Building on the success of its predecessor, the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Lens from Sony is an evolved and improved telephoto zoom lens for professionals. It is lighter than its predecessor but boasts performance improvements in every area of operation. This addition to the G Master series delivers increase sharpness with a minimum of aberrations with an optical design that includes an XA element, an aspherical element, two extra-low dispersion aspherical elements, two extra-low dispersion elements, and two Super ED elements. This optical design aslo features Sony's latest generation Nano AR II Coating that reduces reflections, flare, and ghosting for improved contrast and color.

Four XL Linear motors make autofocus fast, precise, and highly responsive for stationary subjects and for tracking, with two motors driving each of the internal focusing groups. The floating focus design divides the elements into two independently controlled groups for increased responsiveness, for both still and video applications, with speeds up to four times faster than its previous version design. The FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens is the first large-aperture tele-zoom lens with four linear AF actuators, which work to reduce focus breathing and focus shift while zooming. Direct manual focus is available full-time, and linear response manual focus function changes the manual focus response based on the focus ring rotations speed.

Optimized for speed, this lens maintains a fast and constant f/2.8 aperture through the zoom range for easy use in low-light conditions, as well as for greater control over shallow depth of field. Smooth bokeh is achieved by the eleven-blade circular diaphragm for smooth out-of-focus areas. The newly developed aperture drive unit provides fast yet quiet operation.

The white lens barrel features three programmable focus control buttons, an AF/MF switch, a focus range limiter switch, and Optical Steady Shot control switches. Image stabilization combats camera shake, especially at longer focal lengths, and the added Mode 3 function increases framing stability when shooting moving subjects.

For durability and working in harsh environments, the lens is dust and moisture resistant, and the front element features a fluorine coating to resist water and oil. The lens features a removable rotating tripod collar and a lens hood that provides access to rotate a separately available accessory polarizing filter.