Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II vs Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 versus the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II gives that up to stay lighter (547g (1.21 lb)) and cheaper ($2,299). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 547g (1.21 lb) it's lighter than the 918g (2.02 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 vs the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is 16-35mm, Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM is 28-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is $2,299, $600 under the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is 547g (1.21 lb) vs 918g (2.02 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II or the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 versus the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II gives that up to stay lighter (547g (1.21 lb)) and cheaper ($2,299). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II?
Choose the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 547g (1.21 lb) it's lighter than the 918g (2.02 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM?
Choose the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II and the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM?
Aperture: the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 vs the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-35mm | 28-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 20 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 107° – 63° | 75° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 22 cm | 38 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.32x | 0.23x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,299 | $2,899 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 86mm |
| Diameter | 87.8mm | 92.9mm |
| Length | 111.5mm | 139.8mm |
| Weight | 547g (1.21 lb) | 918g (2.02 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
