Sony 70-200 2.8 GM II REVIEW: MAJOR UPDATE or Save Your Money?

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This is a REVIEW of the Sony 70-200 2.8 GM II which in my book replaces the Sony 70-200 2.8 GM originally. How is it, does it make major improvements, is it worth an upgrade? I was able to take it out into the real world to photography the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia Union. Be sure to download sample RAW files right here.
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[@froknowsphoto]

Spoiler.....it's in my bag now.

[@harryvuemedia5106]

Love your review and glad to hear that this lens is in your bag now. I'm skipping out on Sigma's DN ART 70-200mm lens if they ever release it and will get this G-Master II instead. Thanks for the review Jared Polin!

[@RobertDCobb]

Hey man!! Love your channel and reviews! I’m in the process of upgrading from my Tamron 70-180 to the 70-200mm 2.8 and had the chance to play with it at my camera store here in CLE on my Sony A7RIV. I love it! Can’t wait to grab it, seeing the newer version of the GM, I’ll gladly upgrade to that! Keep up the great work! P.S. Let’s go Pens!!

[@TheRizvi3]

ill buy it off you

[@OliverFacey]

Pre-ordered on the strength of the weight reduction, cannot wait to give it a whirl.

[@WildExposures]

Not in his bag....he had to send it back.

[@pogo615]

You were already my go to reviewer, but now shooting hockey...ugh...literally my dream gig. Lucky man! You got some great shots. I've been holding out for the new 70-200 GM...so happy to see what Sony did with it. Thanks for the review!

[@mateuszzdun9061]

You've been keeping me well informed and up-to-date with the photography industry for the past several years. Your videos really had a positive influence on me as an amateur photographer and gave me a lot of knowledge! Thank you for that and good luck with developing your channel, Jared!

[@RadekSzcz]

Jared, you're attention to details - in this case ergonomics - is immensely appreciated!

[@osoriony]

Great video as always Jared. Can you make a tutorial about how to nail focus in fast sports situations?

[@ghostgrownmedicine7498]

The first one has been Ana amazing lens, so any upgrade to that has to be impressive

[@hazardstorms226]

Great video! Question..When you get a new lens such as this how do you test it to make sure it is focusing correctly?

[@bhargavsharma9241]

Well, since I just recently bought the Tamron 150-500mm E-mount, its gonna be a long wait for me till I can get this one. Looks awesome though. Definitely on my wish list.

[@SgtMars]

Bloody hell. I'm mad jealous that so many people already have or can afford this absolute UNIT of a lens.

[@themondoshow]

Amen

[@crestonburks2141]

Great info. I have a question a bit off topic. I've seen plenty of your KZbin videos that you've taken at hockey games while previewing a sony camera or lens. Which metering mode do you use inside hockey arenas? I assume there's a challenge with all of the bright white.

[@themilkman9986]

How would this lens pair with the A7R III? Worth the price if using on a lower end camera (relative to the a1)?

[@networm64]

Bravosima Sony! It seems a new gem has been added to the collection! If the 70-200 f4 is gonna follow the same route and be 30% lighter then Im in!

[@doublejackmcleod9931]

Absolutely!

[@harshrathod7009]

Hey Jared, can you suggest which one to buy for Sony A7RIV, Sony 70-200 2.8 or Tamron 70-180 2.8? Do you think its worth the price for sony version-II as it had a back focusing issue with version-I?

[@WillKoz]

so should I get the new Sony or the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM??? Thanks!

[@david.stachon]

woohoo! Just got mine yesterday. Absolutely amazing lens so far.

[@AidenScottCreative]

Loved the video Jared! Glad I never picked up the first version. But this is going to be the next lens that makes it into my kit.

[@justinavila1320]

For portrait work there are two things that make the new GM II sing. 1) The weight haha our 2) The min focus distance. Now you don't need to be 3+ feet away from your subject. It legit changes your framing options at 100mm and 135mm and above. The GM II in testing focused closer than my 85mm and 105mm prime lenses. - Combine its AF performance, focus breathing, and weight - its tempting to get and carry in replacement to whole set of longer primes

[@thebillygreen]

I am deciding if I should get rid of my 105 and 70 to 180 in favor of this one.

