Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II vs Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II vs Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
When comparing Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM and Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II, which one is better?
1. Lens Mount Comparison
The lenses each feature different lens mounts — the Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II features a Sony E while the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM features a Canon EF — and because of this the preference varies. If you have a compatible camera, then of course that lens will be a better choice for you.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
2. Largest Aperture Comparison
Both lenses share the same aperture of 2.8 — this means that you may buy both Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II and Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM in this regard; they''re the same.
Winner: Tied
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
3. Anamorphic Comparison
Neither Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM or Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II are anamorphic lenses.
Winner: Tied — Neither have this feature
Regarding anamorphic: Anamorphic lenses are usually used on cinema cameras and squeezes the image when its recorded, which gives the final, stretched out, image oval bokeh and a different angle of view. The most common lenses, however, are not anamorphic but spherical, which gives a spherical bokeh and is a much cheaper lens design.
4. Lens Type Comparison
The Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II is a Zoom lens while the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM is a Prime lens. Whether or not a zoom lens or a prime lens is what you need, is up to you to decide; they both have their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
5. Stabilization Comparison
Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II features built-in image stabilization and Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM does not. Depending on your shooting style, this may be a heavy factor to choose Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II instead of Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM.
Winner: Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II
Regarding image stabilization: When a lens features built-in stabilization, it will actively help you hold the image steady by adjusting the optical elements inside the lens to compensate for movements. Do remember that lens stabilization is not required, but it may be suitable depending on your specific needs.
6. Autofocus Comparison
Both lenses have autofocus, which means that they're both great at focusing targets while taking photographs or filming video. Just remember, most cameras do not offer good autofocus while filming video.
Winner: Tied — both have this feature
Regarding autofocus: Lenses with autofocus help you focus when shooting pictures or video. If a lens only has manual focus it means that you have to focus manually by adjusting the focus wheel on the lens. Most cinema lenses do not use autofocus and are manual focus only.
7. Weather Seal Comparison
Both Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II and Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM feature a weather sealed design, making them both great in that aspect.
Winner: Tied — both have this feature
Regarding weather seal: A lens that is weather sealed will perform better over time if you're using the lens in harsh conditions where it's wet or dusty. It may not matter if you're merely using your lens in a studio or in your home.
8. Full Frame Comparison
Both Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM and Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II cover a full frame sensor and can be used on full frame cameras as well as cameras with smaller sensors.
Winner: Tied — both have this feature
Regarding full frame coverage: All lenses do not cover full frame sensors, but not all cameras are full frame cameras either. If a lens covers a full frame sensor it can be used on all cameras with a matching lens mount, both full frame and crop sensors, except for medium format cameras.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II and Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM:
| Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS II | Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Sony | Canon |
| Weight | 1045 g | Missing |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Canon EF |
| Focal Length | 70 - 200 mm | 200 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 2.8 | 2.8 |
| Anamorphic | No | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 40 cm | Missing |
| Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Aperture Range | 2.8 - 22 | Missing |
| Filter Thread Diameter | 77 | Missing |
| Image Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | Yes | Missing |
| Autofocus | Evet | Evet |
| Macro | No | Missing |
| Weather Seal | Yes | Yes |
| Full Frame Coverage | Yes | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Yes | Yes |
| Stabilization Type | Sony Optical SteadyShot (OSS) | Missing |