[shoplink 11712 ebay]
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Image on top: The current [shoplink 11712 ebay]70-200mm f/2.8 lens[/shoplink].
Yesterday I told you about Sony’s plan to create a new line of lenses that will be weather sealed and have new improved lens design. The first of the new “II G” line up will be the 70-400mm zoom. Today a couple of sources confirmed that Sony will also update the current [shoplink 11712 ebay]70-200mm f/2.8 lens[/shoplink]. While I am pretty sure the 70-400mm II G lens will arrive soon I have no info yet WHEN the 70-200mm II G will be released.
P.S.: Links to the current 70-200mm lens at [shoplist 11712].
Reminder: There is a Sony announcement on March 13th. Stay tuned here on SAR!
130 Responses
Weather sealing for everyone?
Wow. Sony is really gunning for the Olympics really hard.
I think, that’s excactly what they intend … fast cameras, fast lenses. I would expect those long zooms to be refitted with some newly developed VERY fast AF.
Linear AF motor maybe? For compatibility with CD-AF?
So, the big surprise is a new “300 mm f2.8” 😉
no!
The big surprise is something that you would normally use on Olympics?
the 300mm will get an update as well though?
Ok, just send me the rumor by mail, and i promise: even it is wrong, i won’t be disappointed :D! I also promise not to say that SAR has sent it :D.
What else ?
No, the big surprise is the new Zeiss 12mm circular fish eye with weather sealing.
…
With the moves SONY is pulling lately it seems just as likely as anything else …
This is what I would like the surprise to be:
1) I really hope Sony has developed a OSS that can work with the Steady Shot system to provide 5 Axis Stabilization at a much higher level of accuracy and tolerance to camera shake.
2) Maybe SSM version 2.0, faster focus.
3) Some new lenses have STF functionality?
4) New Lenses will cost less to manufacture
5) All new lenses are drop resistant?
6) free cookie?
Oh boy two thumbs up for drop resistance lol.
I hope so, an update might drive the used price of the “version I” downwards to the point I can actually consider it.
Sony ‘s got berserk !
Nice to see they have not forgotten the alpha shooters. I hope that prices are not going too high..
can we have a link for the new roadmap?
Zeiss design? Is that too much to ask for? Zeiss don’t do telezooms right?
Zeiss can do everything that belongs to optics and they do build telezooms, but not for slr-cameras.
What for if G lens is already good? Don’t buy lens just because it has CZ name on it.
They do, actually 🙂
For Contax N-mount, Zeiss designed
* Vario-Sonnar® T* 3,5-4,5/70-200 (http://applications.zeiss.com/C12578B8004E8E1D/0/9C4A60EF943C901CC12578BE00494223/$file/vario-sonnar_t_35-45_70-200_ger.pdf)
* Vario-Sonnar® T* 4,0-5,6/70-300 (http://applications.zeiss.com/C12578B8004E8E1D/0/EDF7EA06A6F0D5F9C12578BE0049A64A/$file/vario-sonnar_t_40-56_70-300_ger.pdf)
For Contax C/Y-mount, Zeiss designed
* Vario-Sonnar T* 3,5/70-210 mm (http://applications.zeiss.com/C12578B8004E8E1D/0/DF2820F35722AB03C12578BE0030AAA3/$file/vario-sonnar_t_35_70-210_ger.pdf)
* Vario-Sonnar® T* 4,5-5,6/100-300 mm (http://applications.zeiss.com/C12578B8004E8E1D/0/C82B76E62C74E437C12578BE0030EB7B/$file/vario-sonnar_t_45-56_100-300_ger.pdf)
* Vario-Sonnar® T* 4/80-200 mm (http://applications.zeiss.com/C12578B8004E8E1D/0/69745952F735AD0EC12578BE00311CC8/$file/vario-sonnar_t_4_80-200_ger.pdf)
Awesome!
Can’t wait for an updated 70-200 – I sure hope Sony watch the price on this one. in body stabilisation is ‘not’ the same as in lens stabilisation & the price needs to reflect this compared to the Canon/Nikon offerings.
“I sure hope Sony watch the price on this one. in body stabilisation is ‘not’ the same as in lens stabilisation & the price needs to reflect this compared to the Canon/Nikon offerings.”
