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Sony E 70-350 G vs FE 70-300 G Comparison

You are here: Home / Compare / Sony E 70-350 G vs FE 70-300 G Comparison

Last Updated: November 15, 2019 by Timothy Mayo 9 Comments

I’ve owned the Sony FE 70-300 F4.5-5.6 G OSS lens since it was first released and used it a great deal on my Sony a6500 because the longest APS-C lens available for quite some time has been the Sony E 55-210mm.

However, with the FE 70-300 being a full-frame lens I always wished there was a smaller and less expensive APS-C alternative with a similar focal range, image quality and AF speed. Thankfully that wish was finally granted when Sony announced the E 70-350mm G OSS lens for APS-C cameras.

I’ve only recently received the the 70-350 so this comparison is only just getting started. Over the coming weeks I will be expanding on it just like with my Sony 200-600 vs 100-400 Comparison.

Status: Rolling
Latest Update: Added a couple of sharpness comparisons, an autofocus test with Frank and some sample images.

Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G vs FE 70-300 F4.5-5.6 G Comparison

 

**Please Note: Full resolution SOOC JPEG images are available to download. RAW files are also available for most images but password protected to help keep my hosting costs sensible. However, I do provide the username/password to all members of my monthly GAS email. All images are copyright protected and may be used for personal use only.

Comparison Contents Menu

  1. Sharpness
  2. Autofocus Test
  3. Specifications
  4. Sample Images

 

Sharpness Comparison

For these sharpness tests I used my Sony a6400 mounted on my Sirui W-2204 tripod.

I turned off stabilization, used the electronic shutter to avoid any shutter shock and triggered the a6400 shutter using the Sony RMT-P1BT Remote Control (#afflinks Amazon).

I also manually focused with the help of focus peaking + focus zoom and took multiple shots whilst micro adjusting the focus, selecting only the sharpest images from each lens to compare.

350mm vs 300 Comparison 1

The following two images I shot from around 10m away. Both lenses were shot at their maximum focal range and apertures. So the E 70-350 was shot at 350mm f/6.3 and the FE 70-300 was shot at 300mm f/5.6.

Sony 70-350 Sharpness Sample 350mm f/6.3

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 350mm | 1/125 | f/6.3 | ISO 200 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony 70-300 Sharpness Sample 300mm f/5.6

Sony a6400 + FE 70-300 @ 300mm | 1/100 | f/5.6 | ISO 200 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Here’s a 100% crop and a side-by-side to make the comparison a little easier for you.

350mm comparison bbq max focal max aperture

It’s extremely close but the FE 70-300 appears to be just a tiny little bit sharper to my eyes, what do you think?

350mm vs 300 Comparison 2

The following two images I also shot from around 10m away. However this time I stopped the aperture down one stop. So the E 70-350 was shot at 350mm f/7.1 and the FE 70-300 was shot at 300mm f/6.3.

Sony 70-350 Sharpness Sample 350mm f/7.1

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 350mm | 1/100 | f/7.1 | ISO 200 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony 70-300 Sharpness Sample 300mm f/6.3

Sony a6400 + FE 70-300 @ 300mm | 1/100 | f/6.3 | ISO 200 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Here’s a 100% crop and a side-by-side comparison.

350mm comparison bbq max focal one stop down

Stepping both lenses down one stop improves the sharpness and now it’s not possible to see any difference between the two. The E 70-350 appears to benefit more than the FE 70-300 does from stopping down.

In this comparison I’m only concerned with the central sharpness and as you can hopefully see, both lenses are a little bit soft when shooting at their respective maximum apertures. Stepping each lens down just one stop increases the central sharpness to a much more pleasing level.

I will be adding further comparisons at a range of different focal lengths and distances very soon, including comparisons with the FE 70-300 shot on the Sony a7 III full-frame body.


 

Autofocus Test with Frank

In the following video featuring my dog Frank I do a simple autofocus comparison and keeper test between the Sony E 70-350 F4.5-6.3 G lens and the FE 70-300 F4.5-5.6 G lens.

 

Autofocus Test Results

Sony E 70-350

Shots Taken (in focus zone): 102
Out of Focus: 12 (12%)
Slightly Soft Focus: 38 (37%)
Critically Sharp Focus: 52 (51%)
Keeper Rate: 88% (including slightly soft)

Sony FE 70-300

Shots Taken (in focus zone): 83
Out of Focus: 9 (11%)
Slightly Soft Focus: 28 (34%)
Critically Sharp Focus: 46 (55%)
Keeper Rate: 89% (including slightly soft)

You can see sample images from this test in the sample gallery below.


