Sony 70-200 f2.8 GM II - A Landscape Photographer's Perspective
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- Опубліковано 12 лип 2024
- In this video I take the brand new Sony 70-200 f2.8 GM OSS II out for some image quality testing and chase down some pretty stunning sunset conditions for a bit of landscape photography from South Perth.
Overall I was extremely impressed with the lens, the optical quality is excellent, it handles very well and it's certainly a huge step up from the Mark I. I'm looking forward to adding it to my kit soon!
Big thanks to Camera Electronic for loaning me this lens to test out - check them out here:
www.cameraelectronic.com.au/
Link to LensTips' image resolution testing of the 70-200 GM II:
www.lenstip.com/617.4-Lens_re...
Also thanks to my buddy @reillystewart for helping with filming.
👍 Thanks so much for watching! Please like, comment, & subscribe if you enjoyed the video.
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Contents:
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0:00 - Intro
0:17 - New Optics / Reduced Weight
0:55 - Disclosure
1:08 - Testing Locations / Example
1:22 - Landscape Examples
1:46 - Features of Great Telephoto Lenses
2:30 - Sharpness vs 70-200 GM I
3:12 - Weight vs Other Native Lenses
4:10 - Other Considerations
4:54 - Comparison with Sony 135 GM Prime
6:11 - Image Review
7:39 - Sunset Long Exposure!
7:56 - Limitations of the 70-200 GM II
9:25 - Final Thoughts
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#sony #sonyalpha #sony70200GMII #sonyA7RIV #sonyA7SIII #landscapephotography #lensreview #sonyalphalandscape
I bet this would have so many more views if the title mentioned you would be comparing these 2 lenses (135 vs 70-200 II)
Enjoyed that video. Informative and delivered in a laid back yet professional manner. I just bought that lens. Can't wait to try it out. Subscribed to your channel to check out more of your videos.
Super informative and well thought out! Thanks 🌟
Glad it was helpful!
I'm a photog noob, but I bought this lens with my A7iv...have used it across some golf course and golf action photography...it really is awesome in terms of image quality and versatility. the AF for video is amazing too. Thanks for the review...
Good comparison. I love my 135GM and will probably never get rid of it, but this does look appealing and very sharp
great video that was exectly what i was hoping for out of it For sure I'll save the extra money for the Mark II
The 70-200 GMII is a must have lens. The more you use it , the more you love it. For everything, portraits, street photo, landscape....
What about the Tamron 35 -150 comparing with it?
@@lingfeizhang7964it is also a superb lens. Not as sharp and fast focus as the Sony, but a very good one.
Nice review!
I've got the 135GM since about a month now and would really be interested in a video of you shooting with it!
Great video. Keep ‘em coming. More landscape videos/tutorials/b roll.
Thanks! Will do!
I love your video color grading and photo colors! Can you share more information about those?
Fantastic review mate, thoroughly enjoyed it. Got my preorder in together with the A7iv, seems your videos are not good for my finances 🤣. I'll be selling my Sigma 100-400, I never realised how much I miss the 70-100 range when using that lens, it's just a little long for my needs.👍👍
Thanks Joe! Agreed, one thing I didn't mention in my video is how the 135 was more often than not a bit too long for the usual compositions near me and I similarly missed the 70-135 range a lot of the time. Plus with a teleconverter the 70-200 would make a pretty good stand for the 100-400 if you ever do need the reach again. Thanks for the comment bud!
I’m like you, both lenses will permanently stay in my bag. Tell Sony to make a newer version of the 85mm in a f1.2. I’m ready to buy one. It would go well with my 50mm f1.2. Thanks for the great informative video.
Great to see Perth Photographer on UA-cam! as I live in Como, WA. So I essentially stop using my 70-200GM MK1 once I got the 135 GM in July 2020. My default camera bag configuration now is 24, 50 & 135 GM's with A7RIII (waiting on Sony A7RV) in my 10L PD Sling.
