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Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS vs Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS

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Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM

Telephoto Zoom | Sony E

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS
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Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G

Telephoto Zoom | Sony E

Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS
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Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM vs Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM and Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G, two Telephoto Zoom lenses by Sony. Both lenses have the same focal range of 70-200mm but different max apertures: Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM has a max aperture of F2.8 while the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G has a max aperture of F4.0.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM Key Specs

  • 70-200mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 1480g.
  • Diameter: 88mm
  • Length: 200mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.96m
  • Max Magnification:0.25x

Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G Key Specs

  • 70-200mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 72mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 840g.
  • Diameter: 80mm
  • Length: 175mm
  • Min Focus Distance:1m
  • Max Magnification:0.13x

What type of photography are the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM and Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM and the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G
Bird/WildlifeGoodGood
SportsGoodGood
PortraitAverageAverage
TravelFairFair
StreetFairFair
WeddingAverageAverage
Walk AroundAverageAverage
VloggingPoorPoor
LandscapeAverageAverage
MacroAveragePoor

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM was replaced by Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II vs Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II vs Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM is the longer of the two lenses at 200mm. The Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G with a length of 175mm is 25mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM also has a larger diameter of 88mm compared to Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G's 80mm diameter.

Below you can find the scaled side by side image of Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM and Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G to get a better idea of how their size compare in real life.

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM vs Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM and Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G Size and Weight

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G weighs 840g, 43% (640g) lighter than the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM's weight of 1480g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Sony E Mount for size comparison purposes.

Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Sony E Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 G OSS
318mm
112mm 2115g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS Lens Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS
108mm
64mm 345g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS Lens Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6
144mm
84mm 854g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM
205mm
94mm 1395g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS Lens Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS
142mm
77mm 625g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS S Lens Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS
266mm
109mm 2100g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM II
200mm
88mm 1045g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD Lens Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di
149mm
81mm 815g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM and Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G has the same Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony E lenses are Sony A7R V, Sony FX30 and Sony A7 IV.

Focal Range

Reasons to choose Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS over Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS

Max Aperture - Wide 2.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 2.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 11 vs 9 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Minimum Focus Distance 0.96m vs 1m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.25x vs 0.13x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS over Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS

Internal Zoom Yes vs No Length of the lens doesn't change during zooming
Weight 840g vs 1480g 640g lighter
Diameter 80mm vs 88mm 8mm smaller in diameter
Length 175mm vs 200mm 25mm shorter
Filter Thread 72mm vs 77mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find

Common Strengths of Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS and Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS
Image Stabilization Yes vs Yes Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust
Common Weaknesses of Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS and Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS
Distance Scale No vs No No Distance Scale assist



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM vs Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Sony Sony
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Zoom Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Sony E Sony E
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 70-200mm 70-200mm
Image Stabilization Yes Yes
Colour Gray White
Zoom Method Rotary (extending) Rotary (internal)
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock Yes No
Zoom Ratio 2.9X 2.9X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F4.0
Min Aperture F22.0 F22.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 11 9
Optics
Optical Elements 32 21
Optical Groups 18 15
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.96m 1m
Max Magnification 0.25X 0.13X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Stepper motor
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale No No
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale No No
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 1480g 840g
Diameter 88mm 80mm
Length 200mm 175mm
Materials Unknown All-metal construction
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 77mm 72mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code ALC-SH145 Unknown
Tripod Collar Yes Yes
Optional Accessories - -
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