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.