Fast’ High Performance Wide-to-Tele Zoom
Words: Rohinton Mehta
The FE 28-70mm f/2 GM lens is Sony’s first G Master standard zoom with a constant f/2 aperture. G Master lenses are known for their superior performance. The lens was introduced in India on November
29, 2024. Let’s see how it performs on our test bench…
Design & Build Quality: The build quality and the finish of the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM lens are excellent. Buttons and switches have silicone gaskets to prevent dust and moisture getting in. Filter diameter is 86mm. The lens hood has an opening that allows easy adjustment of CPL and variable ND filters. The lens is physically big and weighs 918g. It is made in Thailand.
Key Features: The Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM lens is constructed with 20 elements in 14 groups that include three XA (Extreme Aspherical) elements that ensures corner-to-corner sharpness even when used wide open at f/2, plus one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and three Super ED elements to reduce axial chromatic as well as lateral chromatic aberrations. Some elements are coated with Sony’s Nano AR Coating II that minimises flare and ghosting even when shooting in back-lit conditions. An 11-bladed circular aperture unit improves on bokeh quality. Four XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors control the autofocus drive for extreme precision control. Manual focus is aided by Linear Response MF motor. The lens offers two customisable focus hold buttons, an iris lock and an AF/MF switch. The front lens element has fluorine coating to prevent water droplets and other contaminants from sticking to it.
Ergonomics: We reviewed the lens on a Sony A1 II body. The lens was easy to use but after a while, I felt the combined weight a bit too much for me.
Performance: The overall performance of the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM lens was excellent. The lens autofocused swiftly and accurately, even in poor light. The lens was sharp throughout the focal range, even when used wide open at f/2. I felt that the lens performed optically at its best at around f/4 – f/5.6. Between f/16 & f/22, there was some softness due to diffraction of light at such narrow apertures. Lateral chromatic aberration was seen at 28mm. The lens produced soft, creamy bokeh when used at close distances at wider apertures. Flare and ghosting were very well controlled. Negligible barrel distortion was noticed at the 28mm end. On careful observation, some focus breathing was seen at 28mm.
Value for Money: The Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM is available at an MRP of Rs.299,990/-. The lens is expensive, but we must remember that the lens offers constant f/2 aperture – and ‘fast’ high-performance wide-to medium tele zoom lenses are difficult and expensive to manufacture.
Verdict: The overall optical performance of this lens overcomes any small niggles mentioned in the review. The lens, though on the heavier side considering its focal range, provides very sharp images, even when used at wide open f/2 aperture. The ‘fast’ lens is a boon in low light situations, provides soft bokeh, and is ideal for photojournalism, weddings, landscapes, indoors, studio work, or for any day-to-day use. The lens is on the expensive side, but, as mentioned earlier, ‘fast’ wide-to-medium tele zoom lenses are expensive to manufacture. If your work demands a ‘fast’ lens with very high image quality, then this is the lens for you. Best Buy
Key Specifications
- Mount: Sony E-mount
- Construction: 20 elements in 14 groups
- Angle of View: 75-34° (54-23° for APS-C format)
- Aperture range: F/2-22
- Aperture blades: 11 (Circular)
- MFD: 0.38m (1.25ft)
- Max magnification: 0.23x Filter dia.: 86mm
- TC compatible: Yes, 1.4x and 2x
- D x L: 92.9 x 139.8mm
- Weight: 918g
Plus
- ‘Fast’ f/2.8 aperture throughout the focal range
- Very sharp ‘still’ as well as video performance
- Creamy bokeh
- Overall, high performance lens
Minus
- Expensive
- Heavy (considering its modest focal range)
- No built-in optical image stabilization (but compatible Sony bodies offer IBIS)
- 86mm filters not easily available
