Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II vs Sony DT 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SAM (SAL55300)
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II is faster by 0.3 stops (f/4.0 vs f/4.5), letting in more light.
- Sony DT 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SAM (SAL55300) is lighter by 1040g.
- Sony DT 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SAM (SAL55300) goes wider (55mm vs 70mm).
- Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II reaches further (400mm vs 300mm).
- Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II is the newer design (2013 vs 2012).
| Spec | 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II | DT 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SAM (SAL55300) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Mount | Sony A | Sony A |
| Type | Telephoto Zoom | Telephoto Zoom |
| Focal length | 70-400mm | 55-300mm (wider) |
| Max aperture | f/4.0 (faster) | f/4.5 |
| Released | 2013 | 2012 |
| Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Format | full-frame | aps-c |
| Groups | 12 | 9 |
| Af motor | SSM | SAM |
| Elements | 18 | 12 |
| Weight g | 1500 | 460 (lighter) |
| Filter mm | 77 | 62 |
| Length mm | 196.0 | 116.5 |
| Min focus m | 1.5 | 1.4 (closer focusing) |
| Max magnification | 0.27 | 0.27 |
Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM II
A long-range zoom for A-mount, covering 70-400mm with SSM focusing. It weighs about 1,500 g and takes 77mm filters.
Pros
- Long 400mm reach
- SSM autofocus
- Full-frame coverage
- Minimum focus 1.5 m
Cons
- Heavy at about 1,500 g
- No stabilization in the lens
- Slow f/5.6 aperture at 400mm
Sony DT 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 SAM (SAL55300)
An APS-C telephoto zoom for A-mount, covering 55-300mm with a SAM focus motor. It weighs about 460 g and takes 62mm filters.
Pros
- Long 300mm reach
- Light at about 460 g
- SAM autofocus
- Close focus of 1.4 m
Cons
- Slow aperture at the long end
- Not weather sealed
- APS-C only