Finding the right lens for sports or wildlife photography often comes down to speed, clarity, and performance in tough conditions. With a fast f/2.8 aperture, the Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS offers all of these qualities in a surprisingly compact package. This lens brings high-end performance in a lightweight body, making it an enticing choice if you need long-range reach without the bulk.
Coming to you from Bobby Tonelli, this in-depth video dives into why the Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS is turning heads. The lens is the lightest 300mm f/2.8 on the market, weighing only 1,470 grams—less than some 70-200mm lenses out there. This reduction in weight makes it ideal for handheld shooting, even when tracking fast-moving subjects like athletes or animals. The video highlights the overall build quality, emphasizing the balance between portability and ruggedness, and its excellent handling on Sony’s mirrorless bodies like the a7R V or a1.
Tonelli points out that while the price is steep, the lens’ optical performance justifies the cost. Its autofocus system is rapid and precise, seamlessly locking onto subjects. The video also explores image quality, noting how well the lens controls chromatic aberration and flaring. Even in challenging backlit scenarios, the 300mm f/2.8 holds up well, producing clear images without distracting fringing or distortion. The bokeh is another standout feature. It’s creamy and soft, making it perfect for portraits or wildlife photography where subject separation is key. Tonelli demonstrates how the lens renders backgrounds smoothly and eliminates harsh edges, adding a professional look to each shot.
In terms of usability, the lens’ size makes it easy to pack and carry around. Tonelli mentions how he could fit it into a backpack without a struggle. This ease of transportation is a significant advantage for those who are always on the go and don’t want to be weighed down by bulky gear. However, one minor complaint is the lack of a dedicated lens cap, which Tonelli feels would have made a small but meaningful difference when handling the lens.
While the lens’ $6,000 price tag can be a barrier, its versatility, lightweight design, and image quality make it an appealing choice for serious enthusiasts and professionals. It’s designed to excel in fast-paced shooting environments, ensuring you get the shot even when the action is intense. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Tonelli.
Looks like a beautiful lens but for the life of me I can't imagine why anybody would use a fixed focal length lens for wildlife photography anymore. I've primarily been using zooms since 1985 with my first zoom being the Nikkor 80-200mm F/2.8. It was huge but incredibly sharp. Then came the original, manual focus 200-400mm zoom lens. Again, incredibly sharp and superbly versatile giving me the ability to change focal length at will. No idea why anyone would want a fixed focal length lens over a zoom.
--- "No idea why anyone would want a fixed focal length lens over a zoom."
I'm guessing most sports photographers, especially professionals, use telephoto primes. It's not uncommon to see them with 300 f2.8, 400 f2.8, 600 f4. You have to consider the lighting conditions they to have to shoot in. And, also subject separation.