 

Specifications Comparison

Lens Specifications Sony E 70-350 F4.5-6.3 G OSS Sony FE 70-300 F4.5-5.6 G OSS
Product Code: SEL70350G SEL70300G
Lens Mount: Sony E-Mount Sony E-Mount
Format: APS-C 35mm full frame
Focal Length (mm): 70-350 70-300
35mm Equivalent Focal Length (APS-C): 105-525 105-450 mm
Focus Motors: XD linear motor Linear focus motor
Lens Groups / Elements: 13-19 13-16
Angle of View (35mm): N/A 34°–8°10′
Angle of View (APS-C): 22°-4°40′ 23°–5°20′
Maximum Aperture: 4.5-6.3 4.5-5.6
Minimum Aperture: 22-32 22-29
Aperture Blades: 7 9
Circular Aperture: Yes Yes
Minimum Focus Distance: 1.1-1.5 m (3.61-4.93 ft) 0.9 m (2.96 ft)
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x): 0.23 0.31
Filter Diameter (mm): 67 72
Image Stabilization (OSS): Yes Yes
Focus Limiter: No Yes (full / infinity-3m)
Zoom System: Manual External Manual External
Teleconverter Compatibility x1.4: No No
Teleconverter Compatibility x2.0: No No
Diameter (mm): 77mm (3-1/8 in.) 84mm (5-3/4 in.)
Length (mm): 142mm (5-5/8 in.) 143.5mm (5-3/4 in.)
Weight: 625g (22.1 oz.) 854g (30.2 oz.)
Press Release Date: August 28, 2019 Mar 29, 2016
Price (MRRP): $998.00 / £829.00 $1,273.00 / £1,079.00
Reviews: N/A Dvir Barkay

 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the more interesting specs here.

Focal Length and Aperture

The Sony E 70-350 G has a focal length of 70mm to 350mm and a variable aperture of f/4.5 – 6.3. From 70mm to 82mm it’s f/4.5, 83mm to 113mm it’s f/5, 114mm to 199mm it’s f/5.6, and 200mm to 350mm is f/6.3.

The Sony FE 70-300 G has a focal length of 70mm to 300mm and a variable aperture of f/4.5 – 5.6. From 70mm to 82mm it’s f/4.5, 83mm to 153mm it’s f/5, 154mm to 300mm it’s f/5.6.

Focus Motors

The E 70-350 G features the XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motor that can be found in the more expensive FE 135mm F1.8 GM lens along with the FE 400mm F2.8 GM and 600mm F4 GM lenses. It’s the first time ever that this focus motor has been included in an APS-C lens. The XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motor has been developed to deliver higher thrust and efficiency than previous types in order to make the most of the rapidly evolving speed performance of current and future camera bodies.

The FE 70-300 G features the older linear focus motors, so in theory the 70-350 should be the faster lens when it comes to focussing but we’ll have to wait to see if this is the case.

Zoom System

Both lenses feature external zoom designs and the lens barrels extend as you zoom. There is a lock switch to prevent zoom creep when set to the shortest and most compact focal length of 70mm.

Size and Weight

The E 70-350mm measures 142mm in length; the diameter is 77mm and it weights 625g without the lens hood attached. The FE 70-300 G is 143.5mm in length, has a diameter of 84mm, and weighs 854g without the lens hood, making the 70-300 around 229g heavier.

Aperture Blades

The E 70-350mm features 7 circular aperture blades, whereas the FE 70-300 G has 9 circular aperture blades. This should mean that the FE 70-300 is capable of producing slightly smoother bokeh.

Teleconverter Support

Neither lens supports the Sony 1.4x or the 2x teleconverters and they will also not physically fit.

Minimum Focus Distance

The minimum focus distance of the E 70-350mm is variable from 1.1-1.5 m (3.61-4.93 ft) depending on your focal length. The FE 70-300 on the other hand has a fixed minimum focus distance of just 0.9 m (2.96 ft).

Image Stabilization (OSS)

Both lenses feature optical image Stabilisation (OSS) but neither offer a Mode 2 for panning which can be found on lenses like the FE 70-200 F4 and the FE 100-400 F4.5-5.6 GM.

Range Focus Limiter

The E 70-350mm unfortunately does not include a focus range limiter switch on the lens body. The FE 70-300 G does include a limiter switch that allows you to select between full range or infinity to 3 meters.

Price

The Sony E 70-350mm has a RRP of $998.00 / £829.00 and the Sony FE 70-300 G has a RRP of $1,273.00 / £1,079.00, making the FE 70-300mm around $275.00 / £250.00 more expensive.


