Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II: Initial Thoughts

Sony’s Flagship 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master Lens: A Masterpiece with a Premium Price Tag

Sony’s latest 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master lens is an undeniable powerhouse, delivering extraordinary performance for professional photographers. However, its steep price point may limit its appeal to the masses.

This lens boasts a lightning-fast and remarkably accurate autofocus system, driven by four linear motors. Photographers can expect silent, reliable, and consistently precise focusing, a testament to Sony’s engineering prowess. While the autofocus performance is described as “top-notch” and “works every single time exactly how you’d expect,” it falls into the category of expected excellence for a lens of this caliber, rather then offering radical new innovations.

Core Features and Specifications:

Versatile Zoom: Covering the essential 24-70mm focal range on full-frame Sony E-mount cameras (equivalent to 36-105mm on APS-C).
Constant f/2.8 Aperture: Delivers superb low-light performance and lovely bokeh for subject isolation across the entire zoom range.
Advanced Optical Design: Features 20 elements in 15 groups, including specialized elements like XA (Extreme Aspherical), ED (Extra-low Dispersion), and Super ED glass, minimizing aberrations and maximizing sharpness.
Nano AR Coating II & Fluorine Coating: Reduces flare and ghosting for cleaner images, while the fluorine coating offers improved resistance to smudges and easier cleaning.
Close-Focusing Capability: A minimum focus distance of just 0.21m at the wide end allows for remarkable close-up shots with a maximum magnification of approximately 0.32x.
Robust Build: Weighing around 695g with dimensions of approximately 88 x 120mm, it incorporates a durable, dust and moisture-resistant construction. Intuitive Controls: Includes an aperture ring with de-click and lock functions, dual focus-hold buttons, and a zoom torque switch, offering tactile control for a seamless shooting experiance.
82mm filter Thread: A standard filter size that accommodates a wide range of filters without rotation.

The Verdict: Excellence for a Price

While the review acknowledges that a 24-70mm zoom is an indispensable tool for most photographers, the high cost of this particular offering is a important consideration. For those seeking the absolute pinnacle of optical quality and performance from their Sony system, this lens is undoubtedly the ultimate choice.

Though, the reviewer wisely suggests that if photographers can compromise on achieving 90% of this lens’s performance for a substantially lower price, smaller size, and lighter weight, alternatives from Sigma or even Sony’s own smaller 24-50mm lens might be more practical options. This lens, while highly prized and expected to be the reviewer’s most frequently used, is ultimately a specialist tool that may not suit every photographer’s budget or needs.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in this premium lens hinges on a balance between demanding performance requirements and financial considerations.

How does the autofocus performance of the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II compare to the original GM version?

First Impressions & Build Quality

The Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II is the successor to a lens already considered a benchmark – the original GM 24-70mm. Initial handling reveals a noticeable, though not drastic, weight reduction.At approximately 886g, it’s lighter than many competitors like the Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 DG DN Art. The build quality remains remarkable, featuring a robust construction with a refined feel. Sony has incorporated a new design with customizable buttons and a focus mode switch directly on the lens barrel, a welcome addition for rapid adjustments during shoots. Weather sealing is, as expected from a G Master lens, comprehensive, offering peace of mind in challenging conditions. This professional zoom lens is designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras.

autofocus Performance & Technology

The autofocus system is where the GM II truly shines.Utilizing Sony’s latest linear motors, the autofocus is substantially faster and more precise than it’s predecessor. It leverages real-time tracking and eye autofocus, performing exceptionally well with moving subjects.

Faster Acquisition: Lock focus on subjects quicker,even in low light.

Improved tracking: Maintains focus more reliably during fast-paced action.

Real-time Eye AF: Accurate eye detection for both humans and animals.

This improved autofocus performance makes the lens a strong contender for wedding photography, sports photography, and photojournalism. The lens’s compatibility with Sony’s Real-time Tracking AF system is a major benefit.

Image Quality: Sharpness, Distortion & Vignetting

Image quality is, unsurprisingly, superb. The 24-70mm f2.8 GM II delivers incredibly sharp images across the entire zoom range, even wide open at f/2.8.

Sharpness: Excellent corner-to-corner sharpness,minimizing the need for extensive post-processing.

Distortion: Minimal distortion throughout the zoom range, especially impressive at the wide end.

Vignetting: Controlled vignetting, easily corrected in post if desired.

Bokeh: Lovely, creamy bokeh thanks to the 11-blade aperture, ideal for portraiture and isolating subjects.

Chromatic aberration is well-controlled,and flare is minimized thanks to Sony’s Nano AR Coating II. The lens consistently produces high-quality images with rich colors and excellent detail. Testing with a Sony a7R V revealed exceptional dynamic range and detail retrieval.

Key Specifications at a Glance

| Specification | Detail |

|—|—|

| Focal Length | 24-70mm |

| maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |

| Lens Mount | Sony E-mount |

| Coverage | Full-Frame |

| Optical Design | 18 Elements in 14 Groups |

| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.24m / 9.45″ |

| Maximum Magnification | 0.32x |

| Filter Size | 82mm |

| Weight | 886g / 31.2oz |

Practical Applications & Use Cases

This lens is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of photographic genres.

1. Portrait Photography: The f/2.8 aperture and beautiful bokeh create stunning portraits.
2. Landscape Photography: The wide-angle end is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes.
3. Event Photography: Its fast autofocus and versatile zoom range make it ideal for weddings and events.
4. Street Photography: Compact enough for discreet street shooting, with excellent image quality.
5. video Recording: Smooth and silent autofocus performance makes it a great choice for videography.

Benefits Over the First Generation GM 24-70mm

the GM II offers several key improvements over the original:

Reduced Weight: Approximately 20% lighter.

Faster Autofocus: Significantly improved autofocus speed and accuracy.

Customizable Buttons: Enhanced control and customization options.

Improved Image Quality: Noticeable improvements in sharpness and clarity.

Focus Mode Switch: Dedicated switch for quick focus mode changes.

Real-World Example: Wildlife Photography

During a recent trip to Yellowstone National Park, the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II proved invaluable. The fast autofocus allowed me to capture sharp images of bison and elk, even when they were moving quickly. The lens’s ability to handle low-light conditions was also impressive,enabling me to shoot during the golden hour without sacrificing image quality. The zoom range was sufficient for most wildlife encounters, eliminating the need to constantly switch lenses.

Pricing and Availability

The Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II is currently available for purchase at major camera retailers.The price is around $2,200 USD, positioning it as a premium lens. While the cost is significant, the performance and versatility justify the investment for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts.

LSI Keywords & related Searches

Sony GM lenses