FE 28-70mm F2 GM Newly Released Zoom Lens – Sony

Sony announced the upcoming release the f/2 iris FE 28-70mm F2 GM constant large-aperture standard zoom lens on December 13, 2024.

FE 28-70mm F2 GM Features 

Combines the image quality of a prime lens with the convenience of a zoom lens

There are currently four models on the market for standard zoom lenses in Sony’s G or GM series. In the affordable class, there are the F4 constant “FE 20-70mm F4 G” and “FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS,” and the F2.8 constant “FE 24-50mm F2.8 G.” In the other class, which is a staple for professionals and advanced amateurs, there is the “FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II,” which has evolved and is highly reliable.

There are a total of four models in the lineup, and a new product called “F2” will be released at the top of the lineup. That is the FE 28-70mm F2 GM.

Introducing the FE 28-70mm F2 GM

The FE 28-70mm F2 GM is the first Sony α lens to be part of the G Master large-aperture standard zoom lens with a constant F2 aperture. It is one stop brighter than the previous maximum F2.8 and can capture twice the amount of light, further expanding the scope of expression. It offers high image quality approaching that of a prime lens across the entire zoom range from 28mm to 70mm, while also providing the convenience and utility of a zoom lens, making it a compact, lightweight, and highly mobile F2 zoom lens.

The intended users are those who want the same level of image quality as a prime lens, but who don’t have the time to change lenses, and who capture subjects in documentaries, weddings, live sports, and other professional settings where there are moments that truly cannot be missed.

The one and only “F2 zoom” achieves image quality approaching that of a prime lens

The top is wide-angle, the bottom is telephoto, the left is fully open, and the right is F8. MTF chart at fully open F-number. The chart shows that high optical performance has been achieved.

　 　　

In terms of optical design, the lens elements are a distinctive feature. In particular, the FE 28-70mm f/2 is equipped with three “extreme aspherical XA (XA lens)” elements.

In Sony’s model, the “FE 50mm F1.2 GM” is equipped with the same number of three elements. The “FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II” is equipped with two elements, so this is one more element than the “FE 50mm F1.2 GM II”.

In addition to the XA lenses, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM also uses three “super ED (extra-low dispersion) glass” elements and one regular “ED (extra-low dispersion) glass” elements, for a total of four elements that suppress chromatic aberration.

　 　　

“Large bokeh” and “smooth, natural bokeh” at F2 are compatible with high resolution

The design of this lens also paid particular attention to bokeh, with a constant F2 aperture to produce large bokeh and the smooth, natural bokeh that is unique to the G Master, which is what enabled them to achieve both the high resolution mentioned above.

One of the technical background points is that the lens is equipped with a newly designed 11-blade circular aperture unit. Vignetting that occurs at the periphery of an image with a large aperture lens has a significant impact on the smoothness of the bokeh, but this lens is equipped with an 11-blade circular aperture unit that maintains its circular shape even when stopped down by two stops to suppress vignetting even at the periphery of the screen. This makes it possible to shoot with a focus on bokeh depiction.

In addition, Sony’s unique “Nano AR Coating II” suppresses flare and ghosting even when there is a strong light source such as sunlight on the screen. The lens barrel is also designed to thoroughly suppress reflections. 

Excellent optical performance and functionality in a highly portable telescope

Despite being an F2 zoom, it has a compact and lightweight design.

The FE 28-70mm F2 GM achieves almost the same size and weight as Sony’s FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM, but one of its key features is that it packs the high image quality of an F2 zoom into a small body while still ensuring portability.

FE 28-70mm F2 GM AF Performance

The autofocus performance has also been made without compromise. The FE 28-70mm F2 also supports the α9 III’s AE/AF tracking up to 120fps continuous shooting. For this design, a floating focus is used. The focus lens group is divided into two, each equipped with two optimized XG linear motors, making it possible to control the large and heavy lens group of the F2 zoom at high speed and precision.

In addition, the floating focus mechanism achieves excellent close-up performance. The maximum shooting magnification is 0.23x, and the minimum shooting distance is 0.38m across the entire zoom range. The lens also boasts extremely high specs in terms of suppressing focus breathing.

The controls for this lens are the same as those on the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II. They are equipped with a triple focus ring and a zoom operation feel change switch. In addition, a new flower-shaped hood (ALC-SH182) is included. There is also an opening and closing operation window, which allows you to operate the filter while it is attached.