Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens

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The SAL-70200G 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Lens is a high-quality lens that employs supersonic-wave motor (SSM) technology for quieter, smoother AF operation. This G-Series zoom lens covers a broad range of frequent telephoto shooting situations. Its 35mm-equivalent range of 105-300mm zooming, fast f/2.8 aperture and quiet, high-speed SSM (SuperSonic-Wave Motor) auto-focus precision makes it ideal for long-distance sports and wildlife photography.

With a full range of functions geared to the professional photographer, this lens provides sharp, color-free images across the entire film area at all apertures. High-quality multi-coatings increase transmittance and reduce flare to preserve contrast.

Note! AF with this lens can only be used with Sony SLR cameras, or Minolta Maxxum 7 or later models (Maxxum 5, 4, 3, etc.).

SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor)
A built-in lens motor for faster automatic focusing with high torque at low speed, quick start/stop response, and quiet, smooth operation.
ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass
Four precision ED Glass lenses correct chromatic aberrations and deliver visually accurate results even at full telephoto zoom extension.
Focus Hold
Three Focus Hold buttons are provided, which lock the focus at the press of a button.
DMF Mode
Two DMF (Direct Manual Focus) modes give exacting control over the AF system. Standard DMF allows the photographer to fine tune the focus after the AF system has locked onto the subject. Full-time DMF gives the photographer access to manual focus control at any time by simply turning the focusing ring.
Focus-Range Limit
Two focus-range limit settings reduce auto-focusing time.
Circular Aperture
The 9-blade Circular Aperture design keeps the defocused image of point light sources outside the depth of field round between f/2.8 and f/5.6.
Tripod Collar
The removable tripod collar rotates 360° so the camera and lens can be orientated in any position when mounted from above or below.
Lens Hood
A lightweight, but durable, petal-type lens hood is lined with velvet to reduce flare. The hood also has a covered polarizing-filter window so that a polarizing filter can be rotated without having to remove the hood from the lens.
Performance
Focal Length 70 - 200 mm
Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 105 - 300 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/2.8
Minimum: f/32
Camera Mount Type Sony Alpha, Minolta AF
Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
DSLR (APS-C Sensor)
Angle of View 34° - 12°
Minimum Focus Distance 3.94' (1.2 m)
Magnification 0.21x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:4.76
Groups/Elements 16/19
Diaphragm Blades 9
Features
Image Stabilization No
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 77 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 3.43 x 7.74" (8.71 x 19.66 cm)
Weight 2.86 lb (1.30 kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens
 
5.0

(based on 68 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (65)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (69)
  • Strong construction (53)
  • Durable (45)
  • Consistent output (42)
  • Nice bokeh (25)

Cons

  • Heavy (36)

Best Uses

  • Sports/action (52)
  • Wildlife photos (27)
  • Weddings (22)
  • Wildlife (22)
  • Low light (17)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Enthusiast (15), Photo enthusiast (13), Semi-pro photographer (10), Semi-professional (9), Pro photographer (6)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (22)

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 68 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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4.0

Great Lens and Great Proformance

By Roger

from Lebanon, IN

About Me Pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Durable
  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Extremely Sharp
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Nice Bokeh

Cons

  • Lens hood could be better

Best Uses

  • Indoors/Low Light
  • Weddings/Events
  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

This lens was an upgrade from my old 75-200/f 2.8. So I'm familiar with this type lens. This is of equal or better quality. It is excellent for portraiture and wedding photography. I would like to have seen a little heavier-duty lens hood,and without the felt inside.
Don't let this nit-picking stop you. This is a great lens.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

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5.0

Awesome lens

By Jdog

from Dyersburg, TN

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Durable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Nice Bokeh
  • Rugged
  • Strong Construction

Cons

  • None really

Best Uses

  • Portraits
  • Sports/Action
  • Weddings/Events
  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

This lens is amazing, built like a tank, beautiful pics. Some people say its heavy but for this level of lens it should be havent had time to really look at the pics ive taken with it yet except on camera but they looked great. only downside to this lens is price but you get what you pay for. I do wish id bought it sooner

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Love it every time using this lens

By Shootlite

from Orange County, California

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Durable
  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Nice Bokeh
  • Strong Construction

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Sports/Action
    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

    I purchased this lens to be used with my A77. The AF is fast and very quiet. This lens helps me achieve better portraits, sports and street photography. I am pleased with the background blurs from the photos I shot.

