Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Launch MSRP
$2,300- Weight
- 695g
- Filter
- ⌀82mm
- Min focus
- 0.21m
- Max mag.
- 0.32×
- Formula
- 20E / 15G
- Released
- 2022
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 2x XA
- 3x Aspherical
- 2x Super ED
- 2x ED
- Nano AR Coating II
- Fluorine Coating
- Aperture range
- f/2.8 — f/22
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 695g
- ⌀ × length
- 87.8 × 119.9mm
- Filter
- ⌀82mm
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- Yes · de-click
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Body IBIS
- Teleconverter
- Not supported
- AF speed score
- 9.6 / 10
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 0.21m
- Max magnification
- 0.32× (1:3.1)
Optical character
The second-generation G Master standard zoom came in about 20% lighter than the original (695g) and sharper. It is now the reference f/2.8 workhorse zoom. Sony added an aperture ring and a zoom-smoothness switch, and four XD linear motors let it keep up with the A1 and A9 III at high frame rates.
Rendering at 50–70mm f/2.8 is clean enough that it can replace a bag of primes for many working photographers. It also focuses to 0.21m at the wide end, which helps with detail shots at events.
Reviewer consensus
Testers describe it as sharp across the zoom range, with excellent wide-open contrast and corners that hold up well at 24mm. Bokeh is much improved over the GM I, which had nervous backgrounds. AF is effectively silent and tracks reliably for video.
Some reviewers rate the Sigma 24-70 DG DN II and Tamron G2 as better value. A few note mild distortion at 24mm that needs correction.
Owner sentiment
Event and wedding shooters report it stays on the camera most of the day. Weight and balance on A7-series bodies get the most praise. Owners like the Tight/Smooth zoom switch for video and the CPL-friendly hood window.
The main complaint is the price relative to strong third-party options. A few people miss the reach of 24-105 zooms.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +Class-leading sharpness for an f/2.8 standard zoom
- +695g — much lighter than the GM I
- +Aperture ring, iris lock, zoom smoothness switch
- +0.32x close-focus magnification
- +Excellent tracking AF for stills and video
Weaknesses
- −Expensive versus Sigma/Tamron alternatives
- −82mm filters
- −Distortion at 24mm needs correction
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 9.3
- Bokeh Rendering
- 8.5
- Autofocus Speed
- 9.6
- Flare Resistance
- 8.8
- Build / Sealing
- 9.3
- Value / Size
- 7.0
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Sony E (FE) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 24–70mm |
| Category | Standard |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 |
| Construction | 20 elements in 15 groups |
| Special elements | 2x XA · 3x Aspherical · 2x Super ED · 2x ED · Nano AR Coating II · Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture blades | 11 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| Drive | XD Linear Motor (x4) |
| Minimum focus | 0.21m |
| Max magnification | 0.32× |
| Stabilisation | None (uses body IBIS) |
| Teleconverters | Not supported |
| Weight | 695g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 87.8 × 119.9mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀82mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes |
| Aperture ring | Yes |
| De-clickable aperture | Yes |
| Release year | 2022 |
| Launch MSRP | $2,300 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- electronics.sony.com/imaging/lenses/full-frame-e-mount/p/sel2470gm2
Similar focal length alternatives
- VSFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II vs AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE
- VSFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II vs 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art
- VSFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II vs 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art
- Samyang/RokinonAF
AF 24-70mm F2.8 FE
24–70mmF2.8- WT
- 1,027g
- FLT
- ⌀82mm
- MFD
- 0.35m
- MSRP
- $1,099
AFWR - SigmaArt
24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art
24–70mmF2.8- WT
- 735g
- FLT
- ⌀82mm
- MFD
- 0.17m
- MSRP
- $1,199
AFWRRING·DC - SigmaArt
24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art
24–70mmF2.8- WT
- 830g
- FLT
- ⌀82mm
- MFD
- 0.18m
- MSRP
- $1,099
AFWR
