Sony announces FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II 2nd-generation wide-angle zoom lens

Aug 29, 2023 by John Aldred Add Comment

As well as the Sony A7c II and A7cr mirrorless cameras, Sony has also announced the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II, successor to the popular Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM (buy here). The original was released in 2017, and Sony’s lens tech has come a long way since then.

Sony says that the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II satisfies the needs of photographers and videographers who need high-performance lenses. It claims to be “the world’s smallest and lightest” lens in its category, with the usual Sony caveats.

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II

The Sony F 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II features a new optical design over its predecessor. Sony says the new design “effectively arranges the extremely high surface precision XA (extreme aspherical) lens which achieves high resolution with a maximum aperture of F2.8 over the entire zoom range”.

Essentially, they’re saying that the new optical formula means that it’s sharp throughout the focal length range even wide open at f/2.8. Sony’s Nano AR Coating II suppresses ghosting and flares for the most clear images possible.

It includes Sony’s latest high speed XD (eXtreme Drive) linear focus motors. These produce an extremely quiet autofocus system that’s up to “twice as fast as conventional models” (whatever that means). Presumably this means twice as fast as its predecessor? Maybe?

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Specs

Focal Length	16-35mm
Maximum Aperture	f/2,8
Minimum Aperture	f/22
Lens Mount	Sony FE
Format Compatibility	Full-Frame
Angle of View	107°-63°
Minimum Focus Distance
Optical Design	15 Elements in 12 Groups
Diaphragm Blades	11
Focus Type	Autofocus
Image Stabilization	No
Tripod Collar	None
Filter Size	82 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)	87.8 x 111.5 mm
Weight	547 g

Price and Availability

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II does very well on price, being only $100 more expensive than the current price of the original lens. The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM IIis available to pre-order now for $2,298 and is expected to begin shipping in October.

About John Aldred

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

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Dave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.