How does the Sony 70-200mm SSM f/2.8 compare to the more popular Canon and Nikon versions?

I know that Canon and Nikon are the more preferred way to go but I own a Sony Alpha and was wondering how their version of this lens measures up to the Canon EF 70-200 IS? Both have great reviews on Amazon but I was wondering if anyone on here has experience with either.

If you own a Sony then there's no real point in comparing since you wouldn't be able to use Canon and Nikon lenses on your alpha camera anyway.

It is also for this reason that comparisons wouldn't be particularly fair. Despite Nikon using the same sensors their image processors are different, so you don't get a totally comparable result.

On the whole, I say that Canon and Nikon will yeild better performance because of in-lens stabilisation, however this does reflect in higher prices of lenses. From the results I've seen, Canon's 70-200mm f2.8 L USM IS II is king of the hill at the moment, but that is only because it's the newest design, I would expect that when a newer lens comes out that it is likely to trump Canon's current effort, however that's called progression.

Sony purchased Minolta several years ago. This company made some of the great cameras of their day. Most of the Sony lenses are based on those designs and as such are generally outstanding. The SSM motor gives you super fast auto focus. It's heavy but it is built tough. I can assure you that you are going to be very happy with the lens.

There's no real point in comparing the 3 lenses since you HAVE to use the Sony lens on your Sony body.

Check out DPreview for reviews on lenses and bodies.

Do you already have a Sony camera, or are you in the market for all three brands mentioned?

www.slrgear.com does some great lens comparisons. Their lab tests are very thorough and you can compare all three 70-200f2.8 lenses for their sharpness, CA, focusing speed, and vignetting characteristics. They post full size test images you can inspect for yourself as well.

The first generation Sony 70-200mm f2.8 compares almost equally in image quality, handling, and price to the first generation Canon and Nikon 70-200 f2.8 lenses. Nikon and Canon have made a second generation line of this focal length, and they blow away Sony's version. But to be fair, they are also more expensive.

Sony's 70-200 f2.8 appears to be a little softer at f2.8 and a little more CA than the Nikon and Canon first generation versions. But not by much…

It appears to be a very well built lens.

If you're a real stickler for image quality, it's not up to par with the second generation lenses Nikon and Canon have made. Hopefully Sony will follow suite. What choice do you have anyway, if you already have a Sony camera?