 

Sample Images

I promise to include some none dog shots very soon! 🙂

Sony E 70-350 Sample Photos

DSC02508-800px

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 350mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 640 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

DSC02584-800px

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 350mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 640 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

DSC02569-800px

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 350mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 640 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

DSC02596-800px

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 350mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 640 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

DSC02620-800px

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 350mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 500 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony 70-350 Sample Image Boston Terrier

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 160mm | 1/2000 | f/5.6 | ISO 1000 | Cropped | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony 70-350 Sample Image Boston Terrier

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 210mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 1000 | Cropped | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony 70-350 Sample Image Boston Terrier

Sony a6400 + E 70-350 @ 250mm | 1/2000 | f/6.3 | ISO 2000 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

Sony FE 70-300 Sample Photos

DSC02657-800px

Sony a6400 + FE 70-300 @ 300mm | 1/2000 | f/5.6 | ISO 400 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

DSC02671-800px

Sony a6400 + FE 70-300 @ 300mm | 1/2000 | f/5.6 | ISO 400 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

DSC02695-800px

Sony a6400 + FE 70-300 @ 300mm | 1/2000 | f/5.6 | ISO 400 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

DSC02763-800px

Sony a6400 + FE 70-300 @ 300mm | 1/2000 | f/5.6 | ISO 400 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **

DSC02778-800px

Sony a6400 + FE 70-300 @ 300mm | 1/2000 | f/5.6 | ISO 400 | Full Resolution SOOC Download: JPEG | RAW **


 

Still to Come

I’ll be adding sharpness comparisons, bokeh, color rendition, flare control, chromatic aberrations, stabilization, and minimum focus distance.

Please do let me know in the comments below if you’d like to see a specific comparison, or have a suggestion as to how I can improve my comparisons here.

If you are not already a member of one of the Sony Alpha Facebook Groups that I run then please do consider joining one of the groups. There are many groups including: landscape, portrait, wildlife, sports, street, video, a6400, a7III, a9 and a7r IV. Hopefully you’ll find one that you like the most!

 

* E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS Pre-Orders

US: (#afflinks) Amazon.com | Adorama
UK: (#afflinks) Amazon.co.uk | Wex Photo | Park Cameras

* Check Prices & Deals for Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS

US: (#afflinks) Amazon.com | Adorama
UK: (#afflinks) Amazon.co.uk | Wex Photo | Park Cameras

 

* Affiliate Links

Within this article there are affiliate links (denoted with #afflinks). If you decide to buy something after clicking a link I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information on affiliate links click here. Thank you.

About Timothy Mayo

I love shooting wildlife, sports, and landscapes the most, but will happily point my camera at pretty much anything. I started Alpha Shooters in 2017 to share my own photographic journey and experiences with shooting Sony. The site has since evolved into a community and resource for Sony Alpha Shooters. If you would like to be part of this journey then you can join our growing community of Alpha Shooters, or visit the Alpha Shooters Amazon Store (US Only) to see my recommended Sony Alpha Gear and Accessories. You can also find out more about my story here or follow me on Instagram if you wish.

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yinan
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yinan

Could you include corner sharpness and smaller apertures (f/8 etc) when you add more sharpness comparisons? I’m considering these lenses as compact lightweight options to cover the longer focal lengths for landscape photography.

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19 hours ago
Stacy Baird
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Stacy Baird

Could I ask you to list the f-stop v focal length increments?

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2 days ago
Timothy Mayo
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Timothy Mayo

Hi Stacy, I’ve already listed these above 🙂 The Sony E 70-350 G has a focal length of 70mm to 350mm and a variable aperture of f/4.5 – 6.3. From 70mm to 82mm its f/4.5, 83mm to 113mm it’s f/5, 114mm to 199mm it’s f/5.6, and 200mm to 350mm is f/6.3. The Sony FE 70-300 G has a focal length of 70mm to 300mm and a variable aperture of f/4.5 – 5.6. From 70mm to 82mm it’s f/4.5, 83mm to 153mm it’s f/5, 154mm to 300mm it’s f/5.6.

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2 days ago
jeparo
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jeparo

I have seen comments about pronounced distortion on the 70-350.
Please include distorton in your comparison. Thank you.

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1 month ago
Timothy Mayo
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Timothy Mayo

Don’t worry I will be covering distortion as well!

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1 month ago
JOSE LUIS
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JOSE LUIS

Is the A6400 firmware updated to correct this 70-350 lens?
Will be the older A6500?

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1 month ago
Timothy Mayo
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Timothy Mayo

Ho Jose. There is no new recent firmware update for the a6400 that mentions support of this lens, however it’s not always required. I just did a quick test with my a6400 and with in camera corrections turned on corrections are being applied. Unfortunately I don’t have my a6500 anymore so I can’t check with this camera.

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1 month ago
Someone
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Someone

I have the 70-300, I’m not sure it’s worth the upgrade. I’d have to sell my current lens to get the 70-350 (hopefully without losing money in the process), just to get 50mm of extra range and save 220g (and lose bokeh and a bit of aperture).

Wish they could release a 200-600 for APS-C, much smaller/lighter than the one they released for FF.

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2 months ago
Timothy Mayo
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Timothy Mayo

I’ve yet to compare these two lenses side-by-side (hopefully mine arrives this month) but if you already own the FE 70-300 it will probably be difficult to justify selling it for the 70-350 unless the image quality and autofocus performance really blows it away. I’d also like to see a longer more affordable APS-C lens like the excellent 200-600. Fingers crossed!

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2 months ago

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