300GM vs 100-400GM (original) on A7C ii for motorsports?
p.1 #1300GM vs 100-400GM (original) on A7C ii for motorsports?
Hi All
I have an A7C ii with some primes. I'm going to an F1 race next weekend and looking to hire a lens for the event. The pics are just for my own enjoyment/printing. In the past I've hired Sigma 100-400, Tamron 150-500 and Sony 100-400GMi (original). The results from the Sony were by far the best. The Sony 100-400GMi is cheap to rent, the 300GM is three times the price to rent. Assuming I'll get the 1.4TC with both, will I see any/much/huge benefit from renting the the 300GM on a lower res 33mp body? I don't always use the zoom on longest FL but useful and quite often do, will putting the TC on the 300 reduce the quality to the point it's not really worth it? Budget and size is a consideration, but at the same time I'm lucky to get good spots to photograph from so would like to make the most of it.
Thanks
I have an A7C ii with some primes. I'm going to an F1 race next weekend and looking to hire a lens for the event. The pics are just for my own enjoyment/printing. In the past I've hired Sigma 100-400, Tamron 150-500 and Sony 100-400GMi (original). The results from the Sony were by far the best. The Sony 100-400GMi is cheap to rent, the 300GM is three times the price to rent. Assuming I'll get the 1.4TC with both, will I see any/much/huge benefit from renting the the 300GM on a lower res 33mp body? I don't always use the zoom on longest FL but useful and quite often do, will putting the TC on the 300 reduce the quality to the point it's not really worth it? Budget and size is a consideration, but at the same time I'm lucky to get good spots to photograph from so would like to make the most of it.
Thanks
Jun 29, 2026 at 03:34 AM
p.1 #2300GM vs 100-400GM (original) on A7C ii for motorsports?
I took these at Silverstone:Lewis
You can see the lens and most were taken with 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II on an a7 II.
You can see the lens and most were taken with 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM II on an a7 II.
Jun 29, 2026 at 05:14 PM
p.1 #3300GM vs 100-400GM (original) on A7C ii for motorsports?
The sony 300mm takes the 1.4xtc really well. Little to no loss of detail.
The 300 focuses a lot faster than the 100-400Gm1, at least in my hands.
At the same time, the zooms allow easier composition changes.
The 300 was my favorite short bird lens for a while, but I always missed the zoom capabilities.
No right answer. Good luck with your shooting.
gary
The 300 focuses a lot faster than the 100-400Gm1, at least in my hands.
At the same time, the zooms allow easier composition changes.
The 300 was my favorite short bird lens for a while, but I always missed the zoom capabilities.
No right answer. Good luck with your shooting.
gary
Jun 30, 2026 at 05:40 AM
p.1 #4300GM vs 100-400GM (original) on A7C ii for motorsports?
I own the 300mm GM and shoot motorsports often. If I use the 300GM, it is never my only lens. I always have another zoom (In my case, I use the 70-200mm GM II)
The 300mm is fantastic! And takes a 1.4x with almost no image quality penalty. But can be a little limiting in terms of composition. But it sounds like you’ve shot with zoom/superzooms in the past. So you know which focal lengths work well for the venue
So if 300/420mm works well for the track (I assume Silverstone), it might be worth trying something new. Bokeh is nicer for sure. But you’re usually stopping down to lower your shutter speed anyways. A bigger aperture lens may not really benefit you like other genres like wildlife photography
I would go through my older shots and see what focal length they’re shot at most often. If 300/420mm is a good match, and the extra cost isn’t a financial burden, then I say go for it! You already know what the 100-400mm GM will give you
I think I have some 300GM Motorsport examples in my gallery if you’re interested
The 300mm is fantastic! And takes a 1.4x with almost no image quality penalty. But can be a little limiting in terms of composition. But it sounds like you’ve shot with zoom/superzooms in the past. So you know which focal lengths work well for the venue
So if 300/420mm works well for the track (I assume Silverstone), it might be worth trying something new. Bokeh is nicer for sure. But you’re usually stopping down to lower your shutter speed anyways. A bigger aperture lens may not really benefit you like other genres like wildlife photography
I would go through my older shots and see what focal length they’re shot at most often. If 300/420mm is a good match, and the extra cost isn’t a financial burden, then I say go for it! You already know what the 100-400mm GM will give you
I think I have some 300GM Motorsport examples in my gallery if you’re interested
Jun 30, 2026 at 08:41 AM
p.1 #5300GM vs 100-400GM (original) on A7C ii for motorsports?
