Sony has unveiled a new lens, the Sony FE 70-200 F4 G OSS II, designed for capturing distant subjects with a close focus.
In conjunction with the launch of its new APS-C camera body dedicated to photography, the Sony A6700, the Japanese manufacturer also introduced a new E-mount lens. This lens is compatible with both the brand’s APS-C sensor hybrid and full-frame devices. This is the new Sony FE 70-200 F4 G OSS II.
As the name suggests, this is a zoom lens with a constant f/4 aperture, offering a narrow field of view with a focal length ranging from 70 to 200 mm. The lens is also stabilized, as indicated by the “OSS” suffix, making it the second version of its kind.
It’s worth noting that the first Sony FE 70-200 F4 G OSS was launched nine years ago, in 2014. Since then, Sony has significantly improved its design to provide better image quality, a more compact lens, and improved responsiveness. This is reflected, in particular, in the responsiveness, by the integration of four linear motors for fast autofocus, capable of keeping up with the 30 frames per second burst offered by the Sony A1. According to the company, autofocus tracking has thus been improved by about 20% compared to the first generation.
The Sony FE 70-200 F4 G OSS II lens is also lighter than its predecessor, weighing 794 grams compared to 840 grams, and more compact with a length of 149 mm compared to 175 mm.
A Lens Suitable for Close-up Photography Sony also announces effective capabilities for close-up photography, as its new lens allows a magnification ratio of x0.5 regardless of the focal length used. Thus, it is capable of focusing at 26 cm from the subject when used in 70 mm mode and at 42 cm when used in 200 mm mode. This allows for capturing particularly close subjects.
As for the rest of the optical design, the Sony FE 70-200 F4 G OSS II is equipped with 19 elements divided into 13 groups and a 9-blade diaphragm for round bokeh balls.
The Sony FE 70-200 F4 G OSS II will be available at the end of July. It will be priced at 2000 euros and compatible with both full-frame and APS-C bodies — for a focal range equivalent to 105-300 mm.