Sony FE 70-200mm f4 Macro G OSS II Lens

Sony has revamped their renowned telephoto zoom lens, the FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II, with significant enhancements in autofocus, stabilization, magnification, and sharpness, all while reducing its overall size and length. This lens remains a reliable and portable option for events, sports, and portraiture, but now extends its capabilities to video and macro photography.

Improved Optical Performance

The most notable improvement to the lens' optical design is the addition of a floating focusing element, enabling the lens to achieve a high-resolution magnification of .5x, or "half-macro," and reducing the minimum focusing distance to 3.5" at 70mm. This increased resolution is maintained throughout the entire zoom range, along with improved corner-to-corner sharpness. The lens incorporates various elements, such as aspherical, Advanced Aspherical, extra-low dispersion, and extra-low dispersion aspherical elements, which effectively minimize chromatic and spherical aberrations. Furthermore, the lens features Nano AR Coating II to control flare and ghosting, while its rounded, nine-blade diaphragm ensures smooth and pleasing bokeh.

Faster, Video-Optimized Autofocus

One of the most significant enhancements in the 70-200mm f/4 II lens is its faster autofocus system, specifically optimized for video applications. Equipped with 4 XD Linear motors, two for each focus group, the lens performs 20% faster than its predecessor and supports focus tracking while zooming. The improved autofocus system is also compatible with the Alpha 1's blackout-free 30 fps high-speed continuous shooting, which is double the rate of the f/4 OSS I lens.

For videographers looking to utilize the lens' capabilities, Sony has incorporated several features from their cinema division. The new autofocus system operates silently, reduces focus breathing and focus shift, and ensures smooth transitions. Additionally, the Linear Response MF system provides consistent and natural manual focus operation, while the full-time Direct Manual Focus (DMF) feature allows for quick adjustments using the focus ring even while in AF modes.

In terms of image quality, the lens's built-in SteadyShot optical image stabilization works in conjunction with the camera body's stabilization system, ensuring sharp images when shooting handheld, even at longer focal lengths.

Redesigned for Portability and Durability

Sony has taken into account both the durability of the lens and the comfort of its users during the reconfiguration of the 70-200mm f/4 II. They have managed to reduce the length and weight of the lens by 15%, resulting in dimensions of 5.8" and a weight of 1.7 lb, respectively. The internal zoom mechanism minimizes front-heaviness, reducing strain during focusing, and the lens's dust- and moisture-resistant design, along with its rubber control rings, make it suitable for use in various weather conditions.

Teleconverter Compatibility

The FE 70-200mm f/4 GM OSS II lens is compatible with Sony's optional FE 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, allowing for life-size, 1:1 macro photography throughout the entire zoom range. When these teleconverters are used, effective focal lengths and apertures of 98-280mm f/5.6 and 140-400mm f/8, respectively, are achieved.