I cannot help but think about some of my gear upgrades that I felt were transformative. For example, when owning m43 gear, I upgraded from the kit lens to the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro and then purchasing the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro. Buying these two lenses were transformative and really helped make my m43 kit better. With Fuji, I went from the 18-55 kit lens to the 16-55 f2.8 (referred by some as a bag of primes) and purchased the 50-140mm f2.8. With my Nikon D750, I got rid of the 24-120 kit lens (which I really disliked, maybe I had a bad copy?) and bought the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED. In each of these cases, the step up in quality was obvious.I recently bought the 24-70 f2.8 GM2 (selling the 24-105, a lens I really liked). Also purchased the 70-200 f2.8 GM2. I'm absolutely amazed by both lenses. In particular, the output when using the A7RIV has been particularly satisfying. I feel that I've taken a quantum leap forward in terms of tapping into the (further) potential of the 61MP sensor.I'll always like prime lenses but my core kit revolve around use of relatively fast (f2.8) zoom lenses. Amazing what Sony has accomplished with their recent offerings (which also include the 50mm f1.4, Sony PZ 16-35mm f/4 and the 20-70 f4) and, in general, the plethora of lens offerings from Sony and other manufacturers for Sony cameras. I've owned Canon, Panasonic, Olympus, Nikon and Fuji cameras. I'm very happy to have so many stellar choices with Sony...both camera bodies and lenses. I look forward to taking pics with the 24-70 f2.8 GM and 70-200 f2.8 GM2 as core components of my kit for hopefully many years to come.

Two more examples of the 70-200 in combination with the A7RIV. Great resolution, incredible cropping potential. I do no think I would have been as pleased with the results if was using the 24-105 or 100-400.Loggerhead shrike (nicknamed the butcherbird after its carnivorous tendencies)

Geekapoo wrote:I cannot help but think about some of my gear upgrades that I felt were transformative. For example, when owning m43 gear, I upgraded from the kit lens to the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro and then purchasing the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro. Buying these two lenses were transformative and really helped make my m43 kit better. With Fuji, I went from the 18-55 kit lens to the 16-55 f2.8 (referred by some as a bag of primes) and purchased the 50-140mm f2.8. With my Nikon D750, I got rid of the 24-120 kit lens (which I really disliked, maybe I had a bad copy?) and bought the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED. In each of these cases, the step up in quality was obvious.I recently bought the 24-70 f2.8 GM2 (selling the 24-105, a lens I really liked). Also purchased the 70-200 f2.8 GM2. I'm absolutely amazed by both lenses. In particular, the output when using the A7RIV has been particularly satisfying. I feel that I've taken a quantum leap forward in terms of tapping into the (further) potential of the 61MP sensor.I'll always like prime lenses but my core kit revolve around use of relatively fast (f2.8) zoom lenses. Amazing what Sony has accomplished with their recent offerings (which also include the 50mm f1.4, Sony PZ 16-35mm f/4 and the 20-70 f4) and, in general, the plethora of lens offerings from Sony and other manufacturers for Sony cameras. I've owned Canon, Panasonic, Olympus, Nikon and Fuji cameras. I'm very happy to have so many stellar choices with Sony...both camera bodies and lenses. I look forward to taking pics with the 24-70 f2.8 GM and 70-200 f2.8 GM2 as core components of my kit for hopefully many years to come.After using these two lenses, I sold my other lens. GM 2 lens is incredibly sharp, faster and lighter than the previous models.

I agree I've been really impressed with this lens combination. I think the 70-200 GM II is just that damn good I have to always take it with me. Incredible for landscapes and especially events. The colors, resolution and AF speed. There is just something about these GM II lenses as pricey as they may be, surely make me go out more often due to how light they are and the performance they bring.Man we sure are living in spoiled times

Sevan wrote:I agree I've been really impressed with this lens combination. I think the 70-200 GM II is just that damn good I have to always take it with me. Incredible for landscapes and especially events. The colors, resolution and AF speed. There is just something about these GM II lenses as pricey as they may be, surely make me go out more often due to how light they are and the performance they bring.Man we sure are living in spoiled timesYes, the 70-200 and 24-70 GM2 lenses are spectacular. I own the A9II and an A7RIV and both lenses REALLY shine when using the higher resolution sensor! Because of the quality of images when cropped, I can sometimes use the 70-200 instead of the 100-400, even without the 1.4xTE.For me, a quantum leap in the utility of my Sony gear. Yes, exciting times. Will be fascinating to see what the future brings as (no doubt) even higher resolution sensors are put into Sony FF cameras and additional next gen lenses are released (both zoom and prime) to take advantage of these amazing sensors.

