Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM lens hands-on review

A marvel of engineering – a f/2 standard zoom lens that can actually replace your 24-70mm

Sony a1 II camera with a Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM lens attached helf up to a person's face in front of some yellow trees
(Image: © Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)

Early Verdict

The Sony FE 28-70mm is an impressive standard zoom lens that competes with top prime lenses for maximum aperture while remaining portable compared to a typical 24-70mm. I’ve carried it for hours, and it feels similar to my usual f/2.8 zoom. However, it comes with a hefty $3,299 price tag. Despite this, the lens is incredibly sharp across its aperture and zoom range. While it has 4mm less at the wide end than typical zooms, I didn’t find it to be a significant drawback, and the beautiful falloff at the telephoto end is stunning.

Pros

  • +

    Light enough for an all-day carry

  • +

    Super sharp

  • +

    Very minimal extension when zooming

Cons

  • -

    Still big and heavy compared to other standard zooms

  • -

    Incredibly expensive

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For years, photographers and engineers have dreamed of wide-aperture standard zoom lenses that can rival prime lenses. A lens that combines the versatility of a standard zoom with the impressive aperture of a prime lens while maintaining a practical size and weight for professional photographers who might otherwise opt for a 24-70mm f/2.8.

There have been some notable entries in this category – Sigma's 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art offers a prime-like f/1.8 aperture but sacrifices some focal length. On the other hand, Tamron's 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD provides a broad focal range but cannot maintain its maximum aperture throughout.

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Lens MountSony E
Focal Length28-70mm
Maximum Aperturef/2
Minimum aperturef/22
Minimum focus0.38 m
Maximum magnification0.23x
Aperture blades11
Optical Image StabilizationNo
ElementsSuper-Ed x3, ED x1, Aspherical x3, XA x3
Filter Size86 mm
Size (DxL)92.9 mm x 139.8 mm (2.8″)
Weight918 g
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II:Read the full review...

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: this lens has a couple of aperture stops fewer, but f/2.8 is still plenty wide enough for some great bokeh and background blur, plus its lighter, smaller, and much cheaper than the 28-70mm f/2. Read the full review...

Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G:Read the full review...

Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G: if you are after the smallest and lightest of Sony's quality standard zooms then this is it. Although at the expense of some zoom range at the top end of the range. Read the full review...

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Gareth Bevan
Reviews Editor

Gareth is a photographer based in London, working as a freelance photographer and videographer for the past several years, having the privilege to shoot for some household names. With work focusing on fashion, portrait and lifestyle content creation, he has developed a range of skills covering everything from editorial shoots to social media videos. Outside of work, he has a personal passion for travel and nature photography, with a devotion to sustainability and environmental causes.