Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Review: Worth the Upgrade?

The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II represents Sony’s latest iteration of their flagship standard zoom lens, and it’s nothing short of impressive. As someone who’s extensively tested this lens across various shooting scenarios, I can confidently say it addresses nearly every criticism of its predecessor while maintaining the exceptional image quality Sony’s G Master line is known for.

This comprehensive review will dive deep into every aspect of the GM II’s performance, from its razor-sharp optics to its lightning-fast autofocus, helping you decide if this premium lens deserves a place in your camera bag.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Focal Length	24-70mm
Maximum Aperture	f/2.8 (constant)
Minimum Aperture	f/22
Lens Elements	21 elements in 15 groups
Special Elements	2 XA elements, 1 Super ED element, 3 ED elements
Aperture Blades	11 (circular)
Minimum Focus Distance	0.21m (8.3 inches)
Maximum Magnification	0.32x
Filter Thread	82mm
Dimensions	87.8 x 119.5mm
Weight	695g (24.5 oz)
Weather Sealing	Yes
Mount	Sony FE

Build Quality and Design

Construction and Materials

The GM II feels substantial in hand without being unnecessarily heavy. Sony has managed to reduce the weight by 50 grams compared to the original GM while actually improving the weather sealing. The lens barrel features a premium matte black finish that resists fingerprints and feels incredibly durable.

The weather sealing is comprehensive, with gaskets at critical points including the lens mount. I’ve used this lens in light rain and dusty conditions without any issues, though I wouldn’t recommend subjecting it to extreme weather without additional protection.

Ergonomics and Controls

Sony has redesigned the control layout thoughtfully. The focus ring is perfectly positioned and offers just the right amount of resistance for precise manual focusing. The zoom ring operates smoothly throughout the range, with no zoom creep even when pointing the lens downward.

The lens features two customizable function buttons and a focus hold button, all of which are well-positioned for thumb operation when shooting handheld. The iris ring can be de-clicked for video work, a welcome addition that wasn’t present on the original GM.

Size and Weight Considerations

At 695 grams, this isn’t a lightweight lens, but it’s remarkably well-balanced on both full-frame and APS-C Sony bodies. On an A7R V or A7 IV, the combination feels natural and doesn’t cause fatigue during extended shooting sessions. The relatively compact size means it doesn’t draw unwanted attention, making it excellent for street photography and travel.

Optical Performance

Sharpness Across the Frame

The GM II’s sharpness performance is simply outstanding. At 24mm, the center sharpness is excellent even wide open at f/2.8, while the corners show very good performance that becomes excellent by f/4. This is a significant improvement over the original GM, which showed noticeable corner softness at wider apertures.

At 50mm, the lens delivers professional-grade sharpness across the entire frame, even at f/2.8. This focal length is clearly optimized, showing virtually no chromatic aberration and minimal distortion. By 70mm, center sharpness remains exceptional, though there’s a slight drop in corner performance at f/2.8 that’s easily corrected by stopping down to f/4.

Distortion and Vignetting

Barrel distortion at 24mm is present but minimal and easily corrected in post-processing. Most modern cameras will apply automatic corrections, making this a non-issue for most photographers. Vignetting is well-controlled throughout the zoom range, with only slight darkening in the corners at f/2.8 that becomes negligible by f/4.

Chromatic Aberration Control

Sony’s advanced lens coatings and specialized glass elements do an excellent job controlling chromatic aberration. Even in high-contrast situations with bright highlights against dark backgrounds, purple fringing is minimal and easily corrected in post-processing if it does appear.

Autofocus Performance

Speed and Accuracy

The autofocus performance is where the GM II truly shines. Sony has equipped this lens with four XD Linear Motors that deliver incredibly fast and accurate focusing. In good light, focus acquisition is virtually instantaneous, and the lens rarely hunts even in challenging conditions.

During my testing with the Sony A7R V, I found the autofocus to be noticeably faster than the original GM, particularly when transitioning between close and distant subjects. The lens locks onto subjects quickly and confidently, making it excellent for event photography and street work where decisive moments matter.

Low Light Performance

In low light conditions, the GM II continues to impress. The lens can achieve focus in surprisingly dark conditions, though like all lenses, performance does degrade as light levels drop. The focus breathing is minimal, making this an excellent choice for video work where smooth focus transitions are critical.

Focus Breathing and Video Performance

Sony has significantly reduced focus breathing compared to the original GM. While not completely eliminated, the breathing is minimal enough that it won’t be noticeable in most video applications. Combined with the de-clickable aperture ring, this makes the GM II a serious option for hybrid shooters.

Bokeh Quality

Background Rendering

The 11-blade circular aperture creates beautifully smooth bokeh that’s particularly impressive for a zoom lens. Background highlights render as pleasing circles with minimal onion ring effects, and the transition from in-focus to out-of-focus areas is smooth and gradual.

At longer focal lengths and wider apertures, the bokeh becomes quite creamy, rivaling many prime lenses in this regard. This makes the GM II excellent for portrait work where subject isolation is important.