The price does not only depend on design, but on sales. Canikon do sell much more than Sony, so they can offer their lenses cheaper…
Which is of course why Canon’s new 24-70 is $2499.99. As one example. Typically Sony’s prices are the same or less. Even after the upcoming price increases.
I’m really hoping, though, that Sony update the vastly obsolete 18-200 and 18-250. With or without Tamron. Don’t care.
most canon lens are more expensive then sony even without IS. so it doesnt depend on sales.
the sony70200 is easily replace by stop building 70200 I for 6 month, till world wide shortage, then boom, the 70200 II. if u notice, they will start with ‘rare’ lens and slowly towards the quick sales item, like 1680 II (being revise as F2.8-4)
70400 is very rare limited stock lens, like 300G build on order… they can easily be replace anytime…. but sony definately will watchout for places that had 300G in stock and make sure they let go their unit first (or shift sell to other places where ppl ordered it)
AWESOME!!!!
The reason I’ve been holding off buying this lens.
WOW I am so glad I sold my 70-200G and 70-400G early this year. Maybe I can buy the new version!
Have been waiting for this lens myself… wish they had changed it to a 70-250 2.8 but you can’t win them all.
About time ill say ! Nikon and Canon both have class leading 70-200mm lenses and Sony’s version was optically behind these two while sharing similar prices.
+1
What makes you think Sony will change the optical design?
Are the Canon and Nikon versions really that much better? My 70-200 is very sharp. Can not compete with the 300G but then again not many of the Sony lenses can.
I can attest that the canon 70-200 II is definitely sharper wide open. Wide open is where the Sony needs improvement
But the 70-200 II is so much more expensive than the Sony version!
I thought the Sony was great wide open myself.
ditto. love my 70-200.
ur statement is bias/wrong. since when they are the same or similar price? i would agree at the point canon or nikon ‘look’ better due to nikon artificial sharpening, or canon good iso. but pairing 70200 on camera like A580(calibrated to match70200) and A77, the sharpness is on par with canon70200II!(did a test with my friend 5DII+70200II, photo viewed on PC, not camera LCD), and we did extra test on 1/10 speed, sony SSS seem to be able to stabilize better(shot by my friend) then his 70200II(shot by my friend too). but if i were to shoot, both lens are sharp 😛 i have stable hand.
sometimes i really wonder, why do people like to say thing without real experience with it.
+10000
this is much much more reasonable!!!
+1
If they really are gunning for the Olympics then maybe admin is wrong as they will release the A99 this summer!! PLEASE PLEASE SONY!
they could well have a few togs using test models, I would imagine the hype and interest this would create would be more than actually releasing the camera to retail. It would be really nice is them load a respected photographers pockets with cash and his bag with V2 lenses on a couple of A99s, the websites would go nuts.
That would be something for sure!!!
please be fast before I throw my toys out of the pram and move to Nikon!
I am pretty sure your p&s camera can fit in the trash. Off you go to Nikon.
:s :s :s We Want the a99 now now now :s
+1
nice, I have been considering this lens forever! Hopefully they will give the 135 f1.8 an SSM motor and weather sealing too, then my bank balance is going to take a big hit!
Oh yeah baby !
If this is true, I’m definitely staying on Sony Alpha platform !
Upgrading lenses is an important message to (semi-)pro shooters that Sony wants to keep these Alpha customers.
Also bring SSM to all Zeiss lenses ! 🙂
I’ll be on waiting list for this one. Please do not tell my wife how much is it :).
is 85/1,8 possible as a surprise?
I will buy this if it is G and SSM. Have been rooting for CZ 85 f/1.4 but I think without SSM it does not really appeal me at that price. Meanwhile I just use my CZ 24-70 and my foot.
The 85 1.4 is a gem. No need for SSM, it focuses quite quickly considering the work it is intended for, also accurately..the only downside being that it does that with a certain degree of noise. I got great portraits with it…it is by far my favourite lens(more usefull to me than the 135 wich optically is the best lens Sony has).
The 85 is sharper wide open than the 24-70is at its long end…also much lighter then a SSM lens would be. If only it was wethersealed…
Not to forget that both the 85 & 135 are basically distorsion free.
You may notice some color fringing wide open on the 85(none on the 135), nothing serious though.
The bokeh and colours are superb!!
Something we first need is a new 50 and also a new 35..these are quite outdated in my opinion!!
