Sony announces new FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens for E-mount cameras

2022-05-03

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The 67th lens in its mirrorless E-mount line-up. Introducing the highly-anticipated, Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens.

Developed by Sony, this F2.8 standard zoom lens uses class leading lens technology to deliver stunning resolution and beautiful bokeh known to Sony’s “G Master” series.

The FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is one of the most versatile lenses in the line-up and was created for photographers, videographers, and hybrid content creators.

Intro

The Sony 24-70mm GM II Lens features an all new optical construction that consists of 20 elements in 15 groups, including five aspherical elements (two of which are high-precision extreme aspherical (XA) elements), two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and two Super ED elements. Sony has also used its Nano AR Coating II to minimize flare and ghosting in images.

The internally-focusing lens uses a floating focus mechanism driven by four of Sony’s extreme dynamic (XD) linear motors. These motors improve the lens’ autofocus tracking performance, according to Sony. Specifically, Sony says focusing while zooming in and out is ‘approximately two times better’ than its predecessor.

Focus Breathing

For video, Sony has minimized focus breathing, focus shift and axial shift when zooming. It also works with compatible Alpha series cameras to offer breathing compensation, which digitally adjusts the composition to account for any focus breathing that does occur. Below is sample video, captured on the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens:

Focus & aperture rings

Sony’s Linear Response MF mode is also present on this lens. Enabling locked focus ring movements to simulate using a manual focus lens when pulling focus. There is also a dedicated aperture ring that offers clickless iris control.

Other features include an updated lens hood with an opening for controlling variable filters. It also has an 11-blade aperture diaphragm (compared to nine in its predecessor), improved dust and moisture resistance, and a fluorine coating. This helps repel water, oil and other debris. It features a minimum focusing distance of 21cm and 30cm at 24mm and 70mm, respectively.

Lens weight

The Sony 24-70mm GM II lens measures just 87.6mm in diameter by 120mm long and weighs only 695g (1.53lbs). That’s 22% lighter than its predecessor, 14% lighter than Nikon’s Nikkor Z 24–70mm F2.8 lens, 16% lighter than Sigma’s 24–70mm F2.8 DG DN lens and 23% lighter than Canon’s RF 24–70mm F2.8 L IS USM lens.