Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens Assessment

For somebody on the lookout for the highest quality 24-70 in the marketplace for full-frame Sony Cameras, that is it.

The newest model of the mid-range zoom, the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II is a powerful lens. 

That includes improved high quality during the last model in a lighter, extra compact construct, this lens is superior. The one draw back is the price.

As knowledgeable photographer who shoots out of doors sports activities, this lens is an ideal match.

I really like the pliability of such a broad focal vary when capturing motion sports activities, and the light-weight design makes it simple to throw in my digicam bag. 

This lens is clearly aimed on the skilled who needs one of the best in school high quality and dimension/weight.

Learn on to get all the small print on my Sony 24 70mm f 2.8 GM II lens assessment to see if it’s top-of-the-line Sony lenses of the 12 months.

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Specs

• Stabilized: No
• Weight: 695 g (1.5 lb)
• Dimension (Diameter x Size): 3.5 x 4.7″ / 88 x 120 mm
• Filter Diameter: 82mm
• Minimal Focus Distance: 0.21m (8.3 in) 

Construct & Ergonomics

As with every second-generation lens, there are important enhancements over the earlier model of this lens. Most notably, the construct high quality is considerably higher.

The brand new Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II is a splendidly light-weight and compact lens. At slightly below 700 grams, this lens is sort of 200 grams lighter than its predecessor.

I actually like how properly it balances with the newest A7 collection cameras just like the Sony A7IV. 

This lens is absolutely geared up, as you’ll anticipate from a newly launched G-Grasp lens. 

G-Grasp or GM signifies the very best high quality of lenses within the Sony lineup. On the physique of the lens, options embody:

• de-clickable handbook aperture ring
• easy vs tight swap for the zoom ring pressure, 
• auto/handbook focus swap
• two focus maintain buttons (customizable perform)

The one function that actually stood out to me as new/improved was the adjustable zoom ring pressure. On different lenses, you would possibly see a zoom lock swap that retains the barrel of the lens from extending if you are strolling round

Whereas this lock is beneficial, it generally felt awkward to have to show off the lock if you need to zoom the lens. The graceful/tight torque swap is a significantly better design as a result of it doesn’t sluggish you down.

Though the handbook aperture is sweet, I hardly ever discover myself reaching for this function. It’s sometimes sooner to regulate on my digicam physique, however for those who like to make use of tactile controls, this ring is enjoyable to make use of.

Whereas all these options are good to have, the primary high quality I appreciated about this lens of the texture. As I discussed above, it’s well-balanced and I actually just like the agency really feel of the zoom and focus rings. 

The rubber grips really feel nice in my hand and permit me to carry this lens properly, even with sweaty arms or gloves on.

I’ve used lots of mid-range zoom lenses for Sony E mount, and this mark ii lens undoubtedly stands out as one of the best for construct and ergonomics.

Focus Efficiency

Sony A7IV + Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM ii | 1/1000 f/2.8 ISO 500

Quick focusing with a Sony GM lens is to be anticipated. The Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II excels at locking onto topics and monitoring all through the zoom vary.

Whether or not you may have the zoom ring at 24mm or 70mm, this lens will nail the main focus each time. It actually will get powerful to check fashionable autofocus lenses as a result of they’re all so good.

This Mark ii model now has 4 xd linear motors for focusing. This makes getting sharp focus very fast and responsive.

Years in the past, after I first began as knowledgeable photographer, autofocus was an actual concern. I keep in mind often lacking pictures as a result of the main focus wasn’t locked, however with fashionable mirrorless cameras, autofocus has virtually turn into a non-issue.

With a brand new lens like this one, you possibly can anticipate prime autofocus efficiency in any respect focal lengths in all however the darkest environments. The one time you would possibly discover points is when the situations are extraordinarily darkish.

The autofocus system is designed to work whereas zooming the lens and capturing as much as 30 fps! This 24 70mm f/2.8 GM will sustain with any Sony digicam in the marketplace proper now.

Some folks could ask about focus respiration, and you can be pleased to know that this problem is properly managed. When paired with the automated corrections within the fashionable Sony digicam, you received’t have any points.

Along with bettering the construct high quality with the gm ii model, this lens additionally has a lowered minimal focusing distance. Now you can lock focus at 8.3″ (21cm). 

Lastly, handbook focusing with this lens is sort of easy and predictable. I don’t use handbook focus fairly often besides when capturing video, however this lens doesn’t very properly.

Picture High quality

Picture high quality is one other space the place this lens excels. Making a 24-70 mid-range zoom with glorious picture high quality is not any simple process, however Sony GM lenses are recognized for distinctive high quality.

With picture high quality just like what I anticipate from prime lenses, this Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II commonplace zoom lens is excellent. With 20 lens parts in 15 teams, this lens isn’t a easy design. 

With 5 aspherical parts and two excessive aspherical parts, you possibly can anticipate minimal spherical aberration, distortion, and onion ring bokeh. 

