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amazon Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM reviews
One can say that it is impressive and wonderful when Sony could develop and launch the first Sony G Master lens on the market without the partnership with partners has helped make the name of Sony with the line Sony A7 products such as Carl Zeiss.
The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 lens delivers sharp detail and sharpness only for high-definition cameras of up to 42MP, such as the Sony A7RII.
Its exterior is a bit different from the ones Sony previously produced from Carl Zeiss. With a plastic outer lenses still very substance, weight 220g is quite compact and sturdy.
Exterior design of the lens
Sony’s G Master lens has impressed photographers with the ability to combine both sharpness and bokeh smoothly. In the meantime, we can only choose 1 single mode priority.
Normally, lenses with a focal length of 24-70mm usually have a filter diameter of 77mm. With a much improved 82mm filter diameter, the Sony 24-70GM has recording capabilities better than f/2.8.
Advantages of Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8
The new Sony 24-70mm F2.8 lens is built on three aspherical elements. This includes a recently developed element, an ultra-accurate XA lens that reduces aberrations and provides optimum resolution throughout the entire zoom range. In addition, an ED (low dispersion lens) and a super-ED lens keep chromatic aberration to a minimum while still optimizing resolution and bokeh. In addition, the 9-leaf lens is coated with Sony’s AR nanoscale to prevent mapping, ensuring a beautiful and clear contrast.
Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM has a cheaper price and is positioned in Sony’s premium G Master lens segment, its versatility and sophisticated optical design, the Sony 24-70mm 2.8 fits in perfectly light environment.
The Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM is the new SSM (Super Sonic Wave Motor) autofocus system for incredible performance thanks to a set of algorithms that allow quick positioning of the lens. and exactly. Its engine is smooth and quiet, ideal for both shooting and movies.
To optimize the usability, the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM is designed to withstand humidity, working well in harsh environments. Compact design includes AF / MF switch as well as focus lock, zoom lock, hood button.
Two new filters are suitable for Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM including VF-82MP MC protection and VF-82CPAM filter.
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Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens SEL2470GM + 82mm UV Filter + Lens Pen Cleaner + Fibercloth + Lens Capkeeper + Deluxe Cleaning Kit Bundle: Buy it now
Optical Performance
Sharpness
The sharpness of the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM is exemplary, living up to the high standards of the G Master series. Even at the maximum aperture of f/2.8, the lens delivers impressive sharpness across the frame. The center sharpness is outstanding, while the corners are also very sharp, especially when stopped down slightly to f/4 or f/5.6. This level of sharpness is maintained throughout the zoom range, making the lens an excellent choice for high-resolution sensors.
Bokeh
One of the standout features of the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM is its bokeh. The nine-blade circular diaphragm contributes to producing smooth, creamy bokeh that enhances subject isolation and background separation. The quality of the bokeh is consistent across the zoom range, with a pleasing out-of-focus rendition that is ideal for portraiture and close-up work.
Chromatic Aberration and Distortion
Chromatic aberration is well-controlled in this lens, especially for a zoom lens with a wide maximum aperture. Longitudinal chromatic aberration (LoCA), often seen as color fringing in out-of-focus areas, is minimal and easily corrected in post-processing if necessary. Lateral chromatic aberration (LaCA), which appears at the edges of the frame, is also negligible.
Distortion is well-managed, with only minor barrel distortion at 24mm and slight pincushion distortion at 70mm. These distortions are easily corrected in post-processing and are not significant enough to detract from the overall image quality.
Vignetting and Flare
At f/2.8, there is some vignetting, particularly at the wide end of the zoom range. However, this is to be expected with a fast aperture zoom lens and can often add to the aesthetic of certain images. Stopping down to f/4 or smaller significantly reduces the vignetting.
Flare and ghosting are well-controlled thanks to Sony’s Nano AR coating, which minimizes reflections and maintains contrast even when shooting against bright light sources. This makes the lens capable of handling challenging lighting conditions, such as backlit scenes, without significant loss of image quality.
Autofocus Performance
Speed and Accuracy
The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM is equipped with a Direct Drive Super Sonic wave Motor (DDSSM) system, providing fast, accurate, and silent autofocus. The autofocus system is quick enough to track moving subjects effectively, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios, including events, wildlife, and sports photography. The lens’s responsiveness ensures that you won’t miss critical moments.
