DO NOT BUY for VIDEO!!! This lensa focus system is complete garbage. The speed in which you turn the focus ring determines the focus and not how much you move the focus ring. Itas not true manual focus making any repeatable focus move impossible and hence extremely impractical for video.

Sony's full format mirrorless system has been an immense success in recent years and with the release of the Alpha 9 they are now truly threatening the remaining native DSLR homelands. The FE system has been traditionally weak regarding very long tele lenses. However, Sony is trying to catch up now.

for video camera only not for still

The 70-300mm lens is a highly versatile option for sports and wildlife in particular and the market abounds with low cost choices that serve well. This lens is one of a different breed though, at a much higher price level and including, in Sony's jargon, their Optical Steady Shot mechanism.

Generally very good sharpness; Central CA almost eliminated; Ease of use; OSS system; Well made; Unique focal length for E mount

Edges soften as we zoom in; Edge CA high; High price

This lens is quite big, heavy, and expensive for its modest specifications. There is nothing too bad or too exciting about this lens. It's not as sharp as a good copy of 70-200, but it's not as bad 24-240 either, it's just average almost as good as Canon 70-300/4-5.6 IS USM.

good range; reasonably sharp

poor focusing

A handy lens to have in the bag if you are on a budget. Images are for the most part clear and sharp until you get to the big end. Sharpness drops away quite a bit at 300mm. Macro performance is surprisingly good for a 1:2 zoom lens. Quite a decent lens for the money.

Easy to use

Build quality

The Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS is a crisp, all-weather telezoom. It offers a solid range, balances well with both APS-C and full-frame Sony mirrorless cameras, and delivers crisp results throughout its zoom range.

Good telephoto zoom range; Strong image quality; Quick autofocus; Sturdy build; Optical stabilization; All-weather design

Pricey; Narrow aperture; Some pincushion distortion

So far, a good solid lens. Biggest drawback is that it doesn't have a tripod collar. I don't understand why Sony didn't allow for this.

Can't use on a tripod

Brought this about a month ago - wanted that extra bit of reach for landscapes, and the small amount of sports photography I do for my baseball team. Considered the 70-200 F4 but couldn't justify the extra expense, bulk and weight when I don't really need the constant F4 aperture.

I'm an amateur photographer so I wanted a telephoto lens but didn't have the budget to spend on the 400. I picked this lens up and could not be happier with the performance. It is heavy, but so is any good telephoto lens.