San Diego, CA—The Sony FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II telephoto zoom lens (SEL70200G2) covers focal lengths from 70mm to 200mm with an f/4 maximum aperture. The new lens is compatible with 35mm full-frame α (Alpha) E-mount series cameras as well as any E-mount camera. Moreover, this release marks Sony’s 50th full-frame E-mount lens.
“We are excited to introduce the versatile 70–200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II to our already incredible lineup of lenses. For both photographers and videographers, the new lens provides the ultimate lens in a compact, lightweight form that is a qualified telephoto coupled with macro capability throughout the focal range and a maximum aperture of f/4 for any shot demanding shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh,” said Yang Cheng, vice president, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc.
Sony FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II Features
The FE 70–200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is a compact, lightweight telephoto zoom that content creators can use in various situations. This includes sports, landscapes, wildlife and macro photography. The lens features the “high imaging power, high-speed and high-performance AF” Sony says are unique to its G lenses. Furthermore, the lens offers half macro capability throughout its zoom range, with a maximum magnification of 0.5x throughout.
In addition, with a SEL20TC teleconverter (sold separately), super-telephoto shooting up to 400mm and life-size 1:1 macro shooting throughout the zoom range are possible (600mm-equivalent when used with an APS-C camera). As a result, the lens can capture distant subjects in a larger size, along with bokeh.
Built with 19 elements in 13 groups, the lens’s advanced aspherical elements contribute to high corner-to-corner resolution and contrast. In addition, ED (extra-low dispersion) glass suppresses chromatic aberration.
Further, Sony’s XD (extreme dynamic) linear motor increases the autofocus speed by up to 20% during still image shooting (compared to the SEL70200). Tracking performance for moving objects was also improved by twice as much. Consequently, the lens will continue to track the subject with higher accuracy. In addition, focus tracking performance during zooming was improved over its predecessor. According to specs, when paired with the flagship α1 camera, it’s possible to shoot high-speed bursts at 30 frames per second.
More Upgrades
Another upgrade is a new mode3 setting of Sony’s SteadyShot image stabilization system. The setting optimizes the camera shake correction algorithm. It emphasizes framing stability when shooting moving subjects. As a result, a camera/lens combo can more effectively compensate for camera shake and shoot stable movies.
For both photographers and videographers, the new lens provides intuitive operability. It employs a focus range limiter as well as a full-time DMF switch that instantly switches from AF to MF (manual focus). And the included, detachable tripod mount provides a sense of stability during super-telephoto and macro shooting.
Additionally, the front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust, oil, etc., from the lens surface. The lens also boasts a dust- and moisture-resistant body for use in challenging outdoor conditions. It is also relatively portable. It has a total length of 5.9 inches and a weight of 1.7 pounds (sans tripod mount).
The Sony FE 70–200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is available for preorder. It has a suggested retail price of $1,699.99.
