Published: July 24, 2023
How does the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II compare with the original Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS lens? The new lens features improved optical quality, autofocus and stabilization, and it’s also smaller, lighter, offers closer focus and adds compatibility with Sony FE teleconverters.
| Lens | Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II | Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,698 | $1,498 |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 3.2 x 5.9″ / 82.2 x 149 mm | 3.15 x 6.89″ / 80 x 175 mm |
| Weight | 1.7 lb / 794 g | 1.85 lb / 840 g |
| Filter Size | 72mm (Front) | 72mm (Front) |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded | 9, Rounded |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 10.2″ / 26 cm | 39.4″ / 100 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.5x | 0.13x |
| Optical Design | 19 Elements in 13 Groups | 21 Elements in 15 Groups |
| Auto Focus Type | XD Linear Focus | Linear Stepping Motor |
| Teleconverter Compatible | Yes | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Removable and Rotating | Removable and Rotating |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
Order Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II Lens from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Order Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS Lens from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
Thank you for supporting this website through purchases from our affiliate partners! We always strive to bring you the best deals and lowest prices.
4 thoughts on “Tale of the Tape: Sony FE 70-200mm F4 Lens Comparisons”
When looking at the compare list and saw the old f/4 non macro NOT Teleconverter Compatible I made a fast look at my FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS Full-frame Telephoto Zoom G Master Lens with Optical SteadyShot to be sure it was not a f/4. But I had already used a teleconverter recently doing some close birding with great results.
With that over with, First the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II that is Teleconverter Compatible makes it great. Sony is making all lenses greater either telephoto or prime making modern, sorta speak not being that old, all great before now a little tweaking with new motors for focusing and better/newer glass making. The other camera makers are just on their first round of mirrorless lenses.
I believe also the importance of a f/2.8 vs f/4 is not so great anymore with the high dynamic range of Sony cameras and the IBIS giving more EV stops. In the old film days f/2.8 and faster lenses were for the purpose hand holding while doing a capture for tripods yes needed but not as available as today. As far as a f/4 lens with IBIS camera I with the, new sorta at the time, was able to do bracketing 3 @ +/- 2ev handheld with the A7RM2 and the FE 12-24mm F4 G Full-frame Ultra-wide Zoom G Lens while at the high contrast Antelope Canyon in ’17 as an experiment after forgetting my tripod mount plate. But was able to capture the whole expensive tour while others with canon and nikon where stuck on sticks doing long exposures and also without a 12mm lens and after the tour when asked to see my images thinking I was just playing could not believe what I captured and as wide and the real eye opener was back at the hotel while processing everyone just gasped. That was in ’17 today an f/4 on a A7RV can do it without bracketing, I do believe!
The original Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS lens was the fifth FE lens in the line-up. It was designed well before the Sony FE teleconverters were introduced. The rear lens opening was rectangular which prevented use of teleconverters. Both Sony FE 70-200 F2.8 GM lenses were designed to be compatible with FE teleconverters.
I think I have mentally committed in getting this new F4 as my next purchase. I like the more compact form factor which would work great in a travel setting with a smaller sling bag adding to a few other compact lens(in my case, wider primes), and the greatly reduced min-focal distance/macro capability should give you a lot more flexibility in terms of where you can use a telephoto zoom.
Gotta agree with you! I always like the original FE 70-200 F4 G OSS – but the updated lens is improved in every way.