Sony 24-70 GM II includes an aperture ring
Six years after the original GM lense launched, Sony has finally offered the Sony 24-70 GM II, which is a versatile lens that is often used by photojournalists, hybrid shooters, and wedding photographers.
The lens addresses the few shortfalls of its predecessor to become the best quality general-purpose zoom for the e-mount system to date. Unlike the Mark I, the new lens remains crisp throughout its range, delivering fine details and high contrast across the frame. It now focuses faster and closer than before, maintaining sharpness even at its minimum distance, while the declickable aperture ring, adjustable zoom resistance, and hood with a filter window are all nice additions.
Moreover, the actual barrel is not only a little shorter than rivals and predecessors but noticeably lighter, making it more attractive for long event work. Like its predecessor, there’s still no optical stabilization, and as an F2.8 zoom it won’t deliver the ultimate bokeh quality of a top-end prime lens, but the rendering is still attractive.
The internally-focusing lens uses a floating focus mechanism driven by four of Sony’s extreme dynamic linear motors. These motors improve the lens’ autofocus tracking performance, according to Sony. Specifically, Sony says focusing while zooming in and out is ‘approximately two times better’ than its predecessor.
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II is just the second G Master lens to receive a Mark II version, as the 70-200mm G Master was updated earlier this year. Both updates featured the new aperture ring, and it is likely this will become a staple in more of Sony’s zoom offerings, such as the 16-35mm.