robert614 wrote:
I own the 300mm GM and shoot motorsports often. If I use the 300GM, it is never my only lens. I always have another zoom (In my case, I use the 70-200mm GM II)
The 300mm is fantastic! And takes a 1.4x with almost no image quality penalty. But can be a little limiting in terms of composition. But it sounds like you’ve shot with zoom/superzooms in the past. So you know which focal lengths work well for the venue
So if 300/420mm works well for the track (I assume Silverstone), it might be worth trying something new. Bokeh is nicer...Show more →
Love the shots at Laguna Seca! The 70-200mm GM ii looks fantastic. What is your panning keeper rate at 1/60 and lower, and does the lens make a difference? I read that different lenses have different algorithms for panning, I've always struggled to get many results below about 1/80.
I'll have another look at my previous shots (yes at silverstone!) and see if 300mm is long and short enough for me - I can't get the TC unfortunately. And I'd have to buy 95mm filters just for the weekend, which are expensive..
Thanks for the advice so far everyone
I own the 300mm GM and shoot motorsports often. If I use the 300GM, it is never my only lens. I always have another zoom (In my case, I use the 70-200mm GM II)
The 300mm is fantastic! And takes a 1.4x with almost no image quality penalty. But can be a little limiting in terms of composition. But it sounds like you’ve shot with zoom/superzooms in the past. So you know which focal lengths work well for the venue
So if 300/420mm works well for the track (I assume Silverstone), it might be worth trying something new. Bokeh is nicer...Show more →
Love the shots at Laguna Seca! The 70-200mm GM ii looks fantastic. What is your panning keeper rate at 1/60 and lower, and does the lens make a difference? I read that different lenses have different algorithms for panning, I've always struggled to get many results below about 1/80.
I'll have another look at my previous shots (yes at silverstone!) and see if 300mm is long and short enough for me - I can't get the TC unfortunately. And I'd have to buy 95mm filters just for the weekend, which are expensive..
Thanks for the advice so far everyone
Jun 30, 2026 at 05:20 PM
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p.1 #6300GM vs 100-400GM (original) on A7C ii for motorsports?
newdom wrote:
The 300mm is fantastic! And takes a 1.4x with almost no image quality penalty. But can be a little limiting in terms of composition. But it sounds like you’ve shot with zoom/superzooms in the past. So you know which focal lengths work well for the venue
So if 300/420mm works well for the track (I assume Silverstone), it might be worth trying something new. Bokeh is nicer for sure. But you’re usually stopping down to lower your shutter speed anyways. A bigger aperture lens may not really benefit you like other genres like wildlife photography
I would go through my older shots and see what focal length they’re shot at most often. If 300/420mm is a good match, and the extra cost isn’t a financial burden, then I say go for it! You already know what the 100-400mm GM will give you
I think I have some 300GM Motorsport examples in my gallery if you’re interestedLove the shots at Laguna Seca! The 70-200mm GM ii looks fantastic. What is your panning keeper rate at 1/60 and lower, and does the lens make a difference? I read that different lenses have different algorithms for panning, I've always struggled to get many results below about 1/80.
I'll have another look at my previous shots (yes at silverstone!) and see if 300mm is long and short enough for me - I can't get the TC unfortunately. And I'd have to buy 95mm filters just for the weekend, which are expensive..
