Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Announced – Smaller and Lighter

Lens News

by Jeff LochAugust 29^th, 2023

Sony has just announced the second version of its popular wide-angle G Master lens: the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II. Compared to its predecessor, this new version of the zoom lens is lighter and smaller. Also, the optical formula has been entirely revamped to reduce chromatic aberrations, improve edge-to-edge sharpness, and improve focus breathing for video recording. So, let’s take a closer look at it!

Every camera manufacturer has its own famous “lens trinity” that consists of a 15/16-35mm wide-angle, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm telephoto zoom lenses. All these lenses usually have a maximum F2.8 aperture and built-in image stabilization. The concept behind that trinity is that you can cover all focal lengths, from wide-angle to telephoto, with only three lenses.

After the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II in 2021 and the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II in 2022, Sony is finishing the G Master trinity revamp with the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II.

Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II – features

Let’s start by talking numbers and metrics concerning this new Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II. With a length of 11.1cm/4.37in and an outside diameter of 87.8mm, it is 1cm shorter than its predecessor. In terms of weight, it weighs 547g/19.3oz compared to 680g/23.9oz for the first version, which makes it around 20% lighter.

Similar to most Sony G Master lenses, the 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is weather-sealed, including buttons and switches that feature silicone rubber gaskets. A rubber ring seals the lens mount.

Inside the zoom lens, you’ll now find four XD linear autofocus motors that should provide fast, quiet, and accurate AF performances. According to Sony, “Any subject can be focused on instantly and silently, even at 30fps burst and in 4K120p video recording mode, where the focus accuracy is critical.” Last but not least, the 16-35mm F2.8 GM II now supports the breathing compensation function with compatible cameras.

Lens design

The lens design consists of NUMBER ELEMENTS / GROUPS. The lens design has been completely revamped, so it should perform better than its predecessor in corner-to-corner sharpness and chromatic aberration control.

Regarding coatings, the internal elements feature Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology to reduce flare and ghosting. Also, the front element has a Fluorine coating that repels water/oil/dust and makes it easy to clean.

The minimum focusing distance of the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is now 22cm (28cm for the previous version). The aperture diaphragm remains unchanged with eleven circular aperture blades. Lastly, the front filter diameter remains consistent between both iterations, measuring 82mm.

Price and availability

The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II will be available in September 2023 for €2700.

For more information, please visit Sony’s website here.

What do you think about this new 16-35mm version? Do you already have the first version? Are you considering an upgrade to the latest model? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!