Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 G-Master: Worth the Sacrifice?

[@VioletGOKU]

Fast aperture zooms are a blessing. I got the Tamron 35-150 f2-2.8 2 years ago and it hasn't left my camera since. It's been so versatile for event photoshoots as well as street photography. Although it's heavy, it helps me save time and the hassle to constantly change lenses and avoid the risk of losing important moments. I love what Sony has done with this 28-70 f2 but I am now too used to having 150mm on longer end for going back to 70mm. Until at least a 28-105 f2 version comes into existence, I won't be persuaded to replace my Tamron 😅

[@MrSpiff9]

We definitely live in a world of "photographic equipment amazement" and I am happy to see innovation continuing. Back when I was shooting the Olympus E-3 series professionally, they had come out with their versions of this in the Zuiko 14-35 & 35-100 f/2 zooms that were sublime, but came at a cost (of course) plus size and weight. Professionally, they were da' bomb with unmatched weather sealing and sharpness, but a lot of "people with cameras" would do nothing but complain about the size, weight and cost of such lenses, bemoaning the fact that they weren't half the price, size, etc., bla, bla bla (you get my point). The fact that we can get these tools when needed is pretty awesome, so I applaud Sony and others for continuing down this path, even if I personally don't need anything like this at the moment. All the best to you and Claudia, sending positive thoughts!

[@kylegoodman5196]

I use my RF 28-70mm F2 for street photography lots of times. It is bulky, yes, but especially on overcast days it's hard to beat.

[@randyriddile7305]

Hugh, 1st my context: I shoot mostly landscape and street scape. I’ve shot A7r cameras (one full spectrum converted and fitted w/720nm IR filter) since they came out-using Canon FD, Nikon, Minolta SR, Zeiss Jena, and Konica manual focus optics. My first Sony (and first autofocus) lens was 20-70 f4 G, bought to go with an A7r5. My RARE need for a really fast lens is easily met with any one of a number of legacy film-era primes. “99% of the time” the 20-70 f4 G on the A7r5 meets/exceeds my needs for IQ, and does so in a reasonably lightweight and compact package. I can’t imagine spending more than the 20-70’s $1100 cost for anything faster, bigger, and heavier-all with negligible improvement in IQ (as you showed on KZbin). By going as wide as 20mm, this lens even makes up (compared to 24-70 lenses) for the three or four mm lost to IBIS. I’m glad Sony’s not resting on its laurels, and can see why some photographers can justify buying the new fast zoom, but I’m personally not tempted by their latest obese release.

[@Austinite333]

Love that symmetrical shot at 3:40. I am sure the lens is fantastic but for a street/walk around? IDK. Guess I am a fan of smallish lenses, fast primes.

[@3BMEP]

Me too - on all counts! 😊🖖🏻

[@sethr5058]

Great video! Really compelling choice you present between this lens and a smaller lighter and more precise prime and using the APS-C crop on the A7Rv…. Thank you for your thoughtfulness about this.

[@AdamMuise]

I bought this lens as a travel lens for when I need more than M body because of rain or AF speed. The (larger) travel kit is now composed of: 28-70mm GM, 70-200mm f/2.8 v2 GM, 85mm f/1.4 GM v2 and a Sony A1 (classic, haven't really needed to upgrade yet). Additionally, I bring my venerable M11-D, tri-elmar 16-18-21mm, APO-Summicron 35mm f/2, and Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.2 1966. I pack a smaller bag each day with a subset of the above based on weather and an M-E adapter. You can substitute my choices for more budget friendly options but since I don't need to, I don't. To each their own.

[@3BMEP]

I understand. 😊🖖🏻

[@fashopimpin]

I have the RF 28-70 f2. I’m glad to see Sony catch up and do it smaller on that smaller sized mount also. It’s not worth it for me to switch to Sony but, good job. I’m sure the canon mk ii version isn’t far away and will be just as good as the one I’m shooting with if not better. I will tell any Sony wedding/portrait photographer. Being a “prime only” shooter for years!!!! Get over it, it’s worth not changing lenses as much and once you’ve shot with it daily/weekly you won’t even notice it. Add a battery grip to balance the weight. You owe it to yourself to at least try it

[@bryanlovephotography]

The 24-70 GMII is awesome. But I've gotta say, a 28-70F2 is super intriguing, especially when focus distance is shorter, and this new lens lets you get close! Can't wait to try it out. That extra stop will be insanely helpful for my type of work (Medical Photography). Hugh, love your videos! You're so detailed and I love how you always compare these lenses to the offerings in the market.

