Sony has released details of the newest lens in its G Master lineup – the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II – which has undergone a complete redesign.


Angled view of the new FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens. (Source: Sony.)

Claimed as the lightest in its category, at 1045 grams it is roughly 30% lighter than its predecessor, even though its physical dimensions (88 mm diameter x 200 mm in length) are the same. The optical design consists of 17 elements in 14 groups and includes two ED (extra-low dispersion) spherical glass elements and two Super ED spherical glass elements to significantly reduce chromatic aberration without colour bleeding. One ED aspherical element, used for the first time in an Alpha system lens, suppresses chromatic and spherical aberration, common issues in other telephoto lenses. The advanced optical design also includes an XA element for reducing the incidence of unwanted ‘onion ring’ effects, while the wide, f/2.8 maximum aperture coupled with a new11-bladed iris diaphragm ensures  circular apertures for smooth and attractive bokeh. Nano AR Coating II produces a uniform anti-reflection coating on the surface of the lens, while the front element is fluorine coated to repel water, oil, and other contaminants.

Designed to complement Sony’s E-mount camera bodies, the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens has a minimum focusing distance of 40 cm at 70mm and 82 cm at 200mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.3x. It is compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters as well as being dust- and moisture-resistant. Autofocusing is driven by four XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors, which operate up to four times faster than the previous lens and support focus tracking while zooming.  Focusing is also more precise and near silent. The aperture ring also has a click ON/OFF switch. In addition, Sony’s Linear Response MF ensures responsive, low-lag manual focus control.

The new lens also includes an aperture ring and focus distance limiter switch. It accepts 77 mm filters. The supplied lens hood also features an opening that allows convenient operation of circular polarising filters or variable ND filters for more creative flexibility. The FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is due for release worldwide in December at a MSRP of US$2800 or AU$4199. Click here for more information.