Version II of Sony's 70-200 GM - Lightest Ever, Fastest Ever, Sharpest Ever!

Summary

Sony introduces the second version of its 70-200mm G Master lens, boasting improved weight distribution, reduced chromatic aberration, and a closer minimum focusing distance. The lens is lighter, with enhanced autofocus performance and a new iris control ring, making it a top choice for both photography and videography.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The Sony 70-200 G Master lens is being renewed for the first time with a version 2.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Version 2 is significantly lighter than the original, weighing just over a kilo and being over 400 grams lighter.
• 🔎 Despite having fewer elements, version 2 is optically superior to version 1, with better resolution and reduced chromatic aberration.
• 🔍 The minimum focusing distance has been reduced from 96 cm in version 1 to 82 cm in version 2, and decreases further as the focal length decreases.
• 📸 The lens can focus extremely close to subjects, with a working distance at 70 mm comparable to the minimum focus of an iPhone 12 Pro Max.
• 👀 The lens maintains focus consistency as you zoom in and out, suggesting a compensating mechanism in its design.
• 🚀 Autofocus performance is vastly improved in version 2, featuring four XD linear motors for snappy autofocus.
• 🎬 A new iris control ring has been added, making the lens more video-friendly, with a de-click switch and a lock for the ring.
• 💸 The version 2 maintains the same retail price as its predecessor, launching at 11,799 ringgit.
• 🌐 Sony's approach to improving the lens sets a precedent for other G Master lenses, emphasizing the level of improvement necessary to be considered better.

Q & A

What is significant about the renewal of the G Master lens?

This is the first time a G Master lens has been renewed for a version 2, indicating a significant upgrade in Sony's lens technology.

Which Sony lens is being discussed in the script?

The script discusses the Sony 70-200 G Master lens, which is being updated to a version 2.

How does the weight of the version 2 of the 70-200 G Master lens compare to its predecessor?

The version 2 is significantly lighter, weighing just over a kilo, which is over 400 grams lighter than the version 1.

What is the claim Sony makes about the version 2 of the 70-200 G Master lens in terms of weight?

Sony claims that the version 2 is the world's lightest f 2.8 70-200 autofocus lens at launch.

What is one of the optical improvements in the version 2 of the 70-200 G Master lens?

The version 2 has better resolution of fine details and a significant improvement in chromatic aberration, especially at the 200 millimeter end.

How does the minimum focusing distance of the version 2 lens compare to the version 1?

The minimum focusing distance of the version 2 is reduced from 96 centimeters in version 1 to 82 centimeters at 200 millimeters.

What is special about the optical design of the version 2 lens in terms of focusing distance?

The minimum focusing distance decreases as the focal length decreases, allowing the lens to focus closer as it zooms out.

How does the autofocus performance of the version 2 lens compare to the version 1?

The version 2 has a significant improvement in autofocus performance, with four XD linear motors, making it four times faster than the version 1.

What new feature has been added to the version 2 lens to enhance its usability for video?

An iris control ring has been added to the version 2 lens, making it more friendly for video use.

What is the retail price of the version 2 of the 70-200 G Master lens in Malaysia?

The version 2 of the 70-200 G Master lens is launching at the same retail price as its predecessor, 11799 ringgit.

What is the new design feature of the lens hood in the version 2 lens?

The lens hood in the version 2 is no longer a petal hood but has a flat edge with a silicone tip treatment, making it more utilitarian.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Sony 70-200 G Master Lens: Version 2 Upgrades

The script introduces the second version of Sony's 70-200 G Master lens, highlighting its significant improvements over the original. The new version is notably lighter, weighing just over a kilo, making it the world's lightest f 2.8 70-200 autofocus lens at launch. The weight distribution is enhanced, providing a balanced feel in hand, contrary to the first version's tendency to tilt downwards. Despite having fewer elements, the optical performance is superior, with better resolution of fine details and reduced chromatic aberration, particularly at the 200mm end. The minimum focusing distance is also improved, allowing closer focus at various focal lengths. The lens maintains focus consistency as it zooms, possibly due to a compensating mechanism integrated into its design. Autofocus performance is greatly enhanced with the inclusion of four XD linear motors, making it one of the fastest in its class. Additional features include a toggle switch for full-time dynamic manual focus, a new mode three for image stabilization, and an iris control ring for video friendliness. The physical design also sees updates, such as a new flat edge hood and a more utilitarian design.

05:03

💰 Sony 70-200 G Master Lens: Price and Design

This paragraph discusses the retail price and design elements of the new Sony 70-200 G Master lens. The version 2 is launched at the same price as its predecessor, 11799 ringgit, which is appreciated as there is no price increase. The design features a more personal touch with swirly DK patterns in the corners, adding a unique aesthetic. The hood is updated from a petal design to a flat edge with a silicone tip, which is more practical. The script also expresses hope that this pricing strategy and level of improvement will set a precedent for future G Master lens refreshes, not only in terms of cost but also in the extent of enhancements made to consider them better than the original models.

