Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G 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 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G gives that up to stay lighter (488g (1.08 lb)) and cheaper ($1,099). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $1,099 vs $2,899 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 488g (1.08 lb) it's lighter than the 918g (2.02 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.39x magnification vs 0.23x.
Choose the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓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 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is 20-70mm, Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM is 28-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is $1,099, $1,800 under the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is 488g (1.08 lb) vs 918g (2.02 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G 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 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G gives that up to stay lighter (488g (1.08 lb)) and cheaper ($1,099). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G?
Choose the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G if you're on a budget — $1,099 vs $2,899 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 488g (1.08 lb) it's lighter than the 918g (2.02 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.39x magnification vs 0.23x.
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/4, better for low light and subject separation. 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 20-70mm f/4 G 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 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 20-70mm | 28-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 16 | 20 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 94° – 34° | 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 | 25 cm | 38 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.39x | 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) | $1,099 | $2,899 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 86mm |
| Diameter | 78.7mm | 92.9mm |
| Length | 99mm | 139.8mm |
| Weight | 488g (1.08 lb) | 918g (2.02 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