Sony has already two excellent 85mm lenses. There are far bigger holes in their lineup than that (DT wideangle prime…)
I really want a 100-400 or something like that for the e mount, especially for the NEX-7. My next Namibia-Trip is in May. The original plan was, to leave the Canon DSLR stuff at home.
You get the 70400G and the LA-EA2 adapter.
OS is extremely helpful at such focal lengths
LA-EA2 + Sony 70-400 G = no OS = no solution.
LA-EA2 + Sigma 120-400 could be a temporary solution with OS
I’m a bit confused, if you are bringing a bigass 100-400 then why bother dealing with a tiny little body… will it really save you that much space? You could bring your canon dslr and just leave out a pair of socks for example..
Why dont you share your “info about the surprise” now?
I thought we are in rumor page, not in “fact” page…
Use lower SAR raiting for the info till it gets more butter on the bread..
Just, C`mon, if you know something, share it!?
Doens’t work like that. The new is big and if it doens’t become true people will complain me and/or Sony. Don’t understimate the emotional part of a rumor. It really can overshadow our rational part. The times SR1 or SR2 rumor didn’t become true people here and on other websites started to discredit me. People truly doesn’t understand the rumor values. And that’s why I amthinking a way to change it (or to not use it at all).
You’re perfectly right, Andrea. 🙂
hehe, that’s very understandable….
we all still remember a77 having ISO of hundreds of thousands xD
We’ll still be talking about that one when cameras really can do ISOs into the hundreds of thousands.
So tell us the big news and give it a SAR1 rating. We promise not to complain if it does come true!
you realize that ANY of us can give you an SAR1 rumor? In fact the comments are loaded with them. I think thats one point Andrea is making- people will blow it up from sar1 to sar5 in a heartbeat and then blame him for when it is wrong, rather then each other.
Very good points.
@Niko you’re not the admin here so shut the fuck up
Admin, do you think the APS-C compact camera that you talked about last month will be included in next week’s announcement?
These new lenses look great. It’s good to see some news for the SLR and SLT shooters. Sony seem to be on the attack in several sectors of the camrea market at the moment.
Not sure. But I hope to knwo it soon!
Thank you 🙂
Andrea, any news about the lens pricing? Will they decrease the current ones or introduce the refresh models with much higher price tag?
Andrew so you are admin, right?
If not, why you try to control peoples opinions?
Also, maybe you should check you language or the real admin could…
Great news on updated lenses with weather sealing and ssm. Canikon beware! The electronics Giant has woken up and is serious 🙂
Any 70-210 G f/4 SSM?
As I said before, seems that all G lenses will have new nano coating soon.
I could wait till September if Sony will release A99 even better than CaNikon offerings.
Honestly, if it competes solidly, can hold its own, I’ll still be interested. I don’t need the A99 to “beat” Canon or Nikon. I just want it to show up to the party. If it steps up and specs out as well as either Canon or Nikon that alone will keep and build Sony’s credibility.
Same, tired of this idiotic competitiveness between canon, nikon, sony- bottomline I just want them to make a great product.
Surely the biggest question – the one that seems to matter more than anything to some folks – is “what colour will the new 70-200” be? The next biggest question is – “who cares?” (other than those with a superiority complex)
white, and to answer question number 2… I do not care what color it is as long as it delivers some seriously good images!
although pink would piss me off admittedly.
haha
That would be awesome for those hello kitty lovers. LOL!
@klw10: I do not care what color it is as long as it delivers some seriously good images!
@Solo: although pink would piss me off admittedly.
@querty: That would be awesome for those hello kitty lovers.
I believe that the “official” Sony way to co-brand HelloKitty with the SAL G line is to apply iridescent pink stickers to the white “G” coating.
LOOX GR8!!!1!11!!
It seems that Sony is building up their arsenal before a major FF attack on Nikon/Canon. Hope it’s true. I would also wait a bit longer to see if Sony could offer a better FF alternative.
CaNikons pros are die hard OVF/SLR lovers. If Sony makes a FF EVF/SLT, very few CaNikons will leave what they have for Sony.
Now, if Sony makes a new FF OVF/SLR? That could new Pros over to Sony’s side.
The Pro crowd is DEEPLY established in OVF/SLR shooting. Those habits don’t die easily.
I hope the older version’s price will drop. I actually have an old Tamron 70-210mm F2.8 that i love, but is very noisy (compared to my Sigma 50mm F1.4 HSM)
I can only say that, finally, this day has come now. Since i have kept saying so for nearly 2 years. haha
Andrea, pls help to try to share will the new 70-200G II be released in this year?
can’t wait……. come sony !
