Your holiday property photographed from £150 - find out more

If you prefer a day out, and to buy direct, I am at a number of events

Sony SEL70200G Review - Phil Sproson Photography

Sony SEL70200G Review

Time to read 10 min

Sony SEL70200G Review: Is This the Best Full Frame 70-200mm F4.0 G Lens?

As a photography professional, I've been on the lookout for a high-quality telephoto zoom lens that can capture stunning images without compromising on stability. That's when I came across the Sony SEL70200G E Mount - Full Frame 70-200mm F4.0 G Lens.

This lens boasts a range of impressive features, including built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation, Sony Nano AR Coating to eliminate flare and ghosting, and a circular 9-blade aperture for beautiful defocus effects. Plus, the dust and moisture-resistant design ensures that you can use it in a range of conditions without any worries.


Click Here to Purchase the Lens

One of the standout features of this lens is the 70-200mm G lens with Optical SteadyShot for stable images, F4 aperture and two ED glass elements. The minimum focus distance of 1-1.5 m (AF)/1-1.35 m (MF) (3.28-4.93 ft [AF]/3.28-4.43 ft [MF]) ensures that you can capture stunning close-up shots with ease.

Bottom Line

Overall, the Sony SEL70200G E Mount - Full Frame 70-200mm F4.0 G Lens is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a high-performance telephoto zoom lens. Its range of features, including image stabilisation and dust and moisture-resistant design, make it a reliable and versatile option for capturing stunning images. So why wait? Click here to purchase the Sony SEL70200G E Mount - Full Frame 70-200mm F4.0 G Lens today and take your photography to the next level!

Overview of the Sony SEL70200G E Mount - Full Frame 70-200mm F4.0 G Lens

As a photographer, I recently had the chance to test the Sony SEL70200G E Mount - Full Frame 70-200mm F4.0 G Lens. This high-performance G Series telephoto zoom lens is a great choice for capturing stunning images with a Sony camera using the E-mount. The lens is built with two ED glass elements and a circular 9-blade aperture, which provides beautiful defocus effects.

One of the best features of this lens is the built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation, which ensures stable images even when shooting handheld. The Sony Nano AR Coating also eliminates flare and ghosting, which is especially useful when shooting in bright sunlight.

The lens is dust and moisture resistant, making it a great choice for outdoor photography. Additionally, the lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. The autofocus is fast and accurate, and the lens is compatible with both AF and MF focus types.

Overall, the Sony SEL70200G E Mount - Full Frame 70-200mm F4.0 G Lens is a great investment for anyone looking for a high-quality telephoto zoom lens for their Sony camera.

Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilisation

I was impressed with the Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation feature of the Sony SEL70200G lens. It allowed me to capture stable and clear images even when shooting handheld or in low light conditions. The built-in stabilisation system compensates for camera shake and eliminates blur, resulting in sharp and detailed photos.

Moreover, the system works silently and efficiently, which is a great advantage for photographers who want to shoot discreetly. I also appreciated the dust and moisture resistance design, which makes the lens durable and reliable in different environments.

Overall, the Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation feature of the Sony SEL70200G lens is a valuable tool for any photographer who wants to capture sharp and stable images without the need for a tripod or other stabilisation equipment.

Sony Nano AR Coating

When it comes to lenses, one of the biggest concerns is often the presence of ghosting and flare, which can seriously hinder the quality of your images. That's why I was pleased to discover that the Sony SEL70200G E Mount lens features Nano AR Coating from Sony. This innovative coating helps to eliminate unwanted reflections and glare, resulting in clear and crisp images.

I was impressed by the effectiveness of the Nano AR Coating, which allowed me to capture stunning shots even in challenging lighting conditions. The circular 9-blade aperture also helped to create beautiful defocus effects, adding an extra dimension to my images.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Sony SEL70200G E Mount lens to anyone looking for a high-performance telephoto zoom lens with excellent image stabilization and advanced coating technology. The lens is also dust and moisture-resistant, making it a reliable choice for outdoor photography.

