Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G vs Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is 12-24mm, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is 70-200mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G for wide-angle, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II for telephoto.
Choose the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 565g (1.25 lb) it's lighter than the 794g (1.75 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.14x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is 12-24mm, Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is 70-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is $1,699, $100 under the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.14x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is 565g (1.25 lb) vs 794g (1.75 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G or the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is 12-24mm, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is 70-200mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G for wide-angle, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II for telephoto.
Who should choose the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G?
Choose the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 565g (1.25 lb) it's lighter than the 794g (1.75 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II?
Choose the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II if you need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.14x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G and the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II?
Focal range: Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is 12-24mm, Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is 70-200mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12-24mm | 70-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 122° – 84° | 34° – 12.5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | DDSSM | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 28 cm | 26 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.14x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,699 | $1,799 |
| Filter Size | − | 72mm |
| Diameter | 87.1mm | 82.2mm |
| Length | 117.4mm | 149mm |
| Weight | 565g (1.25 lb) | 794g (1.75 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | Yes |
