Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II: More Compact and Lighter

Sony introduced the latest lens in the G Master series – the FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II. Compared to the previous model FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS, the new model is more compact, lighter, and adapted to current technical developments. Matched to the E-mount cameras from Sony, Sony emphasizes the outstanding optical quality and excellent autofocus performance of the new FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II. At the same time, it is the world’s lightest 70-200mm f2.8 telephoto zoom lens of the current market, which weighs 1260 grams.

Thanks to the two aspherical elements, which include an XA element (extremely aspherical) with a surface precision of 0.01 micron, the FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II offers particularly high correction of aberrations and excellent resolution in the entire image. Furthermore, the lens is equipped with two spherical ED glass elements (Extra-low Dispersion) and two spherical Super ED glass elements in order to minimize chromatic aberrations. In addition, this model is the first lens in the Alpha system to have an aspherical ED element, which simultaneously suppresses chromatic and spherical errors, which are often a problem with other telephoto focal lengths. The nano-coating II from Sony forms a uniform anti-reflective coating on the surface of the lens, to prevent unwanted light reflections and ghost effects in difficult lighting conditions. In addition, the optical design of the lens efficiently suppresses internal reflections.

The large maximum aperture of F2.8 and the newly developed circular aperture with 11 blades ensure an even, beautiful bokeh. In addition, the new optical construction of the lens with an XA element suppresses the undesirable onion ring effect and thereby increases the bokeh quality even further. The FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II also guarantees high imaging performance with deep bokeh when taking close-ups. The minimum focusing distance is only 0.4 meters at 70 millimeters and 0.82 meters at 200 millimeters, with 0.3 times the maximum magnification. In addition, the lens can be combined with the powerful 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverter from Sony, which extends the focal length to 400 millimeters with an aperture of F5.6.

The four XD linear motors (Extreme Dynamic) developed by Sony in the FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II ensure fast and precise autofocus, which is up to four times faster than the previous model and offers focus tracking that is 30 percent better. In combination with the current flagship, the Sony Alpha 1, this lens enables series recordings with up to 30 frames per second. Even when using a teleconverter, the quality of the AF tracking is guaranteed. For video recordings, the FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II offers smooth and quiet autofocus, for reliable focusing and tracking of fast-moving subjects, even when zooming.

With its constant maximum aperture of F2.8, high AF performance, and versatile operating options, the FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II is also suitable for video recordings. The new lens drastically reduces focus breathing, focus shift, and axis shift when zooming, thereby minimizing unwanted image movements and deviations in the viewing angle. Independent control rings for focus, zoom, and aperture enable precise manual operation of the lens during video recordings. The aperture ring is also equipped with a click switch for switching it on and off. In addition, Sony’s linearly responsive manual focus adjustment ensures responsive, low-lag manual focus control.

It weighs just under 1,045 grams (1260 g with lens hood), around 29 percent less than its predecessor model. In addition, this lens offers professional users an ideal balance without being front-heavy, so that the center of gravity is directly above the tripod connection. In addition, the FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II has an internal zoom to keep the center of gravity constant. It was specially developed for professional users. It has three adjustable focus hold buttons that are arranged at a 90-degree angle for easy access and convenient operation for both horizontal and vertical recordings and almost any angle.

The FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II has an ON / OFF click switch and a shutter lock switch for quick and flexible shutter control. The click stops on the aperture ring can either be switched on so that the user receives tangible feedback while taking a photo, or switched off to enable smooth and quiet aperture control when recording a film. In addition, the torque of the zoom ring has been optimized and now includes image stabilization with MODE 36 for moving subjects.

The lens offers the same dust and moisture-repellent design as the FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS. The front element has a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants and makes it easier to wipe off dirt or fingerprints that have stuck to the lens.

Price and availability

The Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II telephoto zoom lens costs $2,798 and will be available for pre-order from today through Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com websites.

Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II specifications

• Focal Length: 70 to 200mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• Lens Mount: Sony E
• Format Compatibility: Full-Frame
• Angle of View: 34° to 12° 30′
• Optical Design: 17 Elements in 14 Groups
• Diaphragm Blades: 11, Rounded
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Tripod Collar: Removable and Rotating
• Front Filter Size: 77 mm
• Dimensions (ø x L): 88 x 200 mm
• Weight: 2.3 lb / 1045 g

Recently, Sigma has introduced 150-600mm f5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports lens exclusively for mirrorless cameras with L-mount or Sony E-mount, but compatible with full-frame cameras.