CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
      • Samsung Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
    • Cameras by Lens Mount
      • Sony E Mount Cameras
      • Canon RF Mount Cameras
      • Nikon Z Mount Cameras
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cameras
      • Leica L Mount Cameras
      • Nikon F Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF M Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF S Mount Cameras
      • Pentax KAF Mount Cameras
      • Sony Alpha Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm G Mount Cameras
      • Sigma SA Mount Cameras
      • Nikon 1 Mount Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
    • Cinema Lenses
      • Sony E Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Cine Lenses
      • ARRI PL Mount Cine Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cine Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cine Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Cine Lenses
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Sony FE Review

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Main Features

  • 24-70mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 82mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 695g.
  • Diameter: 88mm
  • Length: 120mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.21m
  • Max Magnification: 0.32x
CHECK PRICE
CHECK PRICE
Compare To
x
Add a Camera for comparison

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Overview


Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF) Standard Zoom lens with 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with E Mount cameras.

Sony replaced the older Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II vs Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM


What type of photography is the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeFair
SportsAverage
PortraitVery Good
TravelVery Good
StreetVery Good
WeddingVery Good
Walk AroundVery Good
VloggingVery Good
LandscapeVery Good
MacroAverage

Lenses in Sony E Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM
Compare
35mm FF 886gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70 F2.8 DG DN Art Lens Sigma 24-70 F2.8 DG DN Art
Compare
35mm FF 835gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Samyang 24-70mm f2.8 AF Lens Samyang 24-70mm f2.8 AF
Compare
35mm FF 1027gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is a member of Sony's GM series of lenses. GM stands for G Master and represents the top of the line lenses on the Sony E mount line-up. Below you can see the latest lenses in this series.

GM Series Lenses in Sony E Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Lens Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
Compare
35mm FF 516gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
35mm FF 695gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Compare
35mm FF 1045gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM Lens Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM
Compare
35mm FF 460gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Lens Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Compare
35mm FF 778gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Lens Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM
Compare
35mm FF 524gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony 12-24mm F2.8 GM Lens Sony 12-24mm F2.8 GM
Compare
35mm FF 847gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS Lens Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS
Compare
35mm FF 3040gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Reasons to Buy Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens

Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Weather-sealed
Autofocus
Zoom Smoothness Switch on Lens
AF/MF Switch on Lens
Aperture Ring
Focus Hold Button
Iris Lock
Breathing Correction with Supported Cameras
De-click Switch
Hood supplied
Filter Adjustment Window on the hood
Full-time Manual Focusing
Fast Aperture at Wide end
Fast Aperture at Tele end
Constant f2.8 aperture throughout the range
Covers Full-Frame Sensor
11 Diaphragm Blades
Minimum focus distance of 0.21m / 8.3 inch
Report a correction

Buy Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Lens Extents while zooming
Pricey


Lens Mount

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is compatible with cameras that have a Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony E lenses are Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V and Sony FX30.

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has a maximum diameter of 88mm and total length of 120mm when not extended. It weighs 695g / 24.5 oz.

Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM (Sony E mount) to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life. Check the detailed comparison of these two lenses here.

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II vs Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Size and Weight

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has a filter thread of 82mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II:

  • 82mm Variable ND Lens Filters
  • 82mm Circular Polarizer Lens Filters
  • 82mm Clear Protection Lens Filters



Focal Range

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has a focal range of 24-70mm and 2.9X zoom ratio. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 36 - 105mm.


Weather Sealings

https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Sony-FE-24-70mm-F2.8-GM-II-sealing.jpg
Weather Sealings of the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II with a weather-sealed camera body such as the Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V and Sony FX30.

Lens Breathing Correction Compatibility

The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is compatible with Sony cameras that features Breathing Compensation/Correction. This feature adjusts the size of the frame dynamically in-camera during video recording by applying a certain percentage of crop in order to minimize change in framing.

