Performance
The Sony 24-70mm GM lens performed well in our tests. Autofocus was almost instant and precise. The internal focussing was so silent and smooth that we couldn’t even feel the elements moving. Combined with the Alpha 7R II, it allowed the camera to focus even in reasonably-low light. The lens showed excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range. Images were sharp at all apertures except f/22, which, understandably, exhibited some softness due to diffraction. The sweet spot was consistent at f/8 throughout the zoom range. We could not do our regular test of flare in bright sunlight since the sun has been hiding for the entire duration of the review. Hence we had to simulate the situation in the studio. The lens produced slight flare at the wide-angle end at wide-open aperture, but we did not observe any chromatic aberration.
Prominent darkening of corners was observed at 24mm at all apertures, though it reduced when the aperture was closed down. The lens produced barrel distortion at 24mm and pincushion at all other focal lengths. 35mm produced the least distortion.
We did not see any perceptible cast due to the coatings.
Value for Money
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens retails at an MRP of Rs.154,990. This price looks competitive for this lens since it is similar to other lenses in the same category. |SP
FINAL SCORE 82%
Design and Build Quality 18/20
Key Features 17/20
Ergonomics 17/20
Performance
Autofocus 5/5
Sharpness 5/5
Distortion control 3/5
Aberrations 3/5
Darkening of corners 2/5
Extra features 5/5
Sub-Total 23/30
Value for Money 7/10
PLUS
• Superior build quality
• Excellent sharpness
• Fast and silent autofocus
MINUS
• Darkening of corners at all apertures
• Heavy distortion
VERDICT
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 lens produces excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range, and it remains so for a wide range of apertures. Combined with the fastand silent autofocus and excellent build quality, the lens is a Best Buy.
Sujith Gopinath
