Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
p.4 #1Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
aCuria wrote:
The Sony 100-400 is quite good for a zoom, but if the Sony 300 is as sharp as it seems wide open, then I’m really excited. The Sony DSLR 300mm was rather unremarkable. This new one appears to be a vast improvement.
JimHow close were you to those whales? Wouldn’t a 600mm be better?
The whales go where they like, for better or for worse. I usually have two bodies, one with a 100-400and the other with a 35…sometimes they get close enough to touch.while the 100-400 is great for flexibility, when the whales do something dramatic and sudden, having a lightning fast prime is often key.
Uncropped 300:
Making it look so easy by Jim, on Flickr
Clash of the Titans by Jim, on Flickr
Cropped to roughly what the angle of view of a 300 would have been (shot with Canon 200/2):
Arc by Jim, on Flickr
Edited on Dec 09, 2023 at 05:25 PM · View previous versions
Grenache wrote
My favorite lens for whales, when I shot Canon was their 300/2.8, even though it was very heavy. The 300/2.8 and 200/2 were my favorite portrait lenses on Canon as well. I have been pining for either lens in Sony, and a - comparatively - really light one is more than welcome.The Sony 100-400 is quite good for a zoom, but if the Sony 300 is as sharp as it seems wide open, then I’m really excited. The Sony DSLR 300mm was rather unremarkable. This new one appears to be a vast improvement.
Jim
The whales go where they like, for better or for worse. I usually have two bodies, one with a 100-400and the other with a 35…sometimes they get close enough to touch.while the 100-400 is great for flexibility, when the whales do something dramatic and sudden, having a lightning fast prime is often key.
Uncropped 300:
Making it look so easy by Jim, on FlickrClash of the Titans by Jim, on FlickrCropped to roughly what the angle of view of a 300 would have been (shot with Canon 200/2):
Arc by Jim, on FlickrEdited on Dec 09, 2023 at 05:25 PM · View previous versions
Nov 27, 2023 at 12:52 PM
p.4 #2Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
Grenache wrote:
aCuria wrote
Grenache wrote
My favorite lens for whales, when I shot Canon was their 300/2.8, even though it was very heavy. The 300/2.8 and 200/2 were my favorite portrait lenses on Canon as well. I have been pining for either lens in Sony, and a - comparatively - really light one is more than welcome.The Sony 100-400 is quite good for a zoom, but if the Sony 300 is as sharp as it seems wide open, then I’m really excited. The Sony DSLR 300mm was rather unremarkable. This new one appears to be a vast improvement.
Jim
Uncropped 300:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/only_to_be_kind/25930531623/in/album-72157625866892312/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/only_to_be_kind/8543732844/in/album-72157625866892312/
Cropped to roughly what the angle of view of a 300 would have been (shot with Canon 200/2):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/only_to_be_kind/15702210873/in/album-72157645757230436/
Beautiful! Is this from a boat?
Nov 27, 2023 at 02:08 PM
p.4 #3Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
aCuria wrote:
The Sony 100-400 is quite good for a zoom, but if the Sony 300 is as sharp as it seems wide open, then I’m really excited. The Sony DSLR 300mm was rather unremarkable. This new one appears to be a vast improvement.
JimHow close were you to those whales? Wouldn’t a 600mm be better?Thanks!
The whales, yes. Monterey Bay, Northern California. Tours leave from either Monterey Harbor (larger boats with longer time to get to whale areas) or Moss Landing (smaller boats more sensitive to waves but shorter cruise to the whales).
Elephant seals were from land at Ano Nuevo, a wildlife sanctuary.
The whales go where they like, for better or for worse. I usually have two bodies, one with a 100-400and the other with a 35…sometimes they get close enough to touch.while the 100-400 is great for flexibility, when the whales do something dramatic and sudden, having a lightning fast prime is often key.
Uncropped 300:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/only_to_be_kind/25930531623/in/album-72157625866892312/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/only_to_be_kind/8543732844/in/album-72157625866892312/
Cropped to roughly what the angle of view of a 300 would have been (shot with Canon 200/2):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/only_to_be_kind/15702210873/in/album-72157645757230436/Beautiful! Is this from a boat?
Thanks!
