During Sony’s presentation, the company appeared quite insistent that they aimed to compete with Canon through their latest 28-70mm f2 G Master lens. And aside from the clinical manner in which Sony approaches everything, they’re executing remarkably well. At least, that’s in contrast to Canon — Sony asserted that this lens was as sharp as their 35mm f1. 4 G Master. In comparison to the Canon version, this lens is both more compact and lighter. It’s so much lighter than the Canon version that I genuinely haven’t minded utilizing it for extended shooting sessions where it’s worn around me for hours continuously.
Table of Contents
- The Big Picture: Sony 28-70mm f2 G Master Review Conclusions
- Pros
- Cons
- Who Should Buy the Sony 28-70mm f2 G Master?
- Gear Used
- Innovations
- Hardware
- Ease of Use
- Focusing
- Compared to the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2. 8
- Image Quality
- Let’s Talk Art
The Big Picture: Sony 28-70mm f2 G Master Review Conclusions
The Sony 28-70mm f2 G Master is a well-performing lens overall. When matched with Sony’s latest autofocus innovations, it will serve as an exceptional tool for professional jobs. It also features Sony’s weather resistance while maintaining a compact and lightweight design. Truly, this lens surpasses Canon in nearly every way — but simultaneously, I wish that Sony hadn’t merely done the minimum required to eclipse Canon on the specifications. I wish they had included some additional character with this lens like Canon does with chromatic aberration control or something similar.
Pros
- Only as sharp as their 35mm f1. 4 G Master, indicating that it has some character.
- Weather resistance
- Relatively small and lightweight
- You won’t encounter any problems carrying this throughout an entire gig, except perhaps for a little back pain.
Cons
- I wish Sony had accomplished more with this lens rather than simply trying to match Canon where they stand.
Who Should Buy the Sony 28-70mm f2 G Master?
Photographers should consider purchasing the Sony 28-70mm f2 G Master if they possess the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2. 8 and require something wider but not longer.
Gear Used
We evaluated the Sony 28-70mm f2 G Master with the Sony a1 II and the Sony a7r V. All of these were loaner models provided by Sony. Additionally, we utilized it with the Sony a7r III and the Profoto B10; those pieces are our own.
Innovations
This lens isn’t particularly groundbreaking other than the fact that it’s more compact and lighter than Canon’s alternative.
Hardware
To summarize what we’ve mentioned repeatedly, this lens is both smaller and lighter than Canon’s option. It’s so comfortable that we carried it for several hours during shooting sessions without experiencing significant weight issues. While using this lens, be aware that it features a plastic outer surface with rubber grips and numerous buttons and switches.
Ease of Use
Indeed, the Sony 28-70mm f2 G Master has an abundance of controls on it. However, it’s not particularly complicated to operate if your intention is simply to start shooting with it.
This doesn’t seem heavy at all, which honestly surprises me. Canon led us to believe that innovation must come with added weight, similar to Sigma. Yet, Sony and Tamron frequently demonstrate that this notion is incorrect.
I carried the a1 II with 28-70mm f2 and the a7r II with the Tamron 17-28mm f2. 8 simultaneously. I held a camera in one hand while the other hand managed my Profoto b10. I set everything down for less than 10 minutes between 4:30 p. m. and 9 p. m. that day. My back was slightly sore, but it was manageable.
Focusing
In our evaluations, the Sony 28-70mm f2 G Master did not present us with any issues related to autofocus. It all hinged on the camera model being used. The Sony a1 II achieved the fastest focus with this lens, trailed by the Sony a7r III and then the Sony a7r V.
Compared to the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2. 8
If you’re a Sony shooter, this question is significant. For many years, we’ve praised the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2. 8 above many other lenses available for Sony FE cameras. Since Tamron is partially owned by Sony, they tend to produce reliable products for them.
If additional telephoto length is what you need, particularly for portraits or candid shots, then I would recommend the Tamron lens. However, if you’re looking for something with a wider range, then the 28-70mm f2 is a better choice. When using a strobe or flash in TTL mode, the variable aperture typically won’t pose an issue.
Image Quality
Now, here’s a point that I doubt anyone will discuss much except for the most dedicated Sony enthusiasts: I noticed onion ring bokeh. To be honest, this issue doesn’t concern me. I think it’s acceptable. Moreover, this lens performs exceptionally well for its intended purpose. I don’t believe anyone should dwell on such matters.
Let’s Talk Art
I met up with a friend and attempted to set up a photo shoot that I believe Generative AI would struggle to replicate — at least I doubt that individuals could generate prompts for it very easily. It turned out to be a lot of fun.