GM 300 on A7R IV - not much to criticize - initial thoughts- the last word in lenses?

Received this week from my least mistrusted local dealer my new performer. I love primes - especially when enough MP easily leave room fro further cropping.

As I am typing this other lucky photographers are getting their copy of their pre ordered GM 300 f/2.8s

I wanted to share for the ones that need to wait still some of my initial thoughts and results.

Initially I was reluctant to buy another 300 f/2.8 since my Canon L IS USM 300 f/2.8 II stayed on the shelf or in the trunk of my cars most of the time - simple reason - weight - I hate carrying unnecessary ballast for a longer than absolutely necessary time. That said my 300 f/2.8 L II was an outstanding performer - close to perfection and maybe the only 5/5 star lenses I had ever owned or used - but the weight of close to 2.7 .. 2.8 kg in use ( including lens shade and tripod mount ) plus the need to use a monopod - another kg and something to carry - made this otherwise outstanding lens a solid 4 ½ / 5 stars.

The new GM 300 might be the first ever 5/5 star ranking for me ( I wonder why so many others have only 5/5 start gear ) 😎

( most of my gear could see solid improvements and it would still not be 5/5 starts )

Initial observations:

1. Light - ultra light - everybody that lifted it was surprised by the perceived weight
2. Light
3. Did I mention light?
4. Sharp - very sharp
5. Ultra contrast even non processed images pop out of the screen - easily beating my beloved Gm 135 and the unique GM 50 f/1.2 - which was previously probably the best lens from Sony of all times
6. Did I say sharp?
7. and - you guess - light 🤣

Not being forced to carry a monopod makes shooting so much more spontaneous and the activation energy to go out shooting and carry the GM 300 might be the no-brainer of the camera industry. This lens will definitely find it's way in many camera ( travel ) bags.

Luckily we have at ma home turf local carneval - not to the extent as Rio or Cologne but nice enough to have a 90 minute shooting around my home. Hope you like some of them.

Questions welcome - will prepare a detailed review later but as of now I can definitely state that this might be the sharpest lens Sony made to date - easily beating all my other outstanding lenses by a good deal.

I doubt we will see a significantly sharper any time soon from any manufacturer - IMHO a steal for the money.

Ah - critiques on the lens:

• no Arca Swiss mount
• too large sun shade
• position of the programmable buttons a bit weird
• no aperture ring
• AF not as ultra snappy as with the GM 50 or GM 135 ( more than fast enough )
• Still too noticeable and drawing attention from people - stealth mode is impossible

Nice tool - highly recommended!