Sony's go-to full-frame standard zoom with excellent optics and optical stabilisation.
The Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS (SEL24105G) was launched in October 2017 alongside the A7R III, establishing itself as Sony's standard travel and event zoom for full-frame E-mount. The 24-105mm range spans environmental to short-telephoto coverage in a constant f/4 aperture — exposure remains consistent across the zoom range, simplifying video work and event shooting with auto-ISO. The G designation places it in Sony's second optical quality tier, below G Master, at a lower price and weight than the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM. Dust and moisture resistance reinforced its appeal for outdoor and travel use.
The optical design uses 17 elements in 14 groups, including four aspherical elements and three ED elements. The 77mm filter thread is the professional standard size, compatible with most established filter collections. At 663g the lens is lighter than the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM while covering a wider zoom range — a practical trade-off for travel and event shooting where versatility matters more than maximum aperture. Minimum focus distance of 0.38m is consistent throughout the zoom range, allowing close framing at any focal length without needing a different lens. Built-in Optical SteadyShot (OSS) provides image stabilisation; used with IBIS on A7-series bodies, coordinated IS extends handheld capability further. The constant f/4 aperture maintains consistent exposure across the zoom. Nine rounded aperture blades produce smooth out-of-focus rendering.
In use the 24-105mm covers the most common travel and event situations from a single lens: environmental context at 24mm, casual portraiture through 50-85mm, and useful compression at 105mm for subject separation. The constant f/4 is particularly valuable for video — exposure does not shift as focal length changes, eliminating the re-grading step that variable-aperture zooms require. Autofocus is reliable and fast for stills; phase-detect tracking on current A7-series bodies performs well for documentary and event use. OSS cooperating with IBIS on A7 III-generation and later bodies provides practical handheld video stability. The lens shows some barrel distortion at 24mm and pincushion at 105mm; both correct cleanly with Sony's in-camera profiles or third-party RAW processors.
On the used market the FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS is widely available and represents strong single-lens value. OSS should be confirmed — listen for the characteristic activation sound and observe that the preview image stabilises when the shutter is half-pressed. Check the zoom barrel for smooth action across the full range and confirm the mount and zoom-barrel weather sealing is undamaged. The FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is the aperture-speed upgrade at substantially higher cost; for photographers where versatile range matters more than f/2.8, the 24-105mm is often the more practically useful choice.