The whales, yes. Monterey Bay, Northern California. Tours leave from either Monterey Harbor (larger boats with longer time to get to whale areas) or Moss Landing (smaller boats more sensitive to waves but shorter cruise to the whales).
Elephant seals were from land at Ano Nuevo, a wildlife sanctuary.
Grenache wrote
aCuria wrote
Grenache wrote
My favorite lens for whales, when I shot Canon was their 300/2.8, even though it was very heavy. The 300/2.8 and 200/2 were my favorite portrait lenses on Canon as well. I have been pining for either lens in Sony, and a - comparatively - really light one is more than welcome.The Sony 100-400 is quite good for a zoom, but if the Sony 300 is as sharp as it seems wide open, then I’m really excited. The Sony DSLR 300mm was rather unremarkable. This new one appears to be a vast improvement.
Jim
The whales, yes. Monterey Bay, Northern California. Tours leave from either Monterey Harbor (larger boats with longer time to get to whale areas) or Moss Landing (smaller boats more sensitive to waves but shorter cruise to the whales).
Elephant seals were from land at Ano Nuevo, a wildlife sanctuary.
The whales go where they like, for better or for worse. I usually have two bodies, one with a 100-400and the other with a 35…sometimes they get close enough to touch.while the 100-400 is great for flexibility, when the whales do something dramatic and sudden, having a lightning fast prime is often key.
Uncropped 300:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/only_to_be_kind/25930531623/in/album-72157625866892312/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/only_to_be_kind/8543732844/in/album-72157625866892312/
Cropped to roughly what the angle of view of a 300 would have been (shot with Canon 200/2):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/only_to_be_kind/15702210873/in/album-72157645757230436/
Thanks!
The whales, yes. Monterey Bay, Northern California. Tours leave from either Monterey Harbor (larger boats with longer time to get to whale areas) or Moss Landing (smaller boats more sensitive to waves but shorter cruise to the whales).
Elephant seals were from land at Ano Nuevo, a wildlife sanctuary.
Nov 27, 2023 at 03:01 PM
p.4 #4Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
Alex Phan wrote:
more is coming.
A9iii + 300GM + 2x TC
*NOT FINAL FIRMWARE*
any additional sample images you can share bro?
more is coming.
A9iii + 300GM + 2x TC
*NOT FINAL FIRMWARE*
any additional sample images you can share bro?
Nov 30, 2023 at 11:36 AM
p.4 #5Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
Mark Smith photography posted a new video today on this 300 2.8GM and loves it . He has ordered his copy...stay tuned for his part 2 video where he tests the lens with 1.4 and 2x teleconverters ( hint- Mark stated they work great together!)
Dec 07, 2023 at 03:41 PM
p.4 #6Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
Yes, Mark is the second professional wildlife photographer I personally know who has tried the 300 GM with and without teleconverters with great results. Also, look at the recent images by Marlon du Toit (@marlondutoit) on Instagram using the 300 GM - he has been trying it out in South Africa and recommended the lens to me when I saw him.
Dec 07, 2023 at 03:49 PM
p.4 #7Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
If it's as good with the 2x TC as Mark states, I may pick one up early next year. I can see myself with the 70-200GM 2.8 mkii, along with the 300GM 2.8 and both 1.4x & 2x TCs. A very versatile combo . Would I prefer the 400 2.8 or 600F4? Probably ,but they are also twice the cost and much heavier!
Jonathantuba wrote:
Yes, Mark is the second professional wildlife photographer I personally know who has tried the 300 GM with and without teleconverters with great results. Also, look at the recent images by Marlon du Toit (@marlondutoit) on Instagram using the 300 GM - he has been trying it out in South Africa and recommended the lens to me when I saw him.
Dec 07, 2023 at 05:41 PM
p.4 #8Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
Maxxus46 wrote:
If it's as good with the 2x TC as Mark states, I may pick one up early next year. I can see myself with the 70-200GM 2.8 mkii, along with the 300GM 2.8 and both 1.4x & 2x TCs. A very versatile combo . Would I prefer the 400 2.8 or 600F4? Probably ,but they are also twice the cost and much heavier!
