Sony has announced a new full-frame G Master zoom lens. The Sony 28-70mm G Master lens is Sony’s first zoom lens with a constant maximum aperture of F2.
28-70 mm
The Sony 28-70mm G Master lens has a good zoom range for every day use. Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. said, “Our goal with the 28-70mm F2 G Master was to create a high-performing zoom lens that could be a strong single lens alternative to multiple primes.” Sony also claims that the lens offers prime lens-like bokeh with its constant maximum F2 aperture. A constant aperture is essential for video use so that your exposure doesn’t change as you zoom in or out. In addition, the 11-blade aperture should give a smooth, circular bokeh in out-of-focus parts of your images.
Optical design
The 28-70mm G Master zoom lens is constructed with twenty lens elements in fourteen groups. These include three XA (extreme aspherical) elements and three aspherical elements to minimize aberrations. There are also three Super ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and one ED element to reduce chromatic aberration. In addition, the lens uses Sony’s Nano AR Coating II to reduce flare and internal reflections. Sony says that the 28-70mm F2 G Master produces extremely sharp corner-to-corner results throughout the entire zoom range, even while shooting wide open at F2.
Autofocus
The 28-70mm G Master zoom lens features fast, responsive and silent autofocus. It uses four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors powered by advanced control algorithms. Sony designed the new lens to minimize focus breathing and it’s also compatible with the Breathing Compensation feature on Alpha camera bodies. In addition, Sony says that the lens delivers reliable focus even when recording in high frame rates up to 4K 120p or FHD 240p. The close focus distance is 14.8 inches (0.38 m) throughout the entire zoom range.
Build
This lens is a compact lens measuring only 3.6 by 5.5 inches (92.9 x 139.8 mm). It’s also relatively lightweight at 32.3 ounces (918 g). Usefully, the lens has a minimal zoom extension of approximately 0.68 inches. This is great for gimbal use as the center of gravity won’t change very much when you alter the focal length. In addition, all buttons and switches on the lens are sealed with silicone gaskets, and critical areas are designed to resist dust and moisture. There’s a fluorine coating on the front element which repels contaminants for easy cleaning as well.
Other features
Additionally, the 28-70mm G Master zoom lens features Linear Response MF for intuitive manual focusing. You also get adjustable zoom ring torque, and the option to switch off the click stops on the aperture ring. This means you can adjust exposure smoothly when shooting video. In addition, the lens offers two customizable focus hold buttons, an iris lock switch and an AF/MF switch. The filter thread is 86 mm.
What we think
The 28-70mm F2 G Master full-frame zoom is another very high-quality lens from Sony. Low light and shallow depth of field fans will love the wider maximum aperture. It’s great to see so many video-focused features on the new lens as well. Focus breathing compensation, a constant maximum aperture, and a clickless iris ring make the 28-70mm G Master lens ideal for video use. The only downside of such a premium lens is the premium price. However, this is probably one of the best lenses you could ever put on your Sony camera and worth every cent.
Pricing and availability
The Sony 28-70mm F2 G Master full-frame zoom lens will be available in December 2024 for $2,899.