I am so excited by the surprise, but will be disappointed if it does not have to do with the a99. But my curiosity is definately heightended.
I have 2 questions:
1) Have Sony ever updated a model of lens? I can’t recall any but could be very very wrong. I know they have released ‘replacement’ models of sorts or reshuffled their lineup but I can’t remember a II version or new version of an existing lens (FL/Speed being the same).
2) Does this coincide with the price hikes of current Alpha lenses, in that the newer pricing actually reflects the updated models and that is why they’re all going up a bit? That maybe more lenses are being updated either with small updates (like weather sealing and new coatings) and others that are completely new (35G, 20mm, 50mm). SAM obviously going into lower end lenses and SSM into higher end ones. That would make sense, I mean last year was a lot about E-Mount with a few important A-Mount announcements, this year they overhaul their whole lens range with minor improvements to coincide with all new FF? Maybe I’m just blowing smoke 🙂
1. Sony is still new to the game to release any updated version. There is always the first time for everything. However, I would only believe it when I see one. And I hope Sony would consider to have the SSM version of the two Zeiss telephotos. And they should give the green light to Zeiss to make more lenses. Zeiss is doing well right now that is why they’re releasing lenses at a much faster pace (35/1.4 and ZA 24/2 in 2010, 25/2 in 2011, 15/2.8 this year). I guess they don’t get to pocket as much money, but Zeiss AF is what really enticing about the Sony system.
2. Sadly, I think the new version would be priced even higher. It makes no sense to increase the price on these old stuff to later (few months to a year) drop the price (unless they want to get those suckers that don’t read SAR). But as the ZA 24/1.8 shows, pricing does not matter much, within a reasonable range, if the product is of quality.
The 55-200mm 4-5,6 was updated to the second version with SAM instead of the body-motor AF. Thats the pnly one i know and it’s nothing in the class of these lenses
2) However the price increases supposedly coincide with the announcement of new lenses.
zeiss macro planar 100mm/f2 SSM and cz 35mm/1.4 or f2 SSM plisss XDD
+1000 Make the 35mm 1.4 though! and give us that amazing 85mm 1.2 Planar Anniversary Edition for Alpha mount with SSM!
It may be NEX-9, A99 or prime lens for NEX the big news.
Any rumor about a possible new Sony SAL 70-300 G lens?
Well, at least they decided to stick with the alpha mount. I’m still holding out for some ‘new’ FF ZA primes.
Any chance we will get a heads up on the big surprise before the gathering?
+1 At least put in writing before you tell us that it is either very likely or very unlikely but there is a glimmer of hope for it! haha
Updated 16-80 and 18-250 lenses with SSM would go straight on my shopping list. I love my 16-50/2.8 but often wish it had that little extra reach….
That’s what cropping on a 24mp sensor is for. 😀
Hi Andrea,
Many thanks for the info!
When should we expect a confirmation about the BIG SURPRISE?
Is it something to be announced also in March 13/15th?
FF A-mount camera without video options but almost all the photography features including weather sealing and high fps with continuous AF of a high end model offered below 2000USD = WIN!
and maybe a 70-200G f/4 Lens for people on budget to go along with that FF. That would be great!
I’m not expecting,or demanding under $2000usd. Considering the D800 and 5DMkIII are $3000 and $3500 respectively, I’m expecting $2500-$3000 and will happily pay it.
I was saying a FF without video means that price can stay below the 2000USD mark. Something like the A850. So after the A99 is released, they should release an “A85” with most of A99 features minus video and a bit less fps, and maybe that makes FF more affordable to users. The camera within the 2500-3000USD mark is all yours =)
I can’t see a reason why video should be taken out as SLT technology is kinda made for fast AF in video.
Even if the price is lower, I don’t think it would be a good thing to exclude the video function because main compettitors have it.
I was saying for the cheaper model. But if they manage to get us another FF like the a850 below the 2000USD mark even with video capabilities, then good for us the buyers.
But main compettitors? Those are in the 3000USD mark and above, leave those for the A99. I want a cheap FF alternative below 2000USD mark.
Definately!, I am ready to preorder. If its worth it I will pay. I cannot imagine they will not have video capabilities with any SLR/SLT at this point.