The available sharp FL's available with those 2 lenses and the 2 TC's in different configurations, combined with the size/weight of the items, is pretty incredible IMO. If the reports are accurate about IQ, $6k gets you a small 300 2.8, 420 f/4, and 600 f/5.6.
If it's as good with the 2x TC as Mark states, I may pick one up early next year. I can see myself with the 70-200GM 2.8 mkii, along with the 300GM 2.8 and both 1.4x & 2x TCs. A very versatile combo . Would I prefer the 400 2.8 or 600F4? Probably ,but they are also twice the cost and much heavier!
Jonathantuba wrote
Yes, Mark is the second professional wildlife photographer I personally know who has tried the 300 GM with and without teleconverters with great results. Also, look at the recent images by Marlon du Toit (@marlondutoit) on Instagram using the 300 GM - he has been trying it out in South Africa and recommended the lens to me when I saw him.The available sharp FL's available with those 2 lenses and the 2 TC's in different configurations, combined with the size/weight of the items, is pretty incredible IMO. If the reports are accurate about IQ, $6k gets you a small 300 2.8, 420 f/4, and 600 f/5.6.
Dec 07, 2023 at 07:07 PM
p.4 #9Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
gocolts wrote:
The available sharp FL's available with those 2 lenses and the 2 TC's in different configurations, combined with the size/weight of the items, is pretty incredible IMO. If the reports are accurate about IQ, $6k gets you a small 300 2.8, 420 f/4, and 600 f/5.6.
Add $1k and change for the extenders. Still incredible.
Maxxus46 wrote
If it's as good with the 2x TC as Mark states, I may pick one up early next year. I can see myself with the 70-200GM 2.8 mkii, along with the 300GM 2.8 and both 1.4x & 2x TCs. A very versatile combo . Would I prefer the 400 2.8 or 600F4? Probably ,but they are also twice the cost and much heavier!Jonathantuba wrote
Yes, Mark is the second professional wildlife photographer I personally know who has tried the 300 GM with and without teleconverters with great results. Also, look at the recent images by Marlon du Toit (@marlondutoit) on Instagram using the 300 GM - he has been trying it out in South Africa and recommended the lens to me when I saw him.Add $1k and change for the extenders. Still incredible.
Dec 07, 2023 at 08:25 PM
p.4 #10Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
Agreed 100%
gocolts wrote:
The available sharp FL's available with those 2 lenses and the 2 TC's in different configurations, combined with the size/weight of the items, is pretty incredible IMO. If the reports are accurate about IQ, $6k gets you a small 300 2.8, 420 f/4, and 600 f/5.6.
gocolts wrote:
Maxxus46 wrote
If it's as good with the 2x TC as Mark states, I may pick one up early next year. I can see myself with the 70-200GM 2.8 mkii, along with the 300GM 2.8 and both 1.4x & 2x TCs. A very versatile combo . Would I prefer the 400 2.8 or 600F4? Probably ,but they are also twice the cost and much heavier!Jonathantuba wrote
Yes, Mark is the second professional wildlife photographer I personally know who has tried the 300 GM with and without teleconverters with great results. Also, look at the recent images by Marlon du Toit (@marlondutoit) on Instagram using the 300 GM - he has been trying it out in South Africa and recommended the lens to me when I saw him.Dec 07, 2023 at 09:15 PM
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p.4 #11Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
I’m thinking of a less expensive way to get to 600 with a telephoto lens. I already have the 200-600mm. The images I have seen online seem sharp, but is the lens still fast focusing with a 2x TC if I’m shooting BIF, or am I better using the 200-60?
Dec 09, 2023 at 02:00 PM
p.4 #12Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
I’m thinking of a less expensive way to get to 600 with a telephoto lens. I already have the 200-600mm. The images I have seen online seem sharp, but is the lens still fast focusing with a 2x TC if I’m shooting BIF, or am I better using the 200-60?
A question of great interest to me.
A question of great interest to me.
Dec 09, 2023 at 04:40 PM
p.4 #13Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
In the same vein, I am looking for a Camry that, with the addition of some fuel enhancers, will perform like a Porsche.
Dec 09, 2023 at 05:20 PM
p.4 #14Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
Grenache wrote:
The Sony 100-400 is quite good for a zoom, but if the Sony 300 is as sharp as it seems wide open, then I’m really excited. The Sony DSLR 300mm was rather unremarkable. This new one appears to be a vast improvement.
