Sony 70-200mm f/4 G OSS || Why I DIDN'T Buy the f/2.8 G-Master || 6 Month Review

[@FamauMedia]

It's a hair. What are YOUR thoughts on this lens?

[@veranaser6944]

This was a great and super down to earth review, thank you so much. I like your calm style, without the hype "HEYYYYY WHAT'S UP" at the start of every video. Keep it up!

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks very much Vera, I really appreciate it! 🤓

[@twowheels808]

It’s 2024 and I just bought this leans used for a very affordable price. Works great with my A7IV, the af is fast and quiet and tack sharp. The V2 is out which has a much closer focusing distance, but unless you’re into macro photography, this leans will do. Also the V2 zooms externally and this one is internally. Great lens.

[@tobiasjones7242]

Great video, really enjoyed your laid back, very realistic approach to the telezoom conundrum so many of us semi-pros are facing. The only nitpick i have is when you mention neither the f4 or the GM being able to give more reach when in fact, the f4 is not compatible with the 1.4x or the 2x teleconverters but the GM is. Just a thought. I'm still torn personally. If Sigma finally bring out their FE 70-200 f2.8 in the next year or so, i reckon it'll absolutely spank the mediocre Tamron, outperform and undercut the GM, weigh more but be an absolutely killer lens.

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks for watching! Maybe, maybe not. Bear in mind the GM has already been out 5 years now, so they’re bound to update that soon too. It’s a never-ending waiting game to see if the next one will be better - buy the best you can afford at the time and flog it later if you feel the need to upgrade. This one’s done me proud on many commercial shoots so far. Never used a teleconverter, doubt I will anytime soon tbh. Not something I’ve ever considered. The Tamron lenses are great, especially considering the price. Except this 70-200, the only zoom lenses I use are Tamron. Will probably complete the trio before too long.

[@patricksager2nd189]

I’ve had this lenses for just over 6 months now and cannot find a bad thing to say about it, as you said sharpness is extremely great and the build really makes you feel like a professional. I can highly recommend this lens for sports, landscape, portrait and some CLOSE up wildlife. Best review I’ve come across in ages, keep it up 👍🏽

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks Patrick! Glad you’re enjoying it 👌

[@sadeqsegaraga8766]

What about indoor sports?

[@patricksager2nd189]

@@sadeqsegaraga8766 indoor sports might be a bit of a stretch, unless you have a full frame camera with exceptional iso performance or you are happy with grainy images. If you need indoor performance predominately the 2.8 might be your best bet.

[@richardpcrowe]

I replaced the OEM tripod foot with a third party foot that is milled to accept a Arca Swiss Compatible tripod clamp. I also replaced the OEM hood with a third party screw-in hood which has the following advantages: 1. I can add a CPL filter to the lens and screw the hood directly onto the front threads of the CPL. That way, I can rotate the CPL by simply turning the hood... 2. The hood will accept a lens cap at the front of the hood - I don't need to have long skinny fingers to mount and dismount the cap... 3. The hood is black and the lens is not as conspicuous wearing a black hood...

[@555vrx]

Which hood is that? It's sad that hood is different size with GM lens hood, as i like filter window there.

[@joebyvictor2619]

Really great video explaining the lens and it's pros and cons very clearly. Thanks!

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks man, glad it was helpful!

[@WandererByNature]

Nice and smooth, no bs. Like it, thanks for sharing your opinion 👌

[@FamauMedia]

You’re welcome!

[@mj6179]

Thank you for your amazing review Ben

[@FamauMedia]

You’re welcome!

[@willowmatt6850]

Just found your channel and this review is great!

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks very much!

[@ThomasStreiff]

I know this video is older, I just discovered it while searching for differences between the Sony's F/4 and F/2.8 . I like the the idea of weight. I used to shoot Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR II. That lens feels like a boat anchor. I loved the 70-200 F/4 from Nikon. Any chance I got in the daylight I would shoot with that lens. Sharp and a beauty. Anyway, I am going to pick up the Sony f/2.8 70-200. I need the extra light for the dark (concerts / weddings). I also have the Tamron 70-180. It is a nice, sharp, light lens. I will probably keep it to be equiv to my Nikon F/4 in weight. The problem I discovered with the Tamron is the micro jitters using it for handheld video. For instance, I was shooting video of my Niece's homecoming out in a HS field from the stands. I couldn't use a tripod nor a gimbal, and I just was taking some clips. The micro jitters in that thing was giving me motion sickness! I'm pretty sure that the OIS in the Sony lens will give me the smoothness I need and crave! So consider that when choosing a lens and you may do video on it FYI. I WOULD NOT use the Tamron for video, at least hand-holding. When I do video I mostly hand hold. Thanks for a cool channel ... subscribed.