Close-Up Performance

With a minimum focusing distance of just 21cm and a maximum magnification of 0.32x, the GM II is surprisingly capable for close-up work. The bokeh quality remains smooth even at minimum focusing distances, and the working distance is practical for photographing food, products, or small subjects.

Real-World Performance

Portrait Photography

For portrait work, the GM II excels at both ends of its focal range. At 70mm and f/2.8, subject isolation is excellent while maintaining enough depth of field to keep facial features sharp. The color rendition is neutral and pleasing, requiring minimal post-processing for skin tones.

The fast autofocus is particularly beneficial for photographing children or candid portraits where moments happen quickly. Eye detection works flawlessly, consistently nailing focus on the closest eye even with moving subjects.

Landscape Photography

While f/2.8 might seem unnecessary for landscape work, the GM II’s optical quality makes it a compelling choice. The excellent corner sharpness and minimal distortion at 24mm capture sweeping vistas beautifully. The weather sealing provides peace of mind in challenging outdoor conditions.

Event and Wedding Photography

This is where the GM II truly proves its worth as a professional tool. The constant f/2.8 aperture allows for consistent exposure settings as you zoom, while the fast autofocus ensures you never miss critical moments. The 24-70mm range covers most situations you’ll encounter, from group shots to ceremony details.

Street Photography

The relatively discreet size and silent autofocus modes make the GM II excellent for street photography. The 24-70mm range provides creative flexibility without the need to change lenses, and the excellent image quality ensures your shots will look professional even in challenging urban lighting conditions.

Comparison with Alternatives

Sony 24-70mm GM (Original)

Compared to its predecessor, the GM II offers improved corner sharpness, reduced focus breathing, faster autofocus, and better weather sealing while being lighter. The optical improvements are significant enough to justify the upgrade for professional photographers.

Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM

While the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM offers wider aperture and potentially better bokeh for portraits, the 24-70mm GM II provides much more versatility. For photographers who need to cover various focal lengths quickly, the GM II is the more practical choice.

Sony 70-200mm GM II

The Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II makes an excellent companion to the 24-70mm GM II, providing complementary focal length coverage for professional photographers who need the full range from 24-200mm.

Who Should Buy This Lens

Professional Photographers

Event photographers, wedding photographers, and photojournalists will find the GM II indispensable. The combination of optical quality, fast autofocus, and versatile focal range makes it ideal for situations where lens changes aren’t practical.

Serious Enthusiasts

Advanced amateur photographers who demand professional-level image quality will appreciate the GM II’s capabilities. While expensive, it’s a lens that can grow with your skills and handle virtually any shooting situation.

Hybrid Shooters

The minimal focus breathing, de-clickable aperture ring, and excellent optical quality make this an outstanding choice for photographers who also shoot video. It’s essentially two high-end tools in one package.

Practical Tips for Getting the Best Results

Optimal Aperture Settings

For maximum sharpness across the frame, stop down to f/4-f/5.6. However, don’t hesitate to shoot wide open at f/2.8 when you need the shallow depth of field or faster shutter speeds – the optical quality is excellent even at maximum aperture.

Focusing Techniques

Take advantage of the customizable function buttons to quickly switch between autofocus modes. For static subjects, single-shot AF provides maximum precision, while continuous AF excels for moving subjects.

Maintenance and Care

The large 82mm front element requires careful handling. Use a quality UV filter for protection, and clean the lens with appropriate microfiber cloths and cleaning solutions. The weather sealing is excellent, but avoid exposing the lens to saltwater or extreme conditions without proper protection.

Value Proposition

At its current price point, the 24-70mm GM II sits firmly in premium territory. However, the optical quality, build quality, and performance justify the cost for photographers who depend on their equipment professionally. When compared to similar lenses from other manufacturers, the GM II is competitively priced while offering superior performance in several key areas.

For hobbyists, the price may be difficult to justify unless image quality is paramount. However, for professionals, the GM II represents an investment that will pay dividends through improved image quality and reliability.

Conclusion

The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is simply one of the best standard zoom lenses ever created. Sony has addressed virtually every weakness of the original GM while maintaining its strengths, resulting in a lens that sets new standards for optical performance, autofocus speed, and build quality.

I recommend this lens for:

• Professional photographers who need uncompromising quality
• Serious enthusiasts willing to invest in premium optics
• Hybrid shooters requiring excellent photo and video performance
• Anyone seeking a single lens solution for travel or events

Consider alternatives if:

• Budget is a primary concern
• You primarily shoot subjects requiring longer focal lengths
• You rarely shoot in situations requiring f/2.8

The GM II isn’t just an incremental upgrade – it’s a significant leap forward that establishes Sony’s continued dominance in the full-frame mirrorless lens market. While the price may sting initially, the optical quality, professional features, and long-term reliability make it an investment that serious photographers won’t regret. This lens will likely remain relevant and competitive for years to come, making it a smart choice for anyone building a professional Sony system.