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Upgrade to Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II or Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II

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pezzhull

pezzhull

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Current lenses with A77II just not delivering as sharp an image as I would like at close to 300 mm , either the Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD or Sony 75-300mm F4.5-5.6 (lower quality came with A57). I am looking to upgrade , I travel a lot (especially for wildlife) and enjoy hiking so I am concerned about hiking with 70-400 and its weight(I have never had such a large lens) but it has very good reviews. The new Sony 70-300 G has not been reviewed very much yet but assuming it is an upgrade from original G, the price and less weight is attractive. Is weight and size a big problem. Any travel problems when flying?

Unfortunately no local stores carry these lenses for me to see and only special orders are available.

I guess I realize there is no absolute answer but any thoughts or experiences are appreciated very much.
 
If you like to shoot wildlife then lens like 70-400 (or Tamron 150-600) is a must. 300mm just won't cut it. yes they are heavier than 300m zoom but there isn't free lunch, you pay (weight & cost) for quality, and it's still handheld-able and reasonably compact.









 

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First off, be sure you are doing a micro focus adjustment on your lenses. On the tele's do it at the long end.

Secondly, The Sony 70-400GII is the way to go IMO. It is big and heavy but it is also darn good! I'm 78 year old and I can carry it almost all day long. If I don't get a sharp image it is my fault and not the lens. I often use a monopod and leave SSS on. At times I have used the Kenko 1.4X Pro 300DG TC on it and it works very well but most of the time a bit of cropping will get almost the same thing.

Lastly, in case you haven't seen this guide here it is: http://www.sony.net/Products/di/com...w/ILCA-77M2_4DFOCUS_Camera_Settings_Guide.pdf .
 
I can only second what has already been said, but also have a few things to add.

The focus method selection knob/dial has 4 settings, one them is AF-A, for a long time I left my camera in AF-A and I had a very hard time getting my lenses to perform consistently while doing auto focus micro adjust.

Since using AF-S and AF-C exclusively I have been getting far more consistent results.

With regards to the two lenses you are considering my advice would be to go for the 70-400 G2, it is not that heavy, and it is compact enough to go in a smallish camera bag between location when you are out and about.

Reach really does matter and while I am sure the 70-300 G2 is going to be a very strong performer I fear you would miss the extra reach of the 70-400.

Now with reach being a factor I guess you would be wondering if you should get the Tamron 150-600, I don't have that lens, so in terms of performance and handling I can't comment.

I do have the Sigma 150-500 and while it has 100mm extra reach on paper it cannot do the things the 70-400 G2 can do, for example Birds In Flight or fast moving action.

One additional thing I would to mention is that when using the 150-500 I often found the short end to be too long and have a too narrow FOV, the 70mm of the 70-400 is much more useful for a wide image - in my opinion that is.
 
thanks for posting that Guide, I hadn't seen it before,

Paul
 
If wildlife is really a major interest, I think you will be much better off in the long run going with the 70-400mm. The difference in weight (750g = 1.65lbs) is significant, but the 70-400mm is not heavy by wildlife standards. And, unless the 70-300mm G2 is a pretty significant improvement over the original 70-300mm, you will not be getting the best IQ. The one advantage of the 70-300mm G2 is the weather sealing which the 70-400mm G2 lacks.

I used the Big Beercan (75-300mm) and Beercan (70-210mm) for wildlife for five years before getting my 70-400mmG2. Shooting with 300mm is definitely possible and you will likely get some very nice results. However, the 70-400mm G2 is so good, that if you can deal with the extra weight, it will be worth it. The extra reach and near perfect sharpness will pay significant dividends in your photos.

I'm no spring chicken (72 years), but in reasonably decent physical shape for 150lbs. I carry the A-77 and 70-400mm G2 between 3 and 6 miles about five days a week. I use to carry the Bigma (Sigma 50-500mm) which is a pound heavier and, at least for me, the extra pound is pretty significant. Maybe you could try simply adding an extra 1.6 pounds to your hiking gear when carrying your 75-300mm. If it's a problem, then compromise with the 70-300mm G2.

--
AEH
http://aehass.zenfolio.com/
http://aehass.zenfolio.com/blog
Question: What do you do all week?
Answer: Mon to Fri. Nothing, Sat & Sun I rest!
 
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Hi,

the equations are easy:

Quality: Your gear < 70-300G < 70-400G

Cost: Your gear < 70-300G < 70-400G

Weight / Bulk: Your gear < 70-300G < 70-400G

As mentioned by otheres already, 300mm on the long end is nice for a start but usually who gets infected by the wildlife photo virus will notice that it's too short.

