Sony A9 II Discontinued (December 2025) Guide

The Sony Alpha 9 II has officially been discontinued as of July 2025, marking the end of an era for this professional sports photography powerhouse. As a 24.2-megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera that served countless professionals since its October 2019 release, the A9 II’s discontinuation follows the launch of its successor, the A9 III, which introduced revolutionary global shutter technology to the market.

Yes, the Sony A9 II has been officially discontinued in Japan as of July 2025, with limited stock still available through select retailers in other regions. This news comes directly from Sony Japan’s official website, where the camera has been delisted, confirmed first by Japanese photography blog Asobinet and quickly reported by major photography outlets worldwide.

For professional photographers who’ve relied on the A9 II’s impressive 20fps continuous shooting and advanced autofocus system, this discontinuation raises important questions about support, availability, and whether now is the time to upgrade to the newer A9 III or grab remaining A9 II stock while you can. Having tested both cameras extensively in various professional scenarios, I can tell you this decision deserves careful consideration based on your specific needs and budget.

Official Discontinuation Confirmation (2025)

The confirmation of Sony A9 II’s discontinuation came through multiple reliable sources in early July 2025. Japanese photography blog Asobinet first reported that Sony Japan had officially marked the camera as discontinued on their website. This was quickly verified by major photography news outlets, with PetaPixel confirming that Sony no longer lists the A9 II on its Japanese website, suggesting the professional camera would be phased out soon.

I’ve been tracking this development closely since the A9 III’s launch in November 2023. It’s a standard industry practice for manufacturers to phase out older models when new technology is introduced, but the timeline here is particularly telling. The A9 II enjoyed nearly five years in the market, a solid run for a professional-grade camera, but the technological leap offered by the A9 III’s global shutter appears to have accelerated this transition.

Sony’s official communications about the discontinuation have been typically measured, but the evidence is clear. The camera’s removal from Sony’s direct sales channels in Japan, combined with major retailers like B&H Photo Video and Adorama listing it as “out of stock” for direct manufacturer shipments, tells the story. In my experience covering camera industry transitions, this is Sony’s standard procedure for winding down production while honoring existing commitments to retailers and service centers.

Where Can You Still Buy the Sony A9 II?

Despite the discontinuation in Japan, the Sony A9 II remains available in limited quantities through select retailers in other regions. This creates a unique opportunity for professional photographers looking to acquire a proven workhorse at potentially reduced prices, but time is clearly running out.

Region	Status	Availability	Key Retailers
Japan	Officially Discontinued	No stock	Sony Japan (delisted)
United States	Out of Stock (Direct)	Limited retailer stock	B&H, Adorama
United Kingdom	Still Available	Limited stock	UK retailers (2-day delivery)
Canada	Limited Availability	Few units remaining	Canadian specialty stores

Based on my monitoring of inventory levels across major retailers, the United States market still has some units available through B&H Photo Video and Adorama, though these are selling quickly. The UK market appears to have slightly better availability, with some retailers still offering 2-day delivery options. However, I expect this inventory to deplete within the next 3-6 months based on typical sell-through rates for discontinued professional cameras.

If you’re considering purchasing an A9 II, I’d recommend acting quickly. In my 15 years covering the photography industry, I’ve seen too many photographers miss opportunities to purchase proven professional equipment at discounted prices during these transition periods. The current savings of approximately $1,500 compared to the A9 III represents significant value, especially for photographers who may not need the global shutter technology.

A9 II vs A9 III: Should You Upgrade or Save?

The decision between purchasing remaining A9 II stock or investing in the newer A9 III largely comes down to your specific photography needs and budget. Having spent significant time with both cameras in various professional scenarios, I can provide some clear guidance based on real-world performance.

Feature	Sony A9 II	Sony A9 III	Impact on Photography
Price	$4,498 (original)	$5,998	$1,500 savings with A9 II
Shutter Technology	Mechanical/Electronic	Global Shutter	No distortion with A9 III
Continuous Shooting	20fps	120fps	A9 III for extreme sports
Autofocus	693 points	759 points	Similar real-world performance
Build Quality	Professional magnesium	Professional magnesium	Equivalent durability

For sports photographers and photojournalists, the A9 II remains more than capable. Its 20fps continuous shooting rate and advanced autofocus tracking system still outperform most competitors on the market. I’ve used the A9 II for everything from professional sports events to wildlife photography, and its performance remains exceptional for 95% of professional scenarios.

The A9 III’s global shutter technology is truly revolutionary, eliminating rolling shutter distortion entirely – a game-changer for photographers working with fast-moving subjects or electronic flash at high shutter speeds. However, unless you’re specifically shooting scenarios where this limitation becomes apparent, the A9 II’s performance is virtually indistinguishable in practical use.

What Discontinuation Means for Professionals?

For current A9 II owners, the discontinuation news isn’t as alarming as it might seem. Sony has consistently supported professional cameras for 5-7 years after discontinuation, ensuring service, parts, and firmware updates remain available. Based on Sony’s track record with previous professional models like the original A9 and A7 series cameras, I expect full support to continue through at least 2029-2030.

The used market for A9 II bodies will likely soften initially as remaining new stock depletes, then stabilize as photographers recognize the camera’s enduring value proposition. In my experience, discontinued professional cameras that offer excellent performance often find a second life as backup bodies or primary tools for budget-conscious professionals and serious enthusiasts.

Sports photographers and photojournalists who’ve invested in the Sony ecosystem shouldn’t worry about lens compatibility or future upgrade paths. The A9 II uses Sony’s E-mount system, which continues to be actively developed with new lenses regularly released. Your investment in quality glass will serve you well regardless of whether you eventually upgrade to an A9 III or future models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on the A9 II’s Legacy

The Sony A9 II’s discontinuation marks a significant moment in professional photography. This camera pushed the boundaries of what mirrorless systems could achieve for sports and action photography, proving that mirrorless could truly compete with and surpass traditional DSLRs in professional applications. I’ve personally witnessed countless professionals switch to Sony systems because of cameras like the A9 II.

For photographers considering purchasing remaining A9 II stock, my recommendation is clear: if you don’t need the specific advantages of the A9 III’s global shutter, the A9 II represents outstanding value. The $1,500 savings could be better invested in quality lenses, which have a much longer lifespan and greater impact on your final images than incremental camera body improvements.

As the professional photography market continues to evolve, the A9 II will be remembered as a pivotal camera that helped establish mirrorless as the dominant technology for professional sports and action photography. Its discontinuation isn’t an ending but rather a transition point, opening opportunities for more photographers to access professional-grade equipment at more accessible prices.