range limit switched on
negative:	Aperture only F/4.5-5.6 Seduces to handheld pictures beyond what is possible with super steady shot
comment:	This is an absolutely superb lens If trying to make a picture that is just beyond the lower focussing range you get no warning; it just seems dead. This behaviour is different from camera focussed objectives

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: beppe61 review date: September-06-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tamron 70-300 macro, beercan, superbeercan, Sony 75-300
price paid:	700 EURO (new)
positive:	Great image quality, very sharp even wide open, very fast and silent focus, great colors, build quality, low weight
negative:	none!
comment:	This is the greatest zoom I've ever seen. Very sharp wide open at all focal lenght, great colors, no CA! I love this lens. The AF is very fast and silent. When the limiter is activated the AF is very fast! I've just tested this lens on my new A900 and I confirm my review!

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 4 flare control: 5	user: palmerop review date: September-03-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:
positive:
negative:
comment:

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Harry John review date: August-31-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100-300 APO
price paid:	800 USD (New)
positive:	Convenient range, relatively light weight, silent and rapid focusing, extremely high image quality
negative:	Bulky; lens hood is absurdly large
comment:	This is a wonderful lens. It offers convenient range, high image quality, and relatively low weight, all in one affordable (for a G lens) package. It pairs particularly well with the Zeiss 16-80 zoom as a two-lens travel kit that produces images of tremendous quality.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: garykohs review date: August-06-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	70-200/2.8 G KM 75-300 Sigma 70-200 EX HSM Vivitar Series I 100-400
price paid:	799 USD (new)
positive:	IQ/sharpness Autofocus speed and accuracy Bokeh Quiet Weight
negative:	Slow (compared to f2.8-4 lenses)
comment:	I have had this lens for a couple of months now, shooting lots of baseball (among other things). Previously I was using my 70-200/2.8 and a Sony 1.4TC. The 70-300, though, is much more pleasing, due to smaller size,lighter weight, faster and more accurate focus, and wider range. [Obviously it will not replace the 70-200 for low light shooting.] The lens complements both the A700 and 7D nicely. The SSM focusing really improves shooting with the 7D. This is a terrific lens and highly recommended.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: jdkeck review date: July-29-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	sigma 10-20, sigma 135-400, sony 18-250, tamron 28-75 2.8
price paid:	799 (new)
positive:	fast and silent focus, very sharp wide open
negative:	a little big to carry with hood reversed
comment:	just got this lens, i am going to have to see about rethinking my carry bag, this is a lens that i can see being on my camera a lot. i cant wait to test it on sports, it is very clear and clean at high iso's too.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 5 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: sandboa review date: July-24-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tokina 100-300 f/4 ATX Minolta 300 f/4 G Minolta 70-210 f/4 (beercan)
price paid:	$799 (new)
positive:	sharpness focus accuracy quiet
negative:	reversal of zoom/focus rings length of lens with hood 62mm filter size no tripod mount
comment:	I received this lens a few weeks ago and am very pleased overall. I have tested it on the 7D, A-100 and A-700. It is sharp and focuses very well (and quietly!), particularly on the A-700 and when the limiter is turned on. My overall feeling is that it isn't quite as sharp or as fast focusing as the 300 f/4 G, but I guess that is to be expected since it is a zoom and slower at 300mm. However, it is sharper and faster focusing than the other zooms I have compared it to (and I find both of those to be pretty sharp). I tried shooting some flying birds and I actually think this lens focuses more accurately than my 300 f/4 although it takes longer to do so (i.e. the 70-300 gets the focus right more often than the 300 f/4 although it doesn't rotate through its range of focus as quickly). The bokeh is also very nice. I wish the hood wasn't so obtrusive, but I guess that's what it requires. If it had a tripod mount, I would like it better and it is plasticky, but not cheap feeling. The close focus is nice. I don't think there is a better zoom in this range (70-300 or 100-300) available at any price.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Jeff Pittman review date: July-14-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	100-300 APO Minolta 70-200 2.8 G SSM Sony 80-200 2.8 G Minolta
price paid:	$799.00 USD (new)
positive:	Sharp Fast, quiet focus Great color Smaller and lighter than 70-200 2.8 G
negative:	Hard to find one available for sale 4.5-5.6 vs f4.0 or faster
comment:	I was torn between this lens and adding a TC to my 70-200 2.8G SSM Sony lens. I may still pickup the TC, but I am really happy with this lens and it is less expensive than the 1.4 and 2.0 TCs (combined). I only recently purchased this lens but I find I grab it more often when traveling and on the road than the much heavier and bulkier 70-200. It's much easier to lug around and I'm very happy with the results. The A700 is so good at higher ISO, that I often don't need the faster lens and this one gives me the additional 200-300 reach. I would also give this a 4.5 for build if that was an option. Not metal, but very solid - much more so than the Minolta 100-300 APO lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: johnbirch review date: July-13-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 75-300 Minolta 70-210 f/4
price paid:	799 USD (new)
positive:	IQ Bokeh Fast and quiet AF Colors
negative:	Size
