Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM Lens

Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM Lens Summary

With a bright aperture throughout a versatile zoom range, G Master optical design, and exceptional build quality, the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM Lens is a desirable option for portraits, events, and hybrid shooting. This premium wide to standard zoom showcases Sony’s ability to create high-quality E-mount lenses that support enthusiast and professional creators who work across a variety of genres.

Not only does the 28-70mm f/2 GM feature a wide f/2 aperture, but it also incorporates the latest technology from Sony, including four high-speed, near-silent linear XD focus motors, exceptional close-up performance, and high image magnification for detailed results throughout the zoom range.

The optical design reduces chromatic aberrations while resolving exquisite details across the entire frame, and the lens exhibits minimal focus breathing, along with breathing compensation compatibility for moviemaking without distracting focus pulls. This is ideal for Sony’s range of hybrid full-frame cameras, which includes the Sony A1 II camera, which was released alongside this pro-level lens.

Sample image with Sony A1 II @70mm. Camera settings: 1/2500 sec. f/2. ISO 400

Sony has included the latest generation of anti-flare Nano AR Coating II, a fluorine coating and comprehensive dust and moisture sealing to support outdoor fieldwork. A number of controls are available for customisation to adjust the lens to suit your workflow, which include two focus hold buttons, a focus mode switch, an aperture de-click switch, and more.

Despite combining a wide 11-blade aperture design with exceptional performance, this portable zoom weighs just 918g and is compact enough for easy handholding throughout a range of shooting situations.

Key Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM (SEL2870GM) Features

• Bright zoom lens with a constant f/2 aperture throughout the range
• Beautiful bokeh from G Master lens design
• Compact and lightweight build at 918g
• Advanced optics with three XA elements that resolve high resolution
• 11-blade circular aperture unit
• Well-controlled chromatic aberration
• Fast, precise, and quiet autofocus from four XD linear motors
• Maintains pace with 4K 120p recording
• Minimal focus breathing and breathing compensation for videography
• Excellent close-up performance with a 0.38m minimum focusing distance
• 0.23x maximum magnification
• Tough and durable weather sealing with a fluorine coating
• Nano AR Coating II reduces flare and ghosting
• 86mm filter thread

Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM Lens in More Detail

With a wide 28mm to short telephoto 70mm zoom range, this lens is ideal for situations where changing lenses may be tricky or could result in missed opportunities. It can be used in venues where you can’t move around as freely as you’d like, such as during live concerts and weddings, and it reduces weight by combining a variety of popular prime focal lengths with similar optical quality.

These focal lengths include 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 70mm, all with a bright f/2 aperture from one convenient zoom, which rivals prime quality.

With high resolution, beautiful bokeh, and reduced noise thanks to the ability to shoot at a wider aperture, the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM Lens presents the perfect solution for photographers who want to carry fewer lenses while enjoying G Master quality. The newer Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM Lens even competes against Sony’s own second-generation FE 24-70mm GM II, offering an extra stop of brightness and a similar standard zoom range.

Sample image with Sony A1 II @70mm. Camera settings: 1/2500 sec. f/2. ISO 400

Versatile zoom range with an ultra wide aperture

This is an especially versatile lens, well suited to a variety of subjects, including:

• Portraits
• Weddings and events
• Commercial photography
• Sports
• Hybrid/filmmaking content

Advanced G Master optical formula

Sony has optimised the layout of each lens element to reduce the diameter and overall length of the lens while maintaining extremely high optical performance throughout the zoom range.

This is achieved through a design that includes 20 elements arranged in 14 groups. These consist of three XA lenses (extreme aspherical), which effectively minimise aberrations, one ED lens and three Super ED lenses (extra-low dispersion) for chromatic aberration suppression, plus an aspherical lens.

Nano AR II coating is also incorporated for excellent ghosting, flare and control of internal reflections, along with an internal focusing and floating focusing layout for a more compact design.

The XA and aspherical elements contribute to delivering high levels of sharpness from corner to corner, with razor-sharp results possible throughout the zoom range.

Sample image with Sony A1 II @70mm. Camera settings: 1/200 sec. f/5.6. ISO 800

Extraordinary depth and beautiful bokeh 

A combination of the 11-bladed aperture design, bright f/2 constant aperture, and G Master optics render exquisite bokeh, soft defocus areas, and punchy depth with a three-dimensional quality. The technologies behind these results include carefully controlled spherical aberrations that provide a great balance between resolution and bokeh, along with the new 11-bladed circular aperture unit, which delivers gorgeous bokeh balls. The XA elements help suppress onion rings in the bokeh as well as any colour bleeding.

Superb close-up performance

Sony’s floating focus mechanism enables closer shooting to your subject, with a minimum focusing distance of just 0.38m across the entire zoom range, ensuring high resolution at close range. A high 0.23x magnification also allows for large details in your images, extending the versatility of this lens design.

Sample image with Sony A1 II @70mm. Camera settings: 1/500 sec. f/4. ISO 160

Fast, precise, quiet AF and tracking

Four powerful XD linear motors are combined with an advanced control algorithm to achieve excellent AF performance by driving the large and heavy lens elements smoothly and quietly. The lens is capable of maintaining pace with 4K 120p recording while focus is maintained, even as the camera tracks the subject.

This rivals Sony’s earlier implementation of this AF layout in lenses like the FE 70-200mm F/2.8 GM OSS Mark II and even the compact FE 50mm F/1.2 GM Lens.

For filmmakers the FE 28-70mm f/2 GM provides optically controlled focus breathing as well as breathing compensation compatibility with compatible Sony E mount cameras such as the A7  IV, FX3 and many others.

Portable and lightweight

Sony has combined their technical know-how to produce a zoom lens with a bright constant aperture and outstanding optics, which remains lightweight at around 918g. It measures 92.9mm in diameter and 139.8mm in length, ensuring it can be handheld for stills and video without compromising on comfort.

Sample image with Sony A1 II @70mm. Camera settings: 1/2500 sec. f/2. ISO 400

Versatile and customisable for professional workflows

The G Master zoom lens incorporates several controls to optimise your workflow. These include:

• An aperture ring with engraved f-stops
• Two focus hold buttons that are customisable via the camera menu
• A focus mode switch for manual/AF settings
• An iris lock switch that prevents the aperture from being unintentionally adjusted
• Zoom ring
• Linear response focus ring
• Zoom smoothness switch for smooth or tight adjustments
• Aperture click switch for silent exposure changes when required

Rugged design for demanding fieldwork

All seams are sealed, and buttons and switches feature silicone rubber gaskets, while a rubber ring seals the E mount. The lens also includes a fluorine front element coating to repel water, dust, and oils. Additionally, the lens is supplied with a new hood that features a convenient filter window for operating circular polariser and variable ND filters.

The lens hood can also be locked to prevent accidental release or loosening.

What’s in the box

• Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM Lens
• ALC-SH182 Hood
• ALC-F86S front cap
• ALC-R1EM rear cap
• Soft case