[@justinavila1320]

@@thebillygreen The new GM II at 105mm 2.8 will be very similar to the 105mm prime from Sigma. The Sigma has more fine details. The Bokeh on the 105mm is larger and a bit softer but general out of focus areas are similar @2.8 on both. I prefer the 70-200mm. Its lighter, more verse. I shoot people and skin looks good. The Sigma 105mm resolve more micro-contrast so skin is more detailed and things like strands of hair are more defined and sharper (but I end up having to retouch most of this out 90% of the time anyways) This is not to say that the GM II is "soft" in anyway. Its just not resolving those "super fine" details as much. On the GM II you can also focus ALOT closer than the Sigma 105mm. For me, this is the game changer on this version of 70-200mm. Not having to be further back and just zoom in (thus giving a more compressed and "flat" image. Its def more prime like. I was never really a fan of 70-200mm's behind "convince and versatility" but I'm very much enjoying the 70-200mm GM II. If you're not shooting the 105mm at 1.4 a lot than I myself switched over. The 105mm at 1.4 though can be magically but at 2.8 and above, its more similar than you'd think. You'd really have to put them side by side and compare the small details. I'm not a super pixel peeper but I'm curious person and the nerd in my does "wonder" and cause me to look and explore - but I'm in no way care about corner sharpness wide open of a lens kind of critic.

[@thebillygreen]

That is exactly what I needed to hear. The amount of value I would get in return makes sense to make the switch. I adore the 105 mm. It has made me bench my tamron 70-180, but the GMll may be the best of both worlds

[@Toglander]

I just got this lens and notice a slight continuous noise, almost like the sound of a tiny motor or fan running, whenever it is attached to my A1 and powered up. Is this normal? Do you hear it coming from your lens as well?

[@lorengameros3963]

Great review! Thank you

[@kimberlyb7]

I own the a73 & A7r4 how would it pair up with those ? I hope you respond Thank you so much ! Ps what is a teleconverter used for? Benefits ?

[@danielsimmons728]

Is the lens foot the same design? Will my RSS lens foot be compatible?

[@CreateConsumeRepeat]

What type of head would you recommend pairing with this lens and a monopod?

[@lorenzo4262]

Hello Jared, have you tested the new sony 70-200 f/4 G2 Macro? You feel sharpness and contrast is equal to this GM2 at 200mm?

[@INSULINRAGE]

Here's to hoping it's functionally better. Been holding off a 70-200 GM for this update.

[@david.stachon]

Yes. Me too. I can't believe it finally came.

[@1XX1]

2600.00 or several used at 1800.00 B&H

[@holdmyown32]

@@1XX1 $1998 now

[@CarlosTorres-hi6si]

I was dedicated to filming ballet in theaters and auditoriums with an audience. Now back to work I want to use a large lens that allows me to zoom in but I think 200mm might not be enough. I currently shoot with HXR NX80 which ranges from 29mm to 348mm. And sometimes I use clear zoom. I would use a SONY FE 70-300 4.5-5.6 G OSS or SONY FE 100-400 4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens. With the HXR NX80 I trust clear zoom, but with FX6 I know I have to use a zoom servo and I want to know how I would use clear zoom. I am also concerned about how sensitive it would be in low light especially for contemporary ballet choreography. Thank you very much in advance. Greetings from Lima, Peru.

[@FATALiTYo]

Definitely going to try and sell my v1 on GearFocus and pick up the V2 in December. Thanks for the review Jared.

[@rosyaugust7095]

Awesome and great len. I hope I can buy in my next kit

[@porrasfede]

I don't get sth. I you recording video and from there you extract frame for picture?

[@Fotograflix]

Jared-appreciate and dig your videos! Got the lens and is such a upgrade from the previous version-fast, sharp and light! Am considering getting the teleconverter and considering your previous thoughts-is this one any better with the teleconverter? Understand will lose a stop or 2 of light but considering the 200-400 is 4.5-.6 anyways...whats your thoughts?

