Sony Unveils the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens for E-Mount Cameras
Sony has announced the FE 24–70mm f/2.8 GM II, a second-generation zoom lens that is the smallest and lightest f/2.8 G Master lens in its lineup. This lens is the 67th E-mount lens from Sony and brings a number of updates over its first-generation predecessor, which was released back in 2016.
“Six years have passed since Sony released the first 24-70 mm f/2.8 G Master and in that time, our customers’ needs have changed,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We are always listening to our community and have designed the new FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II around feedback from creators. Knowing the 24-70 mm focal length is extremely popular, it was imperative that we continue improving to bring our most advanced technology to such a critical lens in our customers’ kit. Today, we are thrilled to introduce the world’s smallest and lightest f/2.8 standard zoom lens.”
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II is just the second G Master lens to receive a Mark II version and while it promises better image quality, more emphasis on filmmaking capabilities, and is smaller and lighter, the company says it won’t be replacing the first generation lens in its lineup; both will continue to be sold.
This new 24-70mm is designed to keep all sorts of aberrations and distortions to a minimum. Its optical scheme includes five aspherical, two XA (Extreme Aspherical), two ED (Extra-low Dispersion), and 2 Super ED elements. Moreover, Sony’s Nano AR Coating II helps reduce flares and ghosting, while a fluorine coating makes the front element water and dust repellant.
The re-designed AF system features four XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors and a floating focusing mechanism that should provide faster, quieter, and more responsive autofocus performances with better tracking of subjects, both in stills and video modes. Appreciated the addition of a de-clicked aperture ring, which is accompanied by an iris lock switch. This allows photographers to perform smooth iris pulls, for example when the camera moves from an outdoor to an indoor environment. Moreover, the lens can accept 82mm filters via its front thread.
The design of the aperture features 11 blades. The minimum focus distance of this lens is 21cm/30cm at 24mm/70mm respectively.
Designed to perfectly pair with Sony’s compact Alpha system E-mount cameras, the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is the world’s smallest and lightest 24-70 mm f/2.8 zoom in its class and offers unprecedented shooting flexibility and freedom in a wide range of situations. The FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II weighs just 695 grams, approximately 20% less than the original 24-70 mm f/2.8 G Master. The lens’ length has been reduced by 16 mm, and overall volume has been reduced by approximately 18%.
Here are some sample pictures:
The Sony FE 24–70mm f/2.8 GM II will be available in June 2022 for approximately $2,300 at authorized Sony retailers.
More info on Sony’s website.
