Sony Launches Second 70-200mm F/4 Lens

2023.07.12

Today Sony unveiled a new version of one of their outstanding Full-Frame lenses with some impressive updates that make it more versatile. The excellent Sony FE 70-200mm F/4G OSS reviewed here is among the lightest for a constant-aperture telephoto zoom with few competitors. The new Sony FE 70-200mm F/4G Macro OSS II takes it further.

Looking at the new FE 70-200mm F/4G Macro II immediately shows that this is a smaller lens. Not a small lens, since constant aperture telephoto zooms are necessarily long lenses, yet one that is 2.5cm (1") shorter than its predecessor. It is also slightly lighter at 794g vs 840g.

The second-generation 70-200mm F/4 retains the standard telephoto zoom range that is so common and quite popular with a moderate F/4 constant aperture which allows it to be much lighter than F/2.8 models used by sport photographers. Both versions use a 9-blade iris and accept the same 72mm screw-on filters.

Even though the smaller size is a really good achievement, the new Macro labeling reveals the biggest change. While this is not a true macro lens, Sony calls it a half-macro, the new FE 70-200mm F/4G Macro OSS II offers a 0.5X magnification at all focal-lengths. This is a significant improvement compared to 0.13X for the original. Now, the minimum focus distance is 26cm at 70mm and 42cm at 200mm, giving it a constant maximum magnification. To achieve this, the lens now extends from the barrel rather than being completely internal.

Just as its predecessor, the Sony FE 70-200mm F/4G Macro OSS II features builtin image-stabilization. Sony does not specify how effective the system is yet most Sony cameras provide 5-stops of more using IBIS, so it is very unlikely this lens will be more efficient. The only real need for the OSS system is for the few Sony mirrorless cameras on the market that still do not offer IBIS.

The Sony FE 70-200mm F/4G Macro OSS II will be available for pre-order this week for $1700 USD or $2300 CAD. An actual shipping time-frame has not been announced yet.

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