Circular 9-Blade Aperture

I was impressed by the Circular 9-Blade Aperture of the Sony SEL70200G E Mount Lens. The circular blades create a beautifully smooth and natural bokeh effect, making it perfect for portrait photography. The aperture range of f4.0 is also quite impressive, allowing for a good amount of light to enter the lens even in low light conditions.

I read some reviews that mentioned some slight vignetting at the widest aperture, but I did not experience this issue during my testing. Overall, the Circular 9-Blade Aperture of the Sony SEL70200G E Mount Lens is a great feature that adds to the overall quality of the lens.

Dust and Moisture Resistant Design

I was impressed with the dust and moisture-resistant design of the Sony SEL70200G lens. This feature gives me peace of mind when shooting in challenging environments, knowing that my lens is protected from the elements. I have used this lens in light rain and dusty conditions, and it has held up well without any issues.

The lens also features Sony's Nano AR coating, which effectively eliminates flare and ghosting. This feature is particularly useful when shooting against bright light sources, such as the sun or streetlights at night.

Overall, the dust and moisture-resistant design of the Sony SEL70200G lens is a great feature that adds to the lens's durability and versatility. It's a great choice for photographers who need a reliable lens that can handle tough shooting conditions.

Pros and Cons

After using the Sony SEL70200G E Mount - Full Frame 70-200mm F4.0 G Lens for a while, I have identified some of its pros and cons.

Pros

  • High performance G Series telephoto zoom lens: The lens delivers exceptional performance and versatility that caters to the needs of both amateur and professional photographers.
  • Built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation: This feature helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharp images, even in low light conditions.
  • Sony Nano AR Coating to eliminate flare and ghosting: This coating reduces reflections and flare, producing clear and sharp images.
  • Circular 9-blade aperture for beautiful defocus effects: The circular aperture produces beautiful bokeh and defocus effects, making the subject stand out.
  • Dust and moisture resistant design: The lens is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it suitable for outdoor photography.
  • Lightweight and compact: The lens is easy to carry around and does not add much weight to the camera bag.
  • Fast autofocus: The autofocus is quick and accurate, making it easy to capture fast-moving subjects.

Cons

  • Limited aperture range: The maximum aperture of f/4 is not as wide as some other lenses in the same category, which may limit its use in low light conditions.
  • Price: The lens is quite expensive compared to some of its competitors, which may be a barrier for some photographers.

Overall, the Sony SEL70200G E Mount - Full Frame 70-200mm F4.0 G Lens is a high-quality lens with exceptional performance and features. While it may be a bit pricey, its lightweight design and fast autofocus make it a great choice for outdoor and action photography. However, the limited aperture range may be a drawback for some photographers who need wider apertures for low light conditions.

Customer Reviews

After going through the customer reviews of the Sony SEL70200G E Mount Full Frame 70-200mm F4.0 G Lens, I can confidently say that this lens is a top-performing product. Customers have praised its lightweight and compact design, making it easy to carry around. The autofocus is fast and accurate, and the lens is equipped with image stabilisation, which is a plus for photographers who shoot in low light conditions.

Users have also appreciated the four switches on the side, particularly the auto focus limiter, which allows for quick switching between focus ranges. The lens delivers excellent image quality with sharpness across all apertures and zoom ranges.

Some customers have mentioned that the price tag is a bit high compared to other brands, but they still believe that it is worth the investment. One reviewer even described it as a masterpiece, catering to both amateur and professional photographers.

Overall, the Sony SEL70200G E Mount Full Frame 70-200mm F4.0 G Lens has received positive feedback from customers, making it a reliable and high-performing option for those in the market for a new lens.

Performance in Different Photography Scenarios

I've had the pleasure of using the Sony SEL70200G E Mount lens in a variety of photography scenarios, and I must say that its performance has been consistently outstanding. Whether I'm shooting portraits, landscapes, or action shots, this lens delivers sharp, clear images with beautiful defocus effects.

One of the standout features of this lens is its built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation, which ensures that my shots are always steady and blur-free, even when shooting handheld. I've also been impressed with the lens' Sony Nano AR Coating, which effectively eliminates flare and ghosting, even when shooting in bright sunlight.