[@FamauMedia]

Hey Thomas, thanks for the input! I'm still rocking the Sony f/4, not really had any need to go with a wider aperture yet. It does me great for video, but I'm always using a monopod/tripod so there's less worry with jittery footage. Honestly can't see myself switching any time soon - I don't even use it for weddings, just stick with my 85mm and go into super-35 if I need more reach for video. Cheers!

[@CaseyHardman]

This! I shot some event coverage recently with my a7S III and 70-180 and after going through the footage came across tons of micro jitter. I know I’m weak but sheesh I was almost embarrassed to show the video. lol Trading my Tamron with a buddy for his 70-200 (v1) plus some cash just for the OSS. Glad I’m not the only one experiencing that!

[@oodoo_wrld]

Great work buddy!! 👌🏻

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks!

[@Thexderify]

Had been struggling with this choice myself. While I shoot a lot of landscapes and don't need the short dof, I also like to shoot the kids at events and also shoot for their school so having the f2.8 is helpful even with the A7III. But the GM is over priced compared to Canon and Nikkon equivalents. Second hand can help that or for me personally, Sony's X membership sale was the straw that pushed me to get the GM. Worth investigating if you want GM lenses

[@FamauMedia]

Never heard of the Sony X membership, I’ll have to look into that. Thanks for watching!

[@Thexderify]

@@FamauMedia it's kind of the secret society with Sony. Invite only I believe but through that I was able to get the 70-200 GM AUD$2599

[@MrRockynaiter]

Hey nice Video :D at the moment i am trying this lens and rent it. After some days of use i really like it and think about to buy the lens. I saw at 4:21 with the focus test the lens with the camo desgin. Are these "stickers" and do you have a link for me? Thats look very cool :D

[@heathm5151]

Nice review, Famau.

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks!

[@videobrei]

excellent comparisson, realized i do not really need the 2.8 .. Thanks !

[@callumglass]

Great video! When I do muster that lens...I must say F2.8 for me, but you know me and my styles. Also the riii isn't a mega on low light (sad face)

[@FamauMedia]

Spend more on megapixels, spend more on glass innit 💁‍♂️ and I'm not saying for a minute that I'd say no to one hahah - one day, maybe...

[@davecunningham4861]

Good review. Thanks for saving the over hyped clown personality for the other guys. LOL Im really on the fence between the GM and the f4. Im a brand new shooter on a a6400 and really want more reach than the 18-135 I have. (have a 50mm 1.8 oss as well) I've also been invited to come along with a friend to photo and video auto racing he is racing in. Im having a hard time getting over the price on the GM but most I have talked with say . . . "oh, you have to have a 2.8!" Im starting to think this will do fine and I'm not a pro so cant justify the price. Do you think i can still get pretty fast shutter speeds without going over say 3200 iso?

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks Dave! Honestly I've never used any of the APS-C Sony bodies, so I've no idea how their ISO performance compares to the a7 series. But at the end of the day it's only one stop's difference in light gathering between f/4 & f/2.8, so you'll probably be able to manage depending on how dark a place you're shooting in. I'd also consider looking at the Tamron 70-180mm if I were you - that's still effectively 105-270mm on your camera! If it had been released before I ordered this Sony f/4, I would've gone for the Tamron myself 🤓

[@davecunningham4861]

@@FamauMedia Thanks for the advice. I did go and give the tamron another look but because the a6400 doesnt have IBIS combined with the desire to use it for video as well, I opted for the sony lens with OSS. I found a used one on amazon for like $1060 USD with all accessories. Hopefully I will like it.

[@thomasdoe6768]

@@davecunningham4861 Hi Dave, I hope you are doing well. May I ask you, whether you liked the Sony or not? I am in the same boat and can pull the trigger on the Sony for about 869€ new. I considered the Tamron, but just like you, I own a 6400 so I am not sure if the missing OSS is an issue or not. And to be honest, the build quality of the Sony is so much better. Furthermore, I own the 17-70 F2.8 and although it is a good lens, the autofocus is not that good!

[@pauloclemente8892]

thanks for your video, i buy this lens yesterday.

[@FamauMedia]

Enjoy!