[@lllcmanlll]

Following

[@HwL01]

Can you do side by side comparison with other mirrorless 70-200?

[@LASTLIFEENTERTAINMENT]

I know this isn't really a big deal but will the hoods swap?

[@lawnjustice5742]

Can you do a comparison of the new Tamron 35-150 to the new Sony 70-200

[@Matthew_Sherwood]

When is the release date?

[@cory8242]

do you think canon or Sony have sharper glass?

[@bvill6749]

Still waiting for Sigma to release their 70-200 😭

[@shinma989]

Same. I picked up the 100-400 contemporary in the meantime. It's super!

[@DERREZZ]

@@shinma989 Only as long as you see the 100-400 GM Pictures. Its way sharper then the Sigma. I have both and going to sell the Sigma.

[@bahaatamer1245]

@@DERREZZ I want to buy that. I'm still new to this

[@shinma989]

@@DERREZZ I researched multiple lenses at that focal range (Tamron, Sigma and Sony) and decided the Sigma was right for me. I can't justify spending more than 2 grand on a single lens yet (just a few months into taking photos with something more than my phone).

[@MrCplgumby]

Ha! Ha! Love the Ted Lasso bit!! This will be in my bag when it comes out. It's my bread and butter for shooting hockey and the sharpness and short throw are huge benefits!

[@richodphoto]

you should never have to reach past the focus ring to get to the zoom ring. makes it easy to bump the focus ring that way.

[@toruisalive5499]

Would a 24-70 and a 70-200 with a Sony A7 IV make a good higher (mid) budget starting kit? Is it over kill? Or are there any other reasons not to go for it at the beginning?

[@zenworm]

Well definitely overkill but depends on what you want to use it for. Personally I’m getting the A7iv, 35mm 1.4, and this lens to start. I want a good prime or two in my arsenal for printing larger format.

[@tonytech5520]

Great unbiased review.

[@roguergarcia5133]

Just bought the old version,and its on shipping way, is worth cabcel the order and buy the new version? To me the first version cost 1800euros :/

[@michielbuse4386]

Nice review Jared, the drool comes out of my mouth, but sadly i can only dream of maybe catching a old version for a reasonable price, as a small time amateur on a tiny budget, lol

[@romanoopdenkelder6843]

So this lens is great, but you say that you would not take it to a game. Now I want shoot a field hockey game. What should I use then?

[@TheRealBleach1000]

why will the lens hood damage the ice?

[@sanithuwijeyarathne4775]

Earlyyy😎 Love your reviews🙌 From Srilanka🇱🇰

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Boy, shooting some NHL stuff would be my top tier life goals.

[@loganwilliams970]

Do thinks there's gonna be a 24-70 GM II soon?

[@peterhudson8445]

Great review - do you think we will now see an upgrade of the 100-400mm?

[@bozmundarts2614]

Probably first will go an upgrade for the 24-70

[@LucasJohnsonVisuals]

Does this demolish the 70-200 f4 from Sony? Really want this lens, but that price is hard to justify for my needs.

[@CarolinaRizzotto]

If you’re doing any nighttime stuff, I’d get the f2.8 if you can. It makes a lot of difference and it sucks when gear limits your creativity/quality of work. But if you’re still starting, I wouldn’t invest right away.

[@espadasmoran]

How does he record the liveview?

[@SFJFilms]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="666">11:06</a> Is there any YT video or video segmente explaining this more in depth ?

[@mavericksyao708]

The only setback with this release is the initial availability is set as Dec 16th. Under current circumstances, potential delay is expected. It's highly likely this lens won't be availble to general public until 2022.

[@yvonnegougelet]

Been sold out wince December with no restock in sight

[@davispham1090]

How does he take a video and photo at the same time?

[@RyanCardone]

Oh man I was at that Union game! That's wild

[@daniellefarrakhan]

Best lens in my kit! LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@GermanViking]

Working as a Canon or Sony money truck driver could get crazy at Jared's house

[@weddingsbyved]

Pls review on samyang 24-70/2.8 sony

[@JOSHURUN]

It’s fail the wind 🌬 test… o can’t believe that happened. Well I’ll no buy it for that reason. Jared your are the best!

