The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II is the newer and updated Mark II version of the original Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens. Though they look very similar, a lot of changes in the optical arrangement, autofocus motor, chassis, and elements have been brought in this new Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. This lens is particularly good for filmmaking. It is designed with the latest technology. You can consider the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G-Master II as one of the most sophisticated lenses Sony has ever produced. But Sony has decided to continue selling the mark I version too. It made many confused about whether to buy the mark I version or mark II, and whether it is feasible to shift from using the mark I version to mark II. Keep reading to know exactly what changes Sony has brought in in the 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II in detail.

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II: What Are The New Changes?

Change In Size And Weight

According to the company, the 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II is the smallest and lightest in the world. Its weight is only 695 grams whereas the first version weighs 886 grams. It is really lightweight. You can seriously consider buying it if the weight of the camera is your criteria. The size of the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II is 87.8mm × 119.9mm whereas that of the first line was 87.6mm × 136mm.

Change In Image Quality

The picture above is a sample photo clicked with the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II, which shows its image quality. It has 3 aspherical elements, 2 extreme aspherical elements, 2 Super ED, and 2 ED elements. It has a total of 20 elements in 15 groups. The mark I version had 18 elements in 13 groups. The 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II has 11 blades in the diaphragm, whereas the mark I version has 9. So the quality of the bokeh is undoubtedly better in the mark II version.

Change In The Focusing System

The major change that Sony introduced in the 24-70mm f/2.8 G-Master II is in the autofocus motor system. While the mark I version employs a Direct Drive SSM actuator, the 24-70mm f/2.8 G-Master II has a special XD linear focusing system for the perfect autofocus. The filter threading of both the models is the same- 82 mm. The minimum focusing distance of the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is 21 cm, whereas that of the mark I version is 38cm. With the maximum magnification of 0.32x, it beats the mark I version which has a maximum magnification of 0.24x.

Change In Exterior Controls:-

Sony has brought in extensive changes in the exterior controls of the lens. Now you will find a new aperture ring along with the zoom ring and focus ring. You can control it manually. You can also use the “iris lock” switch to enable the automatic A mode. The camera will retain control then. This locking system helps to avoid a sudden shift between manual and automatic modes by mistake. There is a click switch on the lens. If you want to de-click the aperture, just switch it off. There is a zoom tension switch in the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II in place of the zoom lock switch of the version I. The zoom tension switch has smooth and tight options. There is an AF-MF switch that helps to interchange the automatic and manual focus modes quickly.

What Are The Alternatives To Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II?

As mentioned in the beginning, the original 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens is still available, and Sony does not have any intention to replace it with the new model. So, you can consider it as an alternative to the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, though it is a bit heavier and does not have a stacked set of physical controls on the outside. While the company has brought in a lot of changes in the design of the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II compared to that of the Mark I, according to the experts, the changes are not so impressive or fulfilling that one would opt for it despite owning the latter. The price of the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is $2,300. In Indian rupee, it will cost around Rs.1,99,999. The mark I version would cost around Rs. 1,57,990 in India, which is also something to consider.

Written By Sanga Basu, Content writer, WPC.

(PHOTO CREDIT: SONY)

Change In Image Quality

Change In Exterior Controls:-

What Are The Alternatives To Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II?

Written By Sanga Basu, Content writer, WPC.

(PHOTO CREDIT: SONY)

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II: What Are The New Changes?

Published by WPC Official Account on May'31,2022

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