When I go on longer road & astro trips in WA, I generally bring the 200-600G with x1.4 teleconverter as well, just in case I need longer Focal length, random Australian wildlife can pop out of nowhere :) When Sony bring out a 100-400/500GM MK2 I'll have that as my super telephoto option.
Depending on the scenario I generally carry my Leofoto 720 pano kit or Syrp Dual Mini for pano shots. I did use to use the 70-200GM MK1 a lot more when I was building out my kit as it was the 2nd leanse I got behind the 16-35 GM in 2018. I got some great sports action shot from it, but now days with 9 Sony lense to choose from (most being GM's) I've found that the 70-200 focus range is less needed for me.
Thanks Siong! You'd be familiar with that South Perth perspective then haha
We've got very similar kits! I'll always bring the 200-600 with me on road trips, but almost always stays in the car when I go hiking due to it's size/weight. When they eventually update the 100-400, it would be amazing if they could trim a bit of weight from that - might just squeeze into the bag then!
With a high resolution body + the 135mm you're sitting pretty for that mid telephoto range... but damn the 70-200 Mk II felt really good in the hands haha
Thanks again mate - maybe I'll catch you out and about some time!
@@andrewjclarke I'm in south Perth now for a work barbeque 😂. Yeah might bump into u some time.
Great video! I have the 135GM and recently got the 70-200GMv2. I’m contemplating selling the 135 and possibly get the new 85GMv2 when it’s released. I feel the 135 is a little too long for portraits.
I am currently thinking about this lens to add to my new A74. I guess I can keep thinking for a while because I don't think it is available anywhere in the US at the moment. But your review has definitely helped convinced me that this lens is the one I should strongly consider.
As a suggestion for future reviews, do you have experience using the teleconverters with this lens. The pros and cons of the 1.4 and 2.0 and what you get and give up with these options. I know you give up light, but what about the quality of photos and video?
MR, ANDREW GREAT VIDEO LOVE YOUR REVIEWS : QUESTION WHAT BRAND IS YOUR TRIPOD
Hey, Andrew! Great video!
One technical question: At 3:20 what lens did you use to get the blur in such a wide shot? Was is the 135?
Thank you, great video, what bracket are you using?
Great practical review... Do you did use it with the 2x converter? Would be interesting how its perform in conjunction to the AF speed and sharpness
Thanks Stefan! I did try it with the 1.4x converters and found it to be just as quick with AF. Sharpness was also very, very similar (no discernible loss in quality) but I didn't do any rigorous testing this time. Gerald Undone did some good testing with the 2x converter - it was in the context of recording video but he gives you a good idea about what sharpness should be like with the 2x 👍 Thanks for the comment :D
What do u think about using a 2x with this big boy? Thank u! Great video
I thought the 135 still looked quite a fair margin better but for a zoom the new 70-200 seems like the best one ever made. I passed on the original 70-200 offerings and went with the 135 but may pick this up too at some point, would be great for events where I can't move around as much as I'd like.
Me too. The 135mm is lighter, cheaper, smaller, sharper (possibly Sony's very sharpest), and much faster.
Could a heavier tripod compensate for the wind issue you described in the video? I realize it would be unpractical in hiking situations, but I was just curious as how to fix it.
I'm anxiously waiting for my Sony Alpha Award Creative Section winner voucher, to put towards the GM2.."Butterflies!!"
my heart is racing, wondering if you'll ever accidentally bump into the camera and lens with your left hand during your sharing on your desk. 😅Thankfully, they survived.
Great video mate! What tripod do you use, what brand is this?
Thanks so much Kacper! It's a Promaster SP425K with a SPH45P Ball Head - nothing fancy, but has been a solid tripod for me for the past 5 years with no issues!
