Sony 70-200mm f4 Macro G OSS II

Sony 70-200mm lens

A classic telephoto zoom lens, refined and reinvented
After nine years of production, SONY has redesigned its classic telephoto zoom lens with the FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II, introducing performance improvements in autofocus, stabilization, magnification and sharpening, while reducing both its length and size. This latest iteration, which remains a portable and everyday stalwart for events, sports and portraits, expands its capabilities to video and macro applications.

Improved optical performance
The biggest change in the optical design of the lens is the introduction of a floating focusing element, which allows for 0.5x high-resolution "macro average" magnification of the lens, reducing the minimum focusing distance to 10.2" at 70mm. This increased resolution is available throughout the zoom range, as is improved corner-to-corner sharpness of the lens. The lens features aspherical, advanced aspherical, super extra low dispersion and extra low dispersion aspherical elements to reduce and suppress chromatic and spherical elements. Aberrations Nano AR Coating II controls flare and ghosting, while the rounded nine-blade diaphragm gives the lens its smooth, even bokeh effect.

Faster autofocus optimized for video
Chief among the 70-200mm f/4 II's improvements is its autofocus system optimized for faster video. With 4 XD linear motors, two for each of the lens' focus groups, the lens now runs 20% faster than its predecessor and supports focus tracking while zooming. The new autofocus system also works with the Alpha 1's no-dimming, high-speed continuous shooting of 30fps, twice the speed of the f/4 OSS I.

For those eager to apply the virtues of the lens to video, SONY has introduced several features of its film division. The new autofocus system has near-silent operation while drastically reducing breathing and focus shifting. The linear response MF system ensures smooth, natural operation, while the permanent direct manual focus (DMF) function makes it easy to make quick adjustments with the focus ring in AF modes.

Completing the improvements in image quality, the lens' built-in SteadyShot optical image stabilization is designed to work in conjunction 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

When reconfiguring the 70-200mm f/4 II, SONY took into account both the strength of the lens and that of its user, reducing both the length and weight of the lens by 15% to 5.8" and 1.7lbs, respectively. The internal zoom mechanism minimizes front heaviness to reduce tension while focusing, while its dust- and moisture-resistant design and rubber control rings make it suitable for inclement weather.
Other design features include:

• A removable, rotating tripod collar for stability and reduces strain on the camera lens mount.
• Three focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch on the lens cylinder for intuitive touch control and quick access to selected settings.
• Three-mode optical image stabilization switch to ensure sharpness in different shooting conditions.
• A full-time DMF switch to override manual focus during AF-C mode.
• Zoom lock switches and focus range limiter to prevent unwanted lens extension or to restrict usable focus range between a set or full limited range to improve focusing speed.
• A fluorine coating for the front element of the lens to repel water, oil and other contaminants and facilitate cleaning of the lens.