First impressions of the 70-350 F/4.5-6.3

[Bobby V]

I recently picked up an A6600 on sale and two lenses, the 16-55 F/2.8 and the 70-350 F/5.6-6.3. The main reason I got this Sony setup because I wanted something with great low light performance and a relatively compact rig for use on a gimbal with video. from what I’ve seen, it's pretty hard to beat the relatively small size to low light ratio of this kit.

As for the 70-350, I'm going to be honest, I didn't have super high expectations for this lens, but so far I have been more than pleasantly surprised.

Yes, the lens has some swirly bokeh (see third image below), a bit of vignetting, and in less than great light it is a little more challenging than some of my brighter lenses nail focus, but I find the sharpness excellent OOF elements quite pleasing. And dang, it is tiny when compared to my Canon 500 F/4 and dwarfed by the 100-400. It replaces neither of those lenses, but I think it does punch above it's weight and these two lenses together are an awesome hiking setup.

I haven't had a lot of opportunity with the 16-55 F/2.8, but my sense so far is that it is going to be my favorite of the two. I've started calling it the "little GM".

Here are a couple shots from the 70-350 while out with the local wildlife this weekend. I look forward to getting more use out of the camera.







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[davect01]

A great start

 

[bloodlmt]

Beautiful results. Thanks for sharing

 

[dball711]

I also recently picked up this lens, Haven't gotten out photograph nature yet and I hope to have results similar to what you posted, Great shots!

I did get a chance to take a couple of moon shots that turned out better than I was exceptions, so far I really like this lens.

 

[maccam]

I've not used the lens (but) it should be made clear by Sony that it is not compatible with either the 1.4 TC or the 2.0 TC. That's my only gripe with a lens that I've never owned. There was another thread a few weeks back by a person wanting anyone who had personal experience with the 70-350 and either of the TC's. So at least in that persons mind the TC's were compatible.

JAW

 

[bbrb634]

I've never owned a telephoto lens. And I am learning. But the enjoyability level is off the charts. And it is light which is important to me.

 

[Bobby V]

I had a fun experience with this lens yesterday. I was walking after work and spotted a coyote (as I normally do on this trail), but this guy waltzes right past us completely ignoring our presence. I was concerned at first that he might be rabid, but then realized he was more focused on eating voles and cherries on the path that he didn't care at all about us being there.

The cool thing about this lens is the weight and the relative performance you get for that weight. It is definitely not faultless by any stretch. For example, notice the "swirly bokeh" effect below, if someone has a better word for this phenomena, please indulge me.

That being said, it's plenty sharp and IMO renders a nice image. This afternoon walk is a situation where I might otherwise leave all my camera gear at home, but since this setup is so small it can always be with me.









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