p.4 #2 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
GMPhotography wrote:
But if it takes a macro out of your bag than it can make it worth it
Agreed. The added macro feature makes it a good value if it replaces 2 other lenses. But if you don't care about macro you're paying for something you don't need.
I will be very curious to get my hands on one of these lenses at some point. Macro(-ish) lenses have a reputation of slower AF compared to lenses of similar focal ranges that don't focus as closely. If the macro capability on this lens comes at the cost of AF performance, it will not be as appealing for sports. It's always a question of compromises. Hopefully the focus limiter will mitigate any AF hunting at long distances. But I've used plenty of macro lenses with focus limiters that still hunted at all distances.
p.4 #3 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
Looks like a nice upgrade. My only tele is the Sigma 100-400 and I would like a more portable option. I don’t shoot events or portraits so I have no need for f/2.8. If this lens with the 2x TC is on par with the Sigma at the long end, I could shrink my kit and gain macro ability. Tempting, but I’m in no hurry so I’ll wait and see what the next version of the 70-300 looks like.
p.4 #4 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
Seems like a nice upgrade especially the macro features but I sure wish they would keep their design philosophy consistent and add aperture rings to all of their new releases. I’m surprised they omitted an aperture ring in this design. But always great to have new lens options, this one will sell well I think.
p.4 #6 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
Excellent video on the new 70-200 f4 Marco by Mark Galer, a Sony Ambassador. His reviews are honest and really dig into the features. The first 1/3 of this 42 minute video explains all about all the Macro features and how it compares to other Sony lenses. He also explains how the TC and the crop mode can be used together to achieve closeup photos with great results.
This is a buy for me, because of the TC compatibility and the Macro, it seems to be a perfect travel telezoom to use with my A7RIV. Just wish it was available now as I am heading overseas to SE Asia next week for 2 months and would really enjoy having this lens along. My Batis 135 will have to fulfill in the mean time. My 2 other lenses I am bringing are the Tamron 20-40 f2.8 and 50mm F1.4 GM.
p.4 #7 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
So I bought a used Tamron 70-180 a few months ago for a trip, and I was prepared to feel buyer's remorse when the new Sony 70-200 f/4 came out.
But actually I'm not. Both lenses are about the same size, and while the external buttons and switches on the Sony are nice, I'm pretty surprised that there is no aperture ring. I don't use teleconverters, so really the main advantage of the Sony is the built in OSS. But I'd losing a stop of brightness compared to the Tamron, and the Sony filter thread is different than most of my other lenses.
Even if the new Sony had been available a couple of months ago, I don't know that i would have gone for it, especially given the cost.
p.4 #8 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
WillR wrote:
So I bought a used Tamron 70-180 a few months ago for a trip, and I was prepared to feel buyer's remorse when the new Sony 70-200 f/4 came out.
But actually I'm not. Both lenses are about the same size, and while the external buttons and switches on the Sony are nice, I'm pretty surprised that there is no aperture ring. I don't use teleconverters, so really the main advantage of the Sony is the built in OSS. But I'd losing a stop of brightness compared to the Tamron, and the Sony filter thread is different than most of my other lenses.
Even if the new Sony had been available a couple of months ago, I don't know that i would have gone for it, especially given the cost.
I had the tammy 180-200 in the basket twice but held off to see what this new lens would fetch,
2.8 vs f4 with stabe, I believe the stabe will be slightly better overall in low light, so the 2.8 is for background blur,
The macro and converter are a priority for me, not being limited by the fps is also great
As you say it’s down to your use and priorities, if you won’t use them why pay almost double? The picture quality will be indistinguishable if not in favor of the tammy,
This is exactly what I was hoping for, I already have a 1.4x, the versatility of this lens for travel and hiking is second to none, I will be buying one as soon as possible.
p.4 #9 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
Love the fact that it takes TC's...especially since I already have both to use with my 70-200 II. Issue is size....not sure it's small enough to travel with and justify owning both. I guess what I should really be hoping for is a similar update (smaller & use of TC's) of the aging 70-300G lens.
All that said, at new prices I'm not in. If the market softens on it and reviews are good, I could see picking one up if the use case fit just right.
p.4 #10 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
It's interesting enough, but I'm not super motivated to buy. Feels a bit expensive, and it's not really *that* much lighter to justify the drop in f/stop over the f/2.8. Wonder if they'll work the price down with some rebates after a few months?
p.4 #11 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
The last few months I've been seriously thinking of adding a 100-400 GM to my kit as a tele landscape lens but when I read initial rumors that his one was coming out I decided to hold off on the 1-4 GM.
Still haven't decided between the two but since I already have the 200-600 G (and its proven to be sharp at landscape distances) this one makes me feel a little more comfortable.
p.4 #12 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
I was just comparing this lens with the Tamron 70-180 and Sony 70-200/2.8 GM II on the DPREVIEW tool and noticed the Tamron 70-180 is also claiming 1:2 close focusing. That isn't correct is it?
p.4 #13 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
TravelinBriNY wrote:
I was just comparing this lens with the Tamron 70-180 and Sony 70-200/2.8 GM II on the DPREVIEW tool and noticed the Tamron 70-180 is also claiming 1:2 close focusing. That isn't correct is it?
Yes the Tamron does, but only at 180mm, whereas the new 70-200 is 1:2 at all F/L's. And with the 1.4x TC and crop mode it becomes almost 1:1, or 1:1 just with the 2x TC alone. Lots of good Macro info in the video I referenced in post #6 above.
Edit: Per @Jman13, I may have gotten the Tamron FL where the Tamron is 1:2 mixed up, as I don't have the lens. He says it is at 70mm, not at 180mm.
p.4 #14 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
I just saw this lens review on Christopher Frost YouTube. Interesting lens but I just got 70-200 GM ii lens last week and love it. I am not even sure this lens can surpass old 70-200 GM 1.
p.4 #16 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
Reading Marc's conclusion from Sonyalpha.blog makes sense to me:
"It absolute term it is an excellent lens but at this price tag : +50% vs V1 and +50% vs the Tamron and only 33% less than the F2.8 GM II it is a difficult sell unless you absolutely need a super efficient AF and a very compact form factor"
It's by all means a good lens, but at 2000 euros I don't see the value being that good for the costumer; picking up a Tamron 70-180 on sale might be a better deal at 1000 euros. Typical case of European pricing hurting customers.
Interesting point that Marc makes is that the lens seems to be a bit better suited for 42MP vs 61MP, which is a bit of a 'yikes' for a 2000 euro lens.
p.4 #17 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
I could never justify this lens over the Tamron. The only real advantage the Sony has is TC compatibility, and as noted above, the Tamron also does 0.5x macro (though it’s at 70mm only, not 180, and not through the whole range). Still, it’s massively cheaper, the same size, brilliant optically, and a stop faster.
One interesting thing that doesn’t matter for Sony shooters, is that the Nikon 70-180/2.8 (which is a first party rebrand of rhe Tamron), does take TCs, since the shorter flange distance of the Z mount gives it enough space to take them.
p.4 #19 · Official: Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II Lens
To me the biggest value play in E mount is the Sigma 14-24/2.8 vs the Sony GM 12-24/2.8. The savings spread is much higher than the difference between the Tamron 70-180 and the new Sony.
So you get TC support, OSS (probably optimized to work with the new IBIS in the a7R V), 0.5x macro across the range, little lighter, little shorter, no FPS limit.......the $$$ difference doesn't seem too crazy. You lose a stop though compared to the Tamron. Given the normal higher price of OEM equipment, I'm not sure the price difference between the Tamron (which has been out for a while and has $100 discount right now) and the Sony is that out of line.
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