JimHow close were you to those whales? Wouldn’t a 600mm be better?The whales go where they like, for better or for worse. I usually have two bodies, one with a 100-400and the other with a 35…sometimes they get close enough to touch.while the 100-400 is great for flexibility, when the whales do something dramatic and sudden, having a lightning fast prime is often key.
Uncropped 300:
https://live.staticflickr.com/1674/25930531623_cdeb1ac70e_o.jpgMaking it look so easy by Jim, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/8225/8543732844_3e06acda71_o.jpgClash of the Titans by Jim, on Flickr
Cropped to roughly what the angle of view of a 300 would have been (shot with Canon 200/2):
https://live.staticflickr.com/7565/15702210873_2cdb0d32b5_o.jpgArc by Jim, on Flickr
Jim, that shot of the whale breaching is to die for. Got to be incredibly quick and lucky to capture a moment like that.
If the 300 GM+2X TC is demonstrably sharper than the 200-600 at 600MM, based on more than a few reviewers, I may pick one up to shoot hummingbirds.
aCuria wrote
Grenache wrote
My favorite lens for whales, when I shot Canon was their 300/2.8, even though it was very heavy. The 300/2.8 and 200/2 were my favorite portrait lenses on Canon as well. I have been pining for either lens in Sony, and a - comparatively - really light one is more than welcome.The Sony 100-400 is quite good for a zoom, but if the Sony 300 is as sharp as it seems wide open, then I’m really excited. The Sony DSLR 300mm was rather unremarkable. This new one appears to be a vast improvement.
Jim
Uncropped 300:
https://live.staticflickr.com/1674/25930531623_cdeb1ac70e_o.jpgMaking it look so easy by Jim, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/8225/8543732844_3e06acda71_o.jpgClash of the Titans by Jim, on Flickr
Cropped to roughly what the angle of view of a 300 would have been (shot with Canon 200/2):
https://live.staticflickr.com/7565/15702210873_2cdb0d32b5_o.jpgArc by Jim, on Flickr
Jim, that shot of the whale breaching is to die for. Got to be incredibly quick and lucky to capture a moment like that.
If the 300 GM+2X TC is demonstrably sharper than the 200-600 at 600MM, based on more than a few reviewers, I may pick one up to shoot hummingbirds.
Dec 09, 2023 at 07:47 PM
p.4 #15Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
@DouglasL ... pick one up... let us know how it is...and I'll buy one based off your review or not if it doesn't pan out at 600mm 
Hatch
Hatch
Dec 09, 2023 at 07:59 PM
p.4 #16Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
hatch1921 wrote:
@DouglasL ... pick one up... let us know how it is...and I'll buy one based off your review or not if it doesn't pan out at 600mm
Hatch
Will see. My 200-600 is pretty sharp already. I would like shorter MFD and better bokeh for shooting hummingbirds in my yard. I have the 600 GM but its MFD is a no go for me for this particular application.
@DouglasL ... pick one up... let us know how it is...and I'll buy one based off your review or not if it doesn't pan out at 600mm
Hatch
Will see. My 200-600 is pretty sharp already. I would like shorter MFD and better bokeh for shooting hummingbirds in my yard. I have the 600 GM but its MFD is a no go for me for this particular application.
Dec 09, 2023 at 08:07 PM
p.4 #17Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
Douglas L wrote:
The Sony 100-400 is quite good for a zoom, but if the Sony 300 is as sharp as it seems wide open, then I’m really excited. The Sony DSLR 300mm was rather unremarkable. This new one appears to be a vast improvement.
JimHow close were you to those whales? Wouldn’t a 600mm be better?The whales go where they like, for better or for worse. I usually have two bodies, one with a 100-400and the other with a 35…sometimes they get close enough to touch.while the 100-400 is great for flexibility, when the whales do something dramatic and sudden, having a lightning fast prime is often key.