Sony cameras that has the Breathing Compensation/Correction feature are:

  • Sony ZV-E1
  • Sony Alpha A7R V
  • Sony FX30
  • Sony Alpha A7 IV
  • Sony FX3

Optical Image Stabilization

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II doesn't have an optical image stabilization system so the only option to stabilize the image taken with this lens is to mount on a camera body with IBIS (sensor based In-body image stabilization).

Alternatively, you can check the Sony FE 24-70mm F4 OSS in Sony E mount that have similar focal range but features Optical Image Stabilization.

Lenses Similar to Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II With Optical Image Stabilization
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Sony FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar T Lens Sony FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar T
Compare
35mm FF 426gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Lens Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
Compare
35mm FF 295gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II MTF Charts

Below you can find the MTF chart of Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II which would give an idea of the its contrast and resolution from the center to its edges.


https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Sony-FE-24-70mm-F2.8-GM-II-mtf-chart-1.jpg
MTF Chart of the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Sony-FE-24-70mm-F2.8-GM-II-focus-mechanism.jpg
Focusing Mechanism of the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Zoom Method

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II features Rotary (extending) zoom method where the length of the lens changes as you zoom in or out. This makes it possible to design the lens with a smaller minimum length ( generally when it is zoomed out) compared to internal zoom lenses. The disadvantages of this design are being harder to seal against dust and moisture, weight balance shifting while zooming and zoom creep in certain lenses.

Maximum Magnification Ratio

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.32x and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.21m. For a non-macro lens, the 0.32x is considered a high magnification and will come handy for close-up shots.

Below are the 3 Standard Zoom type Sony E mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:

  • Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G: 0.39x - (Compare)
  • Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2: 0.37x - (Compare)
  • Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN C: 0.36x - (Compare)

Aperture

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is a fixed aperture lens with a constant max aperture of f2.8 from 24mm all the way to the 70mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
24mm F2.8 F22
70mm F2.8 F22

Optical Formula

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II's optical formula consists of 20 elements in 15 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:

  • Five aspherical elements (two of which are high-precision extreme aspherical (XA) elements)
  • two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements
  • two Super ED elements.

https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Sony-FE-24-70mm-F2.8-GM-II-optical-structure.jpg
Optical Construction of the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Lens Hood

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II comes with a removable petal shaped lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos. The model number of the hood is ALC-SH168.

A practical feature found on Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II's lens hood is the Filter Adjustment Window which lets you adjust rotating filters such as Polarizers and Variable NDs filters without needing to remove hood.

https://cameradecision.com/lenses/img/other/Sony-FE-24-70mm-F2.8-GM-II-hood.jpg
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens Hood


What's in the Box of Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II:

  • Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens
  • Sony ALC-F82S 82mm Front Lens Cap
  • Sony ALC-R1EM Rear Lens Cap
  • Sony ALC-SH168 Lens Hood
  • Lens Case
  • Limited 1-Year Warranty
  • Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Official Video


    Body Colour

    Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is available in Black color.

    Popular Comparisons of Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

    Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Top Alternatives of Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens
    Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Sigma 24-70 F2.8 DG DN Art Lens Sigma 24-70 F2.8 DG DN Art
    Compare
    35mm FF 835gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM
    Compare
    35mm FF 886gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
    Compare
    35mm FF 540gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Lens Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
    Compare
    35mm FF 663gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM Lens Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
    Compare
    35mm FF 900gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM
    Compare
    35mm FF 680gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 Di III VXD
    Compare
    35mm FF 1165gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Lens Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
    Compare
    35mm FF 778gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Related Blog Posts

    Fujifilm XF 8mm F3.5 WR vs XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR vs XF 10-24mm F4 R WR Size And Feature Comparison
    Best MacBook Pro Deal for Photography and Videography
    Sony A7R V, Panasonic S5 II, Canon R50 and OM 90mm Macro wins Camera GP Japan 2023 Awards
    Leica Q3 Full Specifications
    Does the World really need another Sony Vlogging Camera?
    Nikon Z fc New Firmware Update v1.4 Released
    Daily Deals: Portable Recorder, CFExpress storage, Tripods and more
    Best Selling Lenses in Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z Mounts in 2023