When I'm planning a photographic outing / hike it's usually the A99 + 24-70 + 70-400 in my bag. And this kit has never been a problem for me for air travel as cabin luggage (other than occasional detailled inspection).
 
70-400 over 70-300. Extra reach is great. BUT

the Tamron 150-600 is half the price of the 70-400, pretty much as sharp as the 70-400 AT 400mm as well. Also, it loses a little sharpness zoomed in but it DOES go all the way to 600.
 
wt66 said:
70-400 over 70-300. Extra reach is great. BUT

the Tamron 150-600 is half the price of the 70-400, pretty much as sharp as the 70-400 AT 400mm as well. Also, it loses a little sharpness zoomed in but it DOES go all the way to 600.
Click to expand...
Well, no doubt. But the Tamron wasn't mentioned by the OP. And for me I prefer the excellence of the 70-400 over more reach. This is a question thought which each photographer has to decide by himself/herself.
 
Michael Fritzen said:
wt66 said:
70-400 over 70-300. Extra reach is great. BUT

the Tamron 150-600 is half the price of the 70-400, pretty much as sharp as the 70-400 AT 400mm as well. Also, it loses a little sharpness zoomed in but it DOES go all the way to 600.
Click to expand...
Well, no doubt. But the Tamron wasn't mentioned by the OP. And for me I prefer the excellence of the 70-400 over more reach. This is a question thought which each photographer has to decide by himself/herself.
Click to expand...
 
pezzhull said:
Current lenses with A77II just not delivering as sharp an image as I would like at close to 300 mm , either the Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD or Sony 75-300mm F4.5-5.6 (lower quality came with A57). I am looking to upgrade , I travel a lot (especially for wildlife) and enjoy hiking so I am concerned about hiking with 70-400 and its weight(I have never had such a large lens) but it has very good reviews. The new Sony 70-300 G has not been reviewed very much yet but assuming it is an upgrade from original G, the price and less weight is attractive. Is weight and size a big problem. Any travel problems when flying?

Unfortunately no local stores carry these lenses for me to see and only special orders are available.

I guess I realize there is no absolute answer but any thoughts or experiences are appreciated very much.
Click to expand...
What kind of wildlife, small birds or elephants? What kind of travel, luggage in the trunk of a car or in a plane? Domestic or international travel? Is your travel with family and friends, or is it exclusively for photography? I think the best lens for you lies in the answer to these questions.

I own the 70-300G and the 70-400G. I've been to over thirty countries on family vacations or business travel. I always take a camera and one or two lenses. The 70-400G has never left the country. For me, it is just too big and heavy, and if I need the reach of 400mm then I probably also need a tripod which is another item I won't take on International vacation travel. Next month I will be on safari in Africa, and I only plan on taking two lenses, the Sony 16-105 and the 70-300G. They worked great for tigers in India, and I am sure they will be fine in Africa.

As you can see from the responses, there is no absolute answer to your questions, just a lot of opinions based on individual preferences. I would suggest you think through the questions I first asked you and give careful consideration to how your answers might influence your lens choice.

Good luck.
 
pezzhull said:
Current lenses with A77II just not delivering as sharp an image as I would like at close to 300 mm , either the Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD or Sony 75-300mm F4.5-5.6 (lower quality came with A57). I am looking to upgrade , I travel a lot (especially for wildlife) and enjoy hiking so I am concerned about hiking with 70-400 and its weight(I have never had such a large lens) but it has very good reviews. The new Sony 70-300 G has not been reviewed very much yet but assuming it is an upgrade from original G, the price and less weight is attractive. Is weight and size a big problem. Any travel problems when flying?

Unfortunately no local stores carry these lenses for me to see and only special orders are available.

I guess I realize there is no absolute answer but any thoughts or experiences are appreciated very much.
Click to expand...
Since you have Sony 75-300mm & Tamron 18-270mm already.

I would recommend you get the 70-400G II. :-)
 
wt66 said:
70-400 over 70-300. Extra reach is great. BUT

the Tamron 150-600 is half the price of the 70-400, pretty much as sharp as the 70-400 AT 400mm as well. Also, it loses a little sharpness zoomed in but it DOES go all the way to 600.
Click to expand...
But, the Tamron weighs 4.3 pounds (1950g). The OP has said weight is a significant consideration.
 
