Sony FE 24-70 f/2.8 GM II

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens Review

The 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom is a staple for serious amateur and professional photographers. It’s the classic workhorse: wide enough for landscapes and tight spaces, long enough for portraits and events, and fast enough for low light and subject isolation. In 2022, Sony released the second generation of their premium offering in this category—the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. Smaller, lighter, sharper, and faster than its predecessor, this lens arrives with the hefty expectations that come with wearing the “G Master” badge. After extensive testing, it’s clear that Sony didn't just make minor tweaks—they fundamentally redefined what a professional mid-range zoom can be.

Build Quality

At first touch, the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II feels solid yet noticeably lighter than the original. Weighing in at just 695g (1.53 lbs), it’s about 22% lighter than the first-gen model. The lens is dust and moisture resistant, but notably not fully waterproof. Every moving part has seals, and the front element features a fluorine coating to repel fingerprints and smudges.

Controls have been vastly improved:

• Two customizable focus hold buttons for easy access.

• A focus mode switch (AF/MF).

• A zoom smoothness ring allows you to toggle between a tight, controlled zoom for video work and a looser, faster zoom for photography.

• An aperture ring, complete with a de-click switch for smooth transitions in video applications.

The attention to ergonomic detail puts the GM II at the top of its class in user-friendliness, especially for hybrid shooters working across stills and video.

Optics

Sony promised better optical performance, and they delivered. The lens features an incredibly complex 20-element, 15-group optical design, including:

• Five aspherical elements, two of which are extreme aspherical (XA) elements.

• Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements.

• Two Super ED elements.

• Nano AR Coating II to control flare and ghosting.

Sharpness is stunning throughout the zoom range—even wide open at f/2.8. In fact, many lab tests show that center sharpness at f/2.8 beats the original GM’s sharpness at f/4 or f/5.6. Edge sharpness is equally impressive, making this lens ideal for high-resolution bodies like the Sony A7R V (61MP) or the A1 (50MP).

Chromatic aberrations are extremely well controlled, even in high-contrast backlit scenes. Sony’s color rendering is also more neutral than earlier GM lenses, which sometimes skewed warm. Flare resistance is another area of improvement. The GM II handles strong light sources gracefully, with only minimal loss of contrast or color fringing. Sunstars from point light sources are clean and pleasing, starting as early as f/4.

Bokeh

One of the first-generation 24-70mm GM’s biggest criticisms was its bokeh, especially when compared to primes. Sony has clearly listened.

The GM II produces beautiful, creamy bokeh. Thanks to its 11-blade circular aperture and improved XA elements, out-of-focus areas are noticeably smoother and more uniform. At 70mm and f/2.8, backgrounds melt away nicely, isolating your subject effectively for portraits or close-up work.

There’s also very little distortion in the bokeh, which plagued the original version. Transition zones between in-focus and out-of-focus areas are gentle, giving a three-dimensional look that previously only primes could achieve.

Competitors

In the premium 24-70mm f/2.8 world, competition is fierce. Here's how the Sony stacks up:

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

• Excellent value (almost half the price of the Sony).

• Sharp but not quite at the Sony’s level, especially wide open.

• Heavier and bigger, with slightly harsher bokeh.

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2

• A great option for budget-conscious users.

• Focuses slightly slower, and 28mm isn’t as wide as 24mm.

• Lacks the premium build and ultimate sharpness of the Sony.

Ultimately, if you want the best possible optical performance in a lightweight, professional-grade body, the Sony 24-70mm GM II is the leader for Sony E-mount users.

Specifications

• Focal Length: 24–70 mm

• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8

• Minimum Aperture: f/22

• Lens Mount: Sony E-mount

• Format: Full Frame

• Optical Design: 20 elements in 15 groups

• Diaphragm Blades: 11 (rounded)

• Minimum Focus Distance: 8.3″ (0.21 m) at 24 mm; 11.8″ (0.3 m) at 70 mm

• Maximum Magnification: 0.32×

• Filter Size: 82 mm

• Dimensions: 3.5″ × 4.7″ (87.8 × 119.9 mm)

• Weight: 695 g (1.53 lbs)

• Special Features: Aperture ring; de-click switch; zoom smoothness control; dual customizable buttons

• Weather Sealing: Yes

Price

At launch, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II had a retail price of $2,299 USD.

This positions it at the premium end of the zoom market. While Sigma and Tamron alternatives offer excellent quality for a reduced price, they don't match the Sony's combination of sharpness, build, and handling.

Given its performance, the price is justified for professionals or serious enthusiasts using high-resolution bodies who demand the very best. However, casual users or those on a tighter budget might find more value in third-party offerings.

Sony’s pricing also reflects the broader inflation in camera gear costs over the past few years—where flagship zooms from Canon and Nikon now hover around the same range.

Final Impression

Sony’s FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II isn’t just a minor upgrade; it’s a transformational leap forward. In nearly every area—sharpness, build quality, bokeh, size, and handling—it outclasses both its predecessor and most of its competitors.

Its improvements make it especially appealing to hybrid shooters who need a lens as competent for video as it is for stills. The lighter weight, smoother zoom action, aperture ring, and minimized breathing during focus pulls show that Sony designed this lens with filmmakers just as much in mind as photographers.

That said, the high price and lack of optical stabilization could deter some buyers, especially those who prioritize handheld video work on non-stabilized bodies.

If you’re a professional portrait, wedding, commercial, or landscape photographer—or a videographer who needs the highest optical quality in a versatile zoom—this is the standard-setting lens for Sony’s system in 2025.

Updated: December 2025