As NAB 2022 comes to a close, Sony has one more thing in store for the E-mount junkie in us all.
The new FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is an upgrade to the first 24-70 mm F2.8 G Master, which, after six years, is starting to show its age in the modern camera world.
With the new addition, Sony has said that it listened to the community when making the new upgrade. But what did they do, and is it worth the price tag of approximately $2,300?
Let’s find out.
Credit: Sony
Smallest and Lightest, You Say?
As the needs of Sony shooters change, so must the lens. According to the Japanese-based company, the 24-70 mm focal length is extremely popular, so making upgrades was a no-brainer.
Even wide open, the new lens features crisp resolution across the entire frame. This is thanks to the completely redesigned optical path that features five aspherical elements, two high-precision XA (extreme aspherical) elements, two ED (extra-low dispersion), and two Super ED glass elements.
That’s a lot of glass. But to get that high resolution and Sony’s much-talked-about autofocus, you’re going to need it.
Credit: Sony
A new floating focus mechanism combines all this glass to effectively control chromatic aberration, astigmatism, distortion, and coma.
Even in challenging lighting conditions, the 24-70mm GM II gives creatives excellent clarity with subdued flares and ghosting. This is thanks to Sony’s Nano AR Coating II.
At f/2.8, photographers and filmmakers alike will get all the bokeh they need, with the 11-blade aperture providing almost perfectly circular goodness.
Close-up performance is also pretty solid, with a minimum focusing distance of 8.25 inches at 24mm and 12 inches at 70mm.
Hocus, Pocus, Autofocus
We shot NAB 2022 with a Sony FX3 with a 24-105mm f/4 G. For those of us coming from manual primes or vintage lenses, Sony’s autofocus is like magic.
The new 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II uses four of Sony’s original XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, a floating focus mechanism, and advanced lens control to provide pretty reliable focus by Sony standards.
Compared to everyone else, it’s rock solid. You even get autos with 4K 120p video recording.
Credit: Sony
But Wait, There’s More!
With feedback from the community of professional video and still shooters, the new 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II has even better control and usability than the previous model. Here’s a handy list:
- Zoom smoothness switch to adjust zoom ring torque to either Tight or Smooth
- A newly added aperture ring with click ON/OFF switch and iris lock switch
- Two customizable focus hold buttons
- The focus ring responds directly and linearly to subtle control when focusing manually
- New lens hood design with an opening to control circular polarizing filters (dia. 82mm)
- The center of gravity back toward the mount for improved handling and operation
Dust and moisture resistance has also been improved for all those outdoor shooters and the front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other junk.
It’s a great feature but bulletproof, so don’t drop your new lens in watery mud and think it won’t be affected. That’s on you.
Should You Get It?
Word around town was that the original Sony 24-70mm was beaten by the Sigma version across a few categories. The new refresh seems to have addressed all those issues save for one—the price.
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
- E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- 22% Lighter, 18% Smaller than Previous
- XA and Super ED Elements
- Nano AR Coating II and Fluorine Coating
- Four XD Linear AF Motors, Floating Focus
- Aperture De-Click and Lock Switches
- Zoom Smoothness Switch
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
- Eleven-Blade Circular Diaphragm
While the new 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II will be a better option for those looking for a 24-70mm zoom, you’re going to have to pay for it when it becomes available in June 2022.
But you get what you pay for, right? With Sony, it seems you’re in good hands. Just be sure you do your own testing before you commit to the new refresh to see if it’s right for you.
