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In this post we have a Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS mark II Lens review for you along with a Mark I and Mark II specs comparison table. There’s also a video review and sample photos from our very own Gareth Evans. Let’s see what this updated Holy Trinity telephoto zoom lens has in store for us.
First up let’s have a little background on this telephoto lens and what the abbreviations mean. This is the first E-mount lens which Sony has updated and is considered essential by many photographers, including working professionals so it’s a pretty big deal.
There have been significant advancements in camera technology since the original was released in 2016. We now have sensors capable of resolving over 60 megapixels as in the a7R IV a, blisteringly quick burst rates up to 30fps found in the A1 and enhanced AF systems using Ai technology. All of this means that optics need refreshing to keep pace, ensure the highest levels of G Master refinement and provide ever faster focusing motors to keep up. Not only that but camera systems are typically intended to be as small and light as possible and with newer technology comes a weight saving to keep gear light. This update means the zoom is almost 30% lighter which is a significant weight saving.
Sample photo focal length 163mm. Camera settings: 1/250sec. f/2.8. ISO 250.
If you’re wondering what subjects you can shoot with a 70-200mm lens it’s worth knowing that it’s one of Sony’s Holy Trinity of lenses, which means it’s one of the most versatile and essential lenses for advanced enthusiast and professional users. Out of interest the other two from the trinity are the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM and FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM, all three of which are matched in terms of aperture, build and performance.
Here are some of the main subjects people will purchase the 70-200mm to shoot:
Nice blurred motion effect with the new 70-200
This list includes primary subjects people shoot with a 70-200mm lens, though I am sure you can think of other shots which might fall into the remit of this generous focal length. It’s not a specialist lens suited to just one subject, rather it covers lots of subjects thanks to a near 3x telephoto zoom range. What’s more you can add either of Sony’s teleconverters to multiply the focal width by 1.4x or 2.0x. so you get even more range at 98-280mm and 140-400mm respectively.
Sample photo focal length 102mm. Camera settings: 1/160sec. f/2.8. ISO 800.
Sony has pulled out all the stops to bring the updated lens to the very pinnacle of their optical technology and the list of upgrades is considerable.
|
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Mark I |
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Mark II |
Lens Elements/Groups |
23/18 |
17/14 |
Special Elements |
4 ED glass elements 2 Super ED glass elements 3 aspherical elements (including one XA) |
2 ED glass elements 2 Super ED glass elements 2 aspherical elements (including one XA) 1 ED Aspherical element |
Focus Mechanism |
Two focus motors (RDSSM and double linear motor actuator) |
Four XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear Motors |
Lens Coating |
Nano AR Coating |
Nano AR Coating II, Fluorine |
Lens controls |
Focusing ring Zooming ring Focus mode switch Focus range limiter Focus hold button Shake compensation switch Shake compensation mode switch |
Focusing ring Zooming ring Focus mode switch Focus range limiter Focus hold button Shake compensation mode switch with 3 options Linear response for MF Aperture ring Aperture click switch Iris lock switch Direct Manual Focus switch |
Minimum Aperture |
f/22 |
f/22 |
Aperture Blades |
11 |
11 |
Circular Aperture |
Yes |
Yes |
Minimum Focus Distance |
0.96m |
0.4m |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (X) |
0.25x |
0.3x |
Filter Diameter |
77 mm |
77 mm |
Image Stabilisation |
Yes |
Yes |
Teleconverter Compatibility |
Yes |
Yes |
Weather Sealed |
Yes |
Yes |
Dimensions (D X L) |
88 x 200 mm |
88 x 200 mm |
Weight |
1480 g (without tripod mount) |
1045 g (without tripod mount) |
RRP |
£2,500.00 |
£2,600 |
The updated model is the same size as the original although the rings are positioned slightly differently. So while it will be familiar to anyone who upgrades, they will be able to dive straight in with their workflow without missing a beat. Filters are also the same popular 77mm size, so you can bring any you already have over. Although it’s the same size, as mentioned one of the big selling points is the weight saving which is instantly noticeable and most welcome.
As a G Master you naturally get weather sealing and excellent materials used throughout for a solid feeling telephoto. Controls are in similar positions as shown in the picture here, although there are more options with the mark II. All round you’ll be able to jump straight in and enjoy the lens at whatever pace you’re used to working at, but with less fatigue and faster results.
Caught in the wild atop a video rig
Sony has a comprehensive range of telephoto lenses available for mirrorless users, from 600mm fixed aperture primes down to this workhorse 70-200mm. But it’s the versatility of a 70-200mm range which gives this such broad appeal, which is perhaps why it’s the first model to be updated in the entire range. You can dip into virtually any genre at these lengths and then add a teleconverter if you want more. The bright constant aperture is perfect for even the most demanding professional users and low light handheld shooting. Personally I am a little disappointed that there’s no Arca Swiss-type foot included, but hey, you can’t have everything right?
Bird in flight moment from the new 70-200mm GM mark 2 lens
Looking at the lens you’d never know as it is the same size, but it’s even sharper, way faster and much lighter. The fact it comes with four XD linear motors is a knockout blow and your keeper rate will shine regardless of how fast your subject moves, with AF designed for Faces, Eyes, animals and birds currently. Here are the highlight wins over the first model:
Sample photo focal length 188mm. Camera settings: 5.0sec. f/4. ISO 640
Anyone that wants the best optics available from Sony will be considering the E 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS Mark II and we can’t wait to see what you do with it.
If you’re a Sony shooter you might be interested in other lens posts we’ve made, including this which looks at the FE 24mm f/2.8 G Lens, FE 40mm f/2.5 G and FE 50mm f/2.5 G lenses and the Sony 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens review here.
By Nick Dautlich on 13/10/2021
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