Sony’s first standard zoom lens with a constant F2 aperture marks a significant milestone in lens design. The FE 28-70mm F2 GM breaks new ground by delivering prime lens quality with zoom versatility, all while maintaining an impressively bright F2 aperture throughout its range.
Image Quality
The optical construction of this lens is nothing short of remarkable. Three XA (extreme aspherical) elements combined with ED and Super ED glass deliver exceptional sharpness even at F2. In our testing, the edge-to-edge clarity rivals many prime lenses, which is a stunning achievement for a zoom.
Bokeh Performance
The 11-blade circular aperture combined with the F2 maximum aperture creates a beautiful background blur. The bokeh quality is smooth and natural, without the “onion ring” effect that can plague some complex lens designs. For portrait photographers, this lens delivers the kind of subject separation previously only available with prime lenses.
Autofocus Performance
Sony has equipped this lens with four XD Linear Motors, and the performance shows. Autofocus is virtually instant and silent, making it perfect for both stills and video. The lens maintains accurate focus even when tracking fast-moving subjects, and importantly, keeps its performance while zooming – a crucial feature for sports and wildlife photography.
Close Focus Capabilities
With a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m throughout the zoom range, this lens proves surprisingly versatile for close-up work. The 0.23x maximum magnification ratio isn’t macro territory, but it’s more than adequate for detail shots at events or nature photography.
Video Performance
Sony has clearly considered filmmakers when designing this lens. Focus breathing is minimal, making focus transitions look natural and professional. The de-clickable aperture ring and adjustable zoom ring torque allow for smooth exposure and focal length changes during recording.
Professional Video Features
The lens is compatible with Sony’s breathing compensation feature, further enhancing its video capabilities. The near-silent operation of both focus and aperture mechanisms means you won’t pick up lens noise in your audio, even in quiet environments.
Build Quality and Handling
Despite its bright aperture and complex optical design, Sony has managed to keep the size and weight remarkably manageable at 918g. The build quality feels thoroughly professional, with comprehensive weather sealing and a fluorine coating on the front element.
Professional Controls
The lens features:
- Customisable focus hold buttons
- De-clickable aperture ring
- Zoom smoothness adjustment
- Focus mode switch
- Iris lock switch
Real World Performance
In practical use, this lens proves remarkably versatile. The F2 aperture combined with excellent stabilisation makes it very capable in low light. The focal range, while slightly less wide than the traditional 24-70mm, still covers most standard shooting scenarios, from environmental portraits to mid-range telephoto shots.
Event Photography
Wedding and event photographers will particularly appreciate the F2 aperture for low-light ceremony venues and reception halls. The focal range is perfect for everything from small group shots to candid moments across a room.
Who Is It For?
This lens is aimed at professionals and serious enthusiasts who:
- Need exceptional low-light performance
- Want prime-lens quality with zoom versatility
- Shoot both stills and video
- Value professional build quality and controls
- Need reliable performance in challenging conditions
Final Thoughts
The Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM represents a significant achievement in lens design. It delivers on the promise of combining zoom versatility with prime lens quality and adds the unique advantage of a constant F2 aperture. While the focal range might be slightly less wide than traditional 24-70mm zooms, the benefits of the F2 aperture more than compensate.
What Sony has achieved here is remarkable – a standard zoom that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Instead, it feels like having a bag full of F2 primes in a single lens. For professional photographers and videographers who demand the best possible image quality and versatility, this lens sets a new standard in what’s possible from a zoom lens.
The combination of exceptional optical quality, professional features, and practical design makes this lens a compelling option for anyone invested in the Sony system. It’s a lens that doesn’t just meet professional standards – it raises them.
Where to Buy
Having extensively tested this lens, we recommend purchasing from Campkins Cameras in Cambridge. Their expert team can provide hands-on demonstrations and professional advice about its capabilities. As an authorised Sony dealer, they offer full warranty support and after-sales service.
Sample Images
