Sony has a wide variety of optics in its arsenal. In today’s review we present two telephoto lenses – one of them is very high quality and expensive, designed specifically for sports and wildlife shooting, because in addition to great picture quality it also features silent focusing. The other model is a mirror-lens lens, which traces its lineage back to similar telescopes and which have an unmatched compactness.
Sony SAL-300F28G
Mount: Sony A
Image format: 135 36×24 mm
Elements/groups: 13/12
Focal length: 300 mm
Angle of view: 8° 10′ 135
Aperture: 2.8 – 32
Number of blades: 9
MDF: 2m
Hood type: Included
Light filter: 42 mm internal
Dimensions: 122×242.5 mm
Weight: 2310 g
Price: $10,300
The focal length for the APS-C format is 460mm in 35mm equivalent. Very high quality and expensive lens designed specifically for sports shooting. Also successfully used for wildlife photography, as it features silent focusing in addition to an excellent picture.
The lens optical scheme is designed so that chromatic aberrations are almost completely eliminated. Lightweight alloys and carbon fiber to reduce weight and compensate for temperature distortion. Operation of the lens requires careful study of the manual.
Sony SAL-500F80
Mount: Sony A
Image format: 135 36×24 mm
Elements/groups: 7/5
Focal length: 500mm
Angle of view: 5° 135
Aperture: 8 constant
Number of blades
MDF: 4m
Type of lens hood: included
Light filter: 55 mm internal
Dimensions: 89×118mm
Weight: 665 g
Price: $1250
The focal length for the APS-C format corresponds to 750 mm in 35 mm equivalent. The only mirror-lens lens in the overview. Sony isn’t the only one making lenses like these, but this review covers only autofocus lenses.
By design, mirror-lens lenses are derived from similar telescopes and have some uncomfortable features. They have a small aperture ratio, aperture cannot be changed, and the background blur pattern has a characteristic ring spot. But they have a very interesting picture and an unrivalled compactness.
Could you please share your thoughts and experiences with Sony telephoto lenses? I’m in the market for one and would love to hear recommendations or any tips on choosing the right lens for my photography needs. Thanks in advance for your insights!