Hi , i wish to listen on your opinion how is the sharpness and image quality if using 2x converter to attach with this lens? For landscaping and wildlife photography, thanks
I’m not a pro but I got the GM135mm and now the GM70-200mm II.. I just have to have that sweet sweet butter glass
I took the same route, selling the 70-200 f/4 and replacing it with the 135 f/1.8. I found I missed the longer focal lengths for landscape and ended up adding the Sony 100-400. Now thinking of selling the longer Sony to get the new Mark II, as I really appreciate that focal length and the Mark II will be smaller than the 100-400.
Haha we took almost Identical paths, I added the 200-600 rather than the 100-400 for the long stuff (wildlife etc). Gerald Undone did a great test of the new 70-200 II with teleconverters to replace his 100-400 - might be a good watch for you! Thanks for the comment mate :)
@@andrewjclarke I did eventually add the 200-600 as well, especially for moon images, but find I reach for the 100-400 more often. Maybe the moving to the new 70-200 would encourage me to use the 200-600 more often - it’s such a great lens!
I'm in the middle of this process myself.
Just got my 70-200II and I'm currently trying to sell my 100-400 in favour of a 200-600
Yup great combo, 70-200GM Mkii and 200-600G!
That is one nifty red rig! Where did you get that?
I had the 24-70mm GM and 70-200mm GM lens, but got rid of them because they were just too heavy. I went to the 24-105mm G and 70-200mm G, but got rid of them when I decided to go primes. I currently have all of the GM primes from 14mm to 135mm. Changing lenses hasn't been a problem, since I have 2 full frame bodies and 1 aps-c body. I absolutely love all of the GM primes, particularly the 135mm GM.. I'll sometimes put it on my a6600 just for fun which gives me a really fast 200mm lens. I also have the 100-400mm GM, but I'm thinking about selling it and buying the 70-200mm GM II.
Isn't carrying all of 14, 24, 35, 50, 85, 100, 135 GM primes going to be heavier than the two zooms? I'm guessing you don't always take them all our at a time, which ones do you tend to use the most?
@@JonBowers My gear live in two Pelican cases on rollers. One case has the larger lenses and the other case my smaller lenses and bodies. I usually take both cases with me when shooting near home. I mainly photograph the Smoky Mountains. When I get to a spot I want to photograph, I decide which lens or lenses to use. Usually I'll put one camera and lens on my tripod and another camera and lens in a bag that I'll carry. Over the years I've used many different bags and gear. This is what works best for me right now. When I travel I'll usually take two or three bodies and two or three lenses which go in a bag which goes in a hard sided roller suitcase which goes on the plane with me. Which lenses I take depends on where I'm going and what I'll be shooting.
I am switching to Sony and going down the prime route too. On the one hand, I am sure that I will be happy with the GM II zooms but on the other I know that primes are both faster and more fun. Plus, they take less space in my walk-around bag once I decide which ones to leave in the car/hotel.
Hi...i know that your point if view is from landscape, but if you have an opinion for wedding and portraits photography it would be great...i have 24 1.4 gm , 35 1.4 gm 50 1.2 gm and 85 1.8 ...so...what do you think..sony 135 1.8 or this 70 200 gmii it would be suitable for my gear ... just your opinion, thanks
for landscape i would be really happy about a new really top notch light fe70-300 gm lens. maybe f/4.5 or f/5.6. it would be an excellent addition to the new light fe20-70g for travel.❤ i also would love a super light 500mm f5.6 prime.❤❤
Hi Andrew, very interesting video. I own the 70-200 f2.8 GM II that I use with either an A1 or an A7SIII. IQ is stellar.
Can you please tell me the specific model of the red L Bracket you are using with your A7R4 ?
It looks like "three legged thing" a British company
@@marcusmurray5440 thank you for the info. I visited their site and discovered that they do plain L-bracket without prolonging the grip as in Smallrig L-brackets. What a pity!
i want one
Comment at 2:18 is only partially true. It really depends on what you're photographing. With more distant objects the DOF will be more than acceptably wide when shooting at f2.8, and especially at night the will be the aperture you want. But yes, for closer subjects you're absolutely right and this is an important thing to know for all those bokeh addicts out there...
