Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM ll: Makes Me Feel Guilty

This is my dream lens, mate! Hope I could have one in the future! Great video btw!

Just got mine last night and excited to see how it goes. I get what you’re saying about feeling bad. I was going back and forth on this lens vs getting the f4 AND 50 1.4. Mind you I have historically against getting gmasters. In this case I traded in my dads old Nikon gear and after selling a few things i don’t use, I spent a total of $180 to come home with this monster. One of the last camera convos I had with my dad was him “scolding” me that I need the trifecta of zooms. I had the 24-105 that I wanted to upgrade so I got the 24-70, and now with his gear I have the 70-200. I don’t feel bad in this case but I also hate telling people these gmaster zooms are as expensive as they are. It just feels elitist lol. But the first time I took pics of my daughter, it just popped way better and in many ways looked like my primes. My advice is to wait until you can afford what you want, sell old/no longer used items to put towards the next. If I was a pro, I get it, but as a prosumer, I’m never going to just pay full price just because!

I've been thinking about this lens for a while. The desire to buy it at some point has been there for a long time and it would complete my collection. But at the moment I don't really feel ready for it. I agree with you when you say a lens is an investment. I've invested a lot in the last few years (a7IV, 24 1.4GM,35 1.4M,50 1.4GM, 85 1.8) and plan to invest more money in travel than in gear. But at some point this lens will round out the collection.

Thanks a lot for the review and the advice 👋🏼

Hello Matt, Did you also consider Sony 70-200 FE 4 mark 2 version? Considering it has macro capabilities as well. If yes, what was the reason not to go with it?

Biggest competitor for this lense is the Sigma 70-200, but you are still giving up alot for the Sigma, like the minimum focus range, ergonomics of the design, weight etc. But it's alot cheaper, so you are 100% right, if budget is an issue then it's very hard to justify buying this lense, but if you have the budget then the sony wins 100%.

This was useful! I’ll be purchasing it soon

It's a very special lens. I've actually given myself a mandate of only purchasing Red G glass going forward. My favourite lens to date is the 14mm GM, and that does most of the work on my channel. I've come to love the color and contrast it has, how it handles night work, and I expect no less in any category of the GMii telephoto. Things get sold for what they are worth. The price for the GM ii is set by its abilities and reliability, I think.

I’m looking to buy my first proper camera .. I’m looking to get the a7c ii, not sure if I should get this or the tamron 70-180 g2.

The 35 GM is definetaly the sharpest lens (my favorite lens)... but my question would be... have you ever had chance to test out the Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8? because I was thinking of getting the 70-200 GM II as well, but 35-150 is just so much more useful range, especially doing run and gun video shooting... not missing moments switching lenses... also cheaper lens, with great built quality.

let’s go, such a great lens

Funny I have some of the same lenses you have other than this 70-200, which I am considering getting, this or the Sigma I actually own the 28-200 Tamron, that is versatile but I need something higher end with better auto focus

i thought of buying the new f4 mark ii should be sufficient for me but after watching this i shud save more to buy this GM ii..

Classic ❤

purchasing asap!!

😍😍😍😍😍 = 5 star review

gonna stream on a 70-200 ;)

as a cheapskate hobbyist photographer im gonna get a sony apsc 55-210mm oss for $100 to see what these focal ranges can even do. not guilty.

nice haircut btw

The Tamron 70-180G1 isn't a better lens than the 70-200GM1. Compared to the G Master the Tamron falls behind in the following features: no IBIS, telescopic zoom, only 180mm, no removable tripod collar, not parfocal, plastic build, no manual focus override, no focus hold buttons, only capable of 15fps (Vs 30fps), only 9 aperture blades (worse bokeh), Teleconverter compatibility, no hatch in lens hood to adjust filters, no manual/auto focus switch. The GM1 has nearly all the 'features' you say you like about the GM2, it's just not quite as sharp (as one of the sharpest lenses ever made) and it's heavier, but significantly cheaper, especially used you can find it for 60% less money than the GM2.