Sony Alpha a7R II Review

Full Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera

14,220 reviews
sony.com
Sony
  • BIONZ X Image Processor
  • 3.0" 1,228.8k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
  • 0.5" 2.36M-Dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF
  • Durable Reduced-Vibration Shutter Design
  • 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
  • Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
  • ISO 102,400 and Silent Shutter Mode
  • 399 Phase-Detect AF Points & 5 fps Burst
  • 42MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
  • Internal UHD 4K Video & S-Log2 Gamma

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 14,220 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Sony Alpha a7R II. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.

Ratings Based on Features

These results are a summary of user reviews of the Sony Alpha a7R II. For example, 96% of 993 users who have commented on the Picture quality of the Sony Alpha a7R II have given positive feedback.

96%
Picture quality
96% of users are satisfied, based on 993 reviews
68%
Battery life
68% of users are satisfied, based on 546 reviews
92%
Quality of material
92% of users are satisfied, based on 546 reviews
94%
Auto focus
94% of users are satisfied, based on 546 reviews
94%
Image stabilization
94% of users are satisfied, based on 546 reviews
86%
Value for money
86% of users are satisfied, based on 447 reviews
Average Rating (14,220 ratings)
91%
B&H Photo Video ( 7,491 ratings )
90%
Amazon.com ( 546 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com.au ( 457 ratings )
92%
Amazon.sg ( 456 ratings )
92%
Amazon.ca ( 447 ratings )
90%
Amazon.co.uk ( 445 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.mx ( 445 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.tr ( 445 ratings )
92%
Amazon.es ( 445 ratings )
92%
Amazon.fr ( 445 ratings )
92%
Amazon.ae ( 445 ratings )
92%
Amazon.nl ( 445 ratings )
92%
Amazon.co.jp ( 445 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.br ( 444 ratings )
92%
Amazon.it ( 444 ratings )
92%
Adorama ( 375 ratings )
92%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 161 to 180 of 517 Reviews

5 stars for doing everything it claims to do

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Jul 31, 2018

Reviewed by Tony on B&H Photo Video

The A7R II does not have some of the features of the A7R III or A7 III, but that should NOT mean I should rate it lower. Fact is, the A7R II fulfills on all SONY's promises for this camera, does it very well, and for a very fair price. I'm a professional photographer and videographer, use mainly vintage primes, as well as Rokinon primes.... and this body produces great results as long as the person behind the camera (me) does his part. I have TWO of these, and TWO A7 II's, and would not hesitate to buy more in a few years when I need to update again. ... More

Fantastic Camera

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Mar 12, 2016

Reviewed by shooter50 on B&H Photo Video

The A7RII has completely won me over. Size and weight are great and the output is spectacular. After using this camera for a few weeks, I sold all my Nikon gear (D4, D810 and lenses) and bought a second A7RII as a backup. All of my work is on location portraiture and this camera is excellent for what I do. The menus take some getting used to, but alot customization is available. Battery life has been better than I expected after reading some reviews. I get approx 450 images per charge.

System and Format Switch - Not looking back

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

May 10, 2018

Reviewed by Photo Rob on B&H Photo Video

I am very happy with the quality of the images from this camera. I shoot stills and cannot comment on video modes. This camera was a switch from a Pentax K5 and a huge upgrade in resolution and dynamic range. I had been considering the Pentax K-1 but didn't think enough attention had been paid to improving the focus capabilities of that system. The autofocus features of the Sony A7RII are tremendous but a little daunting. I am adjusting to all of the various modes of the camera. The menus are a little confusing at first but there is a wealth of information available online. I do wish that adapter support for Pentax glass was as strong as it is for Canon (com'on metabones). I purchased this camera bundled with the 24-70mm f/4 lens. The lens is also outstanding. I have found it to be very sharp, color accurate, and smooth operating. This is an outstanding product and now available at a great price point. ... More

Image quality

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Nov 2, 2020

Reviewed by John on B&H Photo Video

I just stepped up from my old Sony Alpha 900 to this Sony A7r II. The difference was bigger than I expected. What I appreciate most about this camera is the greater pixel count, the wide dynamic range, and the rich colors. I'm using my old a-mount lenses with an adapter, so I cannot comment on the auto focus speed. But I do appreciate the focus peaking and focus-assist zoom when I manually focus. The EVF pretty much eliminates over or under-exposed images, but the image appears unnatural, and I find it a little harder to compose with than the natural view finder of my A900. I miss being able to just bring the camera to my eye to frame a shot without having to turn it on and then worry about battery life. But I will get used to that. I appreciate the fact that Sony now ships this camera with a battery charger along with two batteries. That's all I need for the kind of shooting I do. Very happy with it. ... More

More than expected

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Dec 12, 2015

Reviewed by Lance on B&H Photo Video

I'm seriously blown away by the resolution. Almost doubling the resolution of my 5d3, when you hit focus the detail is insane when magnified. I do a little pet photography on the side, and was concerned about speed/autofocus. Needless to say autofocus is so good, it makes up for the lack of FPS. I personally don't find Sony menus that bad either. I can navigate and set things up faster than I can on Nikons that I've played with. I haven't tested 4K yet, but overall I'm very impressed with this little beast.

