What’s Changed? The Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II marks a substantial update to its predecessor, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS. It has improved autofocus, stabilization, magnification, and sharpness, all in a smaller, more lightweight package.

Full-Frame E-Mount. As part of the FE line of lenses, the FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II is designed for Sony full-frame cameras. It’s also fully compatible with APS-C cameras, on which it’ll provide a 105-300mm equivalent focal length.

Pro-Grade Telephoto Zoom. When used on a full-frame camera, this lens provides a versatile portrait to short-tele zoom range that’s perfect for portraiture, event photography, sports photography, and capturing fast action. The constant f/4 aperture is plenty fast for shooting in decent light, but will probably be a tad slow for low-light shooting.

Five-Axis Image Stabilization. A five-axis Optical SteadyShot image-stabilization system minimizes the appearance of camera shake, giving you sharp images even when you’re shooting hand-held at lower shutter speeds. The SteadyShot system will work with select cameras’ built-in sensor-shift image stabilization for even more effective blur control. An Optical SteadyShot Mode switch lets you choose among three image-stabilization options: Mode 1, which is suited to most types of shooting; Mode 2, a higher setting specifically intended for use with panning movements; and Mode 3, for emphasizing framing stability when you’re shooting moving subjects.

Video-Optimized Autofocus System. This improved internal focusing system uses four Extreme Dynamic Linear Motors to provide nearly silent, highly accurate autofocus performance that’s optimized for video and great for stills. This autofocus system is up to 20% faster than the one found in the original 70-200 f/4, supports focus tracking while zooming, and has minimal focus shift and breathing. It works with the blackout-free, 30 fps, high-speed continuous shooting mode found on the Alpha a1 at twice the rate of its predecessor’s autofocus system. You also get two manual-focusing options—Linear Response MF gives you consistent, natural-feeling operation, while the full-time Direct Manual Focus (DMF) feature lets you use the focus ring to make quick adjustments during autofocusing. Three dedicated focus hold buttons and an AF/MF switch help tailor focusing to your shooting needs.

Advanced Optical Design. The FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II’s thirteen-group/nineteen-element design includes aspherical, advanced aspherical, super extra-low dispersion, and extra-low dispersion aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberrations while producing clear, high-contrast images. A Nano AR II coating keeps flare and ghosting at bay while maintaining color fidelity, and a rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to soft, pleasing bokeh.

High-Quality Build. This lens’s dust- and moisture-resistant design and rubber control rings make it suitable for use in harsh conditions, while its all-metal barrel and smooth, responsive zoom and manual-focus rings are exactly what you’d expect from a high-grade telephoto lens. The included removable, rotating tripod ring makes long periods of shooting much more bearable, and a fluorine coating on the front lens element helps repel water, oil, and other contaminants to make cleaning a snap.

Teleconverter Compatible. The FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II is compatible with Sony’s optional 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, which transform this lens into a 98-280mm f/5.6 or 140-400mm f/8 optic, respectively.