Landscape, Architecture & Astrophotography — Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II (2023): Sony's best ultra-wide zoom ever — dramatically lighter than the original, with world-class sharpness and a stunning minimum focus distance.
Professional, Wedding & Video — Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II (2022): The best standard zoom for Sony FE — the GM II's dual XD linear motors and optical performance set the benchmark, now in a lighter body.
Who should buy what
Quick take: These cameras are closely matched across the key specs below. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II (2023) | Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,099 | £2,099 |
| Sensor | f/2.8 (constant max aperture) | f/2.8 constant (max aperture throughout zoom range) |
| Video | 22cm minimum focus distance | 21cm minimum focus distance (wide), 30cm (tele) |
| Autofocus | XD linear motors — ultra-fast and near-silent | Dual XD Linear Motor — class-leading speed and silence |
| Stabilisation | None (relies on body IBIS) | None (relies on body IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | N/A | — |
| Battery Life | N/A | — |
| Weight | 547g | 695g |
| Dimensions | 87.8mm diameter × 111.5mm length | 87.8 × 119.9mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | N/A | — |
| Screen | N/A | — |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | N/A | — |
| Connectivity | N/A | — |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | ||
| Architecture | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Portrait | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
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