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Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only)
$1198
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Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens and Accessories Kit
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Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens and Accessories Kit
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with Adobe Creative Cloud 12-Month Subscription Kit
$1357.94
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Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with Adobe Creative Cloud 12-Month Subscription Kit
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens Professional Kit
$1949.95
B&H Photo Video
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens Professional Kit
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens Kit
$1396
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Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens Kit
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens and Adobe CC Photo Plan Kit
$1755.94
B&H Photo Video
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens and Adobe CC Photo Plan Kit
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens Kit
$1896
B&H Photo Video
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens Kit
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens Professional Kit
$3254.95
B&H Photo Video
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens Professional Kit
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens and Grip Extension Kit
$1460
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Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens and Grip Extension Kit
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens Kit
$3196
B&H Photo Video
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens Kit
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with Grip Extension Kit
$1426
B&H Photo Video
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with Grip Extension Kit
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens and Adobe CC Photo Plan Kit
$1955.94
B&H Photo Video
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens and Adobe CC Photo Plan Kit
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens Kit
$1996
B&H Photo Video
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens Kit
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens and Adobe CC Photo Plan Kit
$3645.94
B&H Photo Video
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens and Adobe CC Photo Plan Kit
Sony a7R II Alpha Full Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
$1198
Adorama
Sony a7R II Alpha Full Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera Body

So far, it's amazing.

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Mar 12, 2016

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

BIG improvement over A7r. More functionality with canon lenses. Especially amazing with primes. Speedier autofocus. Haven't played with video yet so not sure yet on that, I'm hearing it runs hot. Small, light, beautiful, sharp, awesome color and dynamic range. I've only used it on a couple jobs so far but I'm in love. Worth the investment.

Best camera I have ever owned

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Dec 1, 2016

Reviewed by Calvin on B&H Photo Video

The Sony a7r2 is amazing - by far the best camera I have owned in sixty years of photography

The photographers dream camera

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens Professional Kit

Jul 31, 2021

Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video

Ok its light and that is really great because we travel a lot but it offers so many features that enhance my ability to get the shot I want that I cannot go back to my Canon 4D Mk iii - which was a great camera not that long ago. Top feature in my mind - seeing the histogram based on my current setting instantly. Second best is the incredibly simple interface to easily and quickly change shutter speed, aperture and ISO. Third favorite feature is the instant change from viewfinder to eye piece shooting and back. Fourth favorite feature - the customizable fn button/screen that lets me access every Menu option I use frequently without remembering where it is the Menu structure. All of these features would of course be meaningless if the quality of the pictures was not top drawer - and they are. Picture quality is outstanding with great color depth. If I could change one thing it would be battery capacity. I would gladly accept the added weight to have a battery with twice the capacity. Never the less - it is such a great camera that I bought a second body. If there is one flaw, its battery life. ... More

Such a joy to use

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens Kit

Oct 1, 2021

Reviewed by Paul on B&H Photo Video

It feels good in the hands, takes beautifully detailed photos with excellent colour and contrast. I prefer Sony's rendition to Canon's. I don't do video, so I don't rate that. Despite what so many complain about, I am doing well with batteries. I can get through a whole day of pretty intense shooting, ending up with ~500 photos. I find the viewfinder good and the rear display is as well. After an investment in time in setting up the camera, I rarely need the menus. I shoot aperture priority almost all the time. It's odd that Sony felt that they needed to lock the program dial, of all things. Higher ISO photos are handled really well too. I read it has a shutter count expectation of 500,000 too. Cool. I've worn out 2 lesser cameras. I can't think of anything I'd really need to improve here (the new bigger battery is nice). This is a real gem of a camera and via Sony's trail-edge pricing, it was very affordable (less than a a6600)! I don't know how long these will be available. This is more camera (for photographers) than most will ever need. Get out and shoot! ... More

Great but overheat & battery issues

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Oct 16, 2015

Reviewed by mezastel on B&H Photo Video

I use this camera for general-purposed photography (for which it is excellent) as well as 4K video recording. With photography, all is good. With video, well, there are issues. The main issue is that for 4K video, the camera is prone to overheat and just die. I doubt SONY will fix it. It's OK doing a 30 min (thanks for that limit, Europe! not.) but if you run it again, it might only do 15min later on. Battery lasts for about 30min 4K video or about 1.5-2hrs 1080p@60fps. This camera ships with 2 batteries because SONY realizes that battery life is poor. ... More

Outstanding detail in a small and solid package

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Sep 3, 2016

Reviewed by Illiad on B&H Photo Video

I have been shooting Sony APS-C starting with the a300, a700, a580, NEX-5N, a77, a6000, a77ii, and now the a6300. The a7rii is my first FF camera and while there are many similarities between FF and APS-C the differences are profound. I've played around with the a7rii while reading over the manual and getting comfortable with it but today I got to take it to an early AM car show with the Sony Carl Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 and the results were astounding. Very pleased and looking to upcoming photo opps.

