fredmiranda.com
Login

Moderated by: Fred Miranda
  New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site
  New Feature: SMS Notification alert
  New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist
  

FM Forums | Sony Forum | Join Upload & Sell

  

Archive 2024 · Is Gen 1 Sony 70-200/2.8 GM Still a Good Option in 2024?

  
 
Al Trujillo
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #1 · Is Gen 1 Sony 70-200/2.8 GM Still a Good Option in 2024?


Obviously not up to the level of the Gen 2 but it is discounted and a new one can be bought at quite a savings, so is the Gen 1 still a compelling lens??


Jul 01, 2024 at 03:03 PM
Surfnsun
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #2 · Is Gen 1 Sony 70-200/2.8 GM Still a Good Option in 2024?


I’d pass on the first generation 70-200/f2.8.

If you’re looking somewhere other than the Gen2 from Sony, I’d recommend options from other manufacturers like Tamron.



Jul 01, 2024 at 03:15 PM
mjeffv2
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #3 · Is Gen 1 Sony 70-200/2.8 GM Still a Good Option in 2024?


The Tamron 70-180 f2.8 and Sigma 70-200 are both better options. According to the Sony Alpha Blog the Tamron is better to about 150mm-ish I think and then the Sigma is better at the long end. But between the two I think the Tamron is better due to the insane value. There is one in the Buy and Sell right now for like $750, the Sigma is $1400 new and harder to find used.


Jul 01, 2024 at 03:29 PM
InFocus2014
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #4 · Is Gen 1 Sony 70-200/2.8 GM Still a Good Option in 2024?


mjeffv2 wrote:
The Tamron 70-180 f2.8 and Sigma 70-200 are both better options. According to the Sony Alpha Blog the Tamron is better to about 150mm-ish I think and then the Sigma is better at the long end. But between the two I think the Tamron is better due to the insane value. There is one in the Buy and Sell right now for like $750, the Sigma is $1400 new and harder to find used.


I agree. Also, if you can get a deal, the Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 II is excellent and has stabilization.

When the GM 70-200mm f2.8 Gen 1 was released, I tried three copies and was really disappointed with the low sharpness/contrast at the long end (conversely, the newer Gen II model is stunningly sharp with great bokeh).



Jul 01, 2024 at 03:40 PM
EZPhotography
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #5 · Is Gen 1 Sony 70-200/2.8 GM Still a Good Option in 2024?


I would get a used GM II than a new GM, the price difference worths it for the GM II.


Jul 13, 2024 at 02:35 PM
Peire
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #6 · Is Gen 1 Sony 70-200/2.8 GM Still a Good Option in 2024?


Sony GM 70-200/2.8 Mk1 is still a very good lens.I was very pleased with mine.It is capable of rendering very good/excellent results if used properly within it's few limitations.




  ILCE-7RM2    Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL70200GM) lens    83mm    f/8.0    1/250s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  






  ILCE-7RM2    Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL70200GM) lens    179mm    f/8.0    1/200s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  






  ILCE-7RM2    Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL70200GM) lens    70mm    f/8.0    1/160s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  






  ILCE-7RM2    Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL70200GM) lens    197mm    f/2.8    1/125s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  






  ILCE-7RM2    Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL70200GM) lens    70mm    f/8.0    1/125s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  






  ILCE-7RM2    Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL70200GM) lens    200mm    f/8.0    1/160s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  



Edited on May 08, 2025 at 02:01 AM · View previous versions



Jul 17, 2024 at 11:45 PM
Jazzgear296
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #7 · Is Gen 1 Sony 70-200/2.8 GM Still a Good Option in 2024?


My Gen I 70-200 gm lens takes amazing and sharp photos - maybe I got the unicorn.


Jul 18, 2024 at 12:50 AM
PhotoTeacher
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #8 · Is Gen 1 Sony 70-200/2.8 GM Still a Good Option in 2024?


I appear to be late to the party, but keep in mind that if you might need a teleconverter, then you have to go with the Sony lens and TC.


May 07, 2025 at 02:00 PM
TT1000
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #9 · Is Gen 1 Sony 70-200/2.8 GM Still a Good Option in 2024?


My Gen 1 is very sharp. It’s still very sharp in 2025.

But I sold it to help pay for Gen 2.



May 07, 2025 at 11:16 PM





FM Forums | Sony Forum | Join Upload & Sell

    
 

Welcome back
Log in to your account