Uncropped 300:
https://live.staticflickr.com/1674/25930531623_cdeb1ac70e_o.jpgMaking it look so easy by Jim, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/8225/8543732844_3e06acda71_o.jpgClash of the Titans by Jim, on Flickr
Cropped to roughly what the angle of view of a 300 would have been (shot with Canon 200/2):
https://live.staticflickr.com/7565/15702210873_2cdb0d32b5_o.jpgArc by Jim, on FlickrJim, that shot of the whale breaching is to die for. Got to be incredibly quick and lucky to capture a moment like that.
If the 300 GM+2X TC is demonstrably sharper than the 200-600 at 600MM, based on more than a few reviewers, I may pick one up to shoot hummingbirds.
Thank you. What I wish I could have shown was the shot I lost on a different outing due to slime on the electrical contacts of a rented 300. There was a double decker whale watching boat that had a humpback breach on the left, and as it was coming down, another breached on the right. Once in many life times kind of moment. THAT is why I want my own 300 that I can be assured of the performance.
#heartache
Grenache wrote
aCuria wrote
Grenache wrote
My favorite lens for whales, when I shot Canon was their 300/2.8, even though it was very heavy. The 300/2.8 and 200/2 were my favorite portrait lenses on Canon as well. I have been pining for either lens in Sony, and a - comparatively - really light one is more than welcome.The Sony 100-400 is quite good for a zoom, but if the Sony 300 is as sharp as it seems wide open, then I’m really excited. The Sony DSLR 300mm was rather unremarkable. This new one appears to be a vast improvement.
Jim
Uncropped 300:
https://live.staticflickr.com/1674/25930531623_cdeb1ac70e_o.jpgMaking it look so easy by Jim, on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/8225/8543732844_3e06acda71_o.jpgClash of the Titans by Jim, on Flickr
Cropped to roughly what the angle of view of a 300 would have been (shot with Canon 200/2):
https://live.staticflickr.com/7565/15702210873_2cdb0d32b5_o.jpgArc by Jim, on Flickr
If the 300 GM+2X TC is demonstrably sharper than the 200-600 at 600MM, based on more than a few reviewers, I may pick one up to shoot hummingbirds.
Thank you. What I wish I could have shown was the shot I lost on a different outing due to slime on the electrical contacts of a rented 300. There was a double decker whale watching boat that had a humpback breach on the left, and as it was coming down, another breached on the right. Once in many life times kind of moment. THAT is why I want my own 300 that I can be assured of the performance.
#heartache
Dec 09, 2023 at 08:12 PM
p.4 #18Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
Douglas L wrote:
HatchWill see. My 200-600 is pretty sharp already. I would like shorter MFD and better bokeh for shooting hummingbirds in my yard. I have the 600 GM but its MFD is a no go for me for this particular application.
Same with the 200-600... a sharp copy. I like to use the 100-400 for the hummingbird shots, I think it does a better job all around than the 200-600.
Let us/me know if you buy one and how it performs
Hatch
hatch1921 wrote
@DouglasL ... pick one up... let us know how it is...and I'll buy one based off your review or not if it doesn't pan out at 600mmHatch
Same with the 200-600... a sharp copy. I like to use the 100-400 for the hummingbird shots, I think it does a better job all around than the 200-600.
Let us/me know if you buy one and how it performs
Hatch
Dec 09, 2023 at 09:00 PM
p.4 #19Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
saaketham wrote:
In the same vein, I am looking for a Camry that, with the addition of some fuel enhancers, will perform like a Porsche.
I would much prefer a lens like the Nikon 500mm 5.6PF over the 300f2.8 for BIF.
In the same vein, I am looking for a Camry that, with the addition of some fuel enhancers, will perform like a Porsche.
I would much prefer a lens like the Nikon 500mm 5.6PF over the 300f2.8 for BIF.
Dec 10, 2023 at 09:58 AM
p.4 #20Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM Image Thread
Maxxus46 wrote:
100% agree with you here Geoff. AF acquisition will degrade, no question.
But if you don't know how the AF acquisition compares between the two bare lenses, how would you know if the AF acquisition of the 300 + 2x TC is worse than the bare 200-800
100% agree with you here Geoff. AF acquisition will degrade, no question.
But if you don't know how the AF acquisition compares between the two bare lenses, how would you know if the AF acquisition of the 300 + 2x TC is worse than the bare 200-800
Dec 16, 2023 at 10:03 PM