Perfect Upgrade From a6000

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Aug 3, 2020

Reviewed by Ava Nicole on B&H Photo Video

I was looking at finally upgrading my a6000 and was looking at the other aps c sonys but wasn't happy with the lens selection compared to full frame. The a6400 + the 16-55 f/2.8 was similarly priced to the a7rii and the tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and there are a lot more e mount options for full frame so I pulled the trigger on this. I was hesitant because it was old and didn't have the improved autofocus but I'm glad I saved my money for another lens instead of an a7iii or a7riii. I like to print my work and the higher MP count is amazing for that and cropping vs the 24 MP I was used to. Not to mention the additional controls compared to the crop sensor bodies are so nice. ... More

Mirrorless beauty

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Dec 17, 2016

Reviewed by Rio on B&H Photo Video

This camera is amazing. My only concern is that the sensor is very powerful so when the ISO is set to automatic it will often go a little to high. There is a function to limit the range for auto ISO, but it will typically push it to the higher end if there is even a bit of darkness. I have tried this with different lenses so it seems to be a camera thing. 4K video is excellent.

A7RII

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Dec 30, 2018

Reviewed by Christopher on B&H Photo Video

I love this camera. The sensor, IBIS, Eye AF, full frame 4k video, and size make this camera special. I can make it a big heavy beast with grip and heavy lenses or make it small and discrete depending on the situation. I have put over 20k images and video with no issues in all types of weather conditions. The minor gripes I have are the slow buffer and poor battery life which become apparent when you shoot fast action stuff or need to work quickly.

Great less expensive option

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Jul 5, 2020

Reviewed by Adam on B&H Photo Video

This is my first digital replaceable lense camera. It is replacing my 20 yo 35mm SLR. I chose this one based on price and features and comparisons to other similar and newer cameras. So far I am impressed with the photo quality and can't wait to get more practice to make use of all the features offered. I would recommend this camera if you already have some knowledge of photography, or don't mind a steep learning curve. Of course you can always just put it on AUTO and use it like a point and click until you learn the rest. I bought the body only and seperately purchased a 24-240 lense for hiking with. That way I don't need to change lenses on trail with less than ideal conditions including dust and rain. ... More

Battery drains so fast - Lens auto focus does not work

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Oct 4, 2017

Reviewed by Brandon on B&H Photo Video

I have tried this as my first mirrorless camera to compare if it is better than all DSLRs I owned. 4K video is my option. I'm very frustrated with this high-end technique camera. The battery drain extremely fast however I turned the screen view off and used the view finder only. After updating the current firmware provided by Sony website, the auto focus function stopped working. Resetting to manufacturer's settings it won't work neither. It is really not safe for my wedding's jobs where I need the cameras without any malfunctions. I don't want to keep it with more possible troubles in the future. With the high price of it, every functions of it should be perfect but nothing. I highly recommended not buying it. ... More

Very pleased with the Sony A7RII

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Sep 26, 2017

Reviewed by William on B&H Photo Video

Great image quality from this camera and nice receiving the WD PassPort included with the camera. Thank you B&H

Blown away

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Nov 29, 2015

Reviewed by Photo gatherer on B&H Photo Video

Negative reviews on here are so unwarranted. The menu system only took me a day to figure out. Between the customizable and fn buttons, you can get to what you want quickly and easily. Picture quality is insane with my canon glass. The focus peaking works amazingly for manual focus. When used with native glass the amount of focusing modes astounds me. Zeiss glass, can't go wrong. I picked up my Canon 7D after a month of using this and it felt ridiculously huge. I can use my Canon flash on it (no HSS). If you want something smaller you cant go wrong. ... More

My best camera

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Jul 24, 2017

Reviewed by efnaka on B&H Photo Video

Being a Canon owner (camera and lenses), I must say that the A7rii is an amazing camera. I bought the Sony 28mm f/2.0. This is a perfect combo for my current street photography and travel photography. The size and weight for this combo are just perfect for me. Low light performance is great. Face detection/tracking is great. Eye tracking works very fine. Image quality is incredible.

Im in love...

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit Review

Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit

Dec 3, 2016

Reviewed by Cory on B&H Photo Video

I am an amateur photographer that has always loved the art of it. I shoot pretty much anything that i get the opportunity to try. This camera looks and feels like an older model and that is what drew me to it at first glance. After doing some research and quite a bit of financial planning i made the switch. I have always been a Canon user and am glad that this frame when paired with a good adapter can use canon ef lenses as native. The only gripe i have is the battery life is super short, but there are two batteries included to reach what other frames can get to. I am glad to say that i have found my camera at last. ... More

Showing 161 to 180 of 517 Reviews