Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM
Announced November 19, 2024
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 28-70mm f/2 GM is a high-performance standard zoom that delivers prime-like image quality and a fast f/2 aperture in a relatively compact, lightweight design. It serves as a versatile, professional-grade tool for wedding, event, and portrait photographers who want to consolidate multiple lenses into one.
Weighted from 30 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness and image quality
- Fast, silent, and accurate autofocus
- Compact and lightweight for its class
- Robust build with weather sealing and advanced controls
- Versatile f/2 aperture and prime-like rendering
Cons
- Optical compromises like flare, vignetting, and corner softness
- Large size and heavy weight
- High price point
- Uncommon 86mm filter thread
- Restricted zoom range compared to 24-70mm
- Launch price $2,898 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 28-70mm f/2
- Mount & coverage Sony E Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 38 cm (0.23x)
- Filter thread 86mm
- Autofocus motor four XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors
- Weight & size 918g · 92.9 x 139.8 mm (3.66 x 5.50 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 30 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9.5/10
If shallow depth of field and overall optical performance are paramount to you, the extra size and weight are worth the sacrifice.
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It genuinely gives more of a prime lens look but with the flexibility of being able to zoom.
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I was actually impressed by this lens.
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The Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM is pretty large and very expensive, but it’s an absolutely stunning optic that redefines what standard zooms can look like. It’s a great option for wedding and event shooters.
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The Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM is an overall exceptionally high-performing general-purpose zoom lens that should, minimally, be in serious portrait, wedding, and event photographers' kits.
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The Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM is smaller, lighter, faster focusing, sharper, and even cheaper! This is the lens that will officially make Canon (and Nikon) shooters jealous instead.
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It is the best professional first standard zoom lens on the market today without a doubt, and it's actually kind of worth its huge asking price in my opinion [...]
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I think they won't regret their decision because the lens's optics is of very high quality.
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Now for me, it's more the real world examples that I can take a look at that really give you an idea of how good a lens is, and I'm smiling because this is a fantastic lens when it comes to how sharp this is.
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In any event, those who go for the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM will not be disappointed [...]
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Ultimately, pro photographers with deep pockets looking for the ultimate in image quality in a single lens need look no further than the new FE 28-70mm F2 GM.
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The Sony FE 28-70mm is a remarkable feat – a standard zoom lens that can almost match some of the best prime lenses for maximum aperture, all while not being much larger than a standard 24-70mm lens.
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Provided you don’t need an extra 4mm at the wide end, this could be your new ride-or-die.
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I think this is a perfect lens, especially for things like courtside sports.
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If you're more of a run-and-gun style photographer, videographer, and you can't be swapping out prime lenses all the time and you just want to be able to switch things up and get these different looks, this is going to be a dream lens.
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All in all, this is a pretty impressive new lens. Having that fast f/2 aperture and this level of optical quality, all in a lens which is very nearly as practical and convenient as a regular 24-70mm, is such a fantastic combination.
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[T]he new Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM is incredible. Not only is it much smaller and lighter than Canon's legendary 28-70mm f/2, but the image quality rivals the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master version 2.
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Once again, the 20 to 70 F2 is a really great versatile lens for professionals.
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I will say this is the ultimate portrait and travel lens in a way.
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It's great, it's big, but I don't know if I'm personally going to add it to my camera bag, mainly because I pretty much have all the lenses I could possibly need, and the only prime lens that I actually like is my 35mm f/1.4 G Master.
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[I]t's the answer for situations where you don't want to change lenses but don't want to give up a fast aperture either.
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I was genuinely excited about this lens, like it's a pretty freaking cool, unique, big release I was excited to try it, saw the images, blown away by it, think it's great [...]
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For professional event photographers and photojournalists who do need that one extra stop of light [...] the [...] Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM is worth the sacrifices.
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If you’re looking for a single high-performance zoom to replace a few primes, this lens could be there perfect choice.
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Sony’s FE 28-70mm F2 GM is a powerful addition to the G Master series, combining excellent sharpness, a constant f/2 aperture and advanced handling features. It looks set to become a workhorse lens for photographers and videographers who can accept the high price.
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Overall, this thing is absolutely fantastic.
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[V]ery unique lens and you're getting really compact version of this lens in like it's very usable, very comfortable, and the image look is amazing.
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The reality is it's competing with prime lenses stopped down at f2. That is absolutely wild.
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Optically, I don't really have anything because this is as close to perfect as you can get with a zoom lens.
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In my opinion, if you’re looking for an all in one lens that does a lot of things well, but a 24-70 f/2.8 is a little boring for you, let’s say, then this 28-70 at f/2 is far more exciting.
