Sony 70-200mm f/4.0 Macro G OSS II: Compact & Lightweight

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The new Sony FE 70-200 mm F4 Macro G OSS II is slightly and lighter than its predecessor. The new full-frame lens will be launched at the end of July and is expected to cost €1,999 (MSRP).

The Sony 70-200mm f/4.0 G II Macro at a glance

• Compact, lightweight telephoto zoom
• Weight 794 g (approx. 50 g less than the predecessor)
• Half-macro function with a maximum magnification of 0.5x over the entire zoom range
• Compatible with 1.4x and 2x converters
• 4 XD linear motors
• Zoom lock switch

The complete press release:

Sony Expands the Range of Shooting Possibilities with introduction of the FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II Lens™ offering Supreme Image Quality and AF Performance

12 Jul, 2023

• FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II” telephoto zoom lens with compact and lightweight design.
• World’s first half-macro shooting with a maximum magnification of 0.5x throughout the zoom range

12th July 2023, Sony introduces the telephoto zoom lens “FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II” (product name SEL70200G2) that covers focal lengths from 70mm to 200mm with an F4 maximum aperture, compatible with 35mm full-frame α™ (Alpha™) E-mount series.

The FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II is a compact, lightweight telephoto zoom lens that can be used in a wide range of situations. Not only does the FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II contain superb high-speed and high-performance AF that are unique to G lenses, this is the world’s first1 zoom lens to offer half macro capability throughout the zoom range, with a maximum magnification of 0.5x[2] throughout. In addition, with a teleconverter (sold separately[3]), super-telephoto shooting up to 400mm and life-size 1:1 magnification macro shooting throughout the entire zoom range is possible[4].

This launch marks Sony’s 50th full-frame E-mount lens[5]. Since the very first lens, Sony has remained committed to supporting the creative activities of photographers and videographers by bringing together the latest technologies and expanding the E-mount lineup that covers both full-frame and APS-C size formats.

A compact and lightweight model capable of excellent shooting from distant to close-up, and compatible with a teleconverter

With a total length of 149mm and a weight of approximately 794g (excluding tripod mount), the FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II is zoom lens can be used for a wide range of purposes, including sports scenes, landscapes, wild birds, and even macro photography.

Shooting from 70mm to 200mm, the lens also enables the world’s first1 half-macro shooting2, with a maximum magnification of 0.5x throughout the zoom range. The advanced aspherical lenses contribute to uniformly excellent corner-to-corner resolution and contrast. In addition, ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass suppresses chromatic aberration.

It also supports a high-performance teleconverter[6] (sold separately3). With a super-telephoto of up to 400 mm (equivalent to 600 mm when using with an APS-C camera)4, you can capture distant subjects in a larger size, along with beautiful bokeh. When the SEL20TC is attached, it is possible to take macro shots at up to 1:1 over the entire zoom range.

Fast autofocus and excellent video recording performance

Sony’s unique XD (extreme dynamic) linear motor increases the autofocus speed by up to 20%[7]. Tracking performance for moving objects has also improved approximately twice as much compared to the previous model7, so it continues to track the target subject with high accuracy. Whilst focus tracking performance during zooming has also been greatly improved[8]. When paired with the flagship α1 body, it is possible to shoot high-speed bursts at up to 30 frames per second.

In addition, a new MODE3[9] setting of SteadyShot has been added that optimises the camera shake correction algorithm, emphasising framing stability when shooting moving subjects. By combining with a compatible camera body, you can more effectively compensate for camera shake and shoot stable movies.

Intuitive operability and high reliability for safe use in harsh shooting environment

The FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II provides intuitive and secure operability that supports the photographers and videographers. In addition to a focus range limiter and a full-time DMF switch that instantly switches from AF to MF (manual focus), the detachable tripod mount included in the box provides a sense of stability during super-telephoto and macro shooting.

In addition, the front lens element features a fluorine coating, which makes it easy to remove fingerprints, dust, oil, and other contaminants from the lens surface. The dust and moisture resistant design provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions[10] and expands the freedom of shooting.

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 70-200MM F4 Macro G OSS II will be available by end of July for approximately €2,000[11]. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers throughout Europe.

[2] When using a 35mm Full-frame sensor camera. In the case of using an APS-C sensor camera, 0.75x equivalent magnification throughout the zoom range in the 35mm format.

[3] 1.4x Teleconverter Lens “SEL14TC” and 2.0x Teleconverter Lens “SEL20TC”

[4] With “SEL20TC”

[5] As of July 2023 product announcement.

[6] Maximum aperture with the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters is F5.6 and F8, respectively.

[7] Compared to SEL70200G, Sony’s test conditions

[8] Compared to SEL70200G, when shooting stills, Sony’s test conditions.

[9] A software update may be required. See Sony’s support page on the web for camera compatibility info.

[10] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.

[11]price will vary by region

[FunWithCameras]

 

😞 Have to wait until September for this lens  

I have pre-ordered it, even though I already own the 70-200 f/2.8 GM II (which is an excellent lens!). Two reasons:

• I have the 20-70 f/4 G, and this lens will sit quite happily in the same bag as a convenient travelling set.
• I already own both teleconverters, and when you add this new lens to the 2x TC you get a 140-400 1:1 macro zoom

I've never owned a macro zoom. All my macro lenses (I've owned at least 5) have been primes. 90mm, 100mm, even 180mm, but not full macro over a wide zoom range. I'm quite looking forward to this, because it will give me options on the background for my macro shots. It will also be FUN, and I like having fun with cameras...

I was wondering if there's been a full macro zoom before. A few people have mentioned other lenses, but they all seem to be a regular zoom lens with some macro capability at one end (usually the long end) - I don't think that counts.

One person disparaged the need for the 2x TC to get to full 1:1 macro, but this isn't the first lens to work like that - for example, Canon had a 50mm macro that was natively 1:2, but could go to 1:1 with a special "adapter" (I think they called it a "life-size adapter"?), and that adapter was only usable with that lens. In this case it's the 2x TC that I already own and use with my 200-600 and 70-200. I am much happier with that.

Edited July 16, 2023 by FunWithCameras

[FunWithCameras]

A shipment of these lenses (and A6700 bodies) has reached Australia. If you are in Australia, and looking for one, ask your dealer.

[Roentare]

Waiting for a black Friday deal later in the year!