Improved Optical Performance
The biggest change to the optical design of the lens is the introduction of a floating focusing element, enabling the lens' high-resolution .5x "half-macro" magnification, shrinking the minimum focusing distance to 10.2" at 70mm. This increased resolution is available across the entirety of the zoom range, as is the lens' improved corner-to-corner sharpness. The lens features aspherical, Advanced Aspherical, Super Extra-low dispersion, and extra-low dispersion aspherical elements to reduce and suppress chromatic and spherical aberrations. Nano AR Coating II controls flare and ghosting, while the rounded, nine-blade diaphragm supplies the lens with its soft, smooth bokeh.
Faster, Video-Optimized Autofocus
Chief among the 70-200mm f/4 II's enhancements is its faster, video-optimized autofocus system. Featuring 4 XD Linear motors, two for each of the lens' focus groups, the lens now performs 20% faster than its predecessor and supports focus tracking while zooming. The new autofocus system also works with the Alpha 1's blackout-free 30 fps high-speed continuous shooting, double the rate of the f/4 OSS I.
For those eager to apply the lens' virtues to video, Sony has introduced several features from their cinema division. The new autofocus system has near-silent operation while dramatically reducing focus breathing and focus shift. The Linear Response MF system to ensures a consistent, natural-feeling operation, while the full-time Direct Manual Focus (DMF) feature makes it easy to make quick adjustments using the focus ring while in AF modes.
Rounding out the improvements to image quality, the lens' built-in SteadyShot optical image stabilization is designed to work in tandem with the camera body's stabilization system to ensure sharp images while shooting handheld even at the longest focal lengths.
Redesigned for Portability and Durability
In reconfiguring the 70-200mm f/4 II, Sony has kept in mind both the endurance of the lens and its user, reducing both the length and weight of the optic by 15% to 5.8" and 1.7 lb, respectively. The internal zoom mechanism minimizes front-heaviness to reduce strain while focusing, while its dust- and moisture-resistant design and rubber control rings make it suitable for inclement conditions.
Other design features include:
- A removable and rotating tripod collar for added stability and reducing strain on the camera's lens mount.
- Three focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch on the lens barrel for intuitive tactile control and rapid access to select settings.
- Three-mode optical image stabilization switch to ensure sharpness in varying shooting conditions.
- A full-time DMF switch for manual focus override during AF-C mode.
- Zoom lock and focus range limiter switches to prevent unwanted lens extension or to constrain the usable focus range between a set limited range or full for improving focus speed.
- A fluorine coating for the front-lens element to repel water, oil, and other contaminants and facilitate lens-cleaning.
Teleconverter Compatibility
The FE 70-200mm f/4 GM OSS II is compatible with Sony's optional FE 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters. These teleconverters allow for life-size, 1:1 macro photography throughout the entire zoom range. When used, the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters will provide effective focal lengths and apertures of 98-280mm f/5.6 and 140-400mm f/8, respectively.
Sony Lens FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
- World’s lightest1 large-aperture 70-200mm F2.8 telephoto zoom lens
- F2.8 constant aperture for extraordinary exposure and depth of field
- Spectacular resolution from XA (Extreme Aspheric) and Aspheric lens elements
- Suppressed chromatic aberration from Super ED and ED elements
- ED aspherical lens elements correct spherical and chromatic aberrations
- Four XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors for fast, precise autofocus
- Nano AR coating II suppresses reflections, flare and ghosting
- Beautiful bokeh from 11-blade circular aperture and XA lens element
- Close minimum focusing distance of 1.32 ft at 70mm / 2.69 ft at 200mm
- Dust and moisture resistant for robust reliability4
- Three customizable focus hold buttons
- Linear Response MF for precise manual focus control
- Instant auto/manual focus selection via AF/MF switch
- Front fluorine coating prevents fingerprints, dust, water and oil
- Built for both worlds: Ideal for still and movie creators
- Focus, zoom and aperture ring with click on/off function
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens
Conclusion
All in all, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II looks to be a nice, rather significant update to its predecessor, and our images so far appear to support the super-sharp modeled MTF figures Sony has published. It's not a cheap lens but it appears to address some of the shortcomings that had become apparent in its predecessor, particularly image sharpness and consistency, as well as bokeh (early copies of the Mark I suffered from onion ring and other bokeh issues).
Lighter weight, faster AF and better optics means there are tangible benefits for stills shooters on top of those for videographers. The lens lists at $2799 and units start shipping in mid-December. The Mark I continues in the lineup, but we'd highly recommend those in the market for this type of lens to save up for this much improved version.
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens
- E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- 22% Lighter, 18% Smaller than Previous
- XA and Super ED Elements
- Nano AR Coating II and Fluorine Coating
- Four XD Linear AF Motors, Floating Focus
- Aperture De-Click and Lock Switches
- Zoom Smoothness Switch
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
- Eleven-Blade Circular Diaphragm
