Sony 300mm f/2.8 SSM A-mount lens adapted on Sony A7rV (image by SonyAlphaBlog).
Sony announced the development of a new 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS lens. But there are quite some unusual aspects with that announcement:
- Sony did not share any detailed specs like optical design, features, size, price. And no image or mockup was displayed.
- It will take more than a year before the lens hits the market sometimes in early 2024
All we got is this text posted on the product page here by BHphoto:
A new FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens from Sony is under development and will feature the incredible high-resolution and spectacularly beautiful bokeh true to Sony’s acclaimed line of flagship G Master lenses. Made for the Sony E-mount, this lens will deliver an elevated shooting experience for professional sports, news and event photographers, and videographers looking to capture decisive moments with higher image quality. The lens will expand on the design of the 600mm f/4 and the 400mm f/2.8 Grand Master OSS lenses.
Imaging Resource speculated about the possible specs of the lens:
Considering Sony’s impressive work on its most recent G Master zoom lenses, it seems reasonable to think the company can undercut 2,000g (4.4 lbs) with its upcoming 300mm F2.8 GM lens for mirrorless cameras. So far, we expect the 300mm F2.8 GM lens to be light, deliver fast AF thanks to XD Linear Motor technology, and promise superb image quality using Sony’s impressive XA lens elements.
What about handling? This has been an area of focus with the latest F2.8 zoom lens revisions. Each lens added dedicated aperture control rings (with a switch to smooth the aperture control ring) and Linear Response MF. The lenses have also added more programmable focus hold buttons while maintaining a weather-sealed design. It’s safe to assume similar features will make their way to the 300mm F2.8 GM lens when it launches next year.
I am wondering why Sony made such a development announcement for a lens that will be released at best one year from now. My only guess is that they want to reassure sport photographers that they can count on getting a 300mm f/2.8 GM lens right in time for the 2024 summer Olympics.