70-200 GM II is truly spectacular. F2.8 sharpness in entire FL, TC compatibility and size/weight on spec (compared to mark I and other brands' counterparts). No competitors in E-mount. Sure Tamron FE 70-180/2.8 is a bit closer but not in the same league, no TC compatibility and no 'VC' (OSS) so I'd not even consider it.24-70/2.8 GM II is excellent but not outstanding. There are bunch of competitors from Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art to Tamron/Sigma 28-75/70 F2.8 for those carry other UWA lenses so not have to start from 24mm. I am one of them. Since I usually carry a UWA lens such as 16-35 and carry two bodies into trips, so I didn't buy any 24-70/2.8 zoom, size/weight is a big factor and I chose Tamron FE 28-75/2.8 (G1 and G2). In some reviews the Tamron G2 can rival Sony GM II in sharpness.However a brand new competitor in the town, Sony FE 20-70/4.0 G. I sold Tamron G2 and will get this new one, not only even lighter than Tamron G2 but much wider at 20mm. According to some reviews, its sharpness is very close to Sony GM II and even edges out at some FL and corners etc.https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1646&Camera=1538&Sample=0&FLI=5&API=0&LensComp=1611&CameraComp=1538&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=4&APIComp=2Sure, it's one-stop slower but no issue to me as I usually also carry much faster prime lenses, such as 14/1.8 GM or CV 21/1.4, CV 40/1.2 etc. F2.8 is not fast either in indoor low-light hand-held photos. Therefore I must carry 14 GM that is very useful in trips. I also usually shoot on tripod outdoor in low light. As a matter of fact, 14 GM and 20-70 G complement each other very well and I certainly can live in the gap 14-20mm.Soon my lens line-up in travels (such as in Africa trip in August) will be,14 GM, (optional) 16-35 PZ, 20-70 G, 70-200 GM II (/w 1.4x TC if necessary that replacing 100-400 GM for compressed landscape photos). Also carry CV 15 or CV 21 only for sunstars (far better than any Sony lenses) and ND filter (as 14 GM cannot accept regular screw-in ND filter and don't want to carry 100mm Nisi filter holder).Nevertheless they are two excellent lenses, congrats.

The 24-70GM II is outstanding.Unfortunately there are some sample variations. I tried 3..the third one is the sharpest lens i ever had..more than outstanding.In combination with the 70-200 GM II I am now more than happy. I sold Tamron 35-150, Sony 24-105 and Sigma 28-70.

PWPhotography wrote:70-200 GM II is truly spectacular. F2.8 sharpness in entire FL, TC compatibility and size/weight on spec (compared to mark I and other brands' counterparts). No competitors in E-mount. Sure Tamron FE 70-180/2.8 is a bit closer but not in the same league, no TC compatibility and no 'VC' (OSS) so I'd not even consider it.24-70/2.8 GM II is excellent but not outstanding. There are bunch of competitors from Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art to Tamron/Sigma 28-75/70 F2.8 for those carry other UWA lenses so not have to start from 24mm. I am one of them. Since I usually carry a UWA lens such as 16-35 and carry two bodies into trips, so I didn't buy any 24-70/2.8 zoom, size/weight is a big factor and I chose Tamron FE 28-75/2.8 (G1 and G2). In some reviews the Tamron G2 can rival Sony GM II in sharpness.However a brand new competitor in the town, Sony FE 20-70/4.0 G. I sold Tamron G2 and will get this new one, not only even lighter than Tamron G2 but much wider at 20mm. According to some reviews, its sharpness is very close to Sony GM II and even edges out at some FL and corners etc.https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1646&Camera=1538&Sample=0&FLI=5&API=0&LensComp=1611&CameraComp=1538&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=4&APIComp=2Sure, it's one-stop slower but no issue to me as I usually also carry much faster prime lenses, such as 14/1.8 GM or CV 21/1.4, CV 40/1.2 etc. F2.8 is not fast either in indoor low-light hand-held photos. Therefore I must carry 14 GM that is very useful in trips. I also usually shoot on tripod outdoor in low light. As a matter of fact, 14 GM and 20-70 G complement each other very well and I certainly can live in the gap 14-20mm.Soon my lens line-up in travels (such as in Africa trip in August) will be,14 GM, (optional) 16-35 PZ, 20-70 G, 70-200 GM II (/w 1.4x TC if necessary that replacing 100-400 GM for compressed landscape photos). Also carry CV 15 or CV 21 only for sunstars (far better than any Sony lenses) and ND filter (as 14 GM cannot accept regular screw-in ND filter and don't want to carry 100mm Nisi filter holder).Nevertheless they are two excellent lenses, congrats.Yea, Tamron really did a splendid job with some of their recent offerings. I've no doubt I would love the output using their 28-75, 70-180 or 35-150! The ability to use the Sony 70-200 in combination with the 1.4x TE was an important consideration for me..Sony, Tamron and Sigma have released some exceptional lenses of late. What blows me away is use of some of the newer lenses in combination with a camera that has a high MP sensors. For example, I don't have the level of excitement about the 70-200 with my A9II as I do with the A7RIV.

