Still Worth It In 2025?! Original Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM Lens Review

The Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master lens represents not only one of Sony's first ever released GM lenses, but also one of their most popular choices for wedding/event and other shooters look for the convenience and versatility that telephoto zooms provide.  That said, this lens also bears the unique distinction of being Sony's first G Master lens to be replaced, as this lens is now succeeded by the 70-200mm GM II which improves upon the original GM in a number of ways.  All of this begs the question: is the original SEL70200GM still worth it today, or whenever you're watching this?

In this lens review, I'll talk about the many specifications and features the original 70-200mm GM has, and how this performs on a general level.  I'll follow this up by discussing my favorite aspects about the original 70-200mm GM ("The Good"), and those aspects of the lens where it lags compared to its new successor and other options ("The Not So Good").  Last, I'll address the question of whether this telephoto lens is still worth purchasing today, and some other options that exist that also compete with this lens and its performance in the same space and price category.

All in all, the SEL70200GM still has a unique place in the Sony system, and depending on your use case and budget, may still be an excellent option to consider.

If you like lens reviews and content around lenses feel free to like and subscribe, as I'll be covering a review on the new Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II at a future date.  Also, let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.

Sony 70-200 f/2.8 GM: https://amzn.to/3He70Ts

0:00 - Intro, what's important about the 70-200mm GM today
0:29 - Overall lens specs and features
2:17 - Versatility of the 70-200mm range
2:51 - "The Good" about the lens...
4:06 - "The Not So Good"
5:59 - Is this lens still worth it?
7:11 - Conclusion

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My Current Kit:
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Cameras & Lenses:
Sony a7S III: https://amzn.to/3Gd87kK
Sony a7 IV: https://amzn.to/3g3Ipoq
Sony a7 III: https://amzn.to/3GcEX5x
Sony 20mm f/1.8 G: https://amzn.to/3AE7pMt
Sony Zeiss Sonnar 55mm f/1.8: https://amzn.to/3r6Lo5M
Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM: https://amzn.to/3HfLIoy
Sony 70-200 f/2.8 GM II: https://amzn.to/3IPSge6

Audio:
Rode VideoMic NTG: https://amzn.to/3AJwTrW
Tascam DR-10L: https://amzn.to/3AIRA7l
Zoom H6: https://amzn.to/32HCgep

Lighting:
Aputure LS 60x: https://amzn.to/3Gc04og
Aputure Amaran P60c: https://amzn.to/3ob7qm6
Aputure Amaran AL-F7: https://amzn.to/3g3IzMy
Aputure MC: https://amzn.to/34l8DzS

Tripod/Monopod:
Manfrotto 290 Xtra 128RC: https://amzn.to/3o8bPpV
iFootage Cobra C180-II: https://amzn.to/3r8kfPY

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