For years, Canon held the distinction of offering the only f/2 standard zoom lens. Now, Sony has unveiled their answer with the FE 28-70mm f/2 GM, and it's poised to redefine expectations.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this comprehensive review showcases how Sony has managed to create a lens that's not only 11% smaller and 36% lighter than Canon's equivalent, but also delivers superior autofocus performance and sharper images. The FE 28-70mm f/2 GM features four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors, enabling it to keep up with 120 fps shooting and maintain real-time autofocus even during high-speed video recording. Abbott's testing reveals remarkably fast, silent, and precise autofocus that excels in both still photography and video applications, with minimal focus breathing and near-parfocal performance.
Key Specifications
- Focal Length: 28-70mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Optical Design: 20 elements in 14 groups
- Filter Size: 86mm
- Weight: 918 g
- Dimensions: 92.9 x 139.8 mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 38 cm
- Maximum Magnification: 0.23x
The optical design incorporates Sony's most ambitious use of exotic glass to date, featuring three extreme aspherical elements (XA) - the most ever included in a Sony lens. Abbott's testing revealed exceptional sharpness across the frame, even wide open at f/2, with minimal distortion and vignetting. The lens maintains consistent performance throughout its zoom range, delivering what Abbott describes as "prime-like" image quality at multiple focal lengths. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Abbott, including his detailed analysis of flare performance, bokeh characteristics, and real-world shooting scenarios.
