Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: A Comprehensive Review
The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is the second iteration of Sony’s acclaimed standard zoom lens, designed for their full-frame E-mount cameras. This lens aims to improve upon its predecessor, offering enhanced image quality, improved autofocus performance, and a more compact and lightweight design. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the key features, performance metrics, and overall value proposition of the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II.
Overview of the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
Sony’s G Master (GM) series represents the pinnacle of their lens technology, and the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is no exception. This lens is engineered to deliver exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and reliable performance for both professional photographers and serious enthusiasts. It covers a versatile focal length range, making it suitable for a wide array of photographic genres, including portraiture, landscape, street photography, and event coverage.
Key Features and Specifications
- Focal Length: 24-70mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Lens Construction: 20 elements in 15 groups
- Aperture Blades: 11 (circular)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.21m (wide) / 0.30m (tele)
- Maximum Magnification Ratio: 0.32x
- Filter Thread Diameter: 82mm
- Dimensions: 87.8mm x 119.9mm
- Weight: 695g
Build Quality and Design
The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II boasts a robust and weather-sealed construction, making it suitable for use in challenging environmental conditions. The lens barrel is made from high-quality materials, providing a solid and durable feel. The zoom and focus rings are smooth and precise, offering excellent tactile feedback. Sony has also incorporated a zoom smoothness adjustment switch, allowing users to customize the zoom ring tension to their preference. The inclusion of a focus hold button and an aperture ring with a de-click switch further enhances the lens’s usability.
Image Quality Performance
One of the primary reasons to invest in a G Master lens is its exceptional image quality. The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II delivers outstanding sharpness across the entire frame, even at its widest aperture of f/2.8. Chromatic aberration is well controlled, and distortion is minimal, thanks to Sony’s advanced optical design and in-camera correction profiles. The lens also produces beautiful bokeh, with smooth and creamy out-of-focus areas that enhance the subject isolation.
The lens’s optical formula consists of 20 elements in 15 groups, including two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, two Super ED elements, and three aspherical elements. This sophisticated design effectively minimizes aberrations and ensures high-resolution imaging from corner to corner. The Nano AR Coating II reduces flare and ghosting, contributing to clear and contrast-rich images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Autofocus Performance
The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II features four XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear Motors, which provide fast, accurate, and silent autofocus performance. This advanced autofocus system is capable of keeping up with fast-moving subjects, making it ideal for action photography and videography. The lens also supports Sony’s Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF features, ensuring that subjects remain in sharp focus, even when they are moving erratically.
Comparison with the Previous Generation
Compared to its predecessor, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II offers several significant improvements. It is approximately 22% lighter and 18% smaller, making it more comfortable to carry and use for extended periods. The autofocus performance is noticeably faster and more responsive, thanks to the new XD Linear Motors. The image quality is also improved, with enhanced sharpness and reduced distortion. Additionally, the new model includes features such as the zoom smoothness adjustment switch and the aperture ring with a de-click switch, which were not present in the original version.
The Competition
While the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a top-tier lens, it’s essential to consider alternatives. Tamron and Sigma offer 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses for Sony E-mount, often at a lower price point. These lenses can provide excellent image quality and performance, but may not match the build quality or autofocus speed of the Sony GM lens. The choice depends on individual priorities and budget considerations.
Real-World Applications
The versatility of the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II makes it a valuable tool for various photographic applications. For portrait photographers, the lens provides a flattering focal length range and beautiful bokeh, allowing for stunning subject isolation. Landscape photographers will appreciate the lens’s sharpness and wide-angle capabilities, which are ideal for capturing sweeping vistas. Street photographers can benefit from the lens’s compact size and fast autofocus, enabling them to capture candid moments with ease. Event photographers will find the lens to be a reliable and versatile option for covering a wide range of scenes and subjects.
The Importance of a Standard Zoom
A 24-70mm lens is often referred to as a standard zoom, and for good reason. It’s a workhorse lens that can handle a multitude of scenarios. The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II takes this versatility to another level, providing exceptional image quality and performance across its entire zoom range. Whether you’re shooting in a studio, on location, or simply documenting your everyday life, this lens is a reliable companion.
Videography Capabilities
The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is not just a stills lens; it’s also a capable tool for videographers. The fast f/2.8 aperture allows for shallow depth of field, creating a cinematic look. The silent autofocus and smooth zoom operation are essential for capturing professional-quality video footage. The inclusion of the aperture ring with a de-click switch enables smooth and silent aperture adjustments during recording, further enhancing the lens’s video capabilities. The lens also minimizes focus breathing, a common issue where the field of view changes slightly as the focus is adjusted, making it a valuable asset for video production.
Ergonomics and Handling
Sony has paid close attention to the ergonomics of the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. The reduced weight and size make it more comfortable to handle, especially during long shooting sessions. The zoom and focus rings are well-damped and provide a smooth and precise feel. The customizable focus hold button and zoom smoothness adjustment switch allow users to tailor the lens to their specific needs and preferences. The overall design is intuitive and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use in the field.
Addressing Common Concerns
Some photographers may be concerned about the price of the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. It is undoubtedly an expensive lens, but it represents a significant investment in image quality and performance. The lens is built to last and is backed by Sony’s reputation for quality and reliability. For professionals and serious enthusiasts who demand the best possible image quality, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a worthwhile investment.
Final Verdict
The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is an exceptional standard zoom lens that delivers outstanding image quality, fast autofocus performance, and a robust build. Its improved design makes it lighter and more compact than its predecessor, while its advanced features enhance its usability and versatility. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a serious enthusiast, or a videographer, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a valuable tool that will help you capture stunning images and videos. It’s a flagship lens that lives up to the G Master name and sets a new standard for performance in its class. Consider the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II if you are looking for a high-quality lens.
[See also: Sony Alpha 7 IV Review]
[See also: Best Sony Lenses for Portrait Photography]
