Used Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Lens

Building upon the achievements of its predecessor, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Lens represents a significant advancement in telephoto zoom lenses tailored for professionals. It is lighter than the previous model while offering enhancements in all aspects of performance. This lens, part of the G Master series, provides superior sharpness with minimal aberrations, thanks to its sophisticated optical design, which incorporates an XA element, an aspherical element, two extra-low dispersion aspherical elements, two extra-low dispersion elements, and two Super ED elements. Additionally, this optical configuration features Sony's latest Nano AR II Coating, which effectively minimizes reflections, flare, and ghosting, thereby enhancing contrast and color fidelity.

Optical Performance

A defining characteristic of the G Master series is its exceptional optical performance, which combines high sharpness with a pleasing bokeh effect. The newly designed FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II ensures sharpness from corner to corner throughout the entire zoom range, even when utilized at the maximum aperture of f/2.8. Additionally, the innovative 11-blade aperture contributes to the creation of soft and aesthetically pleasing bokeh. The constant f/2.8 aperture enables users to capture images in low-light environments while achieving a shallow depth of field. Furthermore, the inclusion of two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and two Super ED elements, one of which is aspherical, effectively minimizes both chromatic and spherical aberrations.

The optical system comprises two aspherical lenses, one of which is an extreme aspherical lens (XA), designed to minimize aberrations associated with distance and to diminish the occurrence of 'onion ring' bokeh. The Nano AR Coating II effectively manages flare and ghosting, aided by an innovative optical design that minimizes internal reflections. Additionally, the 11-blade aperture diaphragm contributes to the production of smooth, circular bokeh across all aperture settings.

Optimized for Video

Drawing inspiration from its cinema division, Sony has enhanced the 70-200mm II specifically for video applications. Notable improvements include a significant reduction in focus breathing and focus shift, enhanced autofocus capabilities, and the incorporation of a Linear Response Manual Focus system, which ensures a consistent and natural operational feel. The Full-time Direct Manual Focus (DMF) feature allows for swift adjustments via the focus ring while in autofocus modes.

The lens's exterior design has also undergone substantial modifications. A prominent change is the introduction of a physical aperture ring, which was absent in the previous model. This ring can be de-clicked with a simple switch, enabling smooth iris adjustments during filming. As a result, users benefit from independent controls for focus, zoom, and iris.

Fast Autofocus and Reliable Image Stabilization

One of the most significant enhancements in the 70-200mm II is its greatly improved autofocus system. Featuring four XD Linear motors, this lens now operates up to four times faster than its predecessor. Additionally, focus tracking during zooming has seen an approximate 30% enhancement compared to the earlier model. Users will appreciate the capability for high-speed continuous shooting at rates of up to 30 frames per second with autofocus, and video recording will benefit from the lens's nearly silent operation.

The advanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system guarantees sharp images even when shooting handheld at the longest focal lengths. Various modes are offered, including standard, panning, and a newly introduced Mode 3 designed for tracking moving subjects.

Professional Design and Durability

Engineered for professional applications, the 70-200mm II has been fortified with sophisticated weather sealing. Its weight has been decreased by approximately 29%, bringing it to just under 2.3 lb, which positions this model among the lightest in its category. The optical design has been optimized for balance through an internal zoom mechanism, which reduces front heaviness and enhances the ergonomic center of gravity.

Additional aspects of the physical design feature three programmable focus hold buttons, strategically placed at 90-degree intervals, allowing for enhanced tactile control over specific settings in both landscape and portrait orientations. Furthermore, users benefit from a removable tripod foot, providing increased stability when utilizing support systems.

The focus range limiter switch is designed to enhance performance and increase autofocus speed and responsiveness in specific shooting situations. The torque of the zoom ring has been fine-tuned for optimal use. The iris lock switch safeguards against unintentional adjustments to the aperture ring, ensuring it remains in the desired position, particularly regarding the auto aperture setting. The front lens element is treated with a fluorine coating that effectively repels water, oil, and other contaminants, facilitating easier cleaning of the lens. The included lens hood is equipped with a locking button and a filter window, allowing for more convenient adjustments of variable filters, such as polarizers and neutral density filters.

Teleconverter Compatibility

The FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens is designed to work seamlessly with Sony's optional FE 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters. Utilizing these teleconverters allows photographers to maintain complete autofocus functionality. When attached, the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters yield effective focal lengths and apertures of 98-280mm f/4 and 140-400mm f/5.6, respectively.