Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM vs Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 versus the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II's f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II gives that up to stay lighter (293g (10.3 oz)) and cheaper ($598). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $598 vs $2,899 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 293g (10.3 oz) it's lighter than the 918g (2.02 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 vs the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II is $598, $2,301 under the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II is 293g (10.3 oz) vs 918g (2.02 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM or the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 versus the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II's f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II gives that up to stay lighter (293g (10.3 oz)) and cheaper ($598). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Who should choose the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II?
Choose the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II if you're on a budget — $598 vs $2,899 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 293g (10.3 oz) it's lighter than the 918g (2.02 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM and the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II?
Aperture: the Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM opens to f/2 vs the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 28-70mm | 28-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 20 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 75° – 34° | 75° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 38 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.23x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,899 | $598 |
| Filter Size | 86mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 92.9mm | − |
| Length | 139.8mm | − |
| Weight | 918g (2.02 lb) | 293g (10.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
