Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens | Sony E

Sony enhances its lineup of f/2.8 G Master zoom lenses with the introduction of the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens, which merges exceptional G Master performance with the most compact and lightweight design in its category. This latest wide-angle lens is tailored for both video and still photography, featuring numerous improvements in optical quality, focusing capabilities, and user handling.

G Master Image Quality

Engineered to compete with prime lenses, the optics of this zoom lens have been enhanced to deliver superior resolution, clarity, and bokeh quality. The bright f/2.8 constant aperture enables users to take photographs in low-light environments while achieving a shallow depth of field. One Super ED (extra-low dispersion) element and two ED elements work together to effectively minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing, resulting in improved clarity and color accuracy. Additionally, five aspherical elements, including three extreme aspherical elements (XA), are incorporated to reduce spherical aberrations, distortion, and to mitigate the occurrence of 'onion ring' bokeh.

Faster AF and Floating Focus Mechanism

The redesigned focusing system offers several advantages, including enhanced focusing speed, improved close-up capabilities, and greater control. The incorporation of four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors significantly elevates focusing performance when compared to the previous DDSSM system. This results in faster, quieter, and more accurate autofocus, making it suitable for both video and still photography. The increased autofocus speed facilitates better tracking of fast-moving subjects, with support for shooting at rates of up to 30 frames per second. Full autofocus functionality is preserved even when the aperture is stopped down, and focus tracking remains effective during zoom adjustments. The floating focusing mechanism ensures consistent image quality across the entire focusing range, which is particularly crucial given the lens's remarkable close-up capabilities, featuring a minimum focusing distance of 8.6 inches and a maximum magnification of 0.32x throughout the zoom range. Additionally, the internal focusing design enhances responsiveness and maintains a consistent center of gravity during both lens extension and retraction.

Improved Control and Video Capabilities

The evolution of camera design has increasingly catered to the requirements of both photographers and videographers. In line with this trend, this lens has been enhanced with features that specifically address the needs of video professionals. The lens minimizes focus breathing, focus shift, and axial shift during zooming, thereby reducing unintended movements and variations in the angle of view, which contributes to improved compositional precision during filming. It is compatible with the Breathing Compensation function available in select cine-line and Alpha cameras. The Linear Response Manual Focus (MF) offers a natural and intuitive approach to manual focus control. Additionally, the manual aperture ring can be adjusted for silent operation, and the smoothness of the zoom can be modified to achieve the desired level of torque.

Compact, Lightweight, and Robust Design

This lens is the smallest and lightest f/2.8 wide-angle zoom available in its category, maintaining its professional qualities while being weather-sealed and robust enough for challenging working environments. It is approximately 20% lighter and 10% more compact than its predecessor, making it a highly portable and versatile choice for a wide range of shooting scenarios. The addition of a manual aperture ring allows for tactile exposure adjustments, which can be de-clicked for smooth and silent iris transitions or locked in the 'A' position for camera-controlled aperture settings. It features two programmable focus hold buttons and a focus mode switch for enhanced focus management. The hybrid construction combines metal and plastic elements to optimize both durability and lightweight design. Its dust- and moisture-resistant features include rubber gaskets at every seam and a rubber ring that seals the lens mount, ensuring reliable performance in adverse weather conditions. The front lens element is treated with a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants, facilitating easier cleaning. The redesigned lens hood complements the sleek aesthetics of the lens by minimizing both its diameter and length.