Scheduled for release in late January 2024, the FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS for Sony’s full-frame Alpha mirrorless cameras is claimed as the world’s lightest 300 mm telephoto prime lens.
The new Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens in use in the field. (Source: Sony.)
Weighing approximately 1470 grams without the removable tripod foot, the new lens will allow hand-held shooting, giving photographers full mobility for capturing decisive moments while shooting fast-moving sports or agile animals. The internal lens barrel uses durable magnesium alloy to achieve both high robustness and light weight. This lens is also compatible with Sony’s optional FE 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, which will extend the telephoto range to 420mm and 600 mm, respectively. Its innovative optical design consists of 20 elements in 16 groups, including three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one ED glass element that have been arranged to provide a comfortable weight balance. Combined, they can suppress chromatic aberration and achieve high resolution and contrast across the entire frame. Nano AR Coating II has been applied to interior lens surfaces to suppress reflections that cause flare and ghosting.
Dual XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors drive the high-precision AF system, complemented by updated AF algorithms for improved responsiveness and quieter operation. Full-time DMF supports manually adjusting focus simply by turning the focusing ring, regardless of the focusing mode. The lens includes a focus range limiter switch and preset focus functions to increase focusing efficiency, while Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation compensates for the effects of camera shake. When used on a camera body featuring in-body image stabilisation, 5-axis shake correction is available for more robust support. Three stabilisation modes are available: Mode 1 for general shooting, Mode 2 for panning shooting, and Mode 3, which prioritises accurate framing when photographing and tracking fast and erratically moving subjects. Four separate focus hold buttons can be customised to adjust or activate a variety of settings. When this lens is fitted on the Alpha 9 III, users can assign ‘preset focus’ to the function ring to enable instant focus adjustment.
An 11-blade circular aperture mechanism contributes to smooth bokeh and each lens is individually calibrated during manufacture to optimise bokeh quality. The internal lens barrel uses durable magnesium alloy to achieve both high robustness and light weight. Weather-sealed construction protects against ingress of dust, dirt, and moisture. The rear of the lens features a drop-in filter slot that accepts 40.5mm round filters. The rotating tripod collar includes ball bearings for smooth movements when shifting between horizontal and vertical working positions.
The new FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens will be available in Australia from late January 2024 at an RRP of AU$10,499. Click here for more information.