    **This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Alternatives in Sony E Mount
    Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G Lens Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
    Compare
    35mm FF 488gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 Lens Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6
    Compare
    35mm FF 167gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sony FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar T Lens Sony FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar T
    Compare
    35mm FF 426gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Lens Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
    Compare
    35mm FF 295gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM
    Compare
    35mm FF 886gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sigma 24-70 F2.8 DG DN Art Lens Sigma 24-70 F2.8 DG DN Art
    Compare
    35mm FF 835gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Samyang 24-70mm f2.8 AF Lens Samyang 24-70mm f2.8 AF
    Compare
    35mm FF 1027gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD Lens Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD
    Compare
    35mm FF 550gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN C Lens Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN C
    Compare
    35mm FF 470gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
    Compare
    35mm FF 540gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Detailed Specifications


    General
    Brand Sony
    Lens Type Zoom
    Lens Type Standard Zoom
    Lens Mount Sony E
    Max Format 35mm FF
    Focal Range 24-70mm
    Image Stabilization No
    Colour Black
    Zoom Method Rotary (extending)
    Power Zoom No
    Zoom Lock No
    Zoom Ratio 2.9X
    APERTURE
    Max Aperture F2.8
    Min Aperture F22.0
    Aperture Ring Yes
    Diaphragm Blades 11
    Optics
    Optical Elements 20
    Optical Groups 15
    Special Elements Five aspherical elements (two of which are high-precision extreme aspherical (XA) elements), two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and two Super ED elements.

    FOCUSING
    Min Focus Distance 0.21m
    Max Magnification 0.32X
    Autofocus Yes
    AF Motor Type Linear Motor
    Full Time Manual Yes
    Focus Method Internal
    Distance Scale No
    DoF Scale No
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Weight 695g
    Diameter 88mm
    Length 120mm
    Weather Sealing Yes
    Filter Thread 82mm
    Filter Notes Lens hood has opening for adjusting circular polarizers and variable ND filters
    Hood Supplied Yes
    Hood Code ALC-SH168
    Tripod Collar No
    Report a Correction
    Frequently Asked Questions about Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
    is the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II a Weather-sealed lens?
    What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
    is the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II an Autofocus (AF) lens?
    What is the Filter Thread Size of Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
    Does Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II have Image Stabilization?
    Does Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II have Aperture Ring?
    What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II


    FOLLOW US


    Latest Sony E Lenses
    Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 FE
    Samyang AF 35-150mm F2-2.8 FE
    Sony E | F2-2.8 Telephoto Zoom
    Sigma 50mm F2 DG DN C
    Sigma 50mm F2 DG DN C
    Sony E | F2.0 Standard Prime
    Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN C
    Sigma 17mm F4 DG DN C
    Sony E | F4.0 Wideangle Prime
    Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN C
    Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN C
    Sony E | F1.4 Wideangle Prime
    Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
    Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM
    Sony E | F1.4 Standard Prime
    Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art
    Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art
    Sony E | F1.4 Standard Prime
    Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
    Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
    Sony E | F4 Standard Zoom
    Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
    Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
    Sony E | F4.5-6.3 Telephoto Zoom
    Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
    Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
    Sony E | F2.8 Wideangle Zoom
    Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC
    Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC
    Sony E | F4.5-6.3 Telephoto Zoom
    Latest Compatible Cameras
    Sony ZV-E1
    Sony ZV-E1
    12 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS
    Sony A7R V
    Sony A7R V
    61 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS
    Sony FX30
    Sony FX30
    26 MP | APS-C BSI-CMOS
    Sony A7 IV
    Sony A7 IV
    33 MP | Full frame BSI-CMOS
    Sony ZV-E10
    Sony ZV-E10
    24 MP | APS-C CMOS
    Copyright © 2023 by CameraDecision
    Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision LaptopDecision

    Report a Correction