The circular 9-blade aperture of this lens produces stunning bokeh, which is perfect for creating professional-looking portraits with a blurred background. Additionally, the lens' dust and moisture-resistant design gives me peace of mind when shooting in challenging outdoor environments.

Overall, I highly recommend the Sony SEL70200G E Mount lens for any photographer looking for a high-performance telephoto zoom lens that can handle a variety of photography scenarios with ease.

Build Quality and Handling

The Sony SEL70200G E Mount - Full Frame 70-200mm F4.0 G Lens has a solid build quality, making it robust and durable. The lens is also dust and moisture resistant, which is a great feature for outdoor photography. The lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to handle and carry around. The lens hood is also included, which is a nice touch.

The zoom and focus rings are smooth and easy to operate, which is important for quick adjustments. The lens also features a built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation, which helps to produce sharp images.

Overall, the Sony SEL70200G E Mount - Full Frame 70-200mm F4.0 G Lens is a well-built lens that is easy to handle and operate. The lens is also versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of photography styles.

Click Here to Purchase the Lens


Conclusion

After using the Sony SEL70200G E Mount lens for some time, I can confidently say that it is a great investment for any photographer. The lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around for extended periods. Its autofocus is incredibly fast, and it produces sharp images with excellent clarity.

One of the most significant advantages of this lens is its versatility. It is perfect for capturing a range of subjects, from wildlife to landscapes. The four switches on the side of the lens are also very useful, especially the auto focus limiter, which helps to reduce focus hunting.

While some photographers may argue that the f2.8 is necessary, the f4.0 aperture of this lens is more than enough for most situations. The stabilisation is also a welcome addition, allowing me to take sharper images even in low light conditions.

Overall, the Sony SEL70200G E Mount lens is a fantastic piece of kit that is well worth the investment. Its build quality, performance, and versatility make it a must-have for both amateur and professional photographers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

As someone who has had the opportunity to use the Sony 70-200 F4 II lens, I've come across some common questions that potential buyers might have. Here are some answers to those frequently asked questions:

What are the improvements in the Sony 70-200 F4 II compared to the original version?

The Sony 70-200 F4 II has several improvements over its predecessor. One of the most significant improvements is the addition of Sony's Nano AR coating, which helps to eliminate flare and ghosting. The lens also has a circular 9-blade aperture, which creates beautiful defocus effects. Additionally, the lens is now dust and moisture resistant, making it more durable and suitable for outdoor photography.

How does the image sharpness of the Sony 70-200 F4 lens compare to other lenses in its class?

The image sharpness of the Sony 70-200 F4 lens is excellent, especially when compared to other lenses in its class. The lens has two ED glass elements, which help to reduce chromatic aberration and improve image quality. The lens also has built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.

Does the Sony 70-200 F4 lens feature internal zoom and focusing mechanisms?

Yes, the Sony 70-200 F4 lens features internal zoom and focusing mechanisms. This means that the lens does not change in length when zooming or focusing, which makes it more compact and easier to handle. The internal mechanisms also help to maintain the balance of the lens, making it more comfortable to use for extended periods.

Is the Sony 70-200 F4 equipped with weather sealing for outdoor photography?

Yes, the Sony 70-200 F4 lens is equipped with weather sealing, which makes it suitable for outdoor photography. The lens is dust and moisture resistant, which means that it can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, it's important to note that the lens is not waterproof, so it should not be submerged in water.

Can the Sony 70-200 F4 lens be effectively used for macro photography?

While the Sony 70-200 F4 lens is primarily a telephoto zoom lens, it can be used for macro photography with the help of extension tubes or close-up filters. However, it's important to note that the lens does not have a dedicated macro mode, so it may not be suitable for professional macro work.

What is the weight difference between the Sony 70-200 F4 II and its predecessor?

The Sony 70-200 F4 II is slightly heavier than its predecessor, weighing in at 840g (29.7 oz) without the tripod mount. The original version weighed 840g (29.6 oz) without the tripod mount. While the weight difference is minimal, it's worth noting if you're looking for a lightweight lens.


CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL MY CAMERA GEAR