Keywords

💡G Master Lens

The G Master Lens is a high-end line of lenses produced by Sony, known for their exceptional quality and performance. In the video, the renewal of the 70-200 G Master Lens to its version 2 is highlighted as a significant event, indicating Sony's commitment to improving even their best products. The term is used to emphasize the premium nature and the advancements in the lens's design and functionality.

💡Version 2

Version 2 refers to the updated or second iteration of a product, in this case, the 70-200 G Master Lens. The video script discusses the improvements made in this version over the original, such as reduced weight and enhanced optical performance. It signifies a step up in technology and user experience, showcasing how Sony has refined their lens to meet higher standards.

💡Weight Distribution

Weight distribution in the context of the video refers to how the mass of the lens is balanced, making it easier to handle. The script mentions that the version 2 of the 70-200 G Master Lens has improved weight distribution, making it feel lighter and more balanced in the hands despite its size. This is crucial for photographers who need to hold the lens for extended periods, enhancing comfort and stability.

💡Optical Superiority

Optical superiority denotes the lens's ability to produce high-quality images with sharp details and minimal distortion. The script highlights that the version 2 of the lens is optically superior to its predecessor, with better resolution of fine details and reduced chromatic aberration. This is a key selling point for photographers seeking the best image quality.

💡Chromatic Aberration

Chromatic aberration is a common lens flaw where colors at the edges of the image are not focused correctly, leading to a fringe of color. The video script points out that the version 2 of the lens has significantly reduced chromatic aberration, especially at the 200 millimeter end, which is crucial for maintaining image quality across the entire frame.

💡Close Focus

Close focus refers to the minimum distance at which a lens can focus on a subject. The script mentions that the version 2 of the lens allows for closer focusing, with a reduced minimum focus distance from 96 centimeters to 82 centimeters at 200 millimeters. This feature is particularly useful for photographers who need to capture subjects at a closer range, enhancing versatility.

💡Parfocal

Parfocal is a lens characteristic where the focus remains constant as the focal length changes, allowing for smooth zoom transitions. The video script notes that the lens is perfectly parfocal, meaning the focus stays exactly where it is as you zoom in or out. This is a desirable feature for videographers and photographers who need consistent focus during zooming.

💡XD Linear Motors

XD Linear Motors are advanced autofocus motors that provide fast and precise focusing. The script mentions that the version 2 of the lens is equipped with four XD Linear Motors, resulting in snappy autofocus performance. This technology is crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects and ensuring quick focus adjustments.

💡Dynamic Manual Focus

Dynamic manual focus is a feature that allows for manual focus adjustments while still benefiting from autofocus assistance. The script notes the addition of a toggle switch for full-time dynamic manual focus, enhancing the lens's usability for both still and video applications by providing more control over focus.

💡Iris Control Ring

The iris control ring is a physical ring on the lens that allows for manual adjustment of the aperture. The video script highlights the addition of an iris control ring in the version 2, making it more user-friendly for video work. This feature is important for videographers who need precise control over depth of field and exposure.

💡Bokeh

Bokeh refers to the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in an image, often characterized by a smooth, creamy blur. The script describes the bokeh of the lens as creamy and smooth, indicating that the lens produces pleasing background blurs that are desirable in portrait and other types of photography.

Highlights

This is the first time a G Master lens has been renewed for a version 2.

The original 70-200 was one of the first G Master lenses introduced.

Version 2 of the 70-200 G Master is significantly lighter, weighing just over a kilo.

The new version is over 400 grams lighter than the original.

The weight distribution in the new version makes it feel perfectly balanced in hands.

Sony claims this is the world's lightest f 2.8 70-200 autofocus lens.

Version 2 contains fewer elements than Version 1 but is optically superior.

Resolution of fine details is improved in the new version.

Chromatic aberration is significantly reduced, especially at the 200 millimeter end.

The close focus distance is reduced to 82 centimeters at 200 millimeters.

Minimum focusing distance decreases with focal length, allowing very close focusing.

The lens maintains focus as it zooms, indicating a compensating mechanism.

Four XD linear motors provide snappy autofocus performance.

Autofocus is four times faster than the previous version.

A toggle switch for full-time dynamic manual focus is included.

The lens has an iris control ring, making it friendlier for video.

The new hood design is more utilitarian with a flat edge and silicone tip treatment.

The version 2 is launched at the same retail price as its predecessor.

