Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM IIvs Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

GearFrame · Updated March 2026

Sony Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Sony Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II (2023) Starting from £2099 new Best for Landscape, architecture & astrophotography View Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II
VS
Sony Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Sony Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II (2022) Starting from £2099 new Best for Professional, wedding & video View Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?

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.

↓ Full specifications below

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 IISony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
Landscape
9.0
7.0
Architecture
9.0
—
Vlogging & Video
9.0
9.0
Wedding & Events —
9.0
Portrait —
9.0
Street —
7.0
Sports & Action —
4.0
⚡ Compare specs side by side Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II prices → Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II prices →

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