SAL70400G
4.9
5
15
15
Great Zoom in Good Light
When you can shoot this lens at f/8 or smaller the lens is very sharp. If you are using this lens for action photography you are limited to daytime shooting. This lens is all but useless when shooting in poor lighting. Would not recommend for inside action or sports under the lights. When shooting wide open the image becomes very soft to the point I thought the lens was not focusing properly. I was so bothered by the images wide open that I contacted a Sony Technician. He was very helpful but the conclusion was the lens appears to working properly but he agreed the images were extremely soft wide open. These were even shot on tripod with cable release. The lens is heavy but this is what you would expect for a zoom of this size. The hood is more flimsy than it should be. If you plan to shoot during the day and aperture at 8 or smaller than this lens is very good. I make this lens sound less than adequate but one really good thing about this lens is at f/8 or smaller, the lens is sharp throughout its full zoom which is very excessive (70 to 400). It definitely reaches most of my shot needs. If this lens was sharp wide open it would be perfect.
October 16, 2012
600 mm Effective Focal Length with APS-C Alpha's!
Once I experienced the joy of photographing soccer matches with the perfect reach of the 590 mm G glass on my HDR-FX1000 camcorder, my SAL70300G, sharp as it is, was not quite doing the job for capturing sports action still images on the far side of the full-size field.
The SAL70400G allows me to effortlessly cover all the intimate sports action from one strategic location.
It works wonderfully well with my smooth-tracking SONY VCT-1170RM camcorder tripod.
I have temporarily brought my trusty A700 back into service, and I expect to soon purchase an A77 body (or it's successor). Quiet motor. Outstanding near-professional results. No buyer's remorse ever on higher end SONY gear. Will enjoy it for years to come.
March 25, 2012
SAL70400G
I have been using this lense since July 2011. It allows me to take great pictures but often need a tripod or monopod to steady. It is heavy and does not carry well for a day outing
March 14, 2012
Indispensable Tool
I just got back from Africa where I took about 6000 shots with this lens, and I can't imagine shooting without it. The images are super clear and bright, with faithful colors. The build is tough, and held up to three weeks of dust and vibration (although I did scratch it -- my fault -- good thing I have the warranty). I especially like the silent SSM focus, which is super quick and doesn't search around like some other lenses. The three (count 'em) focus hold buttons allow for versatility. It comes with a nifty case that can be quickly opened, giving instant access to the lens, which I appreciated when I wanted to change without missing any action. The lens tripod mount is handy, and quick tilts to portrait mode are possible with the release screw.
On the downside, the zoom is a bit sticky, and using it while shooting video is very difficult to do without significant shake. The bokeh with this lens is distinctive, and in my opinion, a bit rough when compared to prime lenses. But that's the price to pay for the versatility of a zoom. Also, it's quite heavy, but that's to be expected with all that quality optical glass. The light colored plastic on the lens hood tends to pick up scuffs, and the filter access window, while a good idea, is easy to leave open by mistake, letting in unwanted light. Even when closed, it's not a complete seal, and while the effect on photos should be minimal, there is some leakage of excess light through the edges of the small sliding panel on the hood.
But those are really minor complaints. It, along with the Zeiss 85 1.4, are the two best lenses you can buy for Sony in my opinion. Add in the Zeiss 16-80, and you've got just about everything you'd ever need.
October 30, 2011
