CameraReview
Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM
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Sony · 28-70 mm · f/2 · Sony E mount

Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM

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KEY FACTS
BrandSony
Announcement dateNov 2024
Released2024
Production started2024
Production statusIn Production
What We Like
+Exceptional constant f/2 aperture throughout entire zoom range, enabling prime-like shallow depth of field and low-light performance
+Razor-sharp optics across entire focal length range rivaling prime lenses, with excellent sharpness even wide-open at f/2
+Fast, silent, and precise autofocus with 4 XD linear motors supporting 120 fps continuous shooting and 240 fps video
+Surprisingly compact and lightweight for an f/2 standard zoom—918g compared to Canon's 1430g equivalent, enabling comfortable handheld use
+Professional-grade controls including de-clickable aperture ring, adjustable zoom torque, multiple focus hold buttons, and iris lock for hybrid photo/video work
+Excellent weather sealing with dust/moisture resistance and fluorine-coated front element for durability in challenging conditions
Worth Knowing
Premium pricing at $2,899 makes it a significant investment, considerably more expensive than conventional f/2.8 standard zooms
Notable ghosting artifacts and flare issues when shooting backlit subjects due to limited flare resistance despite Nano AR Coating II
Requires expensive 86mm filters due to large front element, with filter sizes larger than standard options
Lacks optical image stabilization, relying solely on in-body sensor stabilization which may limit handheld usability on older camera bodies without IBIS

General

Brand
Sony
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Nov 2024
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2024
Production started
2024
Production status
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Read our notes on general
Sony's FE 28-70mm F2 GM is a fast standard zoom that trades 4mm from the wide end for an aperture that's a stop brighter than the classic 24-70 F2.8, and is Sony's first constant F2 zoom for its E-mount cameras. It is one of the sharpest zooms tested across the entire zoom range, and is flawlessly usable at F2 at any focal length. Flare resistance is the only weak link, with a surprising amount of ghosting artifacts at wide apertures, and users will definitely have to account for this if shooting backlit portraits. The primary drawback is the price—this lens is a serious investment.

Optics

Minimum Aperture
f/22
Optical Formula
20 elements in 14 groups
Special Elements
3 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 super ED, 1 ED, 3 aspherical elements
Coatings
Nano AR Coating II, fluorine coating (front element)
Min focal length
28 mm
Max focal length
70 mm
Focal range
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
28-70 mm
Zoom lens
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
Yes
Max aperture wide
2
Max aperture zoom
2
Blades
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
11020
Closest focusing distance
Minimum distance for a subject to be in focus.
38 cm01500

Autofocus

Autofocus Motors
4 XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors
Maximum Magnification
0.23x
Focus Type
Internal focusing
Continuous AF Speed
120 fps (stills), 240 fps (video)

Build

Construction
Hybrid metal and high-quality plastic

Features

Image Stabilization
None (sensor stabilization compatible)
Aperture Ring
De-clickable with click ON/OFF switch
Iris Lock Switch
Yes
Focus Hold Buttons
2x customizable
Zoom Ring Torque
Adjustable (Tight/Smooth)
Manual Focus
Linear response MF
Focus Breathing Reduction
Yes, with breathing compensation support
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes

Video

Focus Breathing
Greatly reduced optically
Zoom Extension
0.7 inches (0.18m) when zooming 28-70mm
Video Frame Rate Support
Up to 4K 120p and FHD 240p

Physical

Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony E
Lens length
How long the lens is from front to back.
140 mm
Lens diameter
Width of the lens at its widest point
93 mm
Lens weight
918 g
Front filter size
Diameter of attachable filters.
86 mm