Moreover, with tremendous extra-low dispersion parts, this lens additionally does job suppressing chromatic aberration that generally plagues commonplace zoom lenses.

Prime-of-the-line coatings and lens parts give this lens glorious readability and shade. I discovered the barrel distortion to even be minimal. For the value of this lens, you anticipate flare and different damaging lens points to be eradicated.

Though I sometimes don’t anticipate nice bokeh out of a 24-70, this lens has very good bokeh on the telephoto finish. The eleven-bladed aperture ensures good spherical bokeh when capturing on the most aperture setting of f/2.8.

 All the small print apart, my most necessary function in the case of picture high quality is sharpness. If a lens is extraordinarily sharp all through the focal vary, the photographs will stand out. 

I can confidently say that the sharpness of the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II is excellent, even on the most aperture of f/2.8.

There’s a slight enchancment when stopping right down to f/5.6 within the nook sharpness, nevertheless it’s very good to know that you just don’t have to fret about crisp photographs, even when capturing in low gentle.

On the minimal aperture of f/22, you’re going to get lovely solar stars. With the nano ar coating ii, the lens ingredient received’t be creating any distracting ghosting or flare.

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Pattern Photographs

Listed here are some pattern photographs taken with the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II, utilizing a Sony A7IV and A7SIII.

Alternate options

By now, you might have realized that I feel this lens is a transparent winner in its class, however there are literally many alternate options to contemplate.

The Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II is an distinctive lens with one main flaw – this almost $2300 price ticket!

That is the place you’ll want to consider alternate options. First up, the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM I lens (its predecessor) is an effective alternative. This lens is far bulkier and heavier however provides superb high quality. 

An alternative choice to contemplate goes off-brand with a competitor just like the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG DN Artwork lens. At round $1100, this lens is cheaper than the first-generation Sony and provides superb high quality. 

Lastly, you would possibly have a look at the Sigma 28-70 f/2.8 DG DN or the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. Each of those lenses are a step down in value and high quality. You’ll discover some focal size changes from the usual 24-70.

Word that 24mm is sort of a bit totally different than 28mm whereas 70mm vs 75mm is minimal. The underside line is you’ll be sacrificing on the vast finish of the vary and never gaining a lot on the telephoto. 

For those who’re even contemplating the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II, you probably have a bigger price range and may most likely go for one of the best in high quality regardless of the value tag.

If price range is a priority, go together with the superb Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG DN which is nice worth for cash and fairly related 

Lastly, there’s additionally the Sony 24-70mm f/4, however you’re giving up just a few stops there, so you could wrestle in low gentle.

Worth for Cash

The Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II is an distinctive lens, apart from the worth proposition. At round $2300, this lens doesn’t come low-cost. You get what you pay for in the case of most issues, and this lens is not any exception.

As you contemplate the alternate options talked about above, you’ll want to acknowledge the worth this lens will convey to your equipment. If this lens can substitute a number of prime lenses and provide the velocity to work shortly, perhaps it will be a terrific addition to your digicam bag.

For those who don’t often use mid-range focal lengths, this lens is probably going not for you. 

As a result of I really like the pliability of this lens to seize a various picture set with out altering lenses, it’s a welcome boost to my gear assortment.

After I’m working in a harsh setting like a chilly snowy mountain prime, I need to have the ability to shoot vast and telephoto photographs with out exposing my sensor to the snow/wind/grime. This lens permits me to try this!

FAQ’s

Why did the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II come out?

This lens was introduced in April 2022, and was obtainable for buy beginning in June 2022.

How a lot does the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II weigh?

This lens weighs 695 grams (24.6 oz).

Is the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II price it?

Briefly, sure. This lens is the highest of the road 24-70 and if you would like one of the best, that is it. Nonetheless, this lens isn’t low-cost.

Is Sony releasing a brand new 24-70?

It would probably be just a few years earlier than Sony releases one other 24-70 f/2.8 however I might see a brand new f/4 model being launched within the upcoming years. The 24-105 can also be getting older so it’s primed for an replace.

Is the Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II climate sealed?

Sure. There’s a rubber gasket on the lens mount and it performs properly in hostile climate however don’t take it swimming 😉

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Assessment | Conclusion

The Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II is an superior lens. As you might have seen, this absolutely featured lens may be very enjoyable to work with, and I can be protecting it in my equipment for necessary jobs. 

It delivers professional-level high quality and performs after I want it most.

A superb commonplace zoom is necessary in quick environments after I don’t need to take the time to swap lenses and I’m glad to know that his lens provides top-of-the-line picture high quality.

At round $2300, this lens doesn’t come low-cost, however if you would like one of the best, it’s properly price it.

As a result of that is such a high-quality lens, it should maintain its worth, so for those who ever determine to downgrade, you received’t be dropping a ton of cash.

Thanks a lot for taking the time to learn my assessment. When you’ve got any questions or suggestions, go away a remark beneath!