Introduction

The 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is the second generation standard zoom in Sony’s ‘G Master’ lens series and part of what many photographers consider to be the ‘holy trinity’ of zoom lenses. It’s also the 67th lens in the company’s mirrorless E-mount series. Sony says it designed this lens for both photo and video applications, particularly with hybrid content creators in mind, and we’ll see evidence of that as we take a closer look.

In addition to improved optical performance, what’s most notable about the new lens may be its size. Sony claims it’s the smallest and lightest F2.8 standard zoom lens on the market (meaning 24-70mm F2.8 zooms). It’s 22% lighter than its predecessor, 14% lighter than Nikon’s Nikkor Z 24–70mm F2.8 lens, 16% lighter than Sigma’s 24–70mm F2.8 DG DN lens and 23% lighter than Canon’s RF 24–70mm F2.8 L IS USM lens.

Let’s take a closer look at Sony’s newest lens and see what it offers.

Compared to the original 24-70mm F2.8 GM

We’ll start by comparing it to the original 24-70mm F2.8 GM, which Sony introduced back in 2016. A glance is all you need to see that the new lens is visibly smaller than its predecessor, but let’s talk numbers.

With a weight of 695g (24.6 oz.), the new lens is 22% lighter than the original model, which weighs in at 886g. It shares the same maximum diameter of 88mm (3.5 in.), but with a length of 120mm (4.7 in.), it’s 16mm shorter than the original. Overall, its volume has been reduced by 18%, and it’s certainly enough to notice.

The new model also includes two customizable focus hold buttons.

Sony tells us it will continue to sell the original …