The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 and the Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 is the longer of the two lenses at 144mm. The Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM with a length of 136mm, is 8mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 also has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM's 83mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM weighs 760g, 11% (94g) lighter than the Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6's weight of 854g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM has a 62mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM:
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM has the Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
70-300mm and the fastest aperture of
F4.5 - F5.6.
