Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM
Launch MSRP
$3,000- Weight
- 847g
- Filter
- —
- Min focus
- 0.28m
- Max mag.
- 0.14×
- Formula
- 17E / 14G
- Released
- 2020
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 3x XA
- 1x Aspherical
- 2x Super ED
- 3x ED
- Nano AR Coating II
- Fluorine Coating
- Aperture range
- f/2.8 — f/22
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 847g
- ⌀ × length
- 97.6 × 137.0mm
- Filter
- —
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- No
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- 9.2 / 10
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 0.28m
- Max magnification
- 0.14× (1:7.1)
Optical character
This was the first 12mm f/2.8 full-frame zoom with autofocus, and Sony built its front around the largest XA element it had made. It is aimed at astro-landscape, interiors and dramatic close-perspective work where both the angle and the extra stop over f/4 matter.
The front element was also the reason Sony developed Nano AR Coating II, which keeps flare and ghosting in check with the sun in or near the frame. Four XD linear motors drive two focus groups. The bulbous front means no screw-in filters; there is a rear holder for sheet filters instead.
Reviewer consensus
Reviewers rate it among the sharpest ultra-wide zooms tested, with strong corners even at 12mm f/2.8 and low coma, which makes it a favourite for night-sky work. Distortion is moderate for the angle, and chromatic aberration is well controlled. AF is fast and silent, though at these focal lengths that matters less than it does elsewhere.
The drawbacks are size, 847g weight and price, plus the filter situation: landscape shooters need expensive dedicated holder systems or rear sheet filters. Some testers saw ghosting with strong point sources at certain angles, though overall flare control is good.
Owner sentiment
Astro and architecture shooters are the most enthusiastic owners, often saying the corner performance at f/2.8 let them sell a 14mm prime. Real-estate and event photographers use it for tight interiors and crowd shots.
The frequent complaints are the price, the weight on long hikes and the cost of front-filter systems. Owners also mention being careful with the exposed front element, though the fluorine coating makes it easy to clean.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +12mm at f/2.8 with excellent corner sharpness
- +Low coma for astrophotography
- +Nano AR Coating II flare control
- +Fast, silent quad XD linear-motor AF
- +Rear sheet-filter holder included
Weaknesses
- −No front filter thread
- −847g and 137mm long
- −Expensive at $3,000 launch price
- −Exposed bulbous front element
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 9.2
- Bokeh Rendering
- 7.8
- Autofocus Speed
- 9.2
- Flare Resistance
- 8.6
- Build / Sealing
- 9.2
- Value / Size
- 7.2
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Sony E (FE) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 12–24mm |
| Category | Ultra-Wide |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 |
| Construction | 17 elements in 14 groups |
| Special elements | 3x XA · 1x Aspherical · 2x Super ED · 3x ED · Nano AR Coating II · Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture blades | 9 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| Drive | XD Linear Motor (x4) |
| Minimum focus | 0.28m |
| Max magnification | 0.14× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 847g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 97.6 × 137.0mm |
| Filter thread | None |
| Weather sealing | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No |
| De-clickable aperture | No |
| Release year | 2020 |
| Launch MSRP | $3,000 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- sony.jp/ichigan/products/SEL1224GM/feature_1.html
- store.sony.co.th/products/sel1224gm
- bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1573884-REG/sony_sel1224gm_12_24mm_f_2_8_gm_lens.
Similar focal length alternatives
- VSFE 12-24mm F2.8 GM vs 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom FF
- VSFE 12-24mm F2.8 GM vs FE 12-24mm F4 G
- VSFE 12-24mm F2.8 GM vs AF 14-24mm F2.8 FE
- Laowa
12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom FF
12–24mmF5.6- WT
- 497g
- FLT
- ⌀77mm
- MFD
- 0.15m
- MSRP
- $649
MFRING - SonyG
FE 12-24mm F4 G
12–24mmF4- WT
- 565g
- FLT
- —
- MFD
- 0.28m
- MSRP
- $1,700
AFWR - Samyang/RokinonAF
AF 14-24mm F2.8 FE
14–24mmF2.8- WT
- 445g
- FLT
- ⌀77mm
- MFD
- 0.18m
- MSRP
- $1,199
AFWR
