Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens Review & Comparison

Least Sony could do is announcee that they're working on porting focus breathing comp to a7siii and a1. Both are much more expensive. Just bought a7siii and still feel like it better fits my needs, since 12mp is more than enough for me and I really want that 4k@120 option (/w insignificant crop compared to a7iv@60, although I did see that hack video of yours).

Dum dum dum he's CRA-ZY!

My Sigma has the annoying dust issue... Kinda makes stopping down difficult, depending on the BG. It's why I'm looking at this new GM

Do you think that Sigma will release a new 24-70 2.8 now that Tamron and Sony have released their new versions? I'm thinking of getting the GM II, but I'm hesitant about what sigma will do now.

Thank you for good information

I got my sigma brand new for 900. Such a good value.
I'd still get the Sigma 2.8 and have $1300-$1500 leftover 1 or 2 super fast primes.

i want the sigma 24mm 1.4 and the 18-35 and the 24-70 and the 70-200 all from sigma i love what i'm hearing from them so i want to start getting these camera lenses. i really like what i see so i want to know how good sigma art series is

As always, this was super helpful, and your contextualization of things is really appreciated. Thank you!

Silly Question.....does the lens hood for the GM II work with the original Sony 24-70 GM?

Fantastic review!! Very honest and without much hype! The new GM II isn't much of technological developement compared to the GM I. The only noticable difference is the size and the weight. Thank you again for this helpful review!

So they want me to pay more than double the price to save 120 grams and get a super super marginal improvement in quality (that would only be noticeable at 100% when pixel peeping, which means almost never because most people view photos on phones or smaller prints today)? Makes absolutely no sense

I know dust on a lens is annoying but it's not visible in the pictures, you'd have to shoot for a year in a sandstorm to start seeing it in your pics! Don't know why people make such a big deal of it

How is the exposure change through the zoom range on this new version. Im having issues with my 24-105 in the studio on fashion shoots keeping consistent exposures. Between a full length shot at say 35mm and a detail at 105mm im finding about 1/2 stop change. Really difficult when i need to match stills and video side by side.

Anyone know what the click on button does?

For me, parfocal is WAAAAAY more important than some improvements in sharpness, chromatic aberration, etc. Sigma ftw.

I love how many actual examples of using the camera you gave, I loved seeing it in action!

Does sigma still have the dust issues?

Yeah. I'm going to go with the Sigma. No offence but I'm not paying more than double for a 5% gain.

Great review, as always. I own the Sigma (yes, I did something right) and love it. I use it all of the time because it’s so versatile. I’m sure the Sony lenses are superior and have their prime lenses but the Sigma 24-70 is a great lens.

So what lens are great for sports?? I’m
Using it for my daughter jiujitsu competition.

If I didn't have the Tamron 35-150 I would have rushed out to buy this one.

Hands down to sony lens the only problem on sony lens-are breathing it’s sucks!!!

Determining the value of the lenses can be hard. Your videos however, are incredible value without a doubt :)

New Sony lens

dust issues had been solved!!

Is the Sony 24-70 good for filming at low light conditions with Sony fx3 ??

Great review straight to the point. I upgraded from the sigma 24-70 2.8 to the new sony 24-70 2.8 gm ii primarily due to a few reasons: AF consistency/accuracy/speed, weight, corner sharpness, weather sealing (I didnt have dust issues with the sigma) and overall controls and package. No it's not really worth twice the price of the sigma but the overall package you get with the new sony is pretty nice. I'd say the sigma might be a bit less prone to flare shooting into the sun but the sony does a great job as well. The price of the sigma is so compelling that I might actually buy another one as I really loved the rendering of that lens even though I have the new GM II. Also I will say the new GM II lens has better micro contrast than the sigma but I'd say for about 90% of shooters the sigma just wins due to the value ratio alone and it will be more than enough.

Thanks. You da best

Could you tell me what you think the best "FULL AUTO MODE" is for this lens and the Sony A7Siii. I have these and I am not good with it. The Sony 90 v produces more useable footage. I need advice.

Sigman 24-70 has dust collecting issue.

After a while using my new GM II, I noted that most of the reviews comment on the zoom ring “smooth or tight” switch plays a big role in varying the lense with my camera mounted to my capture clip. In tight, the barrel stays tight and does not extend. I feel that is the main point of the switch.

Thank you

How big the dust issue with the sigma ? I really want it. But if its a big problem, I dont mind buying the GM I.
But is it like 50 % of the sigma lenses, or ?

I have the 24-70 Sigma lens and love it on mu Sony A7C

thanks man, really helpful

So if you want the best get the gmii, if you don’t need the best or don’t have the money then don’t🤷‍♂️

I love how detailed you make these videos. Keep up the great work and thank you for keeping it under 10 minutes.

I’ll stick with my Sigma then. Thank you!!

The distortion is quite pronounced at 24mm in the Sigma lens, and even at 70mm, it appears somewhat odd, despite applying correction in Lightroom.

It’s so disappointing Sony couldn’t make this otherwise good zoom parfocal. So close, yet so far!

Hi Gerald, can you please do a video on 16-35mm GM II?

fantastic video, you helped me make the decision or where I should burn my money

Does anyone here in the comments have any experience with using both this lens and the 24-105 G OSS for video work? I’m trying to get a standard zoom that I like for handheld work, and the Tamron 35-150 I currently have is a bit jumpy at times for my liking (even with stabe in post). Does the lack of OSS and the 35mm less on the telephoto end in this lens matter at all for handheld work at events like weddings or for doc work?

Only thing you didn’t mention that is important to me is distortion. Any idea how does it compare to Sigma? Otherwise great review, straight to the point. Thanks!

What about CA on the Sigma? That's what I missed. ;)

Hi Gerald. Thanks for your always superb reviews! As a landscape, wildlife and product photographer (currently using the Nikon Z System) who values sharpness and portability when seeking a smaller “travel” camera, can you recommend either the a7lV or the a7R3, with this new GMaster lens? for a good “travel” setup? Thank you sir!

I appreciate your facts first approach to equipment. Thanks for being on point! This was.a lot of good information and usable.

Was this video filmed with the Lens?

Sony lenses have always been overpriced, I just bought the g ii used like new for £1500, hasn't even arrived yet but I'm already thinking of returning it for the sigma 24_70 dgn art ii, cheaper, better build and autofocus practically the same.