Eye AF
Sony’s Eye AF technology works exceptionally well with this lens, locking onto and tracking the subject’s eye with high precision. This feature is particularly beneficial for portrait photographers, ensuring sharp focus on the eyes, which is critical for compelling portraits. The combination of the lens’s fast aperture and Eye AF makes it easier to achieve tack-sharp portraits even in challenging conditions.
Practical Use and Versatility
Landscape Photography
The wide end of the zoom range, combined with the f/2.8 aperture, makes the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM a great choice for landscape photography. The lens captures stunning detail and dynamic range, making it ideal for capturing wide vistas and intricate scenes. The weather sealing ensures that the lens can be used in various environmental conditions, adding to its suitability for landscape work.
Portrait Photography
The lens excels in portrait photography, offering a versatile focal length range that covers both environmental portraits and tighter headshots. The f/2.8 aperture provides excellent subject isolation and background blur, making the subject stand out sharply against a beautifully defocused background. The high sharpness and pleasing bokeh further enhance the lens’s suitability for portraiture.
Event and Wedding Photography
The FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM is a workhorse for event and wedding photographers. Its versatile zoom range allows for quick framing adjustments, capturing everything from wide group shots to intimate candid moments. The fast aperture and reliable autofocus system ensure that the lens performs well in low-light conditions, such as indoor venues and evening receptions.
Street Photography
For street photography, the lens’s versatility and compact form factor are significant advantages. The 24-70mm focal length range allows for capturing a variety of scenes, from wide environmental shots to closer portraits. The fast and silent autofocus ensures discreet operation, making it easier to capture candid moments without drawing attention.
Videography
The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM is also an excellent choice for videography. The aperture ring can be de-clicked for smooth, silent operation, and the autofocus system is both fast and quiet, ideal for video work. The lens’s optical performance ensures high-quality footage, with sharpness, contrast, and minimal distortion. The focal length range is versatile for various types of shots, from wide establishing shots to tighter close-ups.
Comparison with Competitors
Sony FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS
Sony offers a more affordable 24-70mm F4 lens, which is a compelling option for photographers on a budget. While the F4 version is lighter and less expensive, it does not match the optical performance, build quality, or low-light capability of the F2.8 GM. The extra stop of light provided by the F2.8 aperture makes a significant difference in low-light situations and for achieving a shallower depth of field.
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN Art
The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 Art lens is another popular choice among photographers. It offers excellent sharpness and build quality, often at a lower price point than the Sony GM. However, the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM has the advantage of being natively designed for Sony E-mount cameras, ensuring full compatibility and better autofocus performance. Additionally, the weather sealing and robust construction of the Sony lens make it a more reliable choice for professional use.
Value for Money
The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM is undeniably expensive, but it offers exceptional value for money when considering its performance, build quality, and versatility. For professional photographers, the investment is worthwhile, given the lens’s ability to consistently deliver outstanding results. For enthusiasts, the decision may come down to budget and specific needs, but those who can afford it will find the lens to be a worthwhile addition to their kit.
Conclusion
The Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM lens is a remarkable piece of engineering that lives up to the high expectations set by the G Master series. It offers superb sharpness, stunning bokeh, and reliable performance across a variety of shooting scenarios. Its build quality and weather sealing ensure it can handle the rigors of professional use, while its autofocus system is both fast and accurate, particularly when combined with Sony’s Eye AF technology.
Strengths
- Outstanding Image Quality: The lens delivers exceptional sharpness, contrast, and color fidelity across the entire zoom range and aperture settings.
- Versatility: The 24-70mm focal length range covers a wide variety of shooting scenarios, from landscapes and portraits to events and street photography.
- Fast Aperture: The constant f/2.8 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and subject isolation.
- Professional Build Quality: The robust construction and weather sealing make the lens reliable for professional use in various environmental conditions.
- Advanced Autofocus: The DDSSM autofocus system is fast, accurate, and silent, making it suitable for both stills and video.
- Pleasing Bokeh: The nine-blade circular diaphragm produces smooth, creamy bokeh that enhances the aesthetic quality of out-of-focus areas.
Weaknesses
- Price: The lens is expensive, which might be a barrier for enthusiasts and hobbyists. However, considering its performance and build quality, many professionals find it worth the investment.
- Weight and Size: At 886 grams, it is relatively heavy and bulky, which can be a drawback for photographers looking for a more portable setup. This weight is, however, a trade-off for the high-quality optics and robust construction.