An updated 70-200/2.8 G/SSM/II would be awesome, especially with the weather sealing.
Would be curious to know how well it performs against the first one sony put out.
Already own the 70-200/2.8, but a weather sealed version would rock. If the AF speed is faster, more power to them. The only concern is the $$$$…
I was hoping for a 50-150 f2.8 but with new 70 200 looks like FF lens optimization as I said before. Us A77 owners have already been forgoten. a 50-150 partner for the 16-50 would have been great. and or some canon like high quality (but affordable) f4 lenses.
you have not been forgotten. There is no need for a 50-150 when there is the 70-200.
bull 70-200 is great for FF but for my local Ice hockey (small rink) or basketball etc. I never use more than about 160 but when action is at the goal in front of me 50-70 is necessaries to get all players involved in(ie shooter and net minder). I have a cheep 70-300 for the occasional outdoor distance shot (Wildlife). So why do you think its good for FF people to have 70-200 but not for APSC users to have equivalent.
I’m too lazy to look but do any of the other manufacturers offer a “50-250 2.8” or similar aps-C constant f/2.8 tele-zoom? I was always under the impression that aps-c and FF alike ALWAYS ended up with a 70-200 2.8, and I Haven’t heard anyone mention the need for a 150 2.8 until now. Correct me if I’m wrong, I don’t mean to be facetious in the slightest. I don’t view the 70-200 as a FF only focal length, thats just me.
Signa has a 50-150f2.8 but no Sony mount yet I think.
I use a Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 on my A65
When it rains I take cover because all my G lens are not weather sealed, I can’t wait to buy the new 70-400G lens.
I guess this is good timing or bad timing on my part. My 70-200mm G is literally 5 days old, after I finally decided to make the plunge last week. Thank goodness I have 30 days to return it back to Amazon. I’ll anxiously await the new features, price increase, and time to ship before deciding to return it or not. Here’s hoping the price and time to ship will not be that bad.
Hell, if even this rumor is true, you won’t be getting the actual lens before one year at least. Didn’t you actually need this lens when you bought it? The new one won’t make the one you have a bad lens anyway,
Sort of, I mean, it was for my kid’s soccer games and I didn’t like the f-stops of the 70-300mm G, so I finally got this one. So if I have to return it and wait for a month then I won’t miss the whole season, at least.
I HOPE the BIG surprise,,, will be the longer lens will also have Image Stabilization ,so you can have the best of both worlds.. Body or lens IS . What if both worked at the same time???? Together????
Working together? That’s something so stupid even to consider for a moment.
It would have already been in the 500f4 if they were looking for OSS in A-mount. Not gonna happen.
I believe the Hong Kong Sony site was the one showing the 300mm 2.8 discontinued. Presumably to join the list.
Well, if you have no ideas for new lenses then put a II on your old ones and get everybody to buy them all over again 😉
really???? I did not see that!
Yeah bad Sony! I mean nobody else updates their lenses? And there is no need to update any of them because they were all perfect? And nobody has been asking for Sony to update any of their lenses either? Nope this is purely marketing guff so Sony fans will buy the same lenses twice 😉
Whatever Sony upcoming releasing is not cheap guys…I need to get a loan from Admin in order to purchase a new Sony lenses or New A99…:)
All I want to hear now is that the Zeiss 85mm and 135mm are getting SSM.
Rumors about the 70-200 and 70-400 are great!! These actually are FF designs to start with. This gives me confidence for the future…it means something.
The first thing i want to say is that the 70-200 never disappointed me. My copy is quite sharp. It always focuses accurately. Fast enough most of the time.
Downsides, room for improvement!? Of course…faster focusing first…especially in low light at longer focal lengths. It does take a while to get from 1.2 to infinty at 200mm.
Second weathersealing…this being said i used it outside in different environments with no problems…
Another thing about the 70-200…i quite agree with photozone’s review about the somewhat “busy” bokeh on ocasions(no fault or major problem).
Sony needs to be appealing to a lot a people even previous Canikon shooters and do so with a 70-200 on par with their versions which are both weathersealed and have faster focusing mainly.
I believe that the 70-200 G is better than Canon and Nikon first versions.
Canon 70-200 IS II is todays benchmark in this class..i’ve used it recently alongside with the previous version from a friend of mine. Quite a big improvement from the first generation IS.
If Sony does a similar job i will consider a change!! 😀