Thanks for the advice so far everyone
The 70-200mm GM II is a fantastic lens. Very light for a 70-200mm f2.8. But in terms of keeper rate, I think focal length plays a more important role than the quality of the lens itself. The shorter the focal length, the slower the shutter speed you can use and still maintain a decent keeper rate
Speaking of keeper rate, I’d say 3-4 out of 10 will be acceptably sharp. Good enough for social media. But tack sharp (even zoomed into at 100%) are much rarer. I’d say 1 in 20-30. I always smile when wildlife photographers talk about 90%+ keeper rates. I wish I had anywhere near that keeper rate 😄
I will also add that internal zoom lenses or primes may help with keeper rate. External zoom lens sometimes push the center of gravity further away from the body when extended. which I feel may affect keeper rate slightly. But that could be placebo
Good luck at the race! F1 at Silverstone is definitely a bucket list race for me. Hope you get some great shots!
robert614 wrote
I own the 300mm GM and shoot motorsports often. If I use the 300GM, it is never my only lens. I always have another zoom (In my case, I use the 70-200mm GM II)The 300mm is fantastic! And takes a 1.4x with almost no image quality penalty. But can be a little limiting in terms of composition. But it sounds like you’ve shot with zoom/superzooms in the past. So you know which focal lengths work well for the venue
So if 300/420mm works well for the track (I assume Silverstone), it might be worth trying something new. Bokeh is nicer for sure. But you’re usually stopping down to lower your shutter speed anyways. A bigger aperture lens may not really benefit you like other genres like wildlife photography
I would go through my older shots and see what focal length they’re shot at most often. If 300/420mm is a good match, and the extra cost isn’t a financial burden, then I say go for it! You already know what the 100-400mm GM will give you
I think I have some 300GM Motorsport examples in my gallery if you’re interested
I'll have another look at my previous shots (yes at silverstone!) and see if 300mm is long and short enough for me - I can't get the TC unfortunately. And I'd have to buy 95mm filters just for the weekend, which are expensive..
Thanks for the advice so far everyone
The 70-200mm GM II is a fantastic lens. Very light for a 70-200mm f2.8. But in terms of keeper rate, I think focal length plays a more important role than the quality of the lens itself. The shorter the focal length, the slower the shutter speed you can use and still maintain a decent keeper rate
Speaking of keeper rate, I’d say 3-4 out of 10 will be acceptably sharp. Good enough for social media. But tack sharp (even zoomed into at 100%) are much rarer. I’d say 1 in 20-30. I always smile when wildlife photographers talk about 90%+ keeper rates. I wish I had anywhere near that keeper rate 😄
I will also add that internal zoom lenses or primes may help with keeper rate. External zoom lens sometimes push the center of gravity further away from the body when extended. which I feel may affect keeper rate slightly. But that could be placebo
Good luck at the race! F1 at Silverstone is definitely a bucket list race for me. Hope you get some great shots!
Jul 01, 2026 at 09:05 AM
p.1 #7300GM vs 100-400GM (original) on A7C ii for motorsports?
robert614 wrote:
The 300mm is fantastic! And takes a 1.4x with almost no image quality penalty. But can be a little limiting in terms of composition. But it sounds like you’ve shot with zoom/superzooms in the past. So you know which focal lengths work well for the venue
So if 300/420mm works well for the track (I assume Silverstone), it might be worth trying something new. Bokeh is nicer for sure. But you’re usually stopping down to lower your shutter speed anyways. A bigger aperture lens may not really benefit you like other genres like wildlife photography
I would go through my older shots and see what focal length they’re shot at most often. If 300/420mm is a good match, and the extra cost isn’t a financial burden, then I say go for it! You already know what the 100-400mm GM will give you
I think I have some 300GM Motorsport examples in my gallery if you’re interestedLove the shots at Laguna Seca! The 70-200mm GM ii looks fantastic. What is your panning keeper rate at 1/60 and lower, and does the lens make a difference? I read that different lenses have different algorithms for panning, I've always struggled to get many results below about 1/80.
