Sony FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II Telephoto Zoom Mirrorless Lens SEL70200G2

The biggest change to the optical design of the lens is the introduction of a floating focusing element, enabling the lens’ high-resolution .5x “half-macro” magnification, shrinking the minimum focusing distance to 3.5″ at 70mm. This increased resolution is available across the entirety of the zoom range, as is the lens’ improved corner-to-corner sharpness. The lens features aspherical, Advanced Aspherical, extra-low dispersion, and extra-low dispersion aspherical elements to reduce and suppress chromatic and spherical aberrations. Nano AR Coating II controls flare and ghosting, while the rounded, nine-blade diaphragm supplies the lens with its signature deep, soft, G Master bokeh.

Chief among the 70-200mm F4 II’s enhancements is its faster, video-optimized autofocus system. Featuring 4 XD Linear motors, two for each of the lens’ focus groups, the lens now performs 20% faster than its predecessor and supports focus tracking while zooming. The new autofocus system also works with the Alpha 1’s blackout-free 30 fps high-speed continuous shooting, double the rate of the f/4 OSS I. For those eager to apply the lens’ virtues to video, Sony has introduced several features from their cinema division. The new autofocus system has near-silent operation while dramatically reducing focus breathing and focus shift. The Linear Response MF system to ensures a consistent, natural-feeling operation, while the full-time Direct Manual Focus (DMF) feature makes it easy to make quick adjustments using the focus ring while in AF modes. Rounding out the improvements to image quality, the lens’ built-in SteadyShot optical image stabilization is designed to work in tandem with the camera body’s stabilization system to ensure sharp images while shooting handheld even at the longest focal lengths.

In reconfiguring the 70-200mm F4 II, Sony has kept in mind both the endurance of the lens and its user, reducing both the length and weight of the optic by 15% to 5.8″ and 1.7 lb, respectively. The internal zoom mechanism minimizes front-heaviness to reduce strain while focusing, while its dust- and moisture-resistant design and rubber control rings make it suitable for inclement conditions.