[@3BMEP]

So glad you enjoy what we do! 😊🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

If I travel, I'll pack a smaller 20-50mm range zoom of f/2-2.8, and on the longer end, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 zoom. One small and fast, and one longer reaching and fast for those occasions.

[@TerraThink]

There's no 20-50 f2-2.8 no? Only Sony 20-50mm f2.8.

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

I hire a model and location and take planned photos so its a good choice for me. For casual or travel photography the 20-70mm f4 beats it every time

[@dct124]

Hugh, in Jersey the Ghost bridge is visible in Empty Oak Ridge Reservoir. Not sure if that's a trip you'd like to make, but as it's a rarity to be photographed, could be something to document. ✌🏿

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for the tip!

[@Tony16610]

I would love the 28-70 F2 but in my country it is about 190%- literally almost double the price of a brand new 24-70 2.8 II. I hate that but the 24-70 2.8 II is my most used lens, but never something I enjoy using. It's the OK I need a wide, close, and faux telephoto series of shots so I bang out that lens. I'd be so intrigued to try this.

[@ringthane69]

I have this weird mental relationship with Sony; I greatly admire (even envy) the glass, but the bodies/haptics/ergo/ui feels like it's been cobbled together by a committee of robots. Maybe things have changed in the 5 odd years I've picked up a Sony body. Great review (and images... AND thoughts!) as always, Hugh!

[@3BMEP]

😊🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@911tribute8]

LOL - love this line "cobbled together by a committee of robots" - that describes Sony camera bodies to me! Canon, by contrast, feels like it was made by humans for humans. I also agree with Hugh... the future is smaller, lighter, cheaper lenses, NOT bigger, heavier and more expensive. Great job Sony... you matched Canon, even beat them a bit by weight... six years later. Big deal. It is still a very big, very expensive and heavy lens.

[@borlach321]

You really need to give it to Sony. They just keep hitting it out of the park. If you're already in the Sony system, why would you leave?

[@wr_photo]

I love Sony. Was a Sony pro for 8 years. I just left because I love what Nikon is doing even more. Is it a risk? Maybe, but the underdogs always innovate more for less of a cost, and the Z8 does everything my A7RV does and more. Not bashing Sony, just praising Nikon.

[@samuelsandoval]

I’ll try the new Sony 28-70 2.0 G Master this coming week and test it against the Sony 24-70 2.8 G Master II. I think that one extra step might not be worth it considering how much smaller and lighter the 24-70 II is. We’ve been using the Sony 24-70 2.8 G Master I for years as one of our main lenses but Father Time has taken a toll on it and it’s time to upgrade.

[@3BMEP]

Let me know what you think!

[@Bayonet1809]

Fyi, at 6:56, "sun stars" are diffractive artifacts, not reflective artifacts.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for the correction! 😊🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@kindface]

The only zoom I've ever had was the Canon FD 70-150 mm I bought for my AE-1 camera body - my first camera ever - back in 1981 I've not had another SLR or zoom ever since as I soon discovered a passion for street photography. All I've done in the years since is moving to ever smaller rangefinders and P&S's. So, yes, the weight is becoming burdensome.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for sharing! 😊🖖🏻

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for bringing me back to reality. Love the new FE 28-70/2 GM but even though I own an A1 and A7RV I’m shooting more with my A7CR, A7CII, and FE 16-25/2.8 G, 24-50/2.8 G and 70-200/4 Macro G II than I am with my FE 16-35/2.8 GM II, FE 24-70/2.8 GM II, and 70-200/2.8 GM II. Size and weight do matter even though I love my FE 135/1.8 GM which weighs about the same. Take care.

