Sony E Autofocus

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Focal length: 24–70 mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Weight: 695 g
Filter diameter: 82 mm
Min. focus distance: 21 cm
Length: 119.9 mm

Overview

The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is a fast standard zoom for Sony E-mount full frame cameras. Sony announced it in April 2022 as the successor to the original FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM. It suits photographers and hybrid shooters who want one constant F2.8 zoom for events, weddings, travel and documentary work.

Optical design

The lens has 20 elements in 15 groups. According to Sony, the redesigned optical path includes five aspherical elements, two of them extreme aspherical (XA), plus two ED and two Super ED elements against chromatic aberration. Nano AR Coating II is meant to reduce flare and ghosting, and an 11 blade diaphragm gives a nearly circular aperture. The minimum focus distance is 21 cm at 24 mm and 30 cm at 70 mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.32x.

Autofocus and handling

Four XD linear motors drive focusing. Sony quotes up to 30 frames per second with AF tracking on suitable bodies and says the lens reduces focus breathing and focus shift while zooming. There is no lens stabilizer, so it relies on in-body stabilization. Controls include an aperture ring with a click on/off switch and iris lock, a zoom torque switch, two customizable focus hold buttons and a Linear Response manual focus ring.

Build and size

At 695 g, 87.8 mm in diameter and 119.9 mm long, it is about 20 percent lighter than its predecessor, and Sony cut the length by 16 mm. The filter thread is 82 mm. Sony describes the design as dust and moisture resistant (not guaranteed fully sealed), with a fluorine coating on the front element.

Where it fits

It replaces the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM. The Sony FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS gives up a stop for stabilization, and the Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G is smaller but reaches less far. Third party options include the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary and the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2.

Pros and cons

Pros

Constant F2.8 with 21 cm close focus
Lighter and shorter than the first GM version
Four XD linear motors, reduced focus breathing
Aperture ring, iris lock and zoom torque switch for video

Cons

No built-in stabilization
82 mm filters and a top price tier
Less reach than a 24-105 mm F4 zoom

Verdict

The FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is the current reference for fast standard zooms on Sony E-mount. The data show a clear step over its predecessor in weight, close focus and handling, which makes it a sensible choice for professionals and demanding hybrid shooters. The main trade-offs are the missing lens stabilizer and the price.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 24 mm
max focal length: 70 mm
max f (min zoom): f/2.8
max f (max zoom): f/2.8
min. aperture: f/22
Elements: 20
Groups: 15
Weight: 695 g (1.53 lb)
Filter diameter: 82 mm
min focus distance: 21 cm (8.27 in)
Length: 119.9 mm (4.72 in)
Diameter: 87.8 mm (3.46 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II fit?

The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is a full-frame lens for Sony E-Mount cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Sony E-Mount cameras its field of view equals 36-105 mm in full-frame terms.

Sony E-Mount cameras

Full frame:: Sony A7R VI, Sony A7 V, Sony FX2, Sony A1 II, Sony A9 III, Sony A7C II, Sony A7CR, Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V, Sony A7 IV, Sony A1, Sony FX3, Sony A7S III, Sony A7C, Sony FX6, Sony A7R IV, Sony A9 II, Sony FX9, Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III, Sony A9, Sony A7R II, Sony A7S II, Sony A7 II, Sony A7S, Sony A7, Sony A7R
APS-C:: Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700, Sony FX30, Sony ZV-E10, Sony A6600, Sony A6100, Sony A6400, Sony A6500, Sony A6300, Sony A6000, Sony A5100, Sony A5000, Sony A3000, Sony NEX-5T, Sony NEX-3N, Sony NEX-6, Sony NEX-5R, Sony NEX-F3