Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS

Reviews found it sharp in the centre from 70mm to about 200mm, with good contrast wide open. The 300mm end is softer, especially toward the edges at f/5.6, and stopping down to f/8 helps. Colour fringing and distortion are well controlled for the class, and the stabiliser earns consistent praise.

The lens is usually framed as a compact alternative to the 100-400 GM rather than a rival to it. Testers mention sample variation in early copies, a background blur that is pleasant but not exceptional, and a price that sits high against third-party 70-300 and 70-180 zooms.

Owners like it as a travel and hiking telephoto because it fits in a small bag and balances on A7-series bodies. The close-focus ability is a frequent pleasant surprise, and the AF is quick and quiet enough for casual video.

Common complaints are the softer 300mm end, the lack of teleconverter support, and the extending barrel. Several owners say they moved to the 100-400 GM or 200-600 G when birding became their main use.