Photo 1 of 3

Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM · Photo source

Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM
Photo 1 of 3

Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM · Photo source

Sony

FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM

Released July 2020

A full-frame E-mount ultra-wide F2.8 zoom with four XD linear autofocus motors, floating focus groups and a rear sheet-filter holder.

Mount
Sony E
Focal length
12–24 mm
Max aperture
f/2.8
Stabilisation
No
Weight
847 g

What reviewers say

Both praise sharpness, rapid quiet autofocus, construction and close focusing, while highlighting the high price and awkward front-filter arrangements. Photography Blog finds visible barrel distortion at 12mm and corner darkening that needs substantial stopping down; TechRadar reports minimal real-world distortion and darkening clearing by F4. Both find strong flare control and useful background blur for an ultra-wide zoom.

From photographyblog.com, photographyblog.com, photographyblog.com and techradar.com

Optics

Lens type
Zoom
Focal length
12–24 mm
Maximum aperture
f/2.8
Minimum aperture
f/22
Optical construction
17 elements in 14 groups
Special elements
Three XA extreme-aspherical elements, one aspherical element, three ED and two Super ED glass elements
Coatings
Nano AR Coating II; fluorine coating on front element
Diaphragm
Nine rounded blades
Angle of view
122°–84° full frame; 99°–61° APS-C

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Sony E
Image circle
Full frame
Image circle detail
Full-frame coverage; 18–36 mm equivalent field of view on APS-C
Teleconverter support
Not compatible with SEL14TC or SEL20TC

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.28 m
Maximum magnification
0.14×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Four XD linear motors, two per floating focus group; internal focusing
Focus distance detail
Minimum focus 0.28 m throughout the zoom range; Linear Response MF
Magnification detail
Maximum magnification 0.14×
Stabilisation detail
No lens stabilisation; compatible bodies provide stabilisation

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Maximum diameter
97.6 mm
Length
137 mm
Weight
847 g
Controls
AF/MF switch, one customisable focus-hold button, zoom and focus rings; no aperture ring
Filter detail
No front filter thread; rear holder accepts cut sheet filters, with cutting template supplied
Weather resistance
Dust- and moisture-resistant design; not guaranteed completely dust- or moisture-proof
Weight detail
Approximately 847 g lens with integral hood; separate caps excluded
Lens hood
Fixed petal hood integrated into the lens
In the box
Locking front cap, ALC-R1EM rear cap, soft carrying case and filter template
Release detail
Sony Australia specified late July 2020 availability; Sony UK specified August for Europe and Japan specified 7 August, separate from 14 July pre-orders. Main date uses the earliest maker-confirmed July precision. TechRadar’s 24–48 mm APS-C equivalent is inconsistent with maker18–36 mm; Photography Blog’s focal-range section uses the APS-C angles, with maker full-frame angles retained here. Review distortion and corner-darkening differences are preserved

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Constant F2.8 aperture
  • 12 mm ultra-wide setting
  • Rear sheet-filter holder

Cons

  • No front filter thread
  • No optical stabilisation

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Sony E12–24 mmf/4No565 gJul 2017
Sony E16–25 mmf/2.8No409 gMay 2024
Sony E16–35 mmf/2.8No680 gJul 2017

Sources

  1. sony.jp/ichigan/products/SEL1224GM/spec.html
  2. sony.jp/ichigan/products/SEL1224GM/feature_1.html
  3. sony.co.uk/presscentre/sony-boosts-full-frame-lens-line-up-with-launch-of-12-24…
  4. sony.com.au/microsite/consumerpressreleases/articles/Press-Release---Sony-boost…
  5. sony.jp/CorporateCruise/Press/202007/20-0708
  6. photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_fe_12_24mm_f2_8_gm_review
  7. techradar.com/reviews/sony-fe-12-24mm-f28-gm

Photo: sony.jp

Spot a mistake? Tell us