The newest lens in the Sony G Master line-up is the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II. The company claims that it “delivers an unprecedented combination of resolution and bokeh as well as unequalled AF performance”. The lens is the 65th in the E-mount lens line-up.
Designed for Sony’s E-mount camera bodies, the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is the lightest f/2.8 70-200mm zoom in the world, tipping the scales at just 1,045g. It’s also 29% lighter than its processor.
The lens boasts three aspherical lens elements, including one XA (extreme aspherical) element manufactured to 0.01-micron surface precision to effectively control distance-related aberration variations and ensure outstanding resolution throughout the image area.
It also has two ED (extra-low dispersion) spherical glass elements and two Super ED spherical glass elements to significantly reduce chromatic aberration without colour bleeding. This lens also includes an ED aspherical element for the first time in an Alpha system lens, which simultaneously suppresses chromatic and spherical aberration, common issues in other telephoto lenses. Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II produces a uniform anti-reflection coating on the surface of the lens to eliminate any unwanted flare and ghosting in tricky lighting conditions.
Smooth bokeh is made possible by a large f/2.8 maximum aperture and a newly developed 11-blade circular aperture unit. Additionally, the lens’ optical design including XA elements thoroughly suppress the unwanted ‘onion ring’ effect, further enhancing the bokeh.
Minimum focusing distance is 15.7 inches (0.4 meters) at 70mm and 32.3 inches (0.82 meters) at 200mm.
The FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II uses four Sony-original XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors for extraordinarily fast and precise AF, making it up to approximately four timesfaster and focus tracking improved by 30% when compared to the previous model.
Specifically designed with professionals in mind, the lens includes focus functions such as Full-time DMF, linear manual focus response and a focus-range limiter switch. It also features both a click ON/OFF switch and an iris lock switch for quick, flexible aperture control. The aperture ring click stops can be turned ON to provide tactile feedback when shooting stills, or OFF for smooth, silent aperture control when shooting movies.
The lens is dust and moisture resistant and the front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants, while making it easier to wipe off any contaminants or fingerprints that do become attached to the lens surface.
The FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II will be available in Australia for $3,999 (SRP) from mid-November 2021.
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