[@sergiopenteado]

Hahaha, you should ask Roy Kent to review the next Sony lens! 😂

[@Tmanw8898]

Jared: What canon equipment was used in the comparisons Mr Sony? Mr Sony: Yes.

[@Peteylaw06]

Would love to see you compare this to the 70-200 f4 oss ii or even just a review of the latter.

[@gogetta0887]

The names to your presets are legendary. Skittles and Zoolander lol. I love it 💪

[@DirkDien]

Would also prefer the internal zoom for the RF 70-200 2.8, but can't please em all I guess

[@aravindsundarraj4063]

Hey Jarod, Why is your hair flickers in the video? 😃😃😎

[@zuzu27]

Fingers crossed this new version is MUCH MORE durable than the current version of Sony 70-200. I've had the front element assembly break off on two separate occasions while doing normal work as an NFL photographer...and I'm not the only one who's had this issue.

[@holdenbarnes9559]

Whoa... NFL photographer? How’d you get started in that industry? Seems like a blast.

[@IIC4NCELEDII]

Can’t wait for your review on the 3rd party telephone lens for half the price.

[@shortchord]

I finally bought the 700-200 GM II yesterday after testing it shooting minor league baseball at a couple of Sony events and loving it. I did a portrait shoot with it yesterday and it was fantastic. I'll be using it at Subaru Park for some soccer on Saturday -- and yes, I'll have a second body with a longer lens too. ;)

[@hwirtwirt4500]

Very disappointed in this lens and it's failure of the Wind Tunnel test. :) Great review and excellent job by Jared and the team.

[@JaredRibic]

I really don't like the new Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS for the exact same reasons. Not only did they swap the focus and zoom ring positions, but they also put the control ring (I know you don't use it, but I do) closer to the body, which is super inconvenient. Looking at pictures of the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L, it looks like a much better layout and I'd be more happy with that lens if it was f/2.8.

[@ironspike171]

Hi Jared, since its in your bag now, can you please test this lens as well with the A7R4 to show its high resolution capabilities?

[@ramonbannister9498]

It's great, but does it pass the sniff and wind tunnel tests? IT DOES!

[@derrickrr5516]

I had the mark 1 for a couple weeks and returned it. It worked like crap with my A1. I’m tempted to get the mark 2.

[@sadeqsegaraga8766]

It's no good? Please explain.

[@SchalkSmit09]

Where you the Mo Sala in you soccer team?

[@officialbrandoncoleman]

The Canton truck made a u-turn 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kingpax1]

He’s here, he’s there, he’s every f*****g where!

[@johnadams3038]

I’m considering selling my GM-135 to get this new GM 70-200.. would you recommend this or should J keep the GM-135?

[@jasonmcadam8096]

What did you end up doing?

[@johnadams3038]

@@jasonmcadam8096 I couldn't yet sell my 135mm GM yet but still managed to get the 70-200mm GM II lol

[@DanniPortillo]

Marvelous review

[@outmusic8877]

Is a 70-200 f/4 II coming too?

[@yessum6477]

Hoping there is Im kind of holding out between the tamron 70-180 2.8, Sony 70-200 f/4, or the Sony 70-200 Gm i as they are all wishing the same price range of 1-2K idk I been debating of either taking the 70-200 gm i as it’s a pro level lens that people have used. Yeah I’m still debating big rn

[@good.foto.0598]

does the pedal lenshood fit the new lens?

[@carlosbryantstudios]

same question.

[@taylorhickman84]

70-200 shooters, I've always been told it's a must have lens, but am I missing out on anything if I have a 100-400?

[@JacobChristiansen1]

30mm on the wide end

[@cmduran]

F/2.8 max aperture

[@riparianlife97701]

I JUST bought the version 1 for $2000 in Mexico City. I'm happy considering the $800 saved.