Transcripts

[Music]

this is the first time a g master lens

has ever been renewed for a version 2.

in other words we're looking at what it

takes for sony to consider a lens from

their best line of lenses better the

original 70 to 200 was one of the first

g-master lenses to be introduced and

ever since it has been an object of

desire for many sony shooters it was a

great lens but the version 2 was kicking

its butt

pretty hard these two versions of the

70-200 g master might not appear too

different superficially but when you

actually pick up the version 2 you would

be forgiven if you think you just picked

up a dummy unit because it just feels

wrong that an f 2.8 70 to 200 lens

weighs this little it's only a bit over

a kilo which is over 400 grams lighter

than the version one handling one of

these is quite a special experience

because you've got this big lens up

front and somehow it feels perfectly

balanced in your hands the front of the

lens doesn't feel like it wants to crash

downwards which was the case with the

version one now weight distribution is

not the easiest thing to show in a video

so until you get to hold one of these

for ourselves all you need to know is

it's very light in fact sony is claiming

that this is as of launch the world's

lightest f 2.8 70-200 autofocus lens it

does remind me of the top-end 400 and

600 ml g master lenses absolutely

humongous in size but definitely light

when you actually lift it now part of

the reason the version 2 can be lighter

is because it actually contains less

elements than the version 1 but despite

having less glass the version two is

optically superior to its predecessor i

mean you probably already saw that

coming it's kind of how version two for

lenses work but still awesome

nonetheless resolution of fine details

is even better than the already

outstanding version one there's also a

pretty big improvement in terms of

chromatic aberration this is especially

apparent on the 200 millimeter end

there's practically no chromatic

aberration visible on the version two

you can also focus closer on the version

too close focus on the version one was

96 centimeters on the version two that's

brought down to 82 centimeters at 200

millimeters but it doesn't stop there

something quite special about the

optical design of this lens is how its

minimum focusing distance decreases

along with the focal length meaning as

you zoom out from 200 millimeters your

minimum focusing distance will go from

82 centimeters all the way down to 40

centimeters considering the lens itself

without the hood is already 20

centimeters long you can get

ridiculously close to your subjects with

this 70 to 200 which again is something

that defies logic on 70 to 200. now to

put that into perspective the working

distance at 70 mils on this lens is in

the ballpark of minimum focus on my

iphone 12 pro max this close-up ability

is absolutely my favorite thing about

this new lens no more missing shots with

your 70-200 because something's too near

now i'm no optical engineer but if i

were to make an educated guess i would

say this ability would likely come at

the expense of the focus shifting

drastically as you zoom in and out

except it would appear from the user's

perspective that this lens is perfectly

parfocal the focus stays exactly where

it is as you zoom in or out even in

manual focus mode i believe sony has

integrated a compensating mechanism into

the design of this lens likely using the

af motors but if that is the case i have

to say it's done very seamlessly

speaking of the af motors it's another

area that completely vanquishes the

version one it's got four xd linear

motors which makes for some of the most

snappy autofocus performance that i've

only seen before in the 50mm f 1.2 g

master it is blazing fast the focus just

jumps to whatever you put that square on

and it happens so fast you can't even

see the transition i'm not exaggerating

it you're looking right at it it's

literally done focusing before i can

even lift my finger off the af on button

if you compare it to the version one you

can see just how big of a difference it

is sony is officially saying it is four

times faster there is also now a toggle

switch for full time dynamic manual

focus and the image stabilization

setting has also gained a mode three now

the biggest physical change to the lens

is probably the addition of an iris

control ring this does make the 70 to

200 a much friendlier lens for video as

usual there's a switch to de-click the

ring but if you're concerned you might

accidentally bump your aperture setting

off because of the ring this particular

lens offers a lock for the ring if you

turn the ring to the a position then

engage the lock it won't be possible to

physically rotate the ring out of a the

lock doesn't work in any other position

so there's that i personally find the

iris slot quite useful because i'm

pretty much shooting this lens at f 2.8

all the way i am in love with the bokeh

on this lens it's creamy it's smooth but

not to the extent of looking clinical

it's a bit weird to say this about a g

master lenses build here but the build

kit does have a bit of personality to it

there's a bit of that swirly dk in the

corners and i'm quite a fan of the look

oh and one last thing

it's got a new hood it's no longer a

petal hood it's got a flat edge now with

the silicone tip treatment which is a

more utilitarian design that i do prefer

here in malaysia the version 2 of the 70

to 200g master is launching at the same

retail price of its predecessor

11799 ring it while we can all be glad

that there is no price hike i hope this

also sets a precedent for the other g

master lenses that are in line for a

refresh not just in terms of price

maintenance but also in terms of how

much improvement it takes for sony to

consider their best bettered

[Music]