Intro

The Sony E 70-350mm f4.5-6.3 G OSS is a telephoto zoom for its E-mount mirrorless cameras with APSC sensors, like the A6000 series. Announced in August 2019 alongside the E 16-55mm, it’s Sony’s second telephoto zoom designed specifically for its APSC bodies, following the much older, shorter and cheaper E 55-210mm f4.5-6.3 OSS; the new model is designed as a premium option for those who demand better quality and desire longer reach without the even higher cost or bulk of the full-frame G Master options. It costs roughly three times more than the 55-210mm but half the price of the full-frame FE 200-600mm or two and a half times cheaper than the FE 100-400mm. Its closest rival from Sony is the full-frame FE 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G OSS which costs a little less.

The lens barrel of the E 70-350mm is sealed against dust and moisture, measures 142mm by 77mm with a 67mm filter thread, and weighs 625g. So it’s essentially the same length as the FE 70-300mm which is also weather-sealed, but 7mm narrower, about 230g lighter and uses slightly smaller filters. The optical design employs 19 elements in 13 groups, has a variable f4.5-6.3 focal ratio, seven aperture blades, a closest focusing distance of 110-150cm, and includes optical stabilisation. The FE 70-300mm focuses closer at 90cm and has nine aperture blades, but the E 70-350mm zooms longer and employs XD Linear motors for quicker and quieter focusing. Both lenses have customisable focus hold buttons, switches to enable or disable autofocus and optical steadyshot stabilisation, as well as locking switches which hold the barrels retracted when they’re at their shortest 70mm focal length; the FE 70-300mm additionally sports a focus limiter switch.

As you know, the E 70-350mm and FE 70-300mm both have variable maximum apertures depending on their focal length, so here’s how they compare as you zoom-in. Between 70 and 100mm both lenses share the same f4.5 focal ratio, with both closing a little to f5 at 100mm. The E 70-350mm stays at f5 until you reach 135mm at which point it closes to f5.6, but the FE 70-300mm maintains f5 for longer, only closing to its minimum aperture of f5.6 between 200 and 300mm. 200mm is also the point at which the E 70-350mm closes to its minimum aperture of f6.3, maintaining this value until 350mm. So from 135 to 300mm, the FE 70-300mm enjoys a one third of a stop advantage in aperture over the E 70-350mm, but this will only have a minimal impact on light-gathering and potential for a shallower depth-of-field.

In my review video below I’ll demonstrate the features of the lens along with examining its performance. If you prefer a written version, check out my separate quality, samples and verdict sections!