Is the 300mm f/2.8 GM Sony’s Best Lens to Date?

[@mattelim]

The proof of the pudding is in the sample photographs you’d shot and were shot in. Absolutely stunning!

[@btonelli]

Thank you 🙏

[@Jonathantuba]

I bought this lens as soon as it came out and have been loving ever since as a wildlife photographer. The 1.4x and 2x teleconverters work perfect with the lens giving in effect 3 lenses in one, a 300 F2.8, a 420 F4, and a 600 F5.6. It is so good I have sold my 600 F4

[@nicholasbessette2001]

Im surprised you got rid of your 600f4. The 600 at f4 will be way sharper than this lens with a 2x on it

[@Jonathantuba]

@@nicholasbessette2001 my comparison tests before I sold found no appreciable loss of sharpness viewing at 100%, while auto focus is definitely faster with the 300. If I have any reservation, it is loosing one stop of bokeh, but as I mostly hand hold, the ease of holding the 300 v 600 was the deciding factor.

[@ElJibaro718]

I don't know a single thing about photography, but this video sparked an interest. Great video.

[@btonelli]

Thank you! Really appreciate you watching it

[@rontopp]

My wife rented it for week in the Tetons, paired with her A1 and RV. She fell in love with it. She’s also rented the 600 and 400 on previous trip and plans on buying this and the 1.4.

[@btonelli]

@@rontopp yeah it’s really a special lens from them

[@bondgabebond4907]

Didn't catch it, what camera body was attached to that beautiful lens. Also love that it is 'Made in Japan.' Love Sony cameras. Glad I chose that eco system even thought I was a Nikon guy last century (F2A and FE2).

[@btonelli]

@@bondgabebond4907 a7RV was the camera I used for the review. It’s a solid ecosystem. F2A is ❤️❤️

[@bondgabebond4907]

@@btonelli It's a solid system. The main problem is the cost of film and developing, which is way below par. If I did shoot the Nikons, I would do only B&W. That way I would develop the negs myself like I did long ago. It breaks my heart. Those two Nikons are incredible machines, and they were with me for much of the time I was in the USAF. The F2 even walked with me into North Korea and the DMZ. Now, in 2024, I'm totally digital and extremely happy. It's a hobby now, so I am not driven like the younger set who try to survive with photography. One thing I have to say about last century is that shooting with film and basically manual and mechanical cameras taught me a lot. Gear is gear, be happy with what you have and shoot your heart out. Some of my best pictures were taken with a Pentax Spotmatic F. I got my Nikons while stationed in Japan where the prices were reasonable, not jacked up in the U.S.

[@btonelli]

@@bondgabebond4907 thanks for sharing!!you must have some amazing stories and photos to go along with them. You are absolutely right when it comes to gear. Use what we have and make the most of it. Really appreciate you commenting and sharing.

[@sgpork]

Got this lens since apr. Just got back from afrcia with it. Cant be any happier. Much smaller much cheaper much lighter than the big brother 400/600.. not 3kg just about 1.5kg. It is just no brainer. It’s so good.

[@btonelli]

Envious!! Yes it’s really easy to carry around. Would be amazing to see those images you took

[@davetv8171]

When I seen the title of this video and then I seen which lens you were referring to, I smiled as I know exactly what you mean. When this lens came out I was using it with the a7cR and it made me sell my GF 250 to get an A9III. When I had this lens, I just stopped using everything else. For all the positive reasons you mentioned above. I’ve owned the 400 and 600 GM lenses in the past. This lens is sharper than the 400 and half the cost. The 600 was just too big where I store my camera stuff. The 300 is a great punch at its price. And cheaper than the RF 100-300. So Sony it was for me.

[@btonelli]

@@davetv8171 thank you. I was shocked at how versatile and good this is. It took me a while to get one for review but I’m so glad I did.

[@davetv8171]

@@btonelli I was curious how this lens compares to the Leica 90-280. Please tell me I don’t need this lens!

[@btonelli]

@@davetv8171 the 90-280 is stunning lens when you nail focus. Well corrected, great micro contrast etc. the downsides is that the AF system with Leica could be better and that holds the lenses back from capturing more awesome images.