    The lens is well constructed and I feel very comfortable hand holding it. The lens is not so heavy to me as from the impression I got from reading from others' reviews. I appreciate every detailed design of this lens, the color and the the feel and focus and zoom ring turn.

    One minor thing but that also indicates how well Sony carefully delivers this lens to the hand of the consumer in the the way the lens is boxed and packaged.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

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    (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    A Life Changer

    By Dylan The Pro

    from Sydney, Australia

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Durable
    • Easily Interchangeable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Nice Bokeh
    • Rugged
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Sports/Action
    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

    I use this product for sport's photography and It is a amazing before I was using just standard lens but when I bought this one and used it for the first time it was incredible it changed the way I took photos and made them so much professional and now my photos are being sold. This lens was a Life Changer for me.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

    (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    I would buy this product again and again

    By Stinkyfish

    from Interlaken, Switzerland

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Amazing colours
    • Durable
    • Easily Interchangeable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Nice Bokeh
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Indoors/Low Light
    • Sports/Action
    • Weddings/Events
    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

    This lens is thack sharp! Nice bokeh and amazing colours! I love this lens....

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    70-200G SSM Review

    By mlewis

    from Bloomingdale, IL

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Nice Bokeh
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Indoors/Low Light
    • Night Photography
    • Sports/Action
    • Weddings/Events

    Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

    Love, Love, Love, this lens, amazing build quality and just beautiful pictures! I did have an issue with it making noise while focusing. B&H send me a PPL to return it so hopefully the new copy they are sending does not have the same issue. Overall though if you can swollow the huge cost you wond regret it!

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

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    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    I would buy this product again and again

    By Laszlo

    from HOUSTON, TX

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Nice Bokeh

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Night Photography
      • Sports/Action
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

      THIS IS A GREAT ADITION TO MY ALPHA 550. SUPER QUALITY!!!

      • Was this a gift?:
      • Yes

      Share this review

      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Must have lens.

      By Kelli

      from Midwest, US

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Sports/Action
      • Weddings/Events
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

      Fantastic fast glass that is always tack sharp--great for weddings, wildlife, ect. Worth the price!

      • Was this a gift?:
      • Yes

      Share this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Great Lens

      By snappersphotography.biz

      from Cary, NC

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Night Photography
      • Sports/Action
      • Weddings/Events

      Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

      I will be using this lens at various events with poor lighting and fast action. I have practiced with it around the house and it seems to do an incredible job. It is super quiet compared to my kit lens on my sony alpha 700.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

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      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Great lens

      By Bill

      from San Jose,ca

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Sports/Action
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

      Love this lens for shooting sports. So far have only used indoors and at night games (poor lighting) , and still have gotten great shots. Focus is fast, smooth and accurate. It does get heavy after a long day of shooting handheld.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Great lense

      By Keith

      from GA

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Bokeh
      • Color
      • Durable
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Heavy
      • Slow Focus

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Macro Photography
      • Night Photography
      • Sports/Action
      • Video
      • Weddings/Events
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

      What can I say about this lense... hmmmm.. It is awesome. Minolta did a great job in the design of this lense. Colors, bokeh, 3d is all top notch. My copy was really sharp at 200 2.8 I know some people say that their's is not. I love this lense and In my opinion its worth every penny. The SSM is a little slow at 200mm but silent. This lense weighs a ton so if that kinda stuff bothers you, you may want to get something lighter.

      Keith

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      • No

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      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Speedy focasing

      By Firefox

      from Tokyo JAPAN

      About Me Casual Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Sports/Action
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

      I will take a picture " Tokyo sky tree"(under construction TV tower hightest in the world)
      bright and sharp picture
      little heavy need tri-pod(at least single-pod)
      speedy focasing needs new alfa55 camera or next alfa77(?)camera. My old alfa350 is little slow forcus.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

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      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Don't delay. Get it.

