Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: The Ultimate Standard Zoom Lens for Professionals
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens is the successor to the highly acclaimed 24-70mm f/2.8 GM, and it brings significant improvements in almost every aspect. This lens is designed for professional photographers and videographers who demand the highest image quality, fast autofocus, and robust build quality. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the features, performance, and overall value of the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, exploring why it stands out as a top-tier standard zoom lens.
Key Features of the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is packed with advanced features that make it a standout performer. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Exceptional Image Quality: The lens incorporates advanced optical elements, including two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, two Super ED elements, three aspherical elements, and two high-precision XA (Extreme Aspherical) elements. These elements work together to minimize aberrations, distortion, and color fringing, resulting in incredibly sharp and clear images across the entire zoom range.
- Fast and Accurate Autofocus: Equipped with four XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear Motors, the 24-70mm GM II delivers exceptionally fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance. This is crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects in both photo and video modes.
- Lightweight and Compact Design: Compared to its predecessor, the GM II is significantly lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry and use for extended periods. This is a major advantage for photographers who often work on location or travel frequently.
- Advanced Coating Technology: The lens features Sony’s Nano AR Coating II, which effectively reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring high contrast and clarity even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Professional-Grade Build Quality: The 24-70mm GM II is built to withstand the rigors of professional use. It features a dust- and moisture-resistant design, making it suitable for shooting in various environments.
- Versatile Zoom Range: The 24-70mm focal length is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of photographic applications, including portraits, landscapes, street photography, and events.
- Constant f/2.8 Aperture: The constant f/2.8 aperture allows for consistent exposure and shallow depth of field throughout the zoom range, making it ideal for creating beautiful bokeh and capturing images in low light.
Image Quality and Performance
One of the most significant improvements in the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is its exceptional image quality. The advanced optical design ensures that images are incredibly sharp and detailed, even at the widest aperture of f/2.8. The lens effectively controls aberrations and distortion, resulting in clean and accurate images.
Sharpness
The sharpness of the 24-70mm GM II is truly impressive. At 24mm, the lens delivers excellent sharpness in the center of the frame, with only a slight drop-off towards the edges. As you zoom in, the sharpness remains consistently high, with the lens performing exceptionally well at 50mm and 70mm. Even at f/2.8, the images are remarkably sharp, making it possible to capture stunning details in your subjects.
Aberrations and Distortion
The advanced optical design of the 24-70mm GM II effectively minimizes aberrations and distortion. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, with minimal color fringing visible even in high-contrast areas. Distortion is also kept to a minimum, with only slight barrel distortion at 24mm and slight pincushion distortion at 70mm. These distortions are easily corrected in post-processing, but the fact that they are so minimal to begin with is a testament to the lens’s excellent optical design.
Bokeh
The 24-70mm GM II is capable of producing beautiful bokeh, thanks to its constant f/2.8 aperture and advanced optical design. The bokeh is smooth and creamy, with pleasing out-of-focus areas that help to isolate your subjects and create a sense of depth. The lens also features an 11-blade circular aperture, which contributes to the smooth and rounded bokeh.
Vignetting
Vignetting is present at the widest aperture of f/2.8, particularly at the wider end of the zoom range. However, it is easily corrected in post-processing, and it is not overly distracting in most situations. As you stop down the aperture, the vignetting gradually decreases, and it is virtually non-existent at f/5.6 and smaller apertures.
Autofocus Performance
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II features a state-of-the-art autofocus system that delivers exceptionally fast, precise, and quiet performance. The lens is equipped with four XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear Motors, which provide ample power to move the focusing elements quickly and accurately. This makes the lens ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects in both photo and video modes.
Speed and Accuracy
The autofocus speed of the 24-70mm GM II is truly impressive. The lens locks onto subjects almost instantaneously, even in challenging lighting conditions. The autofocus accuracy is also excellent, with the lens consistently delivering sharp and well-focused images. This is crucial for professional photographers who need to capture critical moments with confidence.
Tracking Performance
The 24-70mm GM II excels at tracking moving subjects. The autofocus system is able to keep up with fast-moving subjects, even when they are moving erratically. This makes the lens ideal for shooting sports, wildlife, and other action-oriented subjects. The lens also works seamlessly with Sony’s advanced autofocus features, such as Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, to deliver even more accurate and reliable autofocus performance.
Video Performance
The autofocus performance of the 24-70mm GM II is also excellent for video. The lens delivers smooth and precise autofocus transitions, making it ideal for capturing professional-quality video footage. The lens also features minimal focus breathing, which is important for maintaining a consistent field of view when adjusting the focus during video recording.
Build Quality and Handling
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is built to withstand the rigors of professional use. The lens features a robust and durable construction, with a dust- and moisture-resistant design that protects it from the elements. The lens also feels comfortable and well-balanced in the hand, making it a pleasure to use for extended periods.
Design and Ergonomics
The 24-70mm GM II features a sleek and modern design that is consistent with Sony’s other G Master lenses. The lens has a smooth and tactile zoom ring, as well as a dedicated focus ring that allows for precise manual focusing. The lens also features a customizable focus hold button, which can be assigned to various functions, such as Eye AF or focus magnification.
Size and Weight
Compared to its predecessor, the 24-70mm GM II is significantly lighter and more compact. This makes it easier to carry and use for extended periods, which is a major advantage for photographers who often work on location or travel frequently. The reduced weight and size also make the lens a better match for Sony’s smaller and lighter camera bodies.
Weather Sealing
The 24-70mm GM II features a dust- and moisture-resistant design that protects it from the elements. This makes the lens suitable for shooting in various environments, including rain, snow, and dusty conditions. However, it is important to note that the lens is not fully waterproof, so it should not be submerged in water.
Alternatives to the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
While the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is an excellent lens, there are several alternatives to consider, depending on your budget and specific needs. Here are a few of the most popular options:
- Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM: The original 24-70mm f/2.8 GM is still a very capable lens, and it is available at a lower price point than the GM II. While it does not offer the same level of performance as the GM II, it is still a great option for photographers who are on a budget.
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2: The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is a popular third-party option that offers excellent image quality and fast autofocus at a more affordable price. While it does not have the same level of build quality as the Sony lenses, it is still a great value for the money.
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art: The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is another excellent third-party option that offers comparable performance to the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II at a lower price. The Sigma lens is known for its exceptional sharpness and robust build quality.
Pros and Cons
Here is a summary of the pros and cons of the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II:
Pros:
- Exceptional image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight and compact design
- Advanced coating technology
- Professional-grade build quality
- Versatile zoom range
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
Cons:
- High price
- Vignetting at f/2.8
Conclusion
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is an outstanding standard zoom lens that delivers exceptional image quality, fast autofocus, and robust build quality. While it is a premium lens with a high price tag, it is well worth the investment for professional photographers and videographers who demand the best possible performance. The lens is incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide range of photographic applications, making it an essential tool for any serious photographer.
If you are looking for the ultimate standard zoom lens for your Sony E-mount camera, the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is the clear choice. Its exceptional performance and advanced features make it a standout performer in its class, and it is sure to deliver stunning results for years to come.