[@longliveclassicmusic]

When you pulled out the tiny Canon, I about died. I love my Canon for that reason more than any other - that I can fit it in a tiny camera bag with several other lenses!

[@charliebingaman571]

and it is incredibly sharp. Can't get over the silent focusing, size, and sharpness

[@Snerkler1]

You should try the Tamron 70-180mm f2.8, even lighter and smaller 👍🏻

[@networm64]

Well to be fair it's not any smaller when it's zoomed out. For the f4 version I like the external zoom design but for a pro grade f2.8 lens. Nope

[@charliebingaman571]

@@networm64 the thing is, people tend to not care nearly as much about zoomed out length as they do about packing size. I simply stopped carrying the old 70-200 because it doesn't fit in bags, but for Sony to ignore the incredible appeal of a tiny 70-200 surprises me. What matters really is weight and performance, both of which are phenomenal opn both. The small size is just a crazy addition. Nobody puts an extended lens in their bag, but being able to carry an extra lens with the weight saved is unique

[@Snerkler1]

@@networm64 all true, but my comment was in response to portability and being able to fit in a small bag. You obviously need to pick the right lens for the job, but if you want this kind of lens and want it to be as portable as possible then it's hard to look past the Tamron 👍🏻

[@haritpaurana2419]

Quick question: when are the FroPacks NOT on sale 🤣

[@julianrohloff2811]

Just curious: at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="822">13:42</a> it looks like rolling shutter. Am I wrong at this point? Does the A1 only do a fast-readout when shooting and "slow" readout when it's only in live view?

[@lifewithoutborders1348]

they minimized rolling shutter to the point its virtually non-existent. but sometime its there. Only Global Shutter can solve rolling shutter issue

[@Pola509]

Purchased this 2 days ago. It comes in on Tuesday...can't wait! Best $2799 I've ever spent...lol

[@newworldawakening]

Sarcasm ?

[@Matthew_Sherwood]

Available at Best Buy for pre order now!

[@alfe_laga]

Great review! Sigma needs to hurry up with theirs. $2,800 is a bit much lol

[@allencrider]

Those were good pictures. That Sony lens has a high muse factor.

[@Eforbesy31]

Can we have more of these impersonations at the end of every video please 😂

[@k4m1]

Lmao, when you got to the nd filter part.

[@MrJd829]

Lmfao the end was hilarious

[@andrewmckenley5355]

Every time he does the money truck jokes, it gets me laughing

[@sports_car_enthusiast]

Short throw also means less fine control.

[@joe2snj]

I own both the 200-600 G and the new 70-200 GM, fine control with their short throws are not an issue at all.

[@kapilesh14]

You used those poor ice hockey guys fight for the review 😀😀😂

[@alanm.4298]

I'm impressed! Sony seems to have thought of everything updating their 70-200mm. A bit pricey, but isn't everything now. Jared, the buttons near the front of the lens are probably programmable. Canon has put similar on a few if their EF lenses for several generations. One popular use of them is as an instant recall button for the focus. Basically setting the button up to quickly bring focus back to some predetermined point. That can be useful for some wildlife, etc. Maybe for sports, too... Such as to avoid the problem you saw where the AF locked onto the soccer net rather than the goalie. If you had preset the button to focus the lens inside the net, and we're quick enough using it, maybe you could have gotten that shot. Anyway, it's an example where it might help... If the button is programmable, as I suspect it may be.

[@WebWay2000]

Excited about this lens

[@officialbrandoncoleman]

Only thing you had to do is change the lens Hood everybody think that you have a version one 🤣🤣🤣

[@sharkyy12]

It already looks like a f4

[@officialbrandoncoleman]

@@sharkyy12 🤣🤣 right

[@iTriguy1]

Along the same lines of hocky is shooting lacrosse. Lots of players close to each other and fast moving.

[@whoeverwhoever400]

Are we going to get the 100-400 GM II?

[@royayersrules]

I used to shoot hockey in crappy rinks, on slide film and with manual focus lenses. Do I get a medal please? I'd love to shoot it now with all the tech.

[@andrewbowman409]

So… I have the new lens hood for my older model… so I think they changed that…