Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM Lens Introduced – Prime Lens Performance, Zoom Convenience

Lens News

by Heath McKnightToday

In addition to the unveiling of the Sony A1 II, the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM large aperture standard zoom G Master lens has also been announced. This new G Master lens is the first to feature a constant F2 aperture, resulting in less noise and crisp images, larger and smoother bokeh, and a compact design allowing for easy travel and run-and-gun shooting. Let’s take a deeper dive into the features!

Sony’s G Master series of E-mount lenses are well regarded for their high resolution, clarity, and bokeh. They offer a wide range of focal lengths, including prime and zoom lens options. Many of the G Master lenses are compact and light to carry and use.

A closer look at the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM lens

The new Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM lens is fast and compact, making it easy to carry and shoot. The F2 maximum aperture delivers sharp images with minimal aberration, while the smooth, cinematic bokeh opens up opportunities for creative expression. The 28-70mm zoom range also cuts down on the need to carry and swap out prime lenses.

Thanks to its fast F2 aperture, there isn’t as much of a need to boost ISO or slow the shutter, resulting in less noise and blur. Sony says the new FE 28-70mm F2 GM lens has the performance of a prime but the convenience of a zoom.

While the new Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM lens is similar to the compact FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II zoom introduced in April 2022, it is faster at a constant F2. This prevents the need to boost ISO, helping to keep image noise down.

The Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM lens features excellent corner-to-corner resolution at F2, the G Master line’s famous bokeh, suppressed aberration, minimal flare and ghosting while retaining clear images, and high resolution similar to prime lenses.

Full list of features

• Maximum aperture of F2, minimum of F22.
• Constant F2 across the entire 28-70mm zoom range.
• Four XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors for smooth, fast, precise, and quiet AF. Accurately tracks subjects up to 120 fps (photos) and 4K 120p (video). Two motors for each of the focus groups, IF (internal focus) and floating focus.
• Minimum focus distance of 0.38 m (1.25 ft.) across the entire zoom range via the floating focus mechanism, resulting in high resolution.
• Linear control when focusing manually.
• Maximum magnification of 0.23x.
• 11-blade circular aperture unit, producing smooth ball bokeh.
• Lens construction: 14-20 (groups-elements).
• Filter diameter of 86mm.
• Three XA (extreme aspherical) elements and three normal aspherical elements help with crisp resolution and cut down on aberrations, onion ring bokeh, and color bleeding.
• 3x Super ED (extra-low dispersion) suppresses, and 1x ED glass suppresses chromatic aberration, plus an aspherical lens further minimizes aberrations. 
• Nano AR Coating II to minimize and suppress internal reflections, cutting down on flare and ghosting.
• Minimal breathing, which is critical while filming video.
• Dust and moisture resistant design (DMR).
• Sony E-mount.
• Plastic construction makes the lens lightweight and easy to carry.
• A compact lens design of 92.9 mm × 139.8 mm (3.66 in x 5.5 in) and 918 g (2 lbs).
• Other features include:
  • Customizable focus mode switch (manual or auto).
  • IRIS LOCK switch.
  • Zoom ring.
  • Focus ring.
  • Zoom smoothness switch.
  • Aperture click switch.

Price and availability

The fast and compact Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM lens will be available in December 2024 and will retail for $2,898 (€3,600). The lens is a worthy addition to the G Master line and will work well with the new Sony A1 II and other Sony Alpha Series of lenses, particularly the Sony A9 III. Visit Sony’s website to learn more.

What are your thoughts on the new Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM lens? Will you be adding it to your bag of G Master lenses? Let us know in the comments below!