[@richardpcrowe]

I have and love the f/4 version... I carried the Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS lens in tandem with a 17-55mm f/2.8 IS mid-range zoom all over the world and was very happy with the results from that combination... So, I naturally gravitated to the f/4 G version when I switched from Canon DSLR to Sony Mirrorless gear. It is a great lens and I have never been bothered by the reported lack of corner sharpness. I would like a teleconverter but, I can live without it. As far as the Tamron 70-180mm lens, I have considered it but, decided against making the switch. Selling my f/4 G OSS and purchasing the Tamron would cost me an extra several hundred U.S. Dollars and I would lose OSS and 20mm on the long end and gain only one stop. If here was a teleconverter for the Tamron, that might be a deciding factor. But, I have decided to retain my Sony 70-200mm f/4 G OSS lens/ BTW: for times when I absolutely need additional reach, I have an APSC Sony 70-350mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS lens which I use on my A6600. I have "thought" about liquidating the f/4 G lens because of the duplication of focal ranges but, have decided to keep the f/4 G which I love for portraiture with the A7iii full-frame camera...

[@richardpcrowe]

I have also added the latest Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 lens to my arsenal. This is a lightweight close equivalent of the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens with which I paired the Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS for trips all over the world. The Sigma lens doesn't have stabilization but, my A6600 has IBIS. The Sigma lens and Sony A6600 combination weighs half of what my Canon 7D and 17-55mm IS combination weighed.

[@zolganboss]

Thanks for this review

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheRichMaxwellChannel]

Good video! Not many people are talking about this lens but I'm looking for a telephoto and torn between this and the Tamron 70-180. I'm currently using and old Sigma 70-200mm Canon lens adapted on my A7RIII but it's a little slow and not too sharp sometimes.

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks Rich! Honestly, I'd be looking more at the Tamron - it hadn't yet been released when I bought this, but from what I've seen it's a cracking piece of kit. I may even be tempted to swap in the near future 🤓

[@TheRichMaxwellChannel]

@@FamauMedia Thanks for replying, I'm most likely gonna go with the Tamron. I already have the Tamron 28-75 and 17-28 so will be the collection complete. Just unsure about missing out on the extra 20mm reach and the Sony lens looks a more 'pro' lens. I'm really pleased with my 2 Tamrons at the moment so no doubt the 70-180 will be just as good.

[@FamauMedia]

I agree, I've had the 28-75 for almost a year and just ordered the 17-28, ace lenses! Honestly I don't think you'll miss the extra 20mm much, especially with the Riii and the ability to crop a little more 👌

[@schoeferfilm]

Great video 👏 I am looking for a good tele lens for filming for my FX6 and I think the 70-200 mm f4 would be a perfect deal 😅 best cinematic greetings from a small german KZbin filmmaker

[@akammer1000]

Do you think the F4 shooting in low light in the forrest would be ok to capture mountain bikers moving fast and freezing them?

[@auldreekiebiker8464]

How is the compression with this lens. Im looking to take photos of motorcycles with the Forth Rail Bridge in the background, I want to give the impression that the bridge is larger & closer to the bikes? Thanks.

[@FamauMedia]

Same as any other 70-200mm. If you're purely looking for the perspective shift I might recommend a 100-400mm, or using an APS-C camera rather than full frame to give added reach to the same focal lengths

[@cowboyyoga]

Nice video! Thank you!

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks for watching!

[@stayouthful]

Thanks bro🙋‍♂️

[@FamauMedia]

You're welcome!

[@nirvana238]

Very good Review

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks very much!

[@andrewthaking1]

I want to get either this lens or tamron 70-200 which one should I go with?

[@FamauMedia]

If you mean the 70-180, I’ve never used it - so I can’t really comment. Really depends on what’s more important to you. I use this more for video, which means the OIS is very beneficial

[@JerryDerGlatzkopf]

so there is no problem to go out in the rain and shooting with this lens even there is no rubber sealed mount? I hesitate to use the lens in the rain if i get this one. would like to hear your expirience with shooting with that lens in the rain or in wet conditions. and nice video you got my sub :D

[@FamauMedia]

I've had it shooting in rain plenty of times (I live in Wales after all), never had an issue. Obviously use common sense though

[@muleyg]

Is this lens any good for astrophotography?

[@MrChrissk]

Myself, I would buy the sigma 70-200mm f2.8. Half the price of Sony f2.8 and pretty much the same price as this, slightly cheaper I may believe with the additional bonus of being a faster lens for when you need that F2.8. Sigma make nice glass.

