Customer reviews from sony.com
70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony A-mount - White
Average customer rating
4.2
(9 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 9 reviews
5 Stars
5
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Star
1
67%of customers recommend this product.
(
2 out of
3)
Customer Reviews for 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM II Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony A-mount - White
Customer Rating
5
Make sure you test it out
on June 18, 2014
Posted by: Rockness
I ordered this lens from two different distributors. There was a monumental difference between the two. Obviously it didn't have anything to do with who sold it. They didn't manufacture it. The poor lens was soft all around. Seemed to have a focusing issue.
Here's what you need to look for and expect with this lens. The better one, which I'm keeping, is unbelievably sharp when cropped to full size. It is hard to tell the difference between F5.6 and F8. That is a great feature because most lenses, including primes, need to be stopped down to obtain good clarity. It seems to nail the focus more consistently at 300mm than at 400mm. It is also "slightly" sharper at 300mm. I cropped the 300mm pics to the same size as the 400mm and 7/10 times they actually looked better. Now don't be mistaken. The 400mm shots were still as great. But some of the 300mm shots were just incredible. I cropped them as much as my computer allowed and they were still sharp. btw- the bokeh is creamy smooth on the good lens and completely harsh and jagged on the bad one. Yes, it's a little disappointing there can be that much of a difference between the lenses. One more exciting bit of info. My camera is the A58. This lens can only be better on the A99. Can't speak for the A77 since the image quality on the A58 is actually a little better per the online reviews.
The purpose of this review is to let you know to expect greatness in this lens. If it doesn't "wow" you then return it and get another one. When you get one that performs the way it's supposed to, you will be smiling every day you use it. All of the other negatives such as the weight and flimsy hood will mean nothing when you see the pictures.
Here's what you need to look for and expect with this lens. The better one, which I'm keeping, is unbelievably sharp when cropped to full size. It is hard to tell the difference between F5.6 and F8. That is a great feature because most lenses, including primes, need to be stopped down to obtain good clarity. It seems to nail the focus more consistently at 300mm than at 400mm. It is also "slightly" sharper at 300mm. I cropped the 300mm pics to the same size as the 400mm and 7/10 times they actually looked better. Now don't be mistaken. The 400mm shots were still as great. But some of the 300mm shots were just incredible. I cropped them as much as my computer allowed and they were still sharp. btw- the bokeh is creamy smooth on the good lens and completely harsh and jagged on the bad one. Yes, it's a little disappointing there can be that much of a difference between the lenses. One more exciting bit of info. My camera is the A58. This lens can only be better on the A99. Can't speak for the A77 since the image quality on the A58 is actually a little better per the online reviews.
The purpose of this review is to let you know to expect greatness in this lens. If it doesn't "wow" you then return it and get another one. When you get one that performs the way it's supposed to, you will be smiling every day you use it. All of the other negatives such as the weight and flimsy hood will mean nothing when you see the pictures.
Response from sony.comBy Amanda, Sony Support, June 30, 2014
Wow! Thank you for the feedback. Great picture!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Super fast Super sharp
on August 15, 2013
Posted by: Poke
I had the first version. The difference in the speed and accuracy of focusing between version one and two is monumental. The first version was good until compared to this lens. This autofocus is scary fast and there is no hunting. The autofocus is whisper quiet as well. I would say this lens is faster in the focusing department than my 24-70 CZ. The sharpness is amazing throughout the entire zoom spectrum. I liked version one but I love version 2.. If this is any indication what the new 70-200/2.8 G is going to be like then I am ready to trade up to that lens as well. This lens will be used for many sporting events and wild life shooting. On my 99 I will even give it a shot with some inside sports work but we shall see. That is the only limitation with this otherwise perfect lens. It's a little slow at the high end of the zoom for poorly lit inside sporting event. But during the day this lens is a gem.
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Posted by: FliWayne
Verified Purchase:Yes
I used the original 70-400mm on a couple of occasions and received the new one as a Christmas gift from my father. The quality is sharp and focuses much faster then the original model. Even at 400mm the images come out sharp and crisp. The only complaint I have is there is no lock on the lens when your walking. It will zoom all the way out to 400mm so be prepared.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Great Lens
on April 29, 2014
Posted by: Vinf
This lens has the reach, sharpness, and bokeh that I wanted to compliment my Zeiss 24-70 for my a99. The two lenses effectively give me a range of 24 to 400 with two of the finest lenses in the market place today, bar none.
The 70-400 is quick to focus, produces wonderful color and is a quality build.
I would highly recommend this lens.
The 70-400 is quick to focus, produces wonderful color and is a quality build.
I would highly recommend this lens.
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
THE BEST ZOOM LENS AND VALUE
on August 2, 2013
Posted by: peter138
This is the best 70-400mm lens in the market. The focus is sharp even with full aperture at 400mm ,no another lens can compare. The G2 is much faster AF and less hunt . The contrast , sharpness and bokeh same better than the previous one too.I highly recommend this lens for serious wildlife and bird photography.Love the lens and finishing. I think Sony ask a very reasonable price for that upgrade super fast lens.
What's great about it: THE BEST AND FAST 70-400MM LENS
What's not so great: MUST BUY FOR WILDLIFE AND BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
4
Nice lens BUT
on September 3, 2013
Posted by: CnaRay
I have both the 70400G and the 70400G2. I don't really see a difference between the two. Sony says the G2 is faster focus, but I cannot tell the difference. They are both Very sharp at the 400 mm end and I use F8-f16 on both. The photo of the bug is at 100% of the pixel size and the wing is super clear. I shot that with the G2 at around 4-5 feet away. The firewood if over 100 ft away and is also at 98.9% of it's Pixel size and both were hand held with steadyshot on. You can save some money and buy the original G lens.
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
5
Great lens. Absolutely first class
on May 5, 2014
Posted by: Grandfather
It is a very well built lens with super optics. Auto focus is fine. Great zoom range and really expect to get a lot of good wildlife photos with it. Works very well with both my A 900 and my A 99
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com
Customer Rating
4
Wonderful lens, poor paint finish
on July 18, 2014
Posted by: Gustavia
I had been using a borrowed SAL70400G so I was already aware of what a great, sharp lens this is. My new lens is used with the A77 II and the focus is fast and accurate. This is a winning combination for bird photography. I love the tracking and focusing features of the A77 II
What I am terribly disappointed about is the white finish on the lens outside seems to be substandard. I have had it just about a month and already there are several deep scratches in the paint finish and the body material shows through. I am careful with my equipment; it is not due to abuse. The lens is stored properly and not banged around when in use.
Written by a customer while visiting sony.com