Sony 70-200mm f2.8 GM II First Impressions
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.
Instead of telling you how these will change your life, I would rather be practical and answer the most common questions that people tend to have when buying presets.
What are presets?
They are editing settings that are saved in a file and can be applied to any image.
Why do people buy presets?
Sometimes because they like the work of the photographer and want that style for their own photos. Mostly because they would like to see how other people edit and learn by reverse engineering the presets. Other times it’s just to support their favourite photographers, thank you!
What’s the overall style of these presets?
- Filmic
- Warm
- Soft
- Bright
What are these presets suitable for?
Street & Travel Photography
Some Nature (with further editing)
Some Portraits (with extensive editing)
Do I actually use these?
Yes. This is the same pack I use right now for all my editing. This isn’t a pack made just to sell.
Do these presets get updated?
Yes, as my style changes, these presets will also be updated. Any time a new update is available, you will get a free update via email. Of course you also keep all the old presets in case you prefer the older looks. Only presets purchased from 2025 onwards will receive the updates.
What file types are these presets for?
- All RAW files
- JPEGs & TIFFs (not recommended)
What camera brands are these presets for?
These were designed around Fujifilm, Sony, and Leica sensors. With that said, they will work with all camera brands. While there might be differences due to individual camera colour science, the overall feel of the preset will carry over.
Will these work with JPEG files?
Yes, but you will need to reduce the intensity and make further edits. I strongly recommend editing RAW files.
Are these one click edits?
95% No. You would need to do some basic adjustments as each image is different. These adjustments can include exposure, colour balance etc. In 5% of cases you can just apply and leave it alone.
Do I need to know how to edit?
You need to have a basic understanding of adjusting exposure, highlights, shadows, etc. A more comprehensive editing skillset will let you get the most out of them.
How many presets are included?
10 in the main pack and 24 in the extras pack
Why two packs?
The main pack is what I use for 99% of my edits and is kept small to reduce wasted time scrolling through presets. The extras pack is everything I don’t use often.
What software do I need?
These presets will work with any of the following:
- Photoshop (adobe camera raw)
- Lightroom Classic
- Lightroom Desktop
- Lightroom Mobile
Will these presets work with free versions of the above software?
You need to research and double check before buying. These presets were designed for the full paid versions.
Will these presets work with very old versions of the above software?
You need to research and double check before buying. These presets were designed on and for the latest software.
What file type do I get?
XMP
What else do I get?
- Comprehensive PDF guide
Can I modify these and turn them into my own?
Yes! In fact I encourage you to modify them and play around. Use these to help you get your own style.
I have more questions…. What do I do?
Make a cup of tea and drop me an email on hello@snapsbyfox.com
Please note that due to the nature of digital products, refunds are generally not accepted. However, if you experience any issues, feel free to contact me and I’ll review your situation individually. You are welcome to use this product for personal or commercial projects, but you may not copy, distribute, or resell the files in their original or modified form.
Finally I want to say a massive thank you for supporting me. Buying these presets is the most direct way you can support my work.
Thank you!