Birds 197 mm instead of 200 mm (FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II)

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Hi, All.

I just got my FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, and easily half of the shots I intend to take at 200 mm appear to be at 197 mm in the metadata (and in the image review in the camera)

Should I go back and exchange it for another lens?
Metadata
ILCE-7M4 Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II (SEL70200GM2) ISO 100 1/100 s f/3.2 197 mm
A7403036.jpg
  • ILCE-7M4
  • Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II (SEL70200GM2)
  • 197.0 mm
  • ƒ/3.2
  • 1/100 sec
  • ISO 100
 
I see that from time to time with my 200-600. It doesn't affect the image quality, and the difference is negligible, so I just let it go.
 
I should have asked, "Is this a defective lens?"
 
I should have asked, "Is this a defective lens?"
What do your shots tell you?

Electronics have a tendency to do odd things. I'm guessing this has more to do with communication between the lens and camera than anything. Have you confirmed it's the lens and not the camera? If it bugs you, have it looked at.

Maybe send a complaint to Sony. If there are enough they may take a look at firmware for one or the other. It sounds like it's not every time, so maybe it has to do with you (and me) turning the zoom ring? Try shooting a whole slew of shots and make sure the ring is bottomed out to infinity, then look at the results. Are there still some that are showing a slightly shorter FL? If so, then at least you know it's something in the gear.

That's all I have. It really boils down to performance. Unless I see a problem with the performance, it doesn't really matter to me.
 
Hi, All.

I just got my FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, and easily half of the shots I intend to take at 200 mm appear to be at 197 mm in the metadata (and in the image review in the camera)

Should I go back and exchange it for another lens?
Metadata
ILCE-7M4 Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II (SEL70200GM2) ISO 100 1/100 s f/3.2 197 mmView attachment 30708
Can't say I've ever noticed that. But on some occassions I haven't ensured that the lens is fully zoomed out i.e., there is still a little way to go on the zoom ring. In my case, that has always been my fault i.e., user error. I've never had it zoomed all the way out and got something less than 200 mm.
 
3mm is nothing. I wouldn't worry about it. Reportedly the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 (at least the first version) only goes to around 260 or 270mm instead of 300mm. Now that IS a big difference, but 197 instead of 200? Don't give it another thought.
 
Thanks to all for your thoughts and suggestions.

I'll be more conscientious about making sure the zoom ring is fully turned to the 200 end before pressing the shutter button and see if that helps.
 
Something like that would drive me crazy. Honestly, if it doesn't magically fix itself in the next shoot with you really concentrating on pegging out the zoom, I'd take it back. Before the nicknames start.
 
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