Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II: the long-awaited renewal of a classic

An expected renewal

Launched over a decade ago, Sony’s mirrorless camera optics have come of age. Now, the company is renewing its flagship lenses to make them coincide with the needs and practices of the 2020s. another photography classic, the trans-standard, to benefit from a upgrade. Thus was born the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II.

Substantial weight gain

The first and main novelty of this full-frame zoom, like the 70-200 mm, is its significant weight loss. Compared to the 2016 model, this “pebble” is slimmed down by almost 200 g, and drops below the 700 g mark. A welcome reduction, which makes this zoom one of the lightest trans-standard E-mount lenses. In addition to the weight gain, the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II gains an aperture control ring. A switch even allows you to opt for a smooth or notched stroke, videographers will appreciate. This function is now standard on the latest optics of the G and G Master ranges, Sony seems to have included it in its specifications.

New controls

The zoom control ring has not been forgotten, since a “Smooth – Tight” control has been installed on the lens. It allows you to adjust the resistance of the race. A function that is usually found on long telephoto zooms, although it was not installed on the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, which also offered a course that was far too flexible.

There is also an alternator between automatic and manual focusing, as well as two configurable keys. Finally, note that a diaphragm ring locking system is also present. The zoom is shorter than its predecessor: it goes from 13.6 cm to 11.9 cm long. This new lens is still not equipped with optical stabilization. Although we would have appreciated being able to benefit from it, it is a less essential option for this focal range, especially given the large maximum aperture and the mechanical stabilization of the sensor that all Sony 24×36 cameras boast. The zoom is always weatherproof.

Revised optical construction and engine

Of course, these external modifications are accompanied by big internal changes. Thus, the optical construction has been renewed, with 20 elements divided into 15 groups. Sony promises top-notch image quality. Thanks to this new optical arrangement, the minimum focusing distance, from 38 cm previously, increases to 21 cm at wide-angle (24 mm) and 30 cm to 70 mm. The diaphragm also has 11 blades.

The FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II also features a new XD linear autofocus motor. It replaces the DDSSM engine installed in the previous version. According to Sony, it allows high-speed captures, so it is compatible with bursts and tracking at 30 fps of the Sony Alpha 1 (A1). Subject tracking is also ensured when zooming. The development in video would not be outdone with a follow-up announced as very effective. Linear focus will also do the tricks of a wide variety of filmmakers.

Price and availability

The new Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II will be available from May 2022 at 2400 €, the same launch price as the model I in 2016. It arrives on an already very busy market, since at the end of April 2022 , there are no less than six other references with an f/2.8 aperture for 24×36 E-mount hybrids: the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM (€2,300), the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art (€1200) and DG DN 28-70mm F2.8 Contemporary (€800).