Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II vs Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II gives that up to stay lighter (794g (1.75 lb)) and cheaper ($1,799). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
Choose the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $1,799 vs $2,799 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 794g (1.75 lb) it's lighter than the 1045g (2.30 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.3x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is $1,799, $1,000 under the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II.
- ›Close-up: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.3x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is 794g (1.75 lb) vs 1045g (2.30 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II or the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II gives that up to stay lighter (794g (1.75 lb)) and cheaper ($1,799). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II?
Choose the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
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're on a budget — $1,799 vs $2,799 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 794g (1.75 lb) it's lighter than the 1045g (2.30 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.3x.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II and the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II?
Aperture: the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 70-200mm | 70-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 34° – 12.5° | 34° – 12.5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 40 cm | 26 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.3x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,799 | $1,799 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 88mm | 82.2mm |
| Length | 200mm | 149mm |
| Weight | 1045g (2.30 lb) | 794g (1.75 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