[@bogrunberger]

Sigma don't have a 70-200 f2.8 for e-mount.

[@MrChrissk]

@@bogrunberger I know, but the dslr one works perfectly fine with sigma MC-11 Mount.

[@alexkoshy9319]

@@MrChrissk is there any autofocus issue ??

[@MrChrissk]

@@alexkoshy9319 from the in depth review I have seen on Dustin Abbotts page there are no issues with auto focus. From experience with my sigma 150-600mm sport lens on my Sony a6000 and a7iii using the MC-11 there has never been a issue with acquiring focus quickly and locked for very sharp images.

[@alexkoshy9319]

@@MrChrissk Thanks for the reply

[@jackjones675]

Why would the crop mode be “for video, not for photography…”? I use it for stills - am I doing something I’ll regret later?

[@FamauMedia]

In stills you're losing out on the megapixels, whereas with video you're still able to capture a 4k image. Just depends on your specific camera and whether that pixel loss is important to you. I'm now mainly shooting on the a7Riv so it's really not an issue 🤷‍♂️

[@eerickc]

Hey Mate! How would you recommended this for low light / concert / stage photography?

[@FamauMedia]

Depends how important it is for you - If you’re making much of your income from it, I may consider a f2.8 lens. Personally I’d be looking at the Tamron 70-180mm rather than the G-Master, and put the money saved towards another nice lens. Also depends what camera your shooting on and how much that extra stop of light really matters 🤷‍♂️ Just for fun/hobby shooting though, I’m sure this would serve you well. Thanks for watching!

[@rozin3454]

was that a Peter bag? 2:39

[@FamauMedia]

It is a Peter bag 💁‍♂️

[@tobiasjones7242]

The cash you put on that bag could've gone towards the GM 😂😂 Only messing about, i quite enjoyed your vid

[@FamauMedia]

Thanks! But I'd rather get the Tamron 70-180 if I did find myself needing a 2.8 lens

[@tobiasjones7242]

@@FamauMedia honestly, there's something about that tamron that screams trash to me. I've watched countless reviews, heard all the positives, to me there are a few things that really stand out as a no sale for me. The weird highlighting around the bokeh just reminds me of those cheap and nasty mirror lenses, the 180mm focal length cuts 20mm off the end i would spend 90% of the time using, the tacky build quality, one bump and your lens is decentred and finally, people rate sharpness, and I do too, but microcontrast is more important, images i've seen taken with the tammy look so 2d to me, even with nice background compression, there just isn't that magical 3d pop. Anyway, rant over. I probably would buy the sony 70-200mm f4 if I wasn't intending to use a x1.4 teleconverter.

[@FamauMedia]

Fair enough

[@SeanRobbins.]

Thanks! You just helped me justify $1,600 😂

[@FamauMedia]

You're welcome! I think...

[@RyanREAX]

For all that u shoulda just got the tamron... 70-180 2.8 and cheaper than the sony f4

[@FamauMedia]

It didn't exist when I bought this lens 🤣

[@RyanREAX]

@@FamauMedia fair

[@lukacalipso9409]

With the tamron out, there is absolutely no reason on earth to buy this lens, ora soft and does NOT perform.

[@VishwasRavindran92]

There are resons to buy this lens over Tamron 70-180. Bokeh is not everything.

[@leonc100]

There are plenty of reasons. I’ve used both. The Tamron doesn’t touch this lens in autofocus speed and accuracy.

[@tobiasjones7242]

From what i've seen (i don't own the gm, tammy or the f4) but i wouldn't go near that tamron. Cheap and nasty build quality, weird bokeh issues like busyness, highlighting around the circles, slow af, a general feeling that it won't last long and worst of all, sacrificing that crucial 20mm at the longest end (the end i would use most often with any of these lenses). Last bit of my rant, sharpness isn't everything, the tamron trinity are sharp, but they lack microcontrast, they lack charm and magic, they're mundane in every single way imaginable and that kind of slack purchase says alot about the images you would take with them. Just a few thoughts

[@robertkrysik100]

Yes ! f/2.8 is worth extra money ! the lens must be universal because the sun is not always shining and you are not always outside.

[@twowheels808]

It’s 2024 and I just bought this leans used for a very affordable price. Works great with my A7IV, the af is fast and quiet and tack sharp. The V2 is out which has a much closer focusing distance, but unless you’re into macro photography, this leans will do. Also the V2 zooms externally and this one is internally. Great lens.