Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM
Announced July 7, 2020
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM is a professional-grade ultra-wide zoom that delivers exceptional corner-to-corner sharpness and fast autofocus performance in a surprisingly manageable size. Although the bulbous front element and high price point present practical challenges for some, it remains a standout choice for photographers demanding top-tier optical quality.
Weighted from 28 reviewer scores
Pros
- Outstanding corner-to-corner image sharpness and optical performance
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus tracking
- Rugged, weather-sealed build quality
- Excellent control over flare, chromatic aberrations, and distortion
- Compact and relatively lightweight design for an ultra-wide f/2.8 zoom
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Bulbous front element prevents use of standard screw-in filters
- Large and heavy physical footprint
- Noticeable focus breathing
- Vignetting at wide apertures
- Launch price $2,999.99 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 12-24mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Sony E Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 28 cm (0.14x)
- Weight & size 847g (1 lb 13.9 oz) · 97.6 x 137 mm (3.84 x 5.39 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 28 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The fact is G Masters are typically fantastic lenses, this is no exception.
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Optically the lens shows very good resolution in the APS-C image-circle and performed well regarding contrast, colour aberrations, and coma, producing very good image quality on a demanding 42MP Sony A7 R II body.
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The 12-24mm range of ultra-wide-angles of view is able to create stand-out imagery while efficiently complementing the range found in most standard zoom lenses.
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This is too much lens for casual photographers, and many landscape photographers could get by with a less extreme focal range.
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If you want the absolute best ultra-wide zoom ever made, this is it. Sony, Nikon, Canon… No full-frame option can offer what the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM offers.
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The Sony FE 12-24mm 2.8 GM may be the best and most useful halo lens I ever got the chance to use.
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It is a step above the other lenses that we are comparing to, and I would call this definitely a professional lens that is worth that hefty price point.
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Unique range and speed, superb performance, but expensive. The lens performs impeccably at a very high level indeed.
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[T]he new Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM is the one to go for.
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There’s no denying this new G Master lens is a pricey purchase but you certainly get what you pay for.
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Sony's FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM lens capture wide views with stunning detail, even on high-resolution cameras.
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It's certainly expensive, and third party alternatives might offer better value, but this ultra wide-angle zoom lens is sublime for landscape, architecture and astro photographers.
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One of my favorite kinds of lenses, an ultra-wide zoom, and this is fast becoming one of my favorite lenses ever because it's f/2.8. It has that faster maximum aperture without sacrificing on the size and the weight.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM ultrawide lens is a very solidly built high performer.
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Sony's 12-24mm f/2.8 GM lens is a stellar performer, displaying all the hallmarks of image sharpness and build quality inherent in Sony's premium GM line. But then again, with an RRP of $5,499, you would have to expect that.
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Beautiful at all focal lengths but 12mm makes it special. It is a fantastic lens that pushes the limits of what you can achieve with a full-frame camera.
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[...] I think I just talked myself into this being the lens that's kind of me and my bag is gonna be with me at all times.
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Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM is a very impressive lens. It combines extreme focal range, fantastic image quality, wide aperture, and compact size.
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[S]harpness is definitely remarkable from corner to corner and in application might even require a bit of sharpness reduction in very busy and detailed scenes.
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If you need a 12-24mm, need the rear filter slot, really need f/2.8, appreciate the wildly improved front cap, need fantastic sunstars — or if you simply always demand and deserve the very best — this is your lens.
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[I]f budget is not an issue and you need this range, you're just not going to beat the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM.
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Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM will appeal to anyone looking for the sharpest and widest ultra wide zoom on the market.
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I already have (and love) my Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM ii (B&H) and didn’t expect to be so impressed with this Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM (B&H) as much as I was, but the extreme wide-angle focal lengths are fun to play with.
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[M]y experience using this lens was a complete joy.
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So is this the ultimate wide angle lens you can get for your Sony mirrorless camera? That depends of course on your shooting style. For me it’s definitely a yes.
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With the G Master, you are getting best-in-class image quality, sharpness, distortion control, weather sealing, crazy fast autofocus that can even hang with the Sony A9 II, and the list goes on with all the other G Master benefits.
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It is an amazing lens; I cannot say anything bad about it.
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A compact and versatile lens, this new addition to Sony's Premium Master G Series has received praise from photographers and filmmakers alike.
