Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS

The Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS is a super telephoto prime for Sony E-mount full frame cameras. Sony announced the lens in November 2023 (development had been announced earlier that year) and calls it the lightest 300 mm F2.8 lens for full frame cameras. It is aimed at sports, news, event and wildlife photographers who shoot handheld.

Optical design

The lens has 21 elements in 17 groups, a count that includes one drop-in filter. According to Sony, three Super ED and one ED element suppress chromatic aberration, and each lens is individually calibrated during manufacture to optimize bokeh. An 11 blade circular aperture supports smooth rounded out-of-focus areas. The aperture runs from F2.8 to F22. Close focus is 2 m with a maximum magnification of 0.16x.

Autofocus and handling

Two XD linear motors drive autofocus. Sony says AF tracking stays effective with its teleconverters attached, and the lens works with the 1.4x SEL14TC and 2x SEL20TC for up to 600 mm. Built-in Optical SteadyShot offers three modes, including MODE 3 on recent bodies. The lens has focus hold buttons in four positions and a function ring that cameras such as the newest Alpha models can use for preset focus recall.

Build and size

It weighs 1,470 g without the tripod mount, measures 124 mm in diameter and 265 mm in length. The internal barrel uses magnesium alloy, and Sony says weight is not concentrated at the front for easier panning. Instead of a front filter thread it uses a 40.5 mm drop-in filter slot; a normal filter is supplied. The design is dust and moisture resistant (not guaranteed fully sealed), with a fluorine coating.

Where it fits

It sits below the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS and Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS in the super telephoto range. For more reach and flexibility at slower apertures, the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS, the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS and the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II are common alternatives.

Pros and cons

Pros

• F2.8 at 300 mm in 1,470 g
• Optical stabilization with three modes
• Works with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters
• Four focus hold buttons and function ring

Cons

• Fixed 300 mm focal length
• Drop-in filter instead of a front filter thread
• 2 m minimum focus distance and top price tier

Verdict

The FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS is aimed at professionals and advanced shooters who value fast, handholdable super telephoto glass. The data show a clear priority on weight and AF speed, while buyers who want zoom flexibility or a smaller budget are better served by zooms.