I travel with my 70-400 G2 at least twice a month and carry it with me where ever I go, it has not been a problem so far - in terms of weight.

I would never go to a place where a photo op might appear and not have my 70-400 at hand.
 
Thanks for all the comments, great ideas.

I tend to travel on Planes through the the world, wildlife is a broad term, in my case I take pics of most members of the animal kingdom, from lizards to elephants, in the wild not usually in zoos.

the Sony 300mm I have now came with my a57, not the best quality.

The Tamron 600mm is possible, some reviews I read thought Sony 400 was much better, and it weighs more. But a good suggestion for me to look at.

thanks
 
Diablorini said:
I travel with my 70-400 G2 at least twice a month and carry it with me where ever I go, it has not been a problem so far - in terms of weight.

I would never go to a place where a photo op might appear and not have my 70-400 at hand.
Click to expand...
 
digititus said:
Diablorini said:
I travel with my 70-400 G2 at least twice a month and carry it with me where ever I go, it has not been a problem so far - in terms of weight.

I would never go to a place where a photo op might appear and not have my 70-400 at hand.

--
One image at a time I hope to one day master the art of imagery
Click to expand...
How are you making out with those handheld shots at 400mm?
Click to expand...
Some turn out great, others not so great, successfully hand holding any long lens is going to rely on good conditions so that you can maintain a high shutter speed, but all in all I think I manage OK.

If I travel with a checked-in suitcase I always bring my Sirui P-324X monopod and I always carry a nice sized beanbag in my camera bag.

The image here was taken handheld in burst mode, it is one image from a series of 60+ images, basically all of them in good focus. The Pelican is some 40 meters away from me.



Graham - The Dalmatian Pelican - Sony A77II - Sony 70-400 G2 - Taken handheld (braced/beanbag)
Graham - The Dalmatian Pelican - Sony A77II - Sony 70-400 G2 - Taken handheld (braced/beanbag)



--
One image at a time I hope to one day master the art of imagery
 
pezzhull said:
Thanks for all the comments, great ideas.

I tend to travel on Planes through the the world, wildlife is a broad term, in my case I take pics of most members of the animal kingdom, from lizards to elephants, in the wild not usually in zoos.

the Sony 300mm I have now came with my a57, not the best quality.

The Tamron 600mm is possible, some reviews I read thought Sony 400 was much better, and it weighs more. But a good suggestion for me to look at.

thanks
Click to expand...
From reading your above statement I strongly suggest you consider the 70-400 G2, if possible rent one for a day and try it out on your camera and then make up your mind.

300mm is not going to cut it I fear, and a 70-300 G2 lens is not a cheap lens, especially not if it leaves you wanting for more reach in certain situations.

The Tamron 150-600 surely is a good alternative too, at least by the sound of it, but I have never tried that lens so someone else have to comment on which of those (150-600 or 70-400 G2) to consider.
 
Diablorini said:
digititus said:
Diablorini said:
I travel with my 70-400 G2 at least twice a month and carry it with me where ever I go, it has not been a problem so far - in terms of weight.

I would never go to a place where a photo op might appear and not have my 70-400 at hand.

--
One image at a time I hope to one day master the art of imagery
Click to expand...
How are you making out with those handheld shots at 400mm?
Click to expand...
Some turn out great, others not so great, successfully hand holding any long lens is going to rely on good conditions so that you can maintain a high shutter speed, but all in all I think I manage OK.

If I travel with a checked-in suitcase I always bring my Sirui P-324X monopod and I always carry a nice sized beanbag in my camera bag.

The image here was taken handheld in burst mode, it is one image from a series of 60+ images, basically all of them in good focus. The Pelican is some 40 meters away from me.

Graham - The Dalmatian Pelican - Sony A77II - Sony 70-400 G2 - Taken handheld (braced/beanbag)
Graham - The Dalmatian Pelican - Sony A77II - Sony 70-400 G2 - Taken handheld (braced/beanbag)

--
One image at a time I hope to one day master the art of imagery
Click to expand...
Your response confirms my experience. At 400mm I need steadying devices of some kind, and for most of my travel those devices are a little too intrusive, time consuming, or attention getting. And these days it seems checked and locked baggage provides very little protection from theft of valuables. That's why I go with my 70-300G and keep it in my carry on with all my photo gear. I agree the image quality of the 70-400G is slighty better.

Incidentally, the pelican shot is impressive, but it is 250mm, not 400mm!
 
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