In this blog I will share my initial impressions of the Sony 70-200 f2.8 II zoom lens. I’ve used this lens for just over a month, and I’m in a position to share my initial observations. This isn’t a full review, that will come later after extended use. This blog is also not affiliated with Sony in any way, and this lens was purchased with my own money at full retail price.

Build Quality

As always with GM products, the build quality is second to none. All the dials feel solid, the switches have zero play in them, and the focus and zoom rings feel well damped and premium. While this lens is weather sealed, I am yet to use it in demanding conditions (this is about to change soon though), so stay tuned for the full review. Same goes for general wear and tear, the full review will cover it.

Ergonomics

This isn’t a small or light lens by any means, however it’s come a long way since the first version. Considering the quality of the glass and the features, it’s not bad at all. It feels perfect on the bigger bodies such as the A7R, however it might feel a little too unbalanced on smaller systems such as the A7C. With that said, the zoom ring is large with a nice grip to hold on to.

There is one negative however, and it’s a lack of a feature that is present on the 24-70 GM II, that would have been a no-brainer on this lens. It’s the smooth/tight switch which changes the resistance required to zoom in or out. Given this is a telephoto, even a slight pull on the zoom ring can result in a shift and an out-of-focus image. The zoom ring is very easy to turn, so accidental operation is a possibility. On the 24-70, the switch makes it so hard to zoom that it effectively locks it. It’s not the end of the world, but at this price point, I wish this lens had that feature.

Features

This lens is packed with features, and we can start with the fantastic lens hood. It’s incredibly solid, has a sturdy locking mechanism, and a little door to allow for filter adjustment. Many lens hoods feel flimsy, however this one is the opposite.

The zoom is fully internal which is always a nice touch, as it makes the lens easier to operate and more resistant to the elements.

Moving down we have the collar which can be removed, and while it would have been nice if the entire piece could come off, not just the leg, it’s still a great solution for those who don’t intend on using tripods.

The aperture ring is solid and, just like all premium Sony lenses, can be de-clicked for smooth operation during video.

If you don’t want to use the aperture ring at all, you have the IRIS Lock which will lock the aperture ring in A.

You get three custom buttons, however they act as one and designed to always be at your finger tips regardless of camera orientation. I set mind to MF Hold, which keeps the camera in manual focus when held down, and allows for fine focus adjustment if needed.

Finally you have the full array of controls that allow you to fine tune the lens behaviour to your specific shooting scenario. From full-time DMF, to focal range limiter, and even direct control of the stabilisation. While most of this can be adjusted in the menu system, it’s nice to have it on the body.

The lens also comes in a really nice bag, and while it isn’t something I would personally use, I can totally see people appreciating such an addition.

Image Quality

This will be a very boring section as (surprise, surprise) the image quality is stellar. It’s pin sharp throughout the focal range and at all aperture values. The colour rendering is wonderful and the overall image has a very pleasing look. This isn’t a negative at all, but it might even be too sharp. I find GM Sony lenses to be so sharp that I have to remove all sharpening, add grain, and reduce clarity on all my shots. This is of course very subjective and I can see some sharpness enthusiasts smashing their monitor after reading this. Below are a few sample photos, and much more will come later once I’ve had proper time with it.

Autofocus

This is another very boring section that will be over in a few seconds. The AF experience is perfect in both photo and video, there’s nothing more I can say here. I think in future reviews I might not even bother including this section.

Summary

My first impressions are very positive, but this is not a surprise. The cost of this lens was hard to swallow, but I do feel I’m getting the best tool on the market for my money. Aside from the zoom switch I mentioned earlier, this lens is pretty much perfect.