Sony’s FE 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II (SEL2470GM2) launched in 2022 as the most significant overhaul of Sony’s professional zoom lineup since the G Master series debuted. The original 24-70 GM was a staple for professionals, but for those who need a smaller and lighter alternative without sacrificing too much reach or performance, there are compelling options.
The Weight Reduction: 886g to 695g
The most immediately felt upgrade is weight. The GM II dropped 191 grams compared to the original — the equivalent of removing three full-size batteries. In a day of event shooting or travel photography, this difference is real. Handheld stability improves. Lens fatigue arrives later. For photographers who previously avoided the original GM due to bulk, the GM II is genuinely more practical.
The reduction comes from Sony’s redesigned optical formula and the adoption of new XD III (extreme dynamic) linear motors, which are lighter and faster than the XD II motors in the original.
Optical Performance: Wide Open at f/2.8
The GM II’s signature achievement is its sharpness at f/2.8, particularly in the corners. The original GM showed visible corner softness wide open — acceptable but noticeable. The GM II maintains sharp corners across the frame even at f/2.8, making it one of the sharpest f/2.8 standard zooms ever made.
- 24mm f/2.8: Center excellent, corners very good (mild falloff fully corrected in camera/RAW)
- 35mm f/2.8: Exceptional center and corner sharpness
- 50mm f/2.8: Peak performance — genuinely prime-like quality
- 70mm f/2.8: Excellent with slightly more corner softness than 50mm, still competitive
Chromatic aberration is excellently controlled — lateral CA is essentially absent in real-world images, and longitudinal CA (the purple/green fringing ahead/behind the focus plane) is minimal. Distortion is present (barrel at 24mm, pincushion at 70mm) but correctable with the in-camera or RAW profile corrections.
Autofocus: Dual XD III Linear Motors
The GM II uses two XD III linear motors — one for macro-range precision, one for fast acquisition across longer focus distances. The result is near-silent AF with extremely fast subject acquisition.
In portrait shooting with Eye AF on the A7 V or A7C II, the GM II locks instantly and never pulses or hesitates. For event photography where subjects move through crowds, continuous AF tracking maintains lock reliably. AF is audibly silent even when a directional microphone is present — video shooters can run this lens without AF noise bleeding into audio.
Video Features: The Clickless Aperture Upgrade
The GM II introduced a physical switch that toggles the aperture ring between clicked (for stills) and de-clicked (for video) operation. This matters enormously for video work. In de-clicked mode, you can smoothly adjust exposure while recording — changing from f/2.8 to f/4 as light conditions shift without any audible click or visible stepped jump in exposure.
Combined with focus breathing control (the GM II shows minimal field-of-view shift when racking focus), the GM II is the most video-capable standard zoom Sony makes. For documentary filmmakers, wedding videographers, and content creators who work primarily on Sony full-frame cameras, it is the logical standard zoom.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
The GM II maintains Sony’s full G Master build standard: fluorine-coated front element, extensive weather sealing with gaskets around all buttons and the zoom ring, and a dust/moisture-resistant construction that handles professional conditions. The lens extends slightly when zooming (inner focus design) but the barrel does not rotate — useful for polarizer users.
GM II vs Original GM vs Tamron 28-75mm G2
| Feature | Sony 24-70 GM II | Sony 24-70 GM (original) | Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 695g | 886g | 540g |
| Wide end | 24mm | 24mm | 28mm |
| Corner sharpness (f/2.8) | Excellent | Good | Very good |
| Clickless aperture | Yes (switch) | No | No |
| Focus breathing | Minimal | Moderate | Moderate |
| AF speed | Fastest | Fast | Fast (near-silent) |
| Price | ~$2,300 | ~$1,800 (used) | ~$700 |
The original GM in good condition remains a strong lens at a lower used price. The Tamron is excellent value — its 28mm start is the real limitation versus the Sony GM’s 24mm. If you frequently shoot environmental portraits, indoor events, or architecture where 24mm is important, the Tamron falls short. If you primarily use the 35-70mm range, the Tamron competes strongly at a fraction of the price.
Real-World Shooting Scenarios
Wedding photography: The 24-70 GM II covers ceremony (24mm for the aisle, 50mm for the altar, 70mm for subject compression), cocktail hour, and reception candids. The f/2.8 aperture handles dimly lit venues. Many wedding photographers run this lens plus the 70-200 GM II for full-day coverage without a third body.
Travel: 695g is still a real lens weight for travel. But the range — from 24mm landscapes to 70mm compressed street scenes — minimizes the need for lens swaps. In dusty, humid environments, the weather sealing provides peace of mind.
Commercial / editorial: For product table-top work (50-70mm), environmental portraits (35-50mm), and space overview (24mm), the GM II’s sharpness is genuinely impressive — usable files from the 61MP A7R V require lenses this good to take advantage of the sensor.
Verdict
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II earns the “go-to zoom” title. It is lighter than its predecessor, sharper in the corners, adds the clickless aperture ring that video shooters needed, and autofocuses with extreme speed and silence. At $2,300 it is an investment, but for working photographers and serious hybrid shooters, the total package justifies it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Sony 24-70 GM II worth upgrading from the original GM?
- If you shoot video, yes — the clickless aperture and reduced focus breathing alone justify the upgrade if you sell the original. For stills-only work, the improvement in weight and corner sharpness is meaningful but not urgent.
- Does the 24-70 GM II work on Sony APS-C cameras?
- Yes, it mounts on all E-mount bodies. On APS-C cameras it covers a 36-105mm equivalent range. The lens is optimized for full-frame coverage — it works on APS-C but is over-engineered for those sensors.
- What filter size does the Sony 24-70 GM II use?
- 82mm filter thread — the same as many Sony GM zooms, allowing shared filters across lenses.
- Is the 24-70mm focal range better than 28-75mm for photographers?
- The extra 4mm at the wide end (24mm vs 28mm) makes a visible difference for indoor environmental photography, tight spaces, and architectural interiors. For outdoor and portrait-focused shooters, 28mm is entirely adequate.
- How does the 24-70 GM II perform on the Sony A7R V (61MP)?
- It resolves the full 61MP sensor sharply at center from f/2.8. Corners require f/4 for maximum sharpness at 61MP. It is one of very few zooms capable of fully utilizing the A7R V’s resolving power.