Hailing from South Korea and based in Singapore, OlivePage is an Alpha Professional and lens reviewer who specialises in portrait, landscape and nature photography. He has published a book on flower photography and was the editor of a photography magazine.

When the FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS (SEL70200G) lens was released in 2015, its versatile 70-200mm focal length made it a favourite for portraits, landscapes, street photography, and studio work. Nevertheless, calls for an update to the lens were made as time passed. Responding to the enthusiastic demand of consumers, Sony has elevated this lens to a new level. Now, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II (SEL70200G2) lens isn’t just a telephoto lens; it's a versatile zoom lens equipped with macro capabilities.

• Focal length: 70-200mm
• Angle of view (35mm): 34°-12° 30’
• Max. magnification ratio (X): 0.5 (1.0 with SEL20TC)
• Min. focus distance: 0.26-0.42m

The SEL70200G2 lens boasts an incredibly short minimum focusing distance of just 0.26 meters. Additionally, it delivers an impressive close-up magnification at 0.5x across all focal ranges. Combined with the 2x Teleconverter (SEL20TC) lens, it extends to a 140-400mm focal length with 1.0x magnification. If your photography mainly revolves around close-up subjects such as flowers and still life, this lens creates a whole new experience.

• Aperture: F4~22
• Aperture blade: 9 (Circular type)

The SEL70200G2 lens features a circular 9-blade aperture for a soft, beautiful background blur. Create stunning photos with dreamy bokeh when shooting wide open at the telephoto end.

• Motor Type: XD Linear
• Number of motors: 4
• Linear Response MF: Yes
• Floating Focus Structure: Yes

Traditionally, as a lens' macro performance increases, autofocus (AF) speed inevitably decreases. However, Sony's XD Linear Motor and Floating Focus Structure have effectively addressed this issue. Astonishingly, a lens boasting 0.5x macro capability can still deliver ultra-fast AF in any shooting zone. You'll be amazed at how quickly it can move from the closest focusing distance to infinity. Especially when paired with a camera that uses A.I. autofocus, you'll be able to capture even the eyes of insects with great detail and speed.

• Dimensions: 82 x 149 mm
• Weight: 794g
• Filter diameter: 72 mm

Are you a travel enthusiast? Well, this lens is perfect for your adventures - measuring only 15cm and weighing less than 800g.

Typically, 70-200mm lenses are large and heavy, making them difficult to carry. Yet, this lens is relatively compact and lightweight that it can easily fit in a sling bag. If you already own the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM lens, consider this lens to be of a similar size and weight.

If your shots aren't good enough, get closer.

The SEL70200G2 allows you to get remarkably close to your subject. When you believe you've reached the ideal distance, take one more step forward to see how much more vibrant your photos become.

Typical lenses lose quality as you get closer to the subject, but the SEL70200G2's macro design delivers surprisingly good resolution at close range.

Bokeh expression

Being a telephoto lens that allows you to get up close, it produces stunning bokeh. Simply set the focal length to 200mm and open the aperture completely, and you'll achieve a fantastic background bokeh behind your subject.

Use a teleconverter

The SEL70200G2 supports two teleconverters: SEL14TC and SEL20TC. The SEL14TC increases the focal length and close-up magnification by 1.4x while reducing the aperture by 1 stop. On the other hand, the SEL20TC offers a 2.0x increase in focal length and close-up magnification while darkening the aperture by 2 stops.

With the SEL14TC, you can transform the SEL70200G2 into an approximate 100-280mm F5.6 lens, and the SEL20TC extends it to a 140-400mm F8 lens. Consider using additional teleconverter lenses to match your subject and environment for even more expression.

AF in Focus Magnifier function

To focus precisely on the pistil of a tiny flower, try the 'AF in Focus Mag' feature. This enables you to activate the AF function while the screen is zoomed in, allowing extremely precise focusing.

Check out the link below for detailed settings: https://helpguide.sony.net/ilc/2110/v1/en/contents/TP1000649048.html

Perfect AI autofocus

Taking sharp photos of fast-moving subjects like birds and insects can be challenging, but AI autofocus makes it possible for even amateur photographers to capture stunning images.

The Alpha 7R V's AI autofocus quickly and automatically recognises and tracks the eyes and bodies of birds and insects, ensuring precise focus.

To get the best results, set your shutter speed to 5 fps or faster and let your camera and lens handle the rest.

Utilise a wide focal length

Being a zoom lens, you have the flexibility to vary your distance from the subject easily.

At 70mm, you can get up close and capture natural expressions. Meanwhile, at the telephoto 200mm setting, you can effectively isolate your subject from the background.

Play with perspective

A telephoto lens provides a narrow perspective, where objects like trees in the foreground and buildings in the background appear significantly distant yet create a sense of depth and perspective.

The SEL70200G2 is a versatile lens that opens doors to unparalleled creative expression. Its macro capabilities, compatibility with teleconverters, lightning-fast autofocus, and robust build make it an essential choice for photographers demanding exceptional results.