Sony has announced the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS Mark II lens (SEL70200GM2) 5 years after the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL70200GM) hit the shelves.
Weighing in at 1045g (2.3lbs) the new Mark II version is nearly a third lighter than the original Mark I lens, but its external dimensions at 88 x 200mm (3.5 x 7.9″) remain the same.
The Mark II now features four of Sony’s XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, whereas the Mark I used a RDSSM (Ring Drive Super Sonic wave Motor) actuator for the front group, and a double linear motor actuator for the rear group. The new focus motors mean that the focus is now up to four times faster as a result.
The minimum focus distance is now just 40cm (15.7″), this is less than half the 96cm (37.8″) offered by the Mark I lens. This also brings the maximum magnification up to 0.3x, compared with 0.25x from the Mark I.
The new lens is constructed of 17 elements in 14 groups, including one extreme aspherical element, one conventional aspheric and one ED (extra-low dispersion) aspherical lens. There are also two Super ED and two ED elements.
Like recent GM lenses the lens also gains an aperture ring that can be operated in clicked or continuously variable mode, and can also be locked in the ‘A’ position for controlling aperture via the camera body. This will probably appeal more to video shooters than stills shooters.
If you own either of the 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverters you’ll be happy to know that these are also supported.
The 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II will cost $2799 in the US, £2,600 in the UK and €3,000 in Europe. It will start shipping in November but can be pre-ordered from today in Europe and from 10am ET, Thu Oct 14 in the US.
Early Reviews
Here’s a collection of early reviews from around the web and on YouTube.
Gerald Undone
Mark Galer
DPReview
Tony & Chelsea Northrup
Miguel Quiles
Gordon Laing
Jared Polin
Julia Trotti
Lee Zavitz
Manny Ortiz
Patrick Murphy-Racey
Dan Watson
Lizzie Peirce
Key Specifications
| Name: | Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lens (SEL70200GM2) |
| Mount: | Sony E-Mount |
| Focal Length: | 70-200mm |
| Maximum Aperture: | F2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture: | F22 |
| Lens Construction: | 14 groups, 17 elements |
| Angle of View (35mm): | 34°-12°30 |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio: | 0.3 |
| Aperture Blades: | 11 |
| Minimum Focussing Distance: | 0.4-0.82 m(1.32-2.69 ft) |
| Filter Size: | 77mm |
| Lens Size: | 88 x 200 mm(3-1/2 x 7-7/8 in.) |
| Weight: | 1045g (2.3lbs) |
Further details can be found on Sony’s product page along with some sample images over on DPReview and also Mark Galer’s Flickr Gallery.
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