Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 SSM Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera

It's important to get a quick autofocus lens that will deliver across a wide range of potential shoot options. I bought this one for the A700, using the Sony 2x converter, and despite ambiguous marketing writeups, I took a chance on the three components having FULL interoperability with the autofocus, etc. It met/exceeded all my requirements and they are fully compatible. I'll admit that them all being Sony components helped, and I've had nothing but good luck with all the Sony products I've bought. This lens, with the converter, creates a bit darker setup, but I bought it for airshows and distant scenery shots, and the camera automatically offsets for this. I am looking forward to many years of flexibility and enjoyment.

This lens is very impressive! Very sharp, nice Bokeh, great colors. And of course all the obvious advantages that you can see from the spec: f/2.8 (good for low light and for shallow DOF), SSM (very fast focus).
Lately I learned about another advantage - you look professional when you carry this lens... I walked around in parades and concerts and people were happy to pose for me... Then they asked where it is going to be published... It was the first time that I could get shots of people without being afraid that they will break my camera.
However, the professional look can sometimes be disadvantage, and in general this lens attracts lots of attention. It is also big and heavy. And expensive.

Bottom line - I really love this lens and it produced many pictures that I couldn't get with other lenses (in terms of sharpness, colors and Bokeh). However, you should give it some time in order to get used to it and learn all the advantages (and disadvantages) of this lens. If you have the money - BUY IT!

Between the build quality and the image quality this lens earns it's price tag. The SSM is amazing for it is both quiet and fast... I for one will never buy a lens without this feature from now on.