Sony Full Frame Telephoto Lens Upgrade Choice

Sergii
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Sony Full Frame Telephoto Lens Upgrade Choice

It's a time for me to upgrade my old good Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS.

I used it with Sony a7r2, now using it for my Sony a7r4. The main use of this telephoto lens is the runways and around, as I'm working with the models, designers and Fashion Show hosts.

I'm considering the following lenses for upgrade.

1. Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II. Currently it's my favorite for this lenses competition. Nuff said. It covers the same focal range I used to have, but it's much more powerful. Cons? Maybe price (but I'm not buying new lenses every month lol so I can afford it). I'm not afraid of the size and weight (since I worked with the middle format SLR film cameras I can handle 10lb camera + lens with no any issues for me).

2. Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Sony E mount). Attractive focal range: sometimes I needed to have the shorter end instantly during the photoshoot (not had a time to change to 24-70/f2.8; and not carrying a second camera). Cons? Not Sony.

Not long enough. But much cheaper (but, again, the price is mot a main criteria for me now)

3. Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG DN OS | Sport (Sony E mount). Announced very recently so no one can share a real-life experience of this lens use. Not Sony again.

I had some compatibility issues with my Sigma lens on Nikon (before I switched to Sony), when after the camera firmware upgrade the Sigma lost the autofocus; I had to upgrade the lens firmware, but it was a quest (it required the special USB-connected Nikon mount plate). But overall Sigma was not bad: very sharp and fast.

So I appreciate if someone gives me a good advise, based on your experience. Again, now I'm inclined to get that Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II.

Nov 10, 2023 at 01:58 PM

Alan Parker
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Sony Full Frame Telephoto Lens Upgrade Choice

It's a good question! I don't have any experience with the Tamron in a professional setting like that but I think it has gotten really good reviews in the wedding scene. The Sigma isn't out yet, so nobody can realistically comment on that.
I have the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II and for me it's just an amazing lens that does absolutely everything I want it to do on my A7R4.

Nov 10, 2023 at 02:16 PM

j4nu
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Sony Full Frame Telephoto Lens Upgrade Choice

Sigma is an unknown at this point in time, we only know it's considerably (300g?) heavier.
Pick the Tamron *only* if you appreciate its wide end + extra aperture (35/2, 50/2.2,...).
Sony is the better tele lens plus it has some niceties (better tracking AF for action, internal zoom, +50mm and sharper on the long end). However, Tamron is the better all-around lens due to its focal range. Regarding rendering, I think Tamron has a bit more pronounced cats eyes which introduce some swirl to the bokeh in some shots (which you may or not like).
Pick your poison

...

Nov 10, 2023 at 02:23 PM

jrscls
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Sony Full Frame Telephoto Lens Upgrade Choice

Can't go wrong with the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II. I can't believe how light and balanced it feels everytime I pick it up, and its performance is exceptional.

Nov 10, 2023 at 02:38 PM

jmmaher
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Sony Full Frame Telephoto Lens Upgrade Choice

I think my Sony 70-200 is one of the best I have used.

Nov 10, 2023 at 04:28 PM

Sergii
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Sony Full Frame Telephoto Lens Upgrade Choice

Thanks all for the good advises.

I have analyzed data from my last year runway and around photoshoots and realized that range 70-200 is better for me than 35-150. Again, I have 24-70 with me usually. So most likely the Sony 70-200 f2.8 GMII is my choice. But I plan the upgrade in the beginning of the 2024, so maybe that Sigma will be released, and I can get some review about it...

Nov 13, 2023 at 09:30 AM

jp.gomez
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Sony Full Frame Telephoto Lens Upgrade Choice

Seems like money is no issue then Sony 70-200 GM ii all the way!

I wouldn't bother with 3rd party and some compromises TBH.

Nov 13, 2023 at 12:08 PM

Surfnsun
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Sony Full Frame Telephoto Lens Upgrade Choice

The Tamron is pretty sweet if you don't mind that weight. That said, if I was gven the choice, I'd go with the Sony 70-200 GM2. I've always been really impressed with the results.

Nov 13, 2023 at 02:08 PM


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