Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens 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 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens gives that up to stay lighter (695g (1.53 lb)) and cheaper ($2,448). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Choose the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens if…

  • You value portability — at 695g (1.53 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 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 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens is 24-70mm, Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM is 28-70mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens is $2,448, $451 under the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM.
  • Weight: the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens is 695g (1.53 lb) vs 918g (2.02 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens 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 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens gives that up to stay lighter (695g (1.53 lb)) and cheaper ($2,448). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Who should choose the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens?

Choose the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens if you value portability — at 695g (1.53 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 use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.

What is the main difference between the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens 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 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length24-70mm28-70mm
Lens TypeZoomZoom
Optical Elements2020
Optical Groups1514
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2.8f/2
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades1111
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View84° – 34°75° – 34°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorXDXD Linear
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance21 cm38 cm
Max Magnification0.32x0.23x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesYes
Declickable ApertureYesYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoYes
General
Price (MSRP)$2,448$2,899
Filter Size82mm86mm
Diameter87.8mm92.9mm
Length119.9mm139.8mm
Weight695g (1.53 lb)918g (2.02 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo