Sony has announced the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens, price tag $2,299.99 / £2,400 / €2,799, a new wide-angle zoom that rounds out the company’s F2.8 zoom trinity, complementing the existing 24-70mm and 70-200mm options.
The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II times to balance top-tier performance with user-friendly features and portability to satisfy the needs of both photographers and videographers. What’s more, its 16-35mm focal length is excellent for a variety of wide-angle applications like landscapes, architecture and group portraits. With an F2.8 maximum aperture across the range, it also allows for greater low-light capabilities and depth-of-field control.
The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II boasts XD linear motors that provide a big leap in AF speed and precision, which is critical for capturing fast-moving subjects and for video applications where focus pulls need to be very smooth.
The new Sony lens also comes with an anti-reflective coating for reducing lens flare and ghosting, which can be particularly problematic in wide-angle lenses.
Portability is becoming more desirable for both photographers and videographers, and the compact FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is the world’s smallest and lightesti wide-angle zoom lens with a total length of 111.5mm and a weight of approximately 547g, which is about 20% lighteriii than the first-generation model.
A minimum shooting distance of 0.22m and a maximum magnification of 0.32x offer very good close-up capabilities, expanding the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II’s versatility.
Other features include reduced focus breathing, an aperture ring that can be clicked on/off and dust and splash resistance.
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Price
At a price tag of $2,299.99 / £2,400 / €2,799, the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is clearly aimed at professionals or serious hobbyists who are willing to invest in high-quality glass. The new lens will be released in the autumn 2023.