      By Silver Thunderbird

      from Inland Empire, CA

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Sports/Action
        • Weddings/Events
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

        I delayed purchasing this lens, even after reading the reviews and the good things posted on message boards on different forums. I loved my 70-210 beercan that much. Well, this holiday season, I made a purchase for me and I haven't regretted it. My shooting style is either UWA or telephoto, and photos just pop with this lens. My first day using it wasn't a demanding shooting area ... dogs at a local dog park. There was an almost 3D look with those furry critters in shots taken with this lens. The focus is fast and silent. I've already passed the beercan off to some other lucky person via an online auction site.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Best Lens

        By RastaBwoy

        from The Virgin Islands (UK)

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Rugged
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Sports/Action
        • Weddings/Events
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

        Best lens I own to date and the most used right now. From Portraits to Landscape to Wildlife this lens performs amicably.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Perfect Pro Partner

        By Jens

        from Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Nice Bokeh
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Night Photography
        • Sports/Action
        • Weddings/Events
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

        This is a excellent Lens. Compared to the old 70-200 Beercan, it is like comparing, driving a go kart to driving a F1 car. A totally new experience!!! I can see I am going to enjoy getting the most out of this lens.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Great Lens

        By Quin

        from Freeport, NY

        About Me Semi-pro Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Nice Bokeh

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Candid shots
          • Weddings/Events

          Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

          Mounted on the A850 the images are great, the 70-200 range is perfect for candid shots.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

          (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          The best!!!

          By Jim Ole

          from Melbourne , Australia

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Durable
          • Easily Interchangeable
          • Nice Bokeh
          • Rugged
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

          • Heavy

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Weddings/Events
          • Wildlife Photos

          Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

          I recently got this lens from B&H, put it on my a850 and I was blown away by the images i get with it. I mean the color rendition, the bokeh, the sharpness,... everything I would expect from a top class optic( I also have za85mm,za 135mm and za24mm so I know what good optics are like). I had a Tamron 70-200 before but sold it to get this lens. Surely the Tamron is a very,very nice lens and sharp but it tends to hunt too much when focusing. This lens is much faster than the tamron but I think there's still room to improve on SSM of this lens. I mean it's fast but not that fast as SSM in ZA 24-70mm. There are reviews out there with complaints about soft wide open max aperture images. I don't think so as my copy is razor sharp even at f2.8 and I even pixel-peep it to make sure,...lol
          Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase and would recommend this lens to any photographer who is in the market for a 70-200 lens.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

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          (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          You need to own this lens

          By Yi

          from Durham, NC

          About Me Casual Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Nice Bokeh
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

          • Heavy

          Best Uses

          • Landscape/Scenery

          Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

          Every SONY/Minolta user should have this lens.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

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          (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Professional Lens

          By Peter

          from Brisbane, Australia

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Durable
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Nice Bokeh
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

          • Heavy

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Weddings/Events

          Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

          For the last two years I have been using a Tamron 70-200 f2.8 Macro on my a700 and found it to be a great combination, having obtained consistently excellent results. However, at a recent indoor shoot where flash was out of the question, while the Tamron focused reasonably quickly, it was not fast enough to capture a number of the forum delegates' critical reactions. Also, auto-focusing hunting noise was quite distracting when shooting close to the delegates.

          Consequently and despite the hefty price tag, I decided to purchase the Sony 70-200 2.8 G hoping for a swifter, quieter focusing response and so far have not been disappointed. Images taken at a nephew's 21st birthday party (albeit using flash) exhibited excellent IQ - each image was very sharp with pleasing bokeh and had a "poke you in the eye" presence and vibrancy. Focusing was fast, accurate and quite.

          Comparatively, the Sony is heavier and more solidly built than the Tamron, has the distinct advantage of a fast SSM motor, focus limiting and auto-focus override controls but does not possess the Tamron's handy Marco function or hinged tripod mount.

          Clearly both lenses have their place though, for a wide gamut of critical low-light situations, the Sony wins out with improved ease of use and focus response, despite the cost differential.

          Highly recommended.

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          • No

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          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Best 70-200/2.8

          By Ray

          from Yokohama, Japan

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Nice Bokeh
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Sports/Action
            • Video
            • Wildlife Photos

            Comments about Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens:

            I use this with A55 and A900.

            This is the best 70-200/2.8 lens by picture quality. Can`t believe this is the zoom lens if you see just output.
            I believe better than Canon or Nikon.

            AF is accurate but a little bit slow compared with other Sony SSM lenses.

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            • No

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            What's in the Box

            Sony SAL-70200G Zoom AF 70-200mm f/2.8 APO G(D) SSM Autofocus Lens
            • Front & Rear Lens Caps
            • Lens Hood
            • Padded Lens Case with Strap
            • 1-Year Warranty
             
             
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