Sony announces the launch of the wide-angle zoom lens G Master™ FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II (model SEL1635GM2) as a 35mm full-frame α™ (Alpha™) E-mount lens that covers focal lengths from 16mm to 35mm with a maximum aperture of F2.8 over the entire zoom range.
With spring around the corner, the cream of South Africa’s content creating crop will be itching to upgrade their equipment and capture the colours of the season. Fortunately, the launch of the new Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is exactly what photographers and videographers who are interested in elite lenses with descriptive power and high-speed AF (autofocus) have been looking for.
The FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II makes it possible to get the most out of Sony’s advanced camera bodies, allowing users to shoot everything from sweeping panoramic shots of the Drakensburg, to high intensity action shots at Konka.
With the expansion of the range with this wide-angle zoom lens, a maximum aperture of F2.8 second-generation[ii] zoom lens will be available, along with standard (24-70mm) and telephoto (70-200mm). These lenses, which are each the world’s lightest,[iii] have excellent resolution performance, further strengthening the Alpha system, creating rich and varied shooting environments.
World’s smallest and lightest1 high-resolution F2.8 wide-angle zoom lens
Thanks to a new optical design that effectively arranges the extremely high surface precision XA (extreme aspherical) lens, the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II achieves high resolution with a maximum aperture of F2.8 over the entire zoom range. This is made possible by creating an aspherical shape with a higher degree of freedom than before. In addition to the stunning G Master bokeh expression with a wide angle, it offers an outstanding close-up performance throughout the zoom range, that minimum shooting distance of 0.22m and a maximum shooting magnification of 0.32x. Furthermore, Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II suppresses ghosting and flares to capture clear images even when a strong light source comes into the frame. This is the world’s smallest and lightest1 wide-angle zoom lens with a total length of 111.5mm and a weight of approximately 547g, which is about 20% lighter[iv] than the previous model.
Extraordinarily fast and precise AF that brings out the best in advanced bodies
The FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II includes the latest XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors that effectively works on high-speed drive. It achieves quiet AF that is suitable for both still images and movies, and is up to twice as fast as conventional models4. Even with high frame rate videos where focus shifts are noticeable, the subject is tracked with high precision. When combined with the α1 camera body, high-speed continuous shooting[v] at up to 30 fps is possible with high-speed, high-precision, and quiet focusing.
Operability and reliability for comfortable shooting of both still images and movies
Sony’s FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II offers comfortable operability and excellent still image and movie shooting performance that meets the needs of professional and advanced amateur users. By reducing focus breathing during video recording compared to previous models, it is possible to achieve high-quality image expression without fluctuations in the angle of view. In addition, it suppresses the movement of the centre of gravity during zooming and enables stable shooting, so you can shoot comfortably with a gimbal. Operability has also been improved with features such as an aperture ring that can be clicked on/off with a switch, and two focus hold buttons that can be assigned a desired function from the camera body.
Fluorine coating is applied to the front lens, so dirt adhering to the lens surface can be easily removed. The dustproof and splashproof design allows you to use the camera safely even outdoors[vi], giving you greater freedom in shooting.
Availability
The new FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II (model SEL1635GM2) will be available in South Africa from September 2023.