Sony announces G Master FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS

Sony reckons that the forthcoming G Master FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS is the world’s lightest large-aperture telephoto prime lens.

The new G Master FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS is a 35 mm full-frame α E-mount lens with a maximum aperture of F2.8.

It features an innovative optical design that includes three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, and one ED glass element is effectively placed to suppress chromatic aberration and achieve high resolution and contrast across the entire frame. Resolution and contrast are maintained right out to the image edges, which also allows for more flexible cropping and editing.

“Gorgeous, creamy bokeh,” (those are Sony’s words), which is a hallmark of G Master design, ideally complements the lens’s 300 mm focal length and F2.8 maximum aperture, allowing the use of narrow depth of field to make subjects stand out from the background. Each lens is individually calibrated during manufacture to optimise bokeh quality. An 11-blade circular aperture mechanism contributes to smooth ball bokeh.

The combination of two latest XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors and control algorithms provides high-speed, high-precision, and low-vibration AF performance. When combined with yesterday's announced α9 III camera, it enables high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking of up to 120 frames per second. This allows users to capture dynamic subjects without missing a moment’s opportunity, even when the separately sold teleconverter is attached.

Extensive weight reduction measures make the FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS the lightest in its class, at approximately 1470g (excluding tripod mount), and has been designed with consideration to weight balance. The internal lens barrel uses durable magnesium alloy to achieve both high robustness and lightweight. The weight is not concentrated at the front of the lens barrel, making it highly stable and allowing for agile and accurate panning while handheld shooting. In addition, MODE3, which provides enhanced viewfinder stability and optimizes the image stabilisation algorithm, allows users to accurately capture dynamic scenes.

In addition, when used with the α9 III, users can assign “preset focus” to the function ring that allows you to instantly adjust the focus to any position. Furthermore, the camera features comfortable operability that supports professional shooting, including focus hold buttons placed in four locations that allow you to assign your favorite functions from the camera body.

The new FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS will be available to purchase in early January 2024 for approximately $5999.