I'll have another look at my previous shots (yes at silverstone!) and see if 300mm is long and short enough for me - I can't get the TC unfortunately. And I'd have to buy 95mm filters just for the weekend, which are expensive..
Thanks for the advice so far everyoneThe 70-200mm GM II is a fantastic lens. Very light for a 70-200mm f2.8. But in terms of keeper rate, I think focal length plays a more important role than the quality of the lens itself. The shorter the focal length, the slower the shutter speed you can use and still maintain a decent keeper rate
Speaking of keeper rate, I’d say 3-4 out of 10 will be acceptably sharp. Good enough for social media. But tack sharp (even zoomed into at 100%) are much rarer. I’d say 1 in 20-30. I always smile when wildlife photographers talk about 90%+ keeper...Show more →
Based on your shots I tried to get the 70-200GMii but they were missing a lens hood and it's due to be very sunny on race day, so I was 'forced' to get the 300GM instead. Oh no what a tragedy
I've ordered a 40.5mm ND2-32 filter (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07WZJR9G9) - do you think this will fit in the tray OK? I would probably a prefer a fixed ND32 or ND64 but couldn't find a fixed one that I can get on time. There is also an KASE Clip-in ND64 which I could get instead - probably better quality image but more of a faff to take in and out on an outdoor day? I couldn't find any way of getting CPL+ND without resorting to a massive front clipon which I don't have the energy to organise right now.. How important is CPL for sunny shots of motorsport in your experience? I could potentially get the ND clipin and get a CPL for the filter tray.
As an aside my seats are usually next to the professional photographers facing the start line and one of them was nice enough to chat with me last year. He said his keeper rate for panning is similarly low at less than 1/60 - he just takes a lot of them, which made me feel a bit better!
newdom wrote
robert614 wrote
I own the 300mm GM and shoot motorsports often. If I use the 300GM, it is never my only lens. I always have another zoom (In my case, I use the 70-200mm GM II)The 300mm is fantastic! And takes a 1.4x with almost no image quality penalty. But can be a little limiting in terms of composition. But it sounds like you’ve shot with zoom/superzooms in the past. So you know which focal lengths work well for the venue
So if 300/420mm works well for the track (I assume Silverstone), it might be worth trying something new. Bokeh is nicer for sure. But you’re usually stopping down to lower your shutter speed anyways. A bigger aperture lens may not really benefit you like other genres like wildlife photography
I would go through my older shots and see what focal length they’re shot at most often. If 300/420mm is a good match, and the extra cost isn’t a financial burden, then I say go for it! You already know what the 100-400mm GM will give you
I think I have some 300GM Motorsport examples in my gallery if you’re interested
I'll have another look at my previous shots (yes at silverstone!) and see if 300mm is long and short enough for me - I can't get the TC unfortunately. And I'd have to buy 95mm filters just for the weekend, which are expensive..
Thanks for the advice so far everyone
Speaking of keeper rate, I’d say 3-4 out of 10 will be acceptably sharp. Good enough for social media. But tack sharp (even zoomed into at 100%) are much rarer. I’d say 1 in 20-30. I always smile when wildlife photographers talk about 90%+ keeper...Show more →
Based on your shots I tried to get the 70-200GMii but they were missing a lens hood and it's due to be very sunny on race day, so I was 'forced' to get the 300GM instead. Oh no what a tragedy
I've ordered a 40.5mm ND2-32 filter (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07WZJR9G9) - do you think this will fit in the tray OK? I would probably a prefer a fixed ND32 or ND64 but couldn't find a fixed one that I can get on time. There is also an KASE Clip-in ND64 which I could get instead - probably better quality image but more of a faff to take in and out on an outdoor day? I couldn't find any way of getting CPL+ND without resorting to a massive front clipon which I don't have the energy to organise right now.. How important is CPL for sunny shots of motorsport in your experience? I could potentially get the ND clipin and get a CPL for the filter tray.
