Are you a photography enthusiast constantly on the lookout for the perfect lens to capture breathtaking landscapes and architectural marvels? Well, your search might just be over as Sony has introduced the eagerly anticipated Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens. This lens is the stunning successor of the highly acclaimed Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens, and it promises to be even better! With its impressive features and exceptional image quality, the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens completes the trifecta of exceptional wide-angle lenses from Sony’s G Master lineup. In this review, we will delve into the highlights of this lens, exploring its remarkable capabilities and why it is a must-have for serious photographers. Get ready to be blown away by the new trifecta!

Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Review: The New Trifecta is COMPLETE!

Introduction

Hey, welcome back! It’s Chris Nichols here with PetaPixel, and today I am playing with the brand new Sony G Master 16-35mm f/2.8 version II lens. This is the last of the trifecta that has been updated, following the 70-200mm and the 24-70mm lenses. Let’s see what the new version has to offer.

Design and Build Quality

The original version of the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM was already a great lens, so Sony didn’t need to update it, but they did. The new version is smaller and more compact, weighing 547 grams compared to the original’s 680 grams. It is constructed beautifully and is fully weather-sealed. The lens hood is also smaller and shallower, adding to its overall compactness. The manual focus ring is a bit sloppy, but it has all the usual customizable buttons, an autofocus/manual focus selector switch, and a smooth zoom.

Flare, Ghosting, and Sunstars

The lens coatings on the Sony G Master 16-35mm f/2.8 version II are great, resulting in minimal flare and no loss of contrast. Ghosting is noticeable but not obtrusive, with some purple ghosting appearing across the frame at smaller apertures. However, the lens does produce nice sunstars with distinct tines, adding to its versatility.

Close-Up Performance

The Sony G Master 16-35mm f/2.8 version II also doubles as a great close-up lens. With a minimum focusing distance of about four inches, it offers a 1:3 reproduction ratio at 35mm, making it ideal for close-up work.

Autofocusing

Powered by four XD linear motors, the autofocus on the Sony G Master 16-35mm f/2.8 version II is snappy and reliable. It performs well even from minimum focus distance to infinity, making it suitable for various shooting situations.

Sharpness

The sharpness of the Sony G Master 16-35mm f/2.8 version II is impressive. Shooting wide open at f/2.8, the lens delivers a significant amount of detail, which remains consistent even when stopping down to f/5.6. At both 16mm and 35mm, the lens produces sharp images in the center and corners, with minor improvements in contrast when stopped down.

Conclusion

Overall, the Sony G Master 16-35mm f/2.8 version II is a fantastic lens that lives up to its G Master reputation. It offers improvements in size and compactness compared to its predecessor, while maintaining excellent build quality and performance. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, close-ups, or environmental portraits, this lens delivers sharp and detailed images. If you’re in the market for a high-quality wide-angle lens, the Sony G Master 16-35mm f/2.8 version II is well worth considering.

Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Review: The New Trifecta is COMPLETE!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens?

The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is a professional-grade wide-angle zoom lens designed for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. It offers a versatile focal range of 16-35mm, making it suitable for various photography genres like landscape, architecture, and astrophotography.

2. What are the significant improvements in the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II compared to its predecessor?

The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II brings several enhancements, including improved image quality with reduced aberrations, enhanced sharpness throughout the zoom range, and increased resistance to ghosting and flare. It features two XA (extreme aspherical) elements and three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements for exceptional optical performance.

3. Is the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II suitable for video shooting?

Absolutely! The lens offers a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, allowing for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh. Its quiet and smooth autofocus system makes it ideal for video shooting, ensuring accurate and silent focus transitions.

4. Is the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens weather-sealed?

Yes, Sony has incorporated weather sealing in the lens design, making it resistant to dust and moisture. This feature enhances the lens’s durability, enabling photographers to use it in various challenging shooting conditions.

5. Can I use the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens on APS-C format Sony cameras?

While this lens is designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras, it is also compatible with APS-C format cameras. On APS-C cameras, it will provide an equivalent focal length of approximately 24-52.5mm due to the crop factor.

6. How does the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens perform in terms of image stabilization?

The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II doesn’t have built-in image stabilization. However, when paired with a camera body featuring in-body image stabilization (IBIS), such as the Sony A7 series, you can benefit from effective image stabilization for both photos and videos.

7. What accessories are included with the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens?

When purchasing the lens, you can expect to find a lens hood (model: ALC-SH149), front and rear lens caps, and a soft carrying case (model: ALC-F95S) included in the box.

Remember to check the manufacturer’s website or consult with authorized resellers for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens.

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