Street Photography
Hands-On with the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II: Was It Worth the Wait?
Hands-On with the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II: Was It Worth the Wait?
Have you been eagerly awaiting the release of the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II lens? If so, your patience has finally paid off. Sony has recently unveiled the much-anticipated successor to their popular 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, and it promises to be a game-changer for photographers and videographers alike. With improved image quality, faster autofocus, and enhanced durability, this lens is set to become a must-have for professionals and enthusiasts alike. In this blog, we will delve into the details of the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II, exploring its features, performance, and whether it lives up to the hype.
Hands-On with the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II: Was It Worth the Wait?
Introduction
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The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II
Let’s dive right into the review of the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II lens. Despite its long-awaited release, my initial tests in the studio were delayed due to unexpected traffic caused by the Brooklyn marathon. However, it’s already evident that this lens has addressed the main issues with its predecessor, the first-generation G Master.
Image Quality Improvements
One of the primary improvements with the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II is its superior image quality. Edge-to-edge sharpness, chromatic aberration correction, flare suppression, and focus breathing control have all been enhanced. While distortion and vignetting have not been extensively tested yet, they can be easily corrected through software.
Size and Weight
Sony has managed to make this lens the smallest and lightest 24-70mm f/2.8 on the market. Weighing just 24.3 ounces without caps or hood, the Sony lens is approximately half a pound lighter than Sigma’s 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art lens and slightly shorter than Nikon’s Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8.
Autofocus Performance and Weather Sealing
In addition to the improvements mentioned above, Sony has also enhanced the lens’s autofocus performance and weather sealing. These upgrades further enhance the overall functionality and reliability of the lens.
Physical Controls
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II includes four new physical controls. The first allows you to switch the dedicated aperture ring between one-third stop detents and clickless mode. The second switch sets the zoom ring to either tight or smooth, accommodating different shooting preferences. The third control is an iris lock to prevent accidental changes to the aperture ring. Finally, a second hold focus button is added for vertical shooting, mirroring the function of the customizable focus hold button.
Variable ND Filter Compatibility
An added convenience of this lens is the improved lens hood design, which includes a slot for adjusting a variable ND filter. This feature ensures quick and easy control over the amount of light entering the lens.
Pricing and Comparisons
While the exact price of the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II has not been finalized, it is expected to be competitive with similar lenses from Nikon and Canon. Based on our brief comparison, this lens performs on par with the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 and Tamron’s lightweight and affordable 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 lens. However, each lens has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II is worth the wait, delivering superior image quality and a range of improvements over its predecessor. With its compact size, improved autofocus, and added physical controls, this lens offers a compelling choice for professional photographers and videographers.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of Squarespace.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II?
- Is the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II worth the wait?
- Which Sony cameras are compatible with this lens?
- What are the key features of this lens?
- How does it perform in different shooting conditions?
- Does it come with image stabilization?
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II is a lens specifically designed for Sony cameras. It offers a versatile 24-70mm focal length range and a wide aperture of f/2.8, making it suitable for various photography genres such as landscape, portrait, and event photography.
Yes, the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II is definitely worth the wait. It brings significant improvements over its predecessor, including enhanced image sharpness, reduced chromatic aberration, and improved autofocus performance. Its wide aperture also allows for excellent low-light capabilities and beautiful bokeh.
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II is designed for Sony E-mount full-frame cameras, including popular models like Sony Alpha a7 III, a7R IV, and a9 II. It can also be used on APS-C sensor cameras, providing a 35mm equivalent focal length of 36-105mm.
Some key features of the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II include weather sealing, a robust build quality, a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, a zoom lock switch, and a customizable focus hold button. It also utilizes advanced optics and coatings for exceptional image quality.
The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II performs exceptionally well in various shooting conditions. Its wide aperture allows for excellent performance in low-light situations, while the versatile focal length range makes it suitable for capturing different subjects. The weather sealing ensures its durability even in challenging environments.
No, the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II does not have built-in optical image stabilization. However, it can rely on the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) of compatible Sony cameras to compensate for camera shake and capture stable images.
I hope you find useful my article Hands-On with the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 II: Was It Worth the Wait?, I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog at this link.
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