Comparison – Sony 70–200 mm f/4 vs Macro f/4 vs f/2.8 GM – which should you choose?

At Flexfoto you can rent three different Sony lenses with the same 70-200mm focal range:

But what separates them — and which should you rent when? We sort that out in this post

1. Sony FE 70–200 mm f/4 G OSS

Launch year: 2014
Weight: about 840 g
Filter thread: 72 mm
Aperture: Constant f/4
Image stabilisation: Yes (OSS)
Autofocus: Fast and quiet
Internal zoom: Yes (the lens does not grow when zooming)
Close focus: ~1 metre
Maximum magnification: 0.13×
Build quality: Weather-sealed, metal barrel

Summary: A compact, dependable telephoto zoom offering excellent sharpness and stabilisation. Perfect for travel, landscape and everyday photography when you want to keep the weight down.

2. Sony FE 70–200 mm f/4 Macro G OSS II

Launch year: 2023
Weight: about 794 g
Filter thread: 72 mm
Aperture: Constant f/4
Image stabilisation: Yes (updated OSS)
Autofocus: Very fast, linear motors
Internal zoom: Yes
Close focus: 0.26–0.42 metres (depending on focal length)
Maximum magnification: 0.5× (1.0× with a 2x teleconverter)
Macro: Yes, true half-macro built into the lens
Build quality: Weather-sealed, new design

Summary: The most versatile of the trio. An incredible all-round lens if you want to combine telephoto and macro. Ideal for travel, nature, documentary and product photography.

3. Sony FE 70–200 mm f/2.8 OSS GM II

Launch year: 2021
Weight: about 1 045 g
Filter thread: 77 mm
Aperture: Constant f/2.8
Image stabilisation: Yes, advanced 5-axis
Autofocus: Extremely fast, four-motor system
Internal zoom: Yes
Close focus: ~0.4 metres
Maximum magnification: about 0.25×
Macro: No, but teleconverter support
Build quality: Professional grade, magnesium alloy, weather-sealed

Summary: The obvious choice for professionals. Fantastic bokeh, incredible sharpness and true f/2.8 performance — perfect for sport, weddings and any situation with low light or a need for shallow depth of field.

Detailed comparison

Model — Weight — Aperture — Close focus — Macro — Sharpness — Autofocus
Sony 70–200 mm f/4 G OSS — 840 g — f/4 — 1 m — No — Very good — Fast
Sony 70–200 mm f/4 Macro G II — 794 g — f/4 — 0.26–0.42 m — 0.5× — Excellent — Very fast
Sony 70–200 mm f/2.8 GM OSS II — 1 045 g — f/2.8 — ~0.4 m — With a TC — World class — Extremely fast

Which is right for you?

Budget and weight priority: choose the f/4 G OSS
Versatility and macro: choose the f/4 Macro G II
Light, bokeh and autofocus: choose the f/2.8 GM OSS II