After nine years of development, Sony has revamped its renowned telephoto zoom lens with the introduction of the FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II. This new model features enhancements in autofocus, stabilization, magnification, and sharpness, all while achieving a reduction in both length and size. It continues to serve as a reliable and portable option for events, sports, and portrait photography, while also broadening its functionality to include video and macro photography.
Optical Performance
A significant alteration in the optical design of the lens is the incorporation of a floating focusing element, which facilitates the lens's impressive 0.5x "half-macro" magnification and reduces the minimum focusing distance to 10.2 inches at 70mm. This enhanced resolution is consistent throughout the entire zoom range, along with the lens's superior sharpness from corner to corner. The lens is equipped with aspherical, Advanced Aspherical, Super Extra-low Dispersion, and extra-low dispersion aspherical elements, all aimed at minimizing chromatic and spherical aberrations. Additionally, the Nano AR Coating II effectively mitigates flare and ghosting, while the rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to the lens's soft and smooth bokeh.
Faster, Video-Optimized Autofocus
A primary improvement of the 70-200mm f/4 II is its enhanced autofocus system, which is optimized for video and operates at a faster speed. Equipped with four XD Linear motors—two assigned to each focus group—the lens achieves a performance increase of 20% compared to its predecessor and facilitates focus tracking during zooming. Additionally, this advanced autofocus system is compatible with the Alpha 1's blackout-free high-speed continuous shooting at 30 frames per second, effectively doubling the performance of the f/4 OSS I.
For individuals keen on leveraging the advantages of the lens in video production, Sony has incorporated various features from its cinema division. The newly developed autofocus system operates with minimal noise, significantly minimizing focus breathing and focus shift. Additionally, the Linear Response Manual Focus (MF) system guarantees a smooth and natural operational experience, while the full-time Direct Manual Focus (DMF) function facilitates swift adjustments via the focus ring, even when in autofocus modes.
Complementing the enhancements in image quality, the lens features an integrated SteadyShot optical image stabilization system that collaborates with the stabilization mechanism of the camera body, guaranteeing sharp images during handheld shooting, even at extended focal lengths.
Portable and Durable Design
In the redesign of the 70-200mm f/4 II, Sony has prioritized the durability of the lens as well as the comfort of the user, achieving a reduction in both length and weight by 15%, resulting in dimensions of 5.8 inches and a weight of 1.7 pounds. The internal zoom mechanism has been engineered to alleviate front-heaviness, thereby minimizing strain during focusing. Additionally, the lens features a dust- and moisture-resistant construction along with rubber control rings, making it well-suited for challenging environmental conditions.
A detachable and rotating tripod collar designed to enhance stability while minimizing stress on the camera's lens mount. The lens barrel features three focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch, providing intuitive tactile control and quick access to various settings. An optical image stabilization switch with three modes is included to maintain sharpness under different shooting conditions. Additionally, a full-time DMF switch allows for manual focus override during AF-C mode. The design incorporates zoom lock and focus range limiter switches to prevent unintended lens extension and to restrict the usable focus range, thereby improving focus speed. Furthermore, a fluorine coating on the front lens element effectively repels water, oil, and other contaminants, making lens cleaning easier.
Teleconverter Compatibility
The FE 70-200mm f/4 GM OSS II lens is designed to work seamlessly with Sony's optional FE 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters. These teleconverters enable photographers to achieve life-size, 1:1 macro images across the full zoom range. When utilized, the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters yield effective focal lengths and apertures of 98-280mm f/5.6 and 140-400mm f/8, respectively.
