The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM and the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II is the longer of the two lenses at 200mm. The Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM with a length of 85mm, is 115mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II also has a larger diameter of 88mm compared to the Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM's 72mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM weighs 305g, which means it is 740g (70%) lighter than the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II which has a weight of 1045g.
Filter Threads
The Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM has a filter size of 55mm whereas the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II:
Lens Mounts
The Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM has the Sony Alpha lens mount whereas the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II has the Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A68, Sony A77 II and Sony A58 for the Sony Alpha Mount and Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount.
Focal Range
Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM has a focal range of 55-200mm and
3.6X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
82.5-300mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105 - 300mm.