[@3BMEP]

😊 I understand. 🖖🏻

[@rogeryoung3587]

3:01 _"all images Sony FE 28-70mm f/2.8 GM"_ - confusing, isn't it?

[@3BMEP]

DOH!!! 😳you know what I meant. Sigh.

[@loldart]

Compare it to the old 24-70mm F2.8 GM. It's 32 grams heavier and only 4 mm longer for 1 stop of light. The sacrifice I see is not having 24mm focal length. Owning the A7rV and the 24-70mm F2.8 GM mkii. It's hard to not look at it as an option. As I use to travel with the old 24-70mm GM and had zero issues with the weight or size. Looking forward with renting this lesnes and see if I can retire the 55mm F1.8 sony zeiss and a few other primes to buy it. Sadly it can't retire my 24mm F1.4 GM.

[@jarmokarkkainen7621]

I wonder when Sony will upgrade the 100-400 GM...until then these latest new lenses just add to the already quite extensive lineup, making it difficult to choose whatever suits you best, especially if you can afford it 😅.

[@garyhoffman1]

Agreed. I have the 100-400 and love it but sure hope they can get it down to 2.8.

[@ChristianLawrence]

So wish this upgrade was on the cards. Bought a 2x for my 70-200gmii to save me buying this. Not sold on the 2x as a the A7cr high mp seems to outperform the 2x by cropping. On this subject the 24-70gmii seems the logical pick unless you have a specific need for its plus points. Great video.

[@ste8ven]

your content is great, but would be even better if you make pictures of the lighter lens of f2 primes and compare them with the sony

[@3BMEP]

That would be a great test! Maybe someday…

[@ccbphoto]

Would you kindly post the link to your funny friends? Nice work as always!

[@3BMEP]

youtube.com/@petapixel?si=SuRZd6_Dqc6ZA6qr 😊🖖🏻

[@TheJadedFilmMaker]

...and a partridge in a pair tree

[@MeAMuse]

I already think 24-70 F2.8 is too big and heavy most times. Photography gear is all about compromises. I think I would rather go with a wider zoom (maybe even an F4), or a small prime than using 28-70 F2

[@3BMEP]

I understand. 😊

[@sethjchandler]

A particularly insightful review.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks, Seth! 😊🖖🏻

[@CRJines]

I'm still on the Nikon D700. Lol...

[@valebliz]

Anyone going around in a street setting with this kind of lenses looks ridiculous tbh.

[@ChrisThe1]

Eh. Honestly I shoot street with a gfx and the 110mm lens. It‘s fine

[@jaegerschtulmann]

Not more ridiculous than those people shooting tik tok videos on their iPhones mounted on selfie/tripods. And ptsss it’s not a street photography set-up😂, it’s most likely a wedding all-purpose zoom

[@philipp8099]

At first I wanted to get the 85gm II to update my wedding kit 35/85. But now that this lense was announced I have no idea which way to go. I lean towards comfort (one lense) but I’ve always been in love with the 85mm look which will be sacrificed. Tough call. 🥲 Thanks for you video!

[@3BMEP]

Keep me posted?

[@philipp8099]

@ will do - might take some time tho 😉

[@RomanBoldyrev]

85gm II is amazing. Try this way first! 🙂

[@philipp8099]

@ i decided to get the value sigma 24-70 mark II (costs 1/3 compared to Sony 28-70 in my country). With the saved money I could get the 85 II GM on top if I feel like it. 😌 For low light I still got my primes anyway.

[@3BMEP]

@@philipp8099niiiice!

[@fashopimpin]

I have the RF 28-70 f2. I’m glad to see Sony catch up and do it smaller on that smaller sized mount also. It’s not worth it for me to switch to Sony but, good job. I’m sure the canon mk ii version isn’t far away and will be just as good as the one I’m shooting with if not better. I will tell any Sony wedding/portrait photographer. Being a “prime only” shooter for years!!!! Get over it, it’s worth not changing lenses as much and once you’ve shot with it daily/weekly you won’t even notice it. Add a battery grip to balance the weight. You owe it to yourself to at least try it.