With tripod do you need to set the OSS off?
Hello, Andrew. The video was helpful. Please make text notes in the videos just above the UA-cam playback strip. Behind it, they are poorly readable when pausing the video.
Since 70-200 F4 G II is now available and Andrew's priority is high F stop numbers, I guess he is trading in 70-200 2.8 GM II and getting the new F4 G II lens now.
Me: I want to upgrade to 70-200mm f2.8 ii
Bank account: No!
😂 yeah I feel your pain, I've got my eye on about 4 different things atm...
Dang, now i am at the very beginning again…. 70-200 or 200-600…. That is not easy…but still a very nice video there✌️
Thanks! I do love the 200-600, which is absolutely the better option for wildlife or even sports where the action is further away. Can't beat the 70-200 for events/low-light stuff though and there's no way I'm carrying the 200-600 while hiking haha!
@@andrewjclarke that helps a bit, so better for portraits, street photography and architecture would be the 70-200 i assume?
@@hamburgerquieddje3898 Absolutely the 70-200 is much better for all of those. You really buy the 200-600 for the long end of it's focal range - for wildlife you'll find yourself at 400-600mm most of the time. But for portraits/street you're going to be between 70-150mm, and for architecture honestly you probably want an even wider option (like a 24-70 or 24-105). Sadly there isn't one perfect lens for all situations 😓
@@andrewjclarke oky thanks for the explanation! Then i go for the 70-200 since i got a zeiss loxia 21mm f2.8 and the sigma 24-70 art lens; mich appreciate your invested time for me mate🖖🏻
@@andrewjclarkehave you tried Tamron's or Samyang's 35-150?
How did you get sponsored by Sony btw? Any tips please
I dropped my mark 1 the other day. The pavement broke. The lens is fine.
How would this go with a A6700?
5:50 in my experience, all the 70-200 are always optimized around 135mm; it seems indeed this GM II is a great lens.. although it's interesting to see it use not for its autofocus ! Also, the interest of a prime beside weight.. is indeed to be good wide open; so it's not entirely surprising at high f/ it would not be the best
What camera and lens are you using for this video?
Hey mate, it was shot on the Sony a7S III with the 35mm f1.4 for the outside shots and the 24mm f1.4 for the inside studio shots 🙂
@@andrewjclarke thanks for the reply 🙏
@@andrewjclarke Hi! What PP did you have for the inside studio shots, ISO and aperture?
How much is it in Australia
Is this a fine lens for product photography? I have Sony 90mm 2.8 macro lens for my small business. If I sell it and buy this lens, would it be a nice decision? My basic motivation is to have a lens that I can use for both product photography and travel/vlog videos. If I do not sell 90mm, I have to but at least one another lens for my hobbies. Rather having two different lenses (90mm + a zoom lens), should I have only this (70-200mm) lens for my purposes (product photography + travel/vlog videos)?
Hello Karl did you make a decision?
@@hans6304 I am still with my 90mm. On the other hand, If did not buy 90 mm, I would prefer to buy a Sony 70-200mm.
@@karlmaxweber same here qith my 90mm. Could you rent a 70200 to see if it'd serve your needs?
What city is this?
Have you tried it on the stars?
Ah no, sorry 😥 - when I get my hands on a production copy I'll add that to the testing list!
@@andrewjclarke A great shootout will be Sony 70-200GM MK2 vs Askar 200mm f4 for astrophotography.
Where r u man
I'm back 😉
100-400 gm
I was absolutely thrilled the v2 came out and made the v1 affordable. The weight doesn't matter to me, because I'm stronger than Bill Gates. 😂
it's a good lens. especially compared to the turd they were charging 2600$ for so many years. Sony has had a line of very poor 2.8s and I don't know how they got away with it to be honest
I buy 3 tamron for the price of gm each use at least 3 years, while i use one i rent the others