Sony
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Sony E Mount
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II — 16–35mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Aug 2023
Sony
FE 300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS
Sony E Mount
Compact 300mm full-frame telephoto at 1640g with 5.5-stop OSS and linear AF.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Sep 2024
FE 300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS is 1 year newer.
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Wins
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Wins
FE 300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS
TL;DR — Key differences
- BFE 300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS has higher OIS effectiveness (5.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- AFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (38 cm vs 150 cm)
- AFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Weight (547 g vs 1640 g)
- AFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Length (127 mm vs 209.5 mm)
- AFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4.5)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
⌀65 × 127 mm
547 g (1.21 lb / 19.29 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
FE 300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS
⌀89 × 210 mm
1640 g (3.62 lb / 57.85 oz)
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 83mm shorter and 24mm narrower than FE 300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS.
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 1093 g lighter than FE 300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 150 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
547 g vs 1640 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
127 mm vs 209.5 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
65 mm vs 89 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 ED, 1 Super ED
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only FE 300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.31 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
FE 300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II and FE 300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Sony FE 300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.