Recommended fast prime lens for Sony a1 and a9 III sports?

Question

Honestly I'm just fed up with the weight of these big zooms and the f2.8 limit is starting to really annoy me for indoor stuff. I've got a huge track meet coming up in three weeks down in Florida and my current setup is just killing my shoulders during those long days.

My logic was that a fast prime would give me that look I want and better AF speed on the a9 III but I'm totally stuck. I've already dropped way too much on the bodies so I'm looking at maybe 6k or 7k max. Is the 300mm f2.8 the way to go or should I just suck it up and find a used 400? I just need something that isnt gonna break my back...

Dread_vsEt · Accepted Answer

I spent a decade hauling around heavy glass and unfortunately, my experience with the bigger stuff lately hasn't been as rosy as the marketing makes it out to be. Last summer I took the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS out for a regional championship and by day two, I was basically ready to toss it in the nearest trash can. Dont get me wrong, the bokeh is creamy as heck, but even on a monopod, my neck was killing me. I tried grabbing a used one to save cash but the copy I got had weird AF hunting issues on the a1, so I sent it back. Total headache. If youre trying to save your back and stay under that 7k limit, here is the breakdown of what I have actually used:

Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS: Its ridiculously light, but honestly I found it a bit short for track unless you are right on the rail. I ended up having to crop a lot, which kinda defeats the purpose of that high-res a1 sensor.

Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS: The reach is perfect for the 100m or long jump, but the weight is still a factor regardless of what people say. Plus finding a clean one under 7k is getting harder than it used to be.

Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM: I tried this for indoor stuff and it was fast, but just way too short for most sports unless youre basically sitting on the track. I really wanted to love the 400mm but the ergonomics just didnt click for me during twelve-hour days in the heat. If you go that route, just make sure you check the serial number... some older batches had focus motor quirks. Honestly, the weight issue is just the reality of f2.8 primes tho.

BrightonPebbles · Answer

@Reply #2 - good point! Lugging a 400mm in the Florida humidity is a recipe for heat stroke, tbh. I would suggest looking at these two before you buy:

Sony FE 300mm f/2.8 GM OSS is only about 3 lbs. It balances perfectly on the Sony a9 III and leaves cash for a 1.4x teleconverter.

Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS has better reach but its still chunky and usually over 8k used. Make sure to test the balance first... center of gravity matters more than raw weight.

RusselLoaky · Answer

You're spot on about the weight! That 300 is definitely the way to go, my back felt fantastic after using one at a track meet last year. Total game changer!