comment:	This lens earns it's right to the "G" designation. It has got a bad rap from the plastic build, but the plastic build feels very high quality. The lens is sharp from wide open and the colors and bokeh are great. Little to no CA shows up when it is wide open, which is a huge improvement over the beercan. The autofocus is fast and is super fast when the limiter is activated. It is also nice to have the manual focus override. It takes a little bit to get used to because the focus ring is were the zoom ring normally is. Even though it is 4.5-5.6, it is a very heavy lens. It feels good, but with the hood on it can draw a lot of attention.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Edinator review date: July-10-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sony 75-300 (kit lense) Minolta 70-210 Beercan
price paid:	$820 CAD (new)
positive:	Non Rotating front Element Sharp across all ranges Great colours SSM focusing
negative:	62mm Filter thread Build quality could be better
comment:	I would have liked a metal body but this lense is very high quality plastic. I would have rated the build quality 4.5 if it was available. There is a bit of lense creep but I don't usually keep this thing hanging around my neck. The 62mm filter thread isn't standard which subtracts from the lense. The lense hood is huge which could be good or bad. It is effective none the less. The SSM focusing is fast, accurate and quiet.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: SynJohn review date: July-08-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Tamron 75-300 CZ 16-80
price paid:	799USD
positive:	Fast focus Sharp with nice bokeh No lens creep Weight
negative:	Focus and zoom reversed Needs light can not you polarizer with petal lens hood
comment:	2 months ownership now. I can not give it a 5 for sharpness as camera/lens combo(a350 and a100)or OPERATOR can not seem to get the great sharpness others speak of. I do like the weight as this tends to help me stabilize it for handheld shots. Color and bokeh both are outstanding as is overall feel. The reversed focus and zoom ring can be really annoying at times since the focus ring is on a clutch and can be moved when on AF. Build rating is for the fact that the lens has some slight twist on both my body mounts and the reversed focus/zoom. Over all I find this a very nice lens to have in my bag and worthy of the asking price.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: softbot review date: June-26-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 100-300 APO
price paid:	799 EUR (new)
positive:	Sharp Excellent bokeh & colour rendition Silent & fast AF even on D7D Focus limiter Very good build quality No chromatic aberrations
negative:	Slow. Should have been f4 all the way through. Much bigger than the 100-300 APO it replaces.
comment:	I bought this lens one month ago as an upgrade to my old Minolta 100-300 APO and I use it for handheld wildlife shooting, especially birding. The AF is fast and - above all - accurate, even on my old D7D, so it will be even better on the A700, I suppose. It may not be too fast but it makes up for that by performing flawlessly within its exact specifications. It is a valuable tool and worth its money. I must add that I have not tested this lens on a "full frame" 35mm camera, so it's hard to say how it will do on the upcoming flagship Alpha.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: Webguyyy review date: June-20-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Sigma 70-300 APO DG Minolta/Sony 75-300 Tamron 70-300
price paid:	735 new
positive:	Very sharp, corner to corner, even from 200-300mm. SSM silent quick focusing. Very effective large petal lens hood. Solid well built quality lens. Petal lens hood, non-rotational front element.
negative:	Lacks the macro feature of the Sigma & Tamron 70-300's. Wish it was an F4 lens. If you use a polarizer, you could never reach it to adjust with the huge petal lens hood. Focus and zoom ring reversed, takes getting use to.
comment:	Just replaced my Sigma 70-300 APO DG with the Sony 70-300 'G' SSM, because I was disappointed with the soft performance of an entry level telephoto beyond 200mm (all under $300 entry level 70-300's are soft beyond 200mm). Wow what a diffence. Yes, it's a much heavier build quality, more glass 62mm filter size and more groups of lenses. Huge very effective petal lens hood. Excellent build quality. The focus ring and zoom ring are reversed, takes a little getting use to. Quick silent SSM focusing, great for nature photos. If you are looking for fast glass this lens is not it. It's speed is average (F5.6), but it's performance leaves the entry level telephoto's way behind. At 2.5X the price of the entry level 70-300 lenses it should. You are paying for a 'G' build quality, not speed. This lens lives up to the 'g' reputation for quality. It's Sony's cheapest of the 'G' class lenses. This lens is not as fast as the Sigma 100-300 F4, but it's smaller, and more compact (but larger than entry level 70-300mm lenses). Far less conspicuous compared to a white Sony 70-200 'g' lens. Less expensive than the larger faster 100-300 F4 Sigma. When using a polarizer, I'll have to use a screw in rubber hood to rotate it, since the Sony petal 70-300 'G' lens hood is so deep. But with a non rotational front element, it will be easy to adjust. No lens slip or play experienced in my copy. Nicest built zoom lens I've owned over many years of photography. If lens speed is not a requirement, but quality and performance are, this is an excellent lens. Definitley a worthy upgrade from an entry level 70-300 or 75-300 lens. These are my initial impressions, I'm still evaluating it further, but so far it's everything I expected (quality not speed). I only rated the build quality a 4, because of the reversal of the zoom and focusing ring, and it's not possible to use a polarizer with the Sony lens hood (screw in rubber hood required when using polarizers). Overall quality is everything it should be in a 'G' lens.

sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: gm4jjj review date: May-22-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	Minolta 75-300 F4.5-5.6 Big Beercan, Sigma 70-300 F4-5.6 APO DG Macro Minolta 80-200/2.8 HS G
positive:	Sharp even at 300mm, low CA. SSM quiet focus. Black.
negative:	Quickly drops to F/5.6. (More quickly than Sigma or Minolta similar focal length zooms).
comment:	This lens replaces my Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro as a general telephoto zoom. A lot less conspicuous than the white 80-200 HS G. I have only shot a hundred or so frames at the WaterSki centre, but it has proven to be sharp wide open even at 300mm. Nice Bokeh. Auto focus fast enough for sports photography on A700, the range limiter useful. I can see this lens getting more use than the bigger heavier white lens. It is F/4.5 from 70 to 85mm, F/5 from 85 to 130mm, F/5.6 from 135 to 300mm. It will take some time to get used to the zoom ring being in front of the focus ring. I also find that the lens has some slight rotational play on my A700, most of my other lenses are a tighter fit. The play is noticeable when using the fairly stiff zoom ring.

sharpness: 5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5	user: gigo review date: March-29-08
	tested on film camera: tested on APS-C:6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP:; 16MP:; 24MP: tested on full frame:24MP
compared to:	100Macro(D),200Macro.
positive:	Sharpness,Contrast,Bokeh,Quiet.
negative:	Size. Slow.
comment:	Real new generation 'G' lens. The image quality is superb like primes. Strongly recommended.

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Summary ratings

sharpness: 4.71

color: 4.83

build: 4.29

distortion: 4.82

flare control: 4.79

overall: 4.69

total reviews: 150

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AF 70-300 F4.5-5.6 G SSM lens details