Sony FE 70-200mm 2.8 GM OSS II

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is a superb lens - it doesn't really get much better than this in its class. It doesn't show any major weakness. It is, of course, extremely sharp and contrasty at all relevant settings. Both axial as well as lateral CAs are low. Some image distortions and vignetting is present in RAW files but are easily auto-corrected. The quality of bokeh isn't perfect but still highly impressive for a zoom lens. In terms of build quality, Sony performed a bit of a miracle. The lens is tough enough for professional use, yet so light-weight (for an f/2.8 zoom) that it isn't burden - while also maintaining an internal zoom mechanism. Combined with the dust & moisture-resistant design, this should give it an excellent protection against the elements. The image stabilizer is very efficient and the AF is about as fast as it gets. Unfortunately, all this greatness comes at a price - literally. A price tag of $2800USD is steep, and hard to digest for non-professionals. Still, if you want the best there is in Sony mount, this is the one in this class. The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is a worthy upgrade over its predecessor, and it deserves our highest praise - "Highly Recommended".

Editor's Choice - A superb, versatile telephoto zoom with great performance and smooth handling.

The FE 70-200mm 2.8 G Master II improves on its five year old predecessor to become not just the best quality telephoto zoom for the Sony mirrorless system, but arguably the best overall on the market. Here’s a lens that’s now pin sharp across the frame throughout its focal range even at f2.8, one that essentially eliminates breathing over typical focus pulls, and which also manages to lose almost one third of the weight of the Mark I - and believe me, you really notice the almost half-kilo weight saving during a long event, be it a wedding, a match or a wildlife hike. Sony’s keeping the original Mark I 70-200 2.8 on sale alongside the new version, and it remains a superb lens, with portrait or event shooters unlikely to be bothered by slightly soft corners at 70mm, and it could end up being a bargain option. But the weight-saving of the new version is significant, especially over longer periods, while videographers will appreciate the much-reduced breathing, and it’s reassuring to know the lens will deliver impeccable sharpness at any focal length or aperture. Very highly recommended.