Product Description

Sony System 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM

Product Details

• Brand: Sony
• Model: SAL70400G
• Released on: 2008-12-30
• Dimensions: 5.60 pounds

Features

• Aperture (Max.) - f/22
• Aperture (Min.) - f/32
• Aspheric Elements - 0(0 surface)
• Blades - 9 aperture blades
• Focal Length - 105-600mm

Manufacturer Description

The SAL70400G lens is a 5.7x super telephoto zoom lens and the latest addition to Sony’s G-series line of premium lenses. Designed to deliver extremely sharp descriptive performance across its wide focal length range, it is ideally suited for sports, action and wildlife photography.

Constructed of 18 elements in 12 groups, it includes two extra-low dispersion glass lenses for high contrast, sharp details, and exceptional center-to-edge resolution with minimal chromatic aberration. A circular aperture with nine diaphragm blades is utilized to achieve natural, aesthetically-pleasing de-focusing effects.

With a minimum focus distance of 1.5m and maximum magnification of 0.27x, the lens delivers best-in-class performance. Like the SAL1635ZA lens, focus drive is provided by its SSM system, which offers the speed and rotational precision often required for telephoto shooting. Additionally, the lens has an internal focusing system for faster auto focusing.

A focus-mode/range switch and three focus-hold buttons have been added to the lens barrel for enhanced operability.

When attached to the flagship a900 camera body, the AF hold buttons can be customized to activate the intelligent preview function.

Customer Reviews

Budget Sports Shooters Dream
I have been using this lens for the past three weeks. Mostly to shoot local league Rugby, Soccer, and Baseball. Let me say up front, if you do not have a monopod get one now. The total weight of a A700 and this lens is about 4.5 pounds. If you include the A700 grip you are lugging around about 6 pounds of gear. For the images you get its is well worth it the weight. For the bang for the buck this has got to be the best Sony lens out there. With the 1.5x crop factor on most of the Sony DLSR's (only the A900 is full frame) this becomes an effective 105-600mm zoom. It's used mostly at the 400mm (equivalent) setting and my shots are tack sharp even wide open. Since I use this mostly for sports I keep the camera is in shutter priority setting, usually at 1/1000 or 1/800 of a second. Focusing seems a bit faster with the built in SSM as opposed to the screw drive on the other lenses but not much different. Because the SSM uses a bit of battery power you will experience fewer shots per charge. The only negative about this lens is that when zoomed the lens does extend quite a bit. I had hoped that it's length remained the same throughout the zoom range as my Tamron 70-200 F2.8 does. But this is a small quibble when you factor in the image resolution and very fair price for a premium lens. Another plus, the silver finish really looks great. It really stands out nicely when I'm in the press box with the Canikon crowd.

Nice lens
Have owned many lenses of this focal length . Namely the Nikon 80-400mm, Canon 100-400mm , etc and I have to say the Sony is a fine lens . Fast and very quiet AF. Very sharp for a lens in this focal range.Build quality is top notch. The focus limiter is a great help when in low light as all these type lenses hunt a bit in difficult light.Some have a problem with the silver finish on the lens but I thought it looked cool plus is reflective which prevents the lens from getting too warm in sunshine.

Powerful Tele-Zoom
I received the Sony SAL70400G 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens (Black)on the scheduled day, Its quality is undeniable, I own an Alpha 350 which is an APSC camera, this makes this lens a 105-600, And this is where I was surprised, 105 is very narrow. It is also heavy. In low light, I have had some focusing issues, it tends to get lost before finding it. I like shooting at the end of the day when the light is best, this lens requires a tripod or monopod in those circumstances. Using it for what it is intended, it produces very sharp pictures. I recommend it to bird lovers, it is also wonderfull for day events where you are distant to the subject, overall it is a great lens, now I cant wait to get me the 900 body to really show off its capabilities.