One of Sony’s most popular lenses among all kinds of Sony creators just received a major upgrade — introducing the brand-new Sony FE 16-35 f2.8 G Master II Lens. This is the second version of the original 16-35mm f2.8 G Master Lens, and is certain to bring many improvements that will entice creators to make the upgrade. Let’s review some of the new features.
Key Features of the Sony 16-35mm Lens
- Smaller and lighter than the original version
- Industry-leading optical performance
- 15 elements in 12 groups
- High performance AF and video capabilities
- 4 major optical improvements
- Excellent corner-to-corner resolution at the edges
- Reduced chromatic aberration
- Minimum focusing distance of 8.6m
- Minimal breathing results in smooth movie imagery
- External zoom (gimbal readjustment not necessary)
What’s New About This Lens?
Smaller Size
One of the most eye-popping new features on the new Sony FE 16-35 f2.8 G Master II Lens is the improved size and weight. We’ve always known the Sony G Master glass to offer amazing image quality, but the set of f2.8 lenses hasn’t quite been known for their compact weight and size. Many travel and outdoor photographers have avoided these lenses for the sheer fact that they were not as portable as some other Sony lens options. Now, with the new upgrades, this lens is far smaller and lighter than the previous model. It is the smallest and lightest lens in Sony’s f2.8 holy trinity of lenses (including the 24-70mm f/2.8 and the 70-200mm f/2.8).
Optical Improvements
Sony Extreme Aspherical (XA) lens enhancements give this new lens four major optical improvements, offering even better image quality than before. The G Master series has set the standard for excellent optical quality with minimal chromatic aberration. You can expect superb corner-to-corner image quality and reduced chromatic aberration even in backlit scenes.
Focusing Distance
For macro shooters, you’ll find this new lens to have an improved focusing distance of 8.6 meters. This means that you can get closer than ever before to your subject, resulting in interesting or abstract images when paired with the wide-angle 16mm focal length.
Additionally, you can zoom in to 35mm to get an up-close and personal view of your subject. Regardless of your photography niche, a closer minimum focusing distance is certain to come in handy at some point.
Minimal Focus Breathing
Creators can expect high performance autofocus and video capabilities on the 16-35mm f2.8 G Master II lens. The lens features minimal focus breathing for smooth movie imagery, which is critical for high quality video footage. We can expect the autofocus to be the same lightning-fast system that we are accustomed to with the Sony G-Master lenses, giving you accurate auto focus in incredibly short times.
Balanced Weight
Finally, despite the external zoom present on the lens, the weight has been balanced in such a way that you don’t need to adjust your gimbal when you zoom in or out. Any creators who shoot video using a gimbal know how frustrating it can be to constantly rebalance a gimbal when using a zoom lens. Ultimately, this will save you time as a videographer, so you can spend more time getting the perfect shot.
Who Should Buy This Lens?
Macro Photographers
First and foremost, anyone who currently owns the 16-35mm f2.8 lens should consider upgrading to the Mark II version. The improvements are major and will make this lens an even larger asset in your bag. Especially for creators who care about size and weight, or shooting macro images, this new lens is a must-have. It’s hard to imagine higher quality optics than the original 16-35mm, but thanks for the latest XA enhancements, this lens includes four major optical improvements for the best images possible.
Landscape and Portrait Photographers
Additionally, any Sony shooter should consider this lens. The popular wide-angle focal length of 16mm is excellent for landscapes, architecture, and cityscapes. The ability to zoom all the way to 35mm for things like portraits and sports provides versatility for any creator.
The 16-35mm range is a must-have for nearly any creator out there, and this is one of the best wide-angle zooms offered for Sony cameras. If the weight and size of the original 16-35mm f2.8 was holding you back from picking it up, you now have a far lighter and more compact version in the new Mark II version.
Videographers
Those shooting video should certainly consider this lens with all its video upgrades. Minimal focus breathing helps videographers receive better footage, while the external zoom doesn’t require your gimbal to be rebalanced after zooming. High performance autofocus keeps your subject in focus, and industry-leading optical performance will give you spectacular footage straight out of the camera.
Finally, reduced chromatic aberration is crucial for videographers, especially when shooting backlit scenes. All things considered: this should be a go-to lens for videographers.
Comparing Sony Lenses
As mentioned earlier, this lens is a direct upgrade over the Sony FE 16-35mm f2.8 G Master Lens. Perhaps, most importantly, the new lens is 20% lighter and 10% smaller, while still offering the same versatility and even higher optical quality than its predecessor. The minimum focusing distance has been improved to 8.6 inches (vs. 11 inches) and chromatic aberration has also been reduced from the previous model.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot to love about this new wide-angle G Master zoom lens for Sony shooters. Small and compact seems to be the way of the future, and Sony has made some excellent improvements to one of their most popular lenses that is sure to get creators excited.
