Sony Announces FE 28-70mm f/2 GM Lens

Sony has announced its new FE 28-70mm f/2 GM, which looks to be a versatile, and reasonably fast full frame zoom that covers a decent focal range. Sony has sacrificed 4mm at the wide end for the added benefit of getting a faster constant F stop.

Designed for Video Shooting

Along with its F2 aperture, the zoom range of the 28-70mm G Master provides a versatile video option that can cover standard field-of-view shots and tighter compositions up to 70mm. This lens minimizes focus breathing through its build and compatibility with the Breathing Compensation feature on various Alpha bodies and a minimum focusing distance of 14.17″ / 36cm throughout its entire zoom range. As a comparison, the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II has a minimum focusing distance of 8.3″ / 21 cm.

Its high autofocus performance ensures reliable focus even when recording in high frame rates up to 4K 120p / FHD 240p. Additionally, the XD linear motors and newly developed aperture unit operate silently, preventing any lens noise from being captured during filming.
The lens is ideal for gimbal use with a minimal zoom extension of approximately .68 inches. The compact form factor and short external zoom helps maintain gimbal balance, even at varying focal lengths.

Key control features include Linear Response MF for intuitive manual focusing, adjustable zoom ring torque, and an aperture ring with a click ON/OFF switch. The lens also offers two customizable focus hold buttons, an iris lock switch, and an AF/MF switch. The 28-70mm F2 G Master has an 86mm filter diameter and a convenient window on the lens hood for variable filter adjustments.
All buttons and switches are sealed with silicone gaskets, and critical areas are designed to resist dust and moisture. This ensures reliability, even while using in challenging outdoor environments. A fluorine coating on the front element also repels contaminants for easy cleaning.

Sony states the 28-70mm F2 G Master produces sharp corner-to-corner results throughout the entire zoom range, even while shooting wide open at F2. The high-resolution output is made possible by the three XA (extreme aspherical) elements and three aspherical elements built within the lens that minimize aberrations.

The 28-70mm F2 has a newly designed 11-blade circular aperture unit. Chromatic aberrations, which cause color fringing within photos, are effectively minimized with three Super ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and one ED element built within the lens. Additionally, Sony’s Nano AR Coating II reduces flare and internal reflections, ensuring clear images, even when strong light sources are present in the frame.

The 28-70mm F2 G Master has a total of 20 different lens elements arranged within 14 internal groups. Despite the advanced optical design, the lens remains compact at 3.6 x 5.5 inches (92.9 x 139.8mm) and lightweight at approximately 32.3 ounces (918g).

Autofocus is delivered through the lens’ four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors powered by advanced control algorithms. This smooth performance system provides accurate and quick focus tracking, which is often essential in many professional use cases like weddings and sports. This lens is fully compatible with Sony’s Alpha 9 III‘s high-speed continuous shooting capabilities of up to 120 frames per second with AF/AE (autofocus/autoexposure) tracking, even while zooming.

Sony already makes a Sony FE 28-70mm, but that lens has a variable aperture of f/3.5-5.6.

There is also the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, which many Sony users shooting video might prefer over the new FE 28-70mm f/2 GM as the added 4mm at the wide end is arguably more useful than the slight increase in F stop speed.

Pricing and Availability

The new Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM retails for $2898. USD and is available for pre-order. Shipping will start in December 2024.