jst13 wrote:The 24-70GM II is outstanding.Unfortunately there are some sample variations. I tried 3..the third one is the sharpest lens i ever had..more than outstanding.Outstanding means it clearly beats other competitors in optical quality which not really. Here is a comparison test in Chinese (by a Taiwanese reviewer) against Tamron FE 28-75/2.8 G2. But you can either view via Chrome translator or still can clearly understand by just viewing.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns0-4n7xS8k&t=1sHaving said that, it's still the best 24/28-70/75/2.8 zoom overall. If starting from 24mm and f2.8 aperture are must, then clearly this is the best choice.In combination with the 70-200 GM II I am now more than happy. I sold Tamron 35-150, Sony 24-105 and Sigma 28-70.As said 70-200 GM II has no competitors with all factors - sharpness, OSS, TC combability , AF-C tracking speed (with 4 XD motors) and capable to shoot upto 30fps on A1. It is truly outstanding.

jst13 wrote:The 24-70GM II is outstanding.Unfortunately there are some sample variations. I tried 3..the third one is the sharpest lens i ever had..more than outstanding.In combination with the 70-200 GM II I am now more than happy. I sold Tamron 35-150, Sony 24-105 and Sigma 28-70.I had the exact same darn frustrating experience. My 3rd (last attempt) copy was absolutely excellent every FL and definitely better than my sigma 24-70 2.8 dg dn. I am combining it with some prime lenses as I love having a prime kit as well. And totally right, when you combine it with the 70-200 GM II it's literally like getting prime quality photos in a zoom that is truly remarkable to have these days. I remember hating zooms. Now zooms have improved so much it makes you think twiceWhat a time to be a photographer with such excellent tools at our disposal given you have the funds

PWPhotography wrote:jst13 wrote:The 24-70GM II is outstanding.Unfortunately there are some sample variations. I tried 3..the third one is the sharpest lens i ever had..more than outstanding.Outstanding means it clearly beats other competitors in optical quality which not really. Here is a comparison test in Chinese (by a Taiwanese reviewer) against Tamron FE 28-75/2.8 G2. But you can either view via Chrome translator or still can clearly understand by just viewing.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns0-4n7xS8k&t=1sHaving said that, it's still the best 24/28-70/75/2.8 zoom overall. If starting from 24mm and f2.8 aperture are must, then clearly this is the best choice.In combination with the 70-200 GM II I am now more than happy. I sold Tamron 35-150, Sony 24-105 and Sigma 28-70.As said 70-200 GM II has no competitors with all factors - sharpness, OSS, TC combability , AF-C tracking speed (with 4 XD motors) and capable to shoot upto 30fps on A1. It is truly outstanding.I wish all YT reviews were of the standard of the YT link you posted. I find most YT videos from american and Canadian reviewers to be lacking decisive substance and mostly a copy paste of each other.I apologize for offending american and Canadian forum members (99% of the forum).