The Panasonic 70-200mm F2.8 G is one of the unique record of relationships declared at the release of the organization's Head program in Sept 2006. However its record goes returning a bit further; it's usually a re-badge of the Minolta AF 70-200mm F2.8 APO G D SSM, which came out up beginning in 2003. At a while Minolta was only creating movie SLRs (its first truly authentic electronic style, the Maxxum/Dynax 7D, showing after the merging with Konica in Sept 2004), so the relationships is developed to secured the Drawbacks full-frame structure, although normally it also features on APS-C electronic SLRs. It's therefore a organic affiliate to the Head 850 and 900 DSLRs, offering a actual substitute to Concept and Nikon techniques towards the top end of the industry.
Like all quick telezooms, the visual program is complex, with 19 components in 16 categories and 4 Extra-Low Distribution (ED) cup components for the difference in chromatic aberration. The relationships features a built-in ultrasonic-type 'Super Sound Routine Motor' (SSM) for auto-focus, eye-catching quick and quiet concentrating. The Immediate Details Concentrate function allows the individual to improve focus place independently whenever they want, and has two modes; 'Standard' stops unique actions of the attention team from disrupting ongoing AF function, while 'Full Time' is usually self-explanatory. The relationships also features three AF-stop management control management buttons arranged around the gun gun gun barrel, enabling the individual to secured focus easily; on Sony's newest high-end DSLRs these can be allocated to other features, perhaps most usefully level of place assessment.
The 70-200mm F2.8G actions impressive competitors, though, from identical relationships such as the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II and Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro. And the value beginning between these relationships becomes somewhat complex on the Head system; because while Concept and Nikon's costly quick telezooms add picture support and weathersealing, this isn't the situation with the Panasonic (because all relationships are continuous via the in-body Amazingly SteadyShot system). The Panasonic relationships therefore provides relatively little on documents to rationalize asking for more than twice as much, but of course requirements tests never quite tell the whole tale. So let's see what you actually get for your cash.
Headline features
- 70-200mm focal length range; fast F2.8 constant maximum aperture
- Ring-type ultrasonic focusing with full-time manual override
- Three focus hold buttons (function customizable from some camera bodies)
- Alpha mount for Sony and Konica Minolta DSLRS
Angle of view
The pictures below illustrate the focal length range from wide to telephoto, on 35mm full-frame and APS-C camera bodies: |
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| 70mm (full frame) | 200mm (full frame) |
|---|
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| 70mm (APS-C; 105mm equivalent) | 200mm (APS-C; 300mm equivalent) |
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Sony 70-200mm F2.8 G specifications
| Manufacturer's product code | SAL-70200G |
|---|---|
| Street price | • US: $1800 • UK: £1530 |
| Date introduced | June 2006 (March 2003 as Minolta AF 70-200mm F2.8 APO G D SSM) |
| Maximum format size | 35mm full frame |
| Focal length | 70-200mm |
| 35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) |
105-300mm |
| Diagonal Angle of view (FF) | 34º - 12º |
| Diagonal Angle of view (APS-C) | 23º - 8º |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | F32 |
| Lens Construction | • 19 elements/16 groups • 4 ED glass elements |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9, rounded |
| Minimum focus | 1.2m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.21x at 200mm |
| AF motor type | • Ring-type ultrasonic • Direct manual focus - two modes (Standard and Full Time) |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Zoom method | Internal |
| Image stabilization | via camera body |
| Filter thread | • 77mm • Does not rotate on focus |
| Supplied accessories | • Front and rear caps • SH0010 Hood • Lens Pouch |
| Weight | 1500g (3.3 lb) (including tripod mount) |
| Dimensions | 87mm diameter x 197mm length (3.4 x 7.7 in) |
| Lens Mount | Sony Alpha only |
| Other | • 3 Focus Hold buttons • Reports focus distance information to camera body |
Original Article:www.dpreview.com
