Sony AF 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM A-mount lens review by Ralf B

Ralf B#11610 date: Jan-15-2014
sharpness: 4.5 color: 5 build: 4 distortion: 5 flare control: 5 overall: 4.7	tested on: film camera: APS-C: 6MP; 10MP; 12MP; 14MP; 16MP; 20MP; 24MP full frame: 12MP; 24MP; 36MP; 42MP; 61MP
ownership:	I own this lens
compared to:	SAL 70-400G Minolta 70-210/4 Beercan CZ 135/1.8
price paid:	500 EU new (lucky)
positive:	Light weight (but see cons) Overall IQ is a great combo of high sharpness, contrast and low CA/PF
negative:	Low weight makes lens pick up mirror slap
comment:	I bought this in the U.K. when a Sony retailer cleared stock to replace my beercan (which found a good new home with a friend who still uses it) and before I bought the a55. Use case was a light but long and good telephoto for handheld shooting when not bringing the tripod. On a700 and a900, focus was spot on, but the last "bite" in IQ was strangely missing. Once mounted on the a55, the final step in IQ was made. I assume that the combination of the well built, but light housing of the 70-300G and the mirror slap of the a700/a900 caused some ringing which the a55 does not trigger. The a55 with Tamron 17-50/2.8 and the SAL 70-300G now join me when travelling light or rough with no regrets in IQ.