[@davetv8171]

@@btonelli I get gas towards Leica and such expensive brands. In my mind I would like to get the GF 500 with the 100SII and 55 1.7. But gas tries to lead me astray. I should know this 300 is about all I need.

[@btonelli]

@@davetv8171 ohh that 500 is something else. Also did a video on it

[@jonspoard8416]

Great review. Are those horse images edited? Subcribed

[@btonelli]

@@jonspoard8416 thank you. Yes just colors are brought back to what I saw as I shoot in RAW

[@adamalthus]

I’m fortunate to own this one and it’s by far my favorite piece of glass. The only thing that comes close in IQ and versatility was my old Nikon 200 f/2 VR. The ability to put a 1.4 or 2X on this and then punch in with APSC mode give you a huge focal range in one tiny, lightweight package.

[@btonelli]

I’ve tried the 200 f2 briefly in a store and was heavily impressed but the size and weight do make it challenging. The fact Sony can do so much with such a small lens is pretty damn amazing

[@GarryM66]

Love these kind of lenses and hoping Nikon recreate their legendary 300mm 2.8 for the z mount although very tempted by the 400mm with TC Fabulous photos sir 👍

[@btonelli]

@@GarryM66 thank you. Yes hoping Nikon does return with the 300 f2.8 and they keep it compact as well

[@JayBlue2U]

@@btonelli Well said. Couldn't agree more! 😊

[@Michaelnuss-x2w]

Brought it to dates. Indeed it impresses.

[@btonelli]

Dates always love a good 300

[@malfunkt]

Nice bike photos, and good memories. Would love to try out a lens like this. The closest I can get to such telephoto magic is my beloved Samyang 135mm F2 (the older manual FF version using it on APS-C) which is incredibly sharp, with wonderful bokeh.. and 1/20th the price.

[@btonelli]

@@malfunkt thanks. Yes good memories with that bike. That’s a solid lens!

[@Gerald_G]

Enjoyed this. Thx 💪🏼

[@btonelli]

@@Gerald_G thanks for watching

[@mbenjamin292]

I just found your channel. What do you think about a7r5?I just purchased one. I love it. I want to know your honest opinion.new sub

[@btonelli]

Thanks! I really like the camera. Image quality is fantastic, EVF, fully articulated display. The only thing I wish was better was faster shutter speeds beyond 8000. Outside of that I really like it

[@iwcpilot1151]

Bought this lens then bought a Zemlin lens cap. Works great. I agree, Sony made a bad choice not including one.

[@btonelli]

Yeah they should at least sell one separately

[@ApertureViews]

In terms of IQ how does this render compared to the 90-280 APO?

[@btonelli]

Very similar but lighter and faster AF (the Sony I mean)

[@jfphotography69]

It's a f/2.8 prime $6K before tax lens. The lens should be excellent.

[@btonelli]

And it is indeed

[@stevep927]

Yes it is light sharp relatively inexpensive and performance with 1.4 and 2x

[@phoenixvette]

1:06 Yes! I need this.... wait no I don't......1:09 .....YEAHHHHH I dooo

[@btonelli]

Lol!!

[@mawavoy]

At that price, no lens cap?

[@btonelli]

Just the cushion cover

[@elderinmoi1571]

It might be small for a 300 2.8 but in fact I would not go on vacation with it. It’s for pros and they are satisfied with what they have already. The amateurs will be those who make it a success for Sony and I doubt that once the honey moon phase is over the lens gets much use.

[@btonelli]

Understand. Everyone will have a preference and use case for certain lenses. But what’s right for you

[@ZPOLLAK]

Sony is killing it. More and more reason I want to switch away from Canon.

[@btonelli]

They are doing good stuff but to Canon’s credit they are as well

[@elderinmoi1571]

Of course it’s lighter than the Leica lens. Leica does not make plastic gear.

[@Dan.gibson.photographer]

The frame is in Magnesium alloy not plastic 😉. That’s why it’s light weight