The updated "version II" of the Sony FE 70-200mm zoom lens features aspheric and extra-low dispersion elements, updated Nano AR coating II (to suppress flare and ghosting), and an 11-blade iris for circular out-of-focus highlights ("bokeh"). It's also the world's lightest 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom lens and features 1.32' close-focus at 70mm and 2.69' at 200mm.
Our test footage was shot by AbelCine's own Ian McCausland at a house of worship, with the objective of seeing if it could complement a stationary camera with a wide lens, while the FX3 with the 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II could be used to capture cutaways.
The focal length range proved excellent for this application, and the FX3's eye-detection autofocus mode ensured that the subject was always pin-sharp. This combination, especially from far distances, gave us confidence that this combination would be ideal for capturing live events, allowing the operator to anticipate framing while subjects are in motion.
On the Full Frame FX3, the lens also proved ideal for exploiting the shallow depth-of-field associated with this format, even when shot wide open at f/2.8, and provided excellent isolation of the subject from the background. And when multiple subjects were in-frame, it was simple and easy to just tap on the FX3's rear LCD to change focus from one person to another.
The total footprint of this setup, mounted on the FX3, felt tiny and agile. Setup time at the venue, for two cameras, was barely 20 minutes. Focus proved sharp and reliable, and we found that the focal length range was ideal for capturing cutaways while another body captured a wide shot. We would be interested in trying the lens in an interview scenario where another angle is needed.
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