The Sony 55-300mm DT f/4.5-5.6 SAM Telephoto Zoom Lens has a zoom range of 5.5x equivalent to 82.5 - 450mm on a full-frame 35mm DSLR. This immediately places it among the longest lenses they offer for the A-mount lineup, eclipsing even some of the high-end G series focal lengths at a fraction of the cost. The 55-300mm SAM is an easy addition to your camera bag-quickly replacing several of your current lenses that you would no longer have to swap between-no longer risking dust, damage or missed opportunities.

One of the greatest features of the lens is the Sony SAM technology (Smooth Autofocus Motor). This provides you with both fast, smooth and quiet focusing that won't disrupt the audio in your HD video recordings, nor the temperamental wildlife you're zooming in on.

An ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lens element provides exceptional image quality all the way out to its maximum 300mm focal length-meaning your zoomed images benefit from enhanced clarity and sharpness throughout the frame. The advanced optical design of the SAL55300, with the same elements found in the more expensive premium Sony G lenses, reduces color aberrations and provides excellent contrast to enhance your images before they even reach the camera sensor.

While the 300mm focal length may be a bit more exciting to some than the wider 55mm end, when you don't need as much telephoto zoom the lens will also zoom back out to be an ideal portrait or landscape lens. It is also an ideal complement to the Sony DT 18-55mm Zoom Lens that comes included with many of the Sony Alpha DSLR's already. With the two of these lenses, you will have access to 16.6x zoom and pretty much covered all possible shooting situations--leaving very little you cannot adequately photograph. With its wide variety of premium features, not to mention the attractive price, Sony's versatile SAL55300 DT 55-300mm SAM Lens makes total focal length coverage not only a possibility, but does so without breaking your budget.

One reason why the Sony 55-300mm is popular is because of its Easily interchangeable.

Main features include:

• Model: Sony SEL55300
• Color: Silver
• Aperture (Max.) : f/4.5 - 5.6
• Aperture (Min.) : f/22 - 29
• Camera mount: Sony Alpha, Minolta AF
• DSLR (APS-C Sensor)
• Magnification: 0.27x
• Filter Diameter : 62 mm
• Lens Groups-Elements: 12 elements 9 groups including 1 ED glass element
• Minimum Focus Distance: 4.5' (1.37 m)
• Image stabilization: None
• Autofocus
• Aperture Blade : 7 blades (Circular aperture)
• Dimensions (Max. Diameter x Length) : 3 1/8 x 4 5/8" (77 x 116.5 mm)
• Focal Length (35mm equivalent) : 55 - 300 mm
• Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 82.5 - 450 mm
• Lens hood included
• Lens Weight : 1 lb 3oz (0.46 kg)
• Warranty: 1 year from Sony

For details, see e.g. Sony Web Page

The Lens is BRAND NEW, in a SEALED RETAIL PACKAGING, which includes SAL55300 lens, Solid Circular Lens Hood ALC-SH112 bayonet-type, Front & Rear Lens Caps, and Sony 1 Year Warranty.

$8 shipping and handling within the US. International shipping is $25.