Sony's latest GM standard zoom — lighter, sharper, and faster-focusing than the original GM, a new benchmark.
The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II was released in 2022 as the second generation of Sony's G Master constant f/2.8 standard zoom, achieving a 191g weight reduction from the 886g GM I to 695g while adding four XD Linear AF motors. Eleven rounded aperture blades. 82mm filter thread. Minimum focus distance of 0.21m at 24mm (0.30m at 70mm). The optical formula includes extreme aspherical (XA), ED, and Super ED elements.
The optical design uses 20 elements in 15 groups including 2 extreme aspherical (XA), 3 aspherical, 2 ED, and 2 Super ED elements. Eleven rounded aperture blades produce circular bokeh. The 82mm filter thread is standard for professional f/2.8 standard zooms. At 695g the lens is substantially lighter than the GM I at 886g. Minimum focus distance of 0.21m at 24mm (0.30m at 70mm). Four XD Linear motors provide fast, quiet AF. Aperture ring with de-click and lock switches.
The 191g weight reduction is the GM II's defining practical improvement: at 695g versus 886g, the difference is felt over a full shooting day. The four XD Linear motors — one per focus group — provide faster tracking and reduced focus breathing versus the GM I's three linear motors. The 0.21m MFD at 24mm enables close-wide environmental compositions unusual for a professional f/2.8 standard zoom. Nano AR Coating II and fluorine coating are standard.
On the used market the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is available at established G Master professional zoom pricing. Condition checks: XD Linear AF motor response, 82mm front element for marks, aperture ring de-click mechanism, and zoom ring smoothness. Compatible with all Sony FE-mount full-frame bodies; on APS-C E-mount bodies the APS-C crop provides a 36-105mm equivalent.