As an aside my seats are usually next to the professional photographers facing the start line and one of them was nice enough to chat with me last year. He said his keeper rate for panning is similarly low at less than 1/60 - he just takes a lot of them, which made me feel a bit better!
Jul 03, 2026 at 07:09 AM
p.1 #8300GM vs 100-400GM (original) on A7C ii for motorsports?
newdom wrote:
robert614 wrote
newdom wrote
robert614 wrote
I own the 300mm GM and shoot motorsports often. If I use the 300GM, it is never my only lens. I always have another zoom (In my case, I use the 70-200mm GM II)The 300mm is fantastic! And takes a 1.4x with almost no image quality penalty. But can be a little limiting in terms of composition. But it sounds like you’ve shot with zoom/superzooms in the past. So you know which focal lengths work well for the venue
So if 300/420mm works well for the track (I assume Silverstone), it might be worth trying something new. Bokeh is nicer for sure. But you’re usually stopping down to lower your shutter speed anyways. A bigger aperture lens may not really benefit you like other genres like wildlife photography
I would go through my older shots and see what focal length they’re shot at most often. If 300/420mm is a good match, and the extra cost isn’t a financial burden, then I say go for it! You already know what the 100-400mm GM will give you
I think I have some 300GM Motorsport examples in my gallery if you’re interested
I'll have another look at my previous shots (yes at silverstone!) and see if 300mm is long and short enough for me - I can't get the TC unfortunately. And I'd have to buy 95mm filters just for the weekend, which are expensive..
Thanks for the advice so far everyone
Speaking of keeper rate, I’d say 3-4 out of 10 will be acceptably sharp. Good enough for social media. But tack sharp (even zoomed into at 100%) are much rarer. I’d say 1 in 20-30. I always smile when wildlife photographers talk about 90%+ keeper rates. I wish I had anywhere near that keeper rate 😄
I will also add that internal zoom lenses or primes may help with keeper rate. External zoom lens sometimes push the center of gravity further away from the body when extended. which I feel may affect keeper rate slightly. But that could be placebo
Good luck at the race! F1 at Silverstone is definitely a bucket list race for me. Hope you get some great shots!
I've ordered a 40.5mm ND2-32 filter (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07WZJR9G9) - do you think this will fit in the tray OK? I probably a prefer a fixed ND32 or ND64 but couldn't find a fixed one that I can get on time. There is also an KASE Clip-in ND64 which I could get instead - probably better quality image but more of...Show more →
You don’t need a super dark ND for panning shots. I use a 2-stop ND on the 70-200. But that is mainly because I pair that lens with a A9III. Which has a base ISO of 250. Which is 1 1/3 stop above a typical camera body like your A7CII
I could probably get away with a one stop ND, but I figure go a little darker and open up the Aperture a little more is better for image quality
For the 300mm, I use the Sony drop-in CPL. Which reduces light about one stop. If you can’t hire the CPL, I think a 1-2 stop filter is plenty. Just drop your ISO to 50, and you should be good
I couldn’t see the filter you linked. I’m on my phone and it wouldn’t let me see it because I’m in the U.S. But the Sony CPL has a dial on the filter holder so you can rotate it. I don’t think the normal filter tray has any way for you to turn the filter. So you’ll probably need a solid ND
Jul 03, 2026 at 10:21 AM
p.1 #9300GM vs 100-400GM (original) on A7C ii for motorsports?
The ND filter I ordered doesn't fit in the lens 
The price of the sony filters are bonkers!
Oh well, guess I won't be doing any panning this weekend!
The price of the sony filters are bonkers!
Oh well, guess I won't be doing any panning this weekend!
Jul 04, 2026 at 08:48 AM