The new Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens is here, and it brings with it a nice range of improvements and new features that will make it a desirable option for many photographers and filmmakers. How does it hold up in practice? This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you will be able to expect from it in practice.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this great video review takes a look at the new Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens. The second version of the 16-35mm f/2.8 comes with a nice array of new features and updates, including:
- One Super ED (extra-low dispersion) and Two ED elements for reduced aberrations and increased clarity
- Five aspherical elements, including three extreme aspherical elements (XA) for reduced distortion and improved sharpness
- Faster autofocus and floating focus mechanism with XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and fast and quiet autofocus suitable for photos and videos
- Minimum focusing distance of 8.6" and maximum magnification of 0.32x
- Minimized focus breathing
- Breathing Compensation support
- Linear Response manual focus
- Declickable aperture ring
- Approximately 20% lighter and 10% smaller than first version
- Two customizable functions
- Dust- and moisture-resistant construction
- Fluorine coating on front element
Check out the video above for Frost's full thoughts on the lens.
Alex Cooke wrote:
"Minimum focusing distance of 8.6" and maximum magnification of 0.32x"
I'm glad to see the improvement in MFD from 28cm down to 22cm (compared to the version 1). That yields a maximum magnification of 0.33, which isn't terrible.
For my usage, MFD and the resultant magnification is the most important factor in a zoom lens in this focal length range. The main purpose of this type of lens is to get very close up highly detailed portraits of small critters, yet showing a very wide field of view.
Wide angle lenses have always struggled with extreme close up/macro abilities. And zoom lenses have also historically struggled with extreme close up/macro abilities. And yet, the lens that some niche users need most is an ultra wide angle zoom that is capable of extremely close focusing.
It's good to see that new lenses are starting to creep towards what we really need. Hopefully sometime within the next 20 years they will finally make a 15-35mm zoom that is capable of true 1:1 macro.