Sony's A-mount 70-200mm f/2.8 G — the Minolta-lineage pro telephoto zoom.
The Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G SSM launched in 2006 as the flagship telephoto zoom of the new Alpha A-mount system, carrying over the optical design Minolta finished for its AF 70-200mm G. The SAL70200G served Alpha DSLR shooters until the SSM II revision of 2013.
It packs 19 elements in 16 groups with four ED glasses, focuses to 1.2 metres, and drives autofocus with a ring-type Super Sonic wave Motor plus focus-hold buttons and a range limiter. The white barrel takes 77mm filters, ships with a rotating tripod collar and hood, and weighs about 1340g. There is no optical stabiliser, since Alpha bodies stabilise at the sensor.
Against the SSM II it gives up faster AF tracking, Nano AR coating and improved weather sealing but shares the same optical formula, so image quality is close for far less money. For A-mount bodies from the A700 to the A99 II it remains the standard fast telephoto choice.
Check the SSM motor focuses silently without hunting, as failed motors are uneconomic to repair, and that the tripod collar clamps tight. Zoom and focus rings should turn smoothly with no grinding. Hood, caps and case matter on the used price, and beware Mark II barrels listed without the II.