Verdict

The Sony E 70-350mm is an attractive lens for any Sony APSC mirrorless owner who wants reasonable reach for sports and wildlife without the cost or heft of the really big guns in the system. It may not attain the ultimate reach, sharpness or brightness of the 200-600 or 100-400, but it’s less than half the price, not to mention considerably more manageable while still delivering respectable quality and focusing speed.

the lens is quite capable of delivering sharp results across the frame across its focal range and at its maximum – albeit fairly modest – apertures. Sony’s AF algorithms ensure faces and even eyes are recognised as soon as they’re in range, making it easy for you to lock-onto a subject whether it’s a pro athlete or your kids in the park. And again while the maximum aperture isn’t going to win any contests in terms of brightness and shallow depth-of-field, it’s still quite possible to achieve a reasonable amount of blurring in the background, especially if the subject’s close and the lens is fully zoomed-in.

If you’re thinking of going full-frame in the future, then the FE 70-300mm makes more sense for only a little extra, and if you don’t mind the heft and possibly slower focusing, Sigma has a number of affordable and very long zooms in its catalogue. But if portability and speed are important and you’re committed to the APSC format, then the E 70-350mm will quickly bring distant subjects close without breaking the bank or your back. Recommended.