Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Field Test: Landscapes, Astrophotography, Sports Photography and More!

[@Nateinthewild]

Is this the ultimate wide-angle landscape and astro lens? What do you think?

[@DavidKatz]

Looks like it! Love your shots! New sub!

[@Nateinthewild]

Thank you! Glad to have you here :)

[@echoauxgen]

So far your review is the best for landscape and astro. Only one wider and chipped the Voigtlander 10mm f/5.6, also can be used for Astro at 21s or 42s on a A7S pinpoint stars also and sharp corners, so little too. Use Digital filter app for all those filters you may want (markii and below bodies).

[@antdx316]

I think 12mm is too far. The outsides are smeared and/or out of focus. I think people are trying to "make it work" because, well it's not really supposed to work. I can't believe people don't do interior photography and good architecture w/ the lens. Everything is way pulled back like you need to crop.. Maybe taking a 787 or an Airbus in a hanger w/ the lights on would make this epic but at 14mm or lower if you aren't shooting at f/13 the smear on the sides just isn't good. I really think if you want to get good close-up bokeh you should get the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 as 2.8 doesn't seem like enough but no one really compares that into the presentation.

[@echoauxgen]

@@antdx316 You can not really use 12mm for indoor architecture due to stretching of windows/doors at the sides but 24mm is good. Vertical panos work best for indoor architecture. Like go to a church and shoot at 12 and 24mm then do a vertical pano even at 35 to 50mm the panos will be more eye appealing. We see in 50mm and 12mm is a peripheral view. Make the Panos in 3:2 ratio and will look even better for viewing for a super wide angle you get lots of space and things are far away but the panos will make it more like you can touch and with more close detail. Yes a hotel room is more liked with a 12mm making a small room huge and making it look like a barn and comfortable!!

[@ExploreTravelCapture]

Finally a reviewer from an actual photographer that uses these lenses how they are supposed to be used!

[@Nateinthewild]

Appreciate you, my friend!

[@VishwasRavindran92]

@@syafiqmazli why not ? Wide angle portraits are creative as well.

[@terriblehans]

Finally! Thats why this lens worth it!

[@iPhonedo]

This is a fantastic review! I love every second of it.

[@MannyOrtiz]

Nate this video on point. I can tell you out a lot of work in it. Good shit bro

[@Nateinthewild]

Oh dude hey Manny! Thanks for the KZbin inspiration, maybe we can collab on a video sometime.

[@SChapps]

That place is stunning! No disrespect to any other photographers/youtubers and I understand that at the moment with covid that we don't have the same freedom we usually do, but THIS is how we want to see a brand new lens being tested. Out in epic locations, not just at home. It was the same with the 20mm field test, your video from Norway just blew every other one out of the water

[@Nateinthewild]

I appreciate that! I've always felt that reviews deserve a little more effort to show off what a lens can really do.

[@learningcameras]

Rocked this video man!!! Glad you were actually out there and got to put this to good use

[@Nateinthewild]

Thanks dude!!

[@Xetenor]

I already own the 16-35 GM that I love but seeing this really excited me more than I thought. After seeing just how spectacular this lens is especially in regard to flare performance I ended up pre-ordering it today after I traded in some older gear I had still from my DSLR days. I think many wanted a lens like this for years and it's finally here. We live once so hey what the heck! Thanks for the proper review of this magical lens Nate! Beautiful images!

[@GaryJahman]

You literally showed what this lens is made for. Bravo!

[@Nateinthewild]

Thanks for watching!

[@CORVYX]

Would love to see a video test using this lens !

[@Fotogoscar]

Best review for this newly released lens. Too bad is out of my budget but kudos to all who can afford it. Love the shots.

[@Nateinthewild]

Appreciate that, my man!

[@mfdrere454]

i can , just sold my kidny for that lmfaooooooooooooooooo, so excited

[@Bryan.Conley]

Great video buddy, looks like a