Sony has taken the super-telephoto prime lens game to new heights with the innovative FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS. This highly advanced optic designed for sports, wildlife and portrait shooters combines breathtaking image quality and lightning speed in a remarkably portable form factor.
As Sony’s new flagship prime lens, the FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS delivers on multiple fronts. The advanced optical design and manufacturing techniques produce images with stunning sharpness, clarity and gorgeous bokeh. Dual XD Linear Motors drives the focus group with extraordinary speed and accuracy for capturing split-second action. Despite its pro-level performance, the lens weighs just 51.9 oz and handles beautifully thanks to its balanced lightweight magnesium alloy construction.
With its bright f/2.8 constant aperture, effective stabilization, extensive weather sealing and customizable controls, this lens gives professionals and enthusiasts next-level creative tools within the E-mount ecosystem. In this in-depth review, I’ll be going through how this lens performs and handles real-world use for sports, wildlife and portrait photography. Read on to see why the FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS represents an outstanding new option for Sony shooters needing the ultimate in super telephoto image quality and performance.
Table of Contents
Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens Review
Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens ReviewKey Takeaways:
- Outstanding sharpness and gorgeous bokeh at f/2.8
- Lightning-fast, precise autofocus for sports and action
- Effective stabilization allows handheld telephoto shooting
- Robust weather-sealed design with extensive custom controls
- An impressive balance of image quality, speed, and portability
Handheld Shooting Experience
One of the biggest surprises with this lens is how easy it is to shoot handheld, thanks to the remarkably lightweight and ideal balance. Weighing just 51.9 oz, it feels significantly lighter in the hand compared to a typical 300mm f/2.8 lens. Sony really nailed the ergonomics by concentrating heavier elements closer to the camera body.
I was able to hike and carry the lens for hours without fatigue. Combined with the 5-axis stabilization, I could successfully photograph wildlife handheld even at slower shutter speeds. The lightweight and shortened barrel extension makes it easier to wield the lens and track subjects.
The compactness also allows me to carry the lens handheld on a second body when using a tripod-mounted super-telephoto primary. Overall, the portability and balance revolutionize the experience of using a fast super-telephoto lens in the field. It’s a game-changer for handheld shooting.
Optical Quality & Sharpness
Right from my first shots, I was amazed by the incredible sharpness this lens delivers even when shooting wide open at f/2.8. Fine details like animal fur and foliage are rendered with lifelike clarity across the entire frame.
Sony’s advanced optics and specialized glass elements achieve outstanding resolution normally only seen when stopping down. Images have a true-to-life 3D-like depth.
When desired, stopping down further enhances sharpness – perfect for landscape scenes. But the wide-open performance is incredible, maintaining peak sharpness fully open. Flare, ghosting, and chromatic aberration are also extremely well controlled.
Bokeh is silky smooth, providing gorgeous subject isolation and background blur. The bright f/2.8 aperture really excels for selective focus techniques with a narrow depth of field. Overall, the optical quality sets a new standard for a 300mm prime lens.
Autofocus Performance
The autofocus speed and accuracy on this lens blew me away. The dual high-torque XD Linear Motors drive the focusing group with lightning quickness and precision.
Whether photographing erratic birds in flight or athletes dodging tackles on the field, it locked focus and tracked movement reliably even under unpredictable motion. I was able to capture peak action moments that would have been a blur with other lenses.
The advanced control algorithm predicts subject movement, and distance, and calculates the optimal AF response in real-time. It sticks to subjects tenaciously without hunting.
AF speed remains lightning quick whether shooting wide open at f/2.8 stopped down at f/22, or with a teleconverter attached. This gives incredible flexibility when shooting in low light or needing extended depth of field.
For video work, the AF is virtually silent with minimal focus breathing. Manual focus override through the linear focus ring also provides precise control when needed.
Overall, the focusing performance is absolutely incredible and perfect for capturing sports, wildlife, and other dynamic actions.
Image Stabilization
By combining sensor shift and optical stabilization, this lens provides up to 5.5 stops of image stabilization for tack-sharp handheld shots – a game changer for action photography.
When panning to track laterally moving subjects, Mode 2 IS gave me a smooth viewfinder image and reliable focus. For more unpredictable motion, Mode 3 IS enhanced stabilization to handle vertical and horizontal shake.
At the lens’ full 600mm telephoto reach with the 2x teleconverter, I was able to get surprisingly sharp handheld shots thanks to the highly effective stabilization, even at relatively slow shutter speeds.
Having this level of stabilization at 600mm means I can photograph wildlife and distant subjects handheld when tripods are impractical or restrictive. It’s an invaluable advantage for active super-telephoto shooting.
Between the fast aperture and effective stabilization, this lens gives you the creative flexibility to shoot handheld in lighting conditions that would normally require a tripod or monopod.
Ergonomics & Design
Despite its pro-level performance, the FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS maintains a remarkably portable and balanced design. Weighing just 51.9 oz, it’s extremely light for a 300mm f/2.8 lens.
The ergonomic design places heavier elements near the camera body to achieve ideal weight distribution. This gives it better balance in hand for more comfortable use during extended handheld shooting compared to conventional super telephoto lenses.
The metal lens barrel provides a durable professional quality fit and finish, with extensive weather sealing to resist dust and moisture. The customizable controls like the function ring and AF buttons allow tailoring operation to your needs.
The streamlined body with a fluorine coating on the front element also makes it easier to wipe down and keep clean when working in rugged conditions. Overall, Sony did an excellent job on the design to keep size and weight low without sacrificing performance or build quality.
Ideal Uses
This lens excels in sports, wildlife, birding, and portraiture. It’s also a great choice for outdoor events, airshows, and astrophotography. The video-friendly focus and stabilization also suit multimedia production.
Pros:
- Incredible image quality
- Fast, accurate autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
- Lightweight yet robust build
- Extensive weather sealing
- Customizable controls
Cons:
- Very high cost
- Large sizes may be challenging for some uses
Verdict
For photographers who demand the pinnacle of optical quality and performance, the Sony 300mm f/2.8 GM is a dream lens. It provides an unrivalled combination of speed, resolution, bokeh and portability. If your budget allows, this is the super telephoto E-mount lens to get.
FAQ
Is this lens good for wildlife photography?
With its fast aperture, advanced AF and stabilization, this lens is superb for wildlife, capturing animals from a distance with excellent sharpness.
Does the lens work on APS-C cameras?
Yes, it provides a 450mm equivalent focal length on APS-C E-mount bodies, with an angle of view crop. The image quality remains superb.
What teleconverters is this lens compatible with?
It works excellently with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x E-mount teleconverters to extend the reach to 420mm and 600mm.
Does this lens work for indoor sports?
Yes, the bright f/2.8 aperture excels under indoor lighting, and the fast AF tracks athletes reliably even in low-light areas.
