Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS Interchangeable Lens for Sony Alpha Cameras

Had a very difficult time in choosing between the Sony 70-200 GM F2.8 and the Sony 70-200 F4. Once I held both of these lenses (which is impossible to do when all you have is a spec sheet or a video review) I realized that there is NO WAY I could have the GM lens hang around my neck. Its just too heavy. I would not be able to use the GM lens on a tripod, as in travel and high-school events do not allow a tripod. The 70-200F4 is so much lighter, and so much less painful around my neck or to hand-carry that it became the obvious choice. Note that I am not comparing the quality of the image, I am comparing the ability for me to use it. If a lens is so heavy that I dread the thought of using it, it will never be used.

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I wasnt sure about getting an F4 version of this lens but i took a chance based on many other reviews read here and on other sites. I recently took this lens to a local music show where the lighting was so so at best. I used this lens at F4 at many different focal lengths and was very happy with the results. Even hand help at 1/90 shutter and pulled out some good shots. Very sharp indeed, glad i bought this lens. If you have any doubts let me tell you just buy it. F4 is the new 2.8. Lightweight and easy to handle and hold steady. Glad i added this lens to the collection, it will be used as much as possible. I attached some photos of the show, most at either 1/90 or 1/125 F4. Love it.

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Very solid, high-performance lens, very sharp, great stabilizer. Slightly heavier than Id hoped considering its for a mirrorless, but learning to live with that. Seems almost identically sharp to my Canon 70-200 f4, and slightly smaller. Good included tripod mount, though sometimes a little awkward clamping it back on the barrel--nothing serious and will probably get easier once I understand where the resistance is coming from. Very happy with this lens--this and the 24-70, used interchangeably on a full frame (A7) and an A6000, gives me 24-300mm in two lenses that are both pro quality (even the 28-70 is fine if you dont need the extra width). Add a 10-18mm (already had that one--or spend another thou on the great new 16-35mm) and also a fixed, fast 28/f2 (or a 35, or the spectacular 55), and you have a full setup in a fairly compact package. The future is here, and it dont need no stinkin mirrors...although...I do also keep a Canon setup (6D and 70D), mainly for bird and wildlife images (400mm), macro (100/2.8 IS--made easy with fully articulating 70D LCD), and 16-35 f/4 for landscapes, to supplement the 10-18 and at times to use with adapter on the Sony FF. But Ill be selling several of my Canon lenses, including the 70-200, 300, and 35, as wonderful as they are, because the Sonys cover all that while keeping weight down and allowing for legacy-lens use, like the great Pentax 50/f1.4 I just found the other day for $4.99 at Goodwill...wait...is this too much? Sorry. I do that sometimes. My wifes eyes have been known to glaze over. She tells me, "You dont have to say everything you think." Probably true. But I hope this helped.

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If this lens isnt currently in your bag, DO NOT hesitate. This is a crystal clear powerhouse that makes the A7Rii that much better.

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I ended up returning it, as the switch to Sony full frame was going to cost me upwards of $4,000....:( Its a very beautiful lens however and has THREE "Focus hold" buttons, all of which can be customized...For various purposes.. Its LONG!! Longer than say a 70-200 F/2.8 from Canon.... Doesnt balance well on the A7III, even with a battery grip...And its not that heavy, but most of the weight seems to be out towards the front.... Comes with an aluminum hood (not plastic!) and a tripod collar/foot... Best part is, it makes you APPEAR as if you know what you are doing... Seems very well built, although not as tank-like as a Canon F/2.8 but probably the equivalent of their F/4 70-200... The optics are quite amazing, esp on the A7III and rates near the top of DXOMarks lens rating tables, esp for sharpness... IF you can afford it, Id maybe get this and the Tamron 28-75 2.8 and forget the kit lens... Also, this did not fit in my large-ish Ape Case bag, neither vertically, nor laying down..Its just that long! IF someone gave me $4000, Id buy this in an instant, but Id wait to see if the A7IV will have a "real" grip..

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I bought this to use for wildlife and landscape photography with my Sony A6300. I’m very happy with the sharpness and autofocus. I was worried about the size and weight on my little A6300. It is big, but its easy to cradle the lens for offhand shooting. I shoot from a tripod about 30% of the time. I have a QD plate on the lens foot that makes for easy on and off. The autofocus is extremely fast. I have had a few issues where it locks onto falling snow between me and my subject. With attention, I can overcome this. I like that I can flip the switch on the lens and reduce the focus zone to 3.5M to Infinity. It really helps the lens focus faster. The manual focus is smooth as well. I have reduced the number of lenses I carry now. Pretty much, I just bring this Sony 70-200mm and my Sigma 16mm. That covers my needs well.

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This lens is a great choice for folks looking to add a 70-200 to their kit, but dont want to drop the extra $1,000 for the f2.8 GM. Its lightweight and well-balanced which makes it ideal for hand-holding for an extended period, and the image quality is excellent. The only struggle Ive had is with regards to close subject focusing: its rated at 1 meter, but in reality, I find the subject needs to be about 1.5 - 2 meters away for accurate focusing. I also wish it could be paired with Sonys teleconverters to make it more suitable for wildlife, but overall its a great choice and Im very happy with it.

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Awesome lens for action shots. Used this at my Sons Track events and it captured movement very well. I got more money shots with this lens than any other lens ever. It performs very well and it easy to use. It is heavy on the Sony body and you really need to hold onto hard or use a mini pod. The 4.0 disappointed me for indoor light at a distance of 50 yards or more. Closer shots were good with light. Makes me want to buy the 2.8 lens now. If I had to do it again I would spend the $2500 on the upgraded 2.8 lens. Real disappointment was my fault but I dropped the hood cap while walking and it cracked in half and is. It repairable. Cost me $60to replace it. Another bonus was the look of the lens and the white color. It looks like a Pro or a Reporter at events. I had students at the Track Meet asking me to take their picture thinking I was with a newspaper. This look actually got my Son a side job taking pictures of an athlete who plays Basketball at the HS level. His Mom wants photos from all of his games and pays my Son $60 a game now for taking his pictures. This is giving him money opportunities because he looks professional.

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So fun to use, feels great, and looks great. Big lens but takes great shots. Its pretty heavy duty but not too heavy for its size. After using it for a bit i got some pretty nice shots and even tho its f4 you can get some pretty good bokeh when zoomed in and/or up close to the subject. Minimum focus distance isnt very close.

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Ive had the lens for a about a month now and so far I really like it. It is extremely well built and all the shots Ive taken so far have been excellent (sharp, nice colors, image stabilization works well). I used to own a D90 with the 18-200 and the combo of the A7 and 70-200 doesnt feel that much different from a weight standpoint...the lens is heavier than the A7 so just remember to hold the setup by the lens and not the camera body. Im continually amazed at how much you can crop (if you have to) and still have an excellent photo. Its expensive, but I feel it is well worth it!

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