Working off the feedback of creatives, Sony has announced their newest lens in the mirrorless E-mount lineup! Get excited for the highly anticipated FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II! Boasting the latest lens technology, the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is the world’s smallest and lightest 24-70 mm F2.8 zoom in its class with stunning resolution and Sony’s beautiful G Master bokeh! As one of the most versatile lenses in the line-up, created for photographers, videographers, and hybrid content creators, TCSTV had to take the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II out for a spin!
Starting with the specs, the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is great for versatile creators who are looking to capture sharp, detailed imagery for both stills and video. A completely redesigned optical path features five aspherical elements, including two high-precision XA (extreme aspherical) elements. The FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II also includes two ED (extra-low dispersion) plus two Super ED glass elements. Combined with a new floating focus mechanism, the lens effectively controls chromatic aberration, astigmatism, distortion and coma so that outstanding resolution is achieved throughout the image area at all zoom and aperture settings.
When shooting in challenging lighting conditions, the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II achieves excellent clarity by effectively subduing flare and ghosting, thanks to Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II. The FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II also produces stunning bokeh throughout the zoom range with beautiful and almost perfectly circular bokeh with its advanced optical design and a newly developed 11-blade aperture unit. As well, this lens delivers outstanding close-up performance with a minimum focusing distance of 21 cm (8.25 inches) at 24 mm and 30 cm (12 inches) at 70 mm, and with a maximum magnification of 0.32x.
The FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II achieves reliable focus by using four of Sony’s original XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, a floating focus mechanism and advanced lens control. In addition, the lens supports up to 30 fp continuous shooting for stills and 4K 120p video recording with autofocus.
The FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II enables full AF tracking performance even when shooting stills with the aperture stopped down, making it possible to use deeper depth of field to ensure that moving subjects remain in sharp focus when shooting continuously. The lens’ AF tracking performance while zooming is approximately two times better than the previous model.
When it comes to video, the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is ready for action! Offering constant F2.8 maximum aperture, astounding AF performance, extremely quiet AF operation, thanks to the XD Linear Motors and a newly developed aperture unit. Using the latest lens technology, the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II reduces focus breathing, focus shift and axial shift when zooming for smooth video footage. This lens also supports the breathing compensation function provided in compatible Alpha series cameras.
Other noteworthy features of the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II include:
- Weighs just 695 grams (24.6 ounces), approximately 20% less (198.4 grams/ 7 ounces) than the original 24-70 mm F2.8 G Master
- The length has been reduced by 16 mm, and the overall volume has been reduced by approximately 18%
- 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 that 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
- An updated dust and moisture resistant design
- front lens element also features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants
The FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II sounds pretty amazing! But how does it hold up to the beloved original? Well, TCSTV’s Dave and Evelyn tested them out together for you! Check it out below!
For more information on the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and to pre-order (starting April 28th, 2022), click here!
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Sony FE 24-70mm f2.8 GM II
