San Diego, CA—When Sony Electronics unwrapped the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R mirrorless ILCs, they also launched a wide-angle G Master zoom lens. The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is a full-frame Alpha E-mount lens. Moreover, it covers focal lengths from 16mm to 35mm with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 over its entire zoom range.
Furthermore, the new lens completes Sony’s second generation of standard and telephoto zoom lenses with a maximum aperture of f/2.8.
“FE 16–35mm f/2.8 GM II (model SEL1635GM2) satisfies the needs of photographers and videographers seeking high-performance lenses, and with the descriptive power and high-speed AF (autofocus) unique to G Master, it is possible to fully bring out the high performance of our advanced camera bodies,” the company stated.
Including this wide-angle zoom lens, Sony’s second-gen maximum aperture f/2.8 wide-angle zoom lenses are “each the world’s lightest in their category [as of August 2023], have excellent resolution performance, further strengthening the Alpha system, by capturing rich and varied shooting environments,” Sony added.
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Features
The FE 16–35mm f/2.8 GM II has a new optical design that arranges the high-surface precision XA (extreme aspherical) lens to achieve high resolution with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 over the entire zoom range. This was made possible by creating an aspherical shape with a higher degree of freedom than before.
In addition to G Master bokeh expression with a wide angle, it offers close-up performance throughout the zoom range. The lens has a minimum shooting distance of 8.7 inches and a maximum shooting magnification of 0.32x. What’s more, Sony’s Nano AR Coating II suppresses ghosting and flares to capture clear images, even when a strong light source comes into the frame.
Billed the “world’s smallest and lightest wide-angle zoom lens,” it has a total length of 4.4 inches and a weight of approximately 19.3 ounces. That makes the new lens about 20% lighter than the first-generation FE 16–35mm f/2.8 GM model.
In addition, the new lens incorporates the latest XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors that work on high-speed drive. Consequently, it achieves quiet autofocus that is suitable for both still images and movies. It is also up to twice as fast as conventional models when used on the Alpha 1 camera. Even with high frame rate videos where focus shifts are noticeable, the subject is tracked with precision. Further, when combined with the Alpha, high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per sec is possible.
Additional Features
Sony built the lens for comfortable operability as well as still image and movie shooting performance that meets the needs of professional and advanced hobbyists. By reducing focus breathing during video recording, compared to previous models, it is possible to achieve quality image expression without fluctuations in the angle of view. It also suppresses the movement of the center of gravity during zooming to enable stable shooting. As a result, you can shoot comfortably with a gimbal. Operability was also improved with an aperture ring that you can click on/off with a switch. Additionally, there are two focus hold buttons to assign a desired function from the camera body.
For outdoor shooting, the lens also has a fluorine coating on the front lens, so dirt is easily removed. Complementing this, the lens has a dustproof and splash-resistant construction.
The Sony FE 16–35mm f/2.8 GM II will launch in fall 2023. It will have a suggested retail price of $2,299.99.
