There are multiple zoom lenses that offer photographers immense versatility. For many, a zoom offers the chance to carry one lens instead of two or three for their needs. An example is the iconic focal range, the 70-200mm, which has been a favorite of portraits and sports photographers. If you are someone who wants a lens that ranges between $1500 to $1700, then these three options will be of use. Have a look!
Sony 70-200mm f4 G OSS II
Sony has some exceptional lenses and the 70-200mm f4 is one such optic. The lens offers macro-level close focusing, which is between 0.26m to 0.42m. You also get 9 aperture blades, weather resistance, and a nice, small design. As for the autofocus, the lens was able to track a running dog with ease, especially when the Live View setting was turned off. Similarly, the photos are vivid and bright. The bokeh is also fantastic. In fact, as we said in our review, “The bokeh looks like a smooth and blurry world — kind of like what the world looks like underwater without goggles on.” The colors are also vibrant, punchy, and the images are pretty clinically clean. So, you do not have to worry about flare or ghosting. And you also get immense sharpness. Due to these results, the Sony 70-200mm has won our Editor’s Choice Award.
Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Canon has two different versions of this lens and the 70-200mm f4 is perhaps the most economical one. It has a 1.97ft minimum focusing distance, 4 UD lenses, and weighs 695g. It is also Canon’s shortest and lightest 70-200mm f4 yet, and is also weather sealed. The lens’ autofocus is quick, and it can help to lock on a subject in a dimly lit room. When we photographed an 8-year-old playing soccer, we were able to get him in focus too. Similarly, the lens boasts sharpness and pro-level quality. However, the bokeh is not the same bokeh as f2.8. As we explained in our review, “Despite not being Canon’s top-of-the-line telephoto, I had a hard time spotting imperfections in the photos. Color is good, and you can still get some bokeh thanks to the near-two foot minimum focus distance.”
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM (Yes, the Older One)
Sigma makes affordable lenses, and the 70-200mm f2.8 is one such lens. The lens is bigger than the other two lenses, features customized buttons, and it can be taken out during the rain. It is easy to work with, and the autofocus is accurate and fast. One can use the lens to photograph events and photojournalist things, and they will be happy. As for the images, we said, “If you’re a portrait photographer, you’re going to really like the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Sports. The results are very sharp and gorgeous.” In addition, you get nice bokeh and saturated colors. There is also fantastic sharpness, amongst other things.