Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM

Reviewers found it sharp from f/2 at every focal length, with performance close to good primes in the centre and only small losses in the far corners at 28mm. Bokeh is smooth and longitudinal colour fringing is low for such a fast zoom. AF is fast, silent and accurate, and focus breathing is well controlled for video.

The criticisms are the size, weight and price, the 28mm wide end compared with 24mm zooms, and 86mm filters. Several testers compared it with carrying a 24-70mm f/2.8 plus a fast prime, and concluded it suits people who shoot mostly at 35-70mm in low light.

Owners, mostly wedding and event photographers, say it replaced a bag of f/1.4-f/1.8 primes and that the extra stop over an f/2.8 zoom is visible in dim venues. Rendering and AF reliability get the most praise.

The common complaints are the weight over a long day, the high price, the 86mm filter size, and missing the 24mm end for group shots and interiors.