THE SONY FE 28-70 F2 GM; REVIEWS
Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM: A Beast with a Bite
The Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM is a lens that commands attention. It's a hefty, premium optic that promises exceptional image quality and a constant f/2 aperture throughout its zoom range. While it delivers on those promises, it also comes with a hefty price tag and a slightly unconventional focal range that might leave some photographers feeling a bit shortchanged.
What's to Love:
Image Quality: This lens is sharp. Seriously sharp. Even wide open at f/2, images are crisp and detailed across the frame. Distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignetting are all well-controlled, resulting in images that are clean and ready for prime time.
Constant f/2 Aperture: This is a huge boon for low-light shooting and for creating shallow depth of field effects. It allows you to isolate your subject and create beautiful bokeh.
Build Quality: The lens feels solid and well-made. It's weather-sealed, so you can confidently shoot in challenging conditions.
Autofocus: The autofocus is fast and accurate, making it a great choice for capturing action and moving subjects.
Points of Contention:
28-70mm Focal Range: This is where some photographers might hesitate. The traditional 24-70mm range is a staple for its versatility, and the lack of those extra 4mm at the wide end might be limiting for landscape or real estate photography.
Price: There's no getting around it, this lens is expensive. It's aimed at professionals and serious enthusiasts who demand the best, but it's definitely a significant investment.
Why the Grumbles?
The 28-70mm focal range is a deliberate choice by Sony. It allowed them to create a lens that is smaller, lighter, and potentially cheaper than a 24-70mm f/2 would have been. However, for many photographers, those extra 4mm at the wide end are crucial. 24mm allows for more expansive landscapes, more inclusive group shots, and greater flexibility in tight spaces.
The high price tag is also a sticking point. While the lens delivers exceptional performance, it's priced beyond the reach of many photographers. This is especially true when you consider that there are excellent 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses available for significantly less money.
Alternatives:
If the 28-70mm focal range or the price of the Sony GM lens are dealbreakers, here are some alternatives to consider:
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: This lens offers the classic 24-70mm focal range and excellent image quality, albeit with a slightly slower maximum aperture. It's also more affordable than the f/2 GM.
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2: This is a great third-party option that offers a similar focal range and a fast f/2.8 aperture at a more competitive price.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art: Another excellent third-party lens with a 24-70mm focal range and a reputation for outstanding image quality.
Ultimately, the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM is a fantastic lens that delivers exceptional image quality and performance. However, its unconventional focal range and high price tag might not be for everyone. Carefully consider your needs and budget before making a decision.
The Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM is a lens that commands attention. It's a hefty, premium optic that promises exceptional image quality and a constant f/2 aperture throughout its zoom range. While it delivers on those promises, it also comes with a hefty price tag and a slightly unconventional focal range that might leave some photographers feeling a bit shortchanged.
What's to Love:
Image Quality: This lens is sharp. Seriously sharp. Even wide open at f/2, images are crisp and detailed across the frame. Distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignetting are all well-controlled, resulting in images that are clean and ready for prime time.
Constant f/2 Aperture: This is a huge boon for low-light shooting and for creating shallow depth of field effects. It allows you to isolate your subject and create beautiful bokeh.
Build Quality: The lens feels solid and well-made. It's weather-sealed, so you can confidently shoot in challenging conditions.
Autofocus: The autofocus is fast and accurate, making it a great choice for capturing action and moving subjects.
Points of Contention:
28-70mm Focal Range: This is where some photographers might hesitate. The traditional 24-70mm range is a staple for its versatility, and the lack of those extra 4mm at the wide end might be limiting for landscape or real estate photography.
Price: There's no getting around it, this lens is expensive. It's aimed at professionals and serious enthusiasts who demand the best, but it's definitely a significant investment.
Why the Grumbles?
The 28-70mm focal range is a deliberate choice by Sony. It allowed them to create a lens that is smaller, lighter, and potentially cheaper than a 24-70mm f/2 would have been. However, for many photographers, those extra 4mm at the wide end are crucial. 24mm allows for more expansive landscapes, more inclusive group shots, and greater flexibility in tight spaces.
The high price tag is also a sticking point. While the lens delivers exceptional performance, it's priced beyond the reach of many photographers. This is especially true when you consider that there are excellent 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses available for significantly less money.
Alternatives:
If the 28-70mm focal range or the price of the Sony GM lens are dealbreakers, here are some alternatives to consider:
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: This lens offers the classic 24-70mm focal range and excellent image quality, albeit with a slightly slower maximum aperture. It's also more affordable than the f/2 GM.
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2: This is a great third-party option that offers a similar focal range and a fast f/2.8 aperture at a more competitive price.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art: Another excellent third-party lens with a 24-70mm focal range and a reputation for outstanding image quality.
Ultimately, the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM is a fantastic lens that delivers exceptional image quality and performance. However, its unconventional focal range and high price tag might not be for everyone. Carefully consider your needs and budget before making a decision.
THE SONY FE 28-70 F2 GM; REVIEWS