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Sony FE 16–35mm F2.8 GM II · Photo source

Sony FE 16–35mm F2.8 GM II
Photo 1 of 6

Sony FE 16–35mm F2.8 GM II · Photo source

Sony

FE 16–35mm F2.8 GM II

Released September 2023

A full-frame E-mount wide-angle zoom with a constant F2.8 aperture, four linear autofocus motors and aperture-ring controls.

Model history · 2 models, 2017–2023
  1. 2017FE 16-35mm F2.8 GMCompare
  2. 2023FE 16–35mm F2.8 GM II
Mount
Sony E
Focal length
16–35 mm
Max aperture
f/2.8
Stabilisation
No
Weight
547 g

What reviewers say

Both praise sharp images, fast quiet autofocus, lighter handling and aperture-ring controls, while noting cheaper alternatives. Photography Blog finds it well balanced on the compact A7CR; Amateur Photographer prefers the grip of a larger body. Photography Blog would also like stronger weather protection, and both note raw-file shading or distortion.

From amateurphotographer.com, photographyblog.com, photographyblog.com, photographyblog.com, photographyblog.com and photographyblog.com

Optics

Lens type
Zoom
Focal length
16–35 mm
Maximum aperture
f/2.8
Minimum aperture
f/22
Optical construction
15 elements in 12 groups; Amateur Photographer gives 11 groups in its specification table, so the maker count is used
Special elements
Five aspherical elements including three XA; one Super ED and two ED elements
Coatings
Nano AR Coating II; fluorine coating on front element
Diaphragm
11 rounded blades
Angle of view
107°–63° full frame; 83°–44° APS-C

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Sony E
Image circle
Full frame
Image circle detail
Full-frame coverage; 24–52.5 mm equivalent field of view on APS-C. Photography Blog labels the APS-C angle range as full-frame; maker ranges are used.
Teleconverter support
Not compatible with SEL14TC or SEL20TC

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.22 m
Maximum magnification
0.32×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Four XD linear motors; floating focus; Linear Response MF
Focus distance detail
Minimum focus 0.22 m at both ends of the zoom
Stabilisation detail
No lens stabilisation; compatible bodies provide stabilisation
Video features
Optical design suppresses focus breathing, focus shift and axis shift during zoom

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
82 mm
Maximum diameter
87.8 mm
Length
111.5 mm
Weight
547 g
Controls
Aperture ring, click on/off switch, iris lock, AF/MF switch and two focus-hold buttons
Zoom design
Barrel extends towards the 16 mm setting
Weather resistance
Dust- and moisture-resistant design; not guaranteed completely dust- or moisture-proof
Weight detail
Approximately 547 g lens; separately supplied hood, caps and case excluded
Lens hood
ALC-SH177 petal-shaped bayonet hood
In the box
ALC-SH177 hood, ALC-F82S front cap, ALC-R1EM rear cap, soft case and case strap
Release detail
Sony UK announced on 29 August 2023 with September 2023 availability and an approximate £2,400 list price; first-sale precision remains the month

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Constant F2.8 aperture
  • Aperture ring with click and iris-lock controls
  • 547 g lens weight

Cons

  • No optical stabilisation
  • No teleconverter support

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Sony E16–25 mmf/2.8No409 gMay 2024
Sony E16–35 mmf/4No353 gApr 2022
Sony E16–35 mmf/2.8No680 gJul 2017

Previous model: FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM.

Sources

  1. sony.co.uk/electronics/support/lenses-e-mount-lenses/sel1635gm2/specifications
  2. sony.co.uk/presscentre/sony-introduces-worlds-smallest-and-lightest-wide-angle-…
  3. sony.jp/ichigan/products/SEL1635GM2
  4. amateurphotographer.com/review/sony-fe-16-35mm-f2-8-gm-ii-review
  5. photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_fe_16_35mm_f2_8_gm_ii_review

Photo: sony.jp

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