sony 70-200mm f2.8 gm oss ii lens review
after more than a year of owning the sigma 70-200mm f2.8, i decided to finally upgrade to the sony g master. there are mainly 3 reasons why i made the switch albeit at a higher price:
1️⃣ size and weight
the sigma lens is abit bigger and heavier, which makes it abit more inconvenient when packing my lens into my camera bag (especially the unconventional screw of the lens hood, which i will address in my next point). not that there is a significant size difference but the lighter weight definitely helps
2️⃣ lens hood
the sigma lens hood requires a screw for you to secure the hood onto the front end of the lens. this can be time consuming when setting up for a shoot, unlike the conventional lens hood nowadays where you simply need to twist and turn the hood onto the lens to secure it in. as a bonus, the sony lens hood (for the zoom g-masters) has a “side door” that allows you to adjust your lens filters while leaving the lens hood on - which i feel is a bonus if say, you need to use ND or CPL filters for shooting.
3️⃣ autofocus
the image quality difference between the sony and the sigma is quite minimal in my opinion. where the sony stands out however, would be the autofocus. based on my test shots it feels as if the sony is able to snap between different objects faster and more consistently, while for the sigma the occasional focus breathing still happens. i’d say this is more for trying to shoot an individual within a crowd setting which may or may not be rare for different people.
as of this writing, the sony costs sgd2900 while the sigma costs as low as sgd1900-2000 based on my findings from local retailers (both brand new). if you can afford it definitely go for the sony g master, otherwise the sigma is also a value buy for the more budget conscious photographers. both are great for sports and street photography!
swipe for some sample images! all taken with the sony a7cr + sony 70-200 gmii
If you're exploring the Sony 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II lens, it’s worth diving deeper into some practical tips for maximizing your shooting experience. I’ve found that this lens particularly shines in dynamic environments like sports events and street scenes, where fast and reliable autofocus can make all the difference. One feature I really appreciate is the side door on the lens hood. This thoughtful design allows quick filter adjustments without removing the hood, which saves valuable time and helps maintain your composition. For those using ND or CPL filters, this makes adapting to changing light conditions much easier during shoots. Regarding size and weight, the Sony lens feels noticeably lighter compared to competitors like the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8, making it more comfortable for extended handheld sessions or travel shoots. The conventional twist-and-lock mechanism of the lens hood also adds convenience. From my experience, these small ergonomic improvements significantly reduce setup frustration. On image quality, while the difference vs. Sigma is subtle, Sony’s edge lies in autofocus speed and consistency. I’ve observed fewer focus breathing issues and quicker subject acquisition, which is especially beneficial when capturing fast-moving subjects or isolating individuals within crowds. In terms of value, the Sony lens is a premium choice at about SGD 2900, but for anyone prioritizing speed, handling, and small design enhancements, it’s a worthy investment. Photographers mindful of budget might consider the Sigma as a solid alternative with very good optics. Finally, sample images taken with the Sony A7CR paired with this lens demonstrate the sharpness and clarity achievable, inspiring confidence to select this lens for serious photographic pursuits.
1 thing where the GM shines is when u use their high-end bodies and A7V cos sony limit their 3rd party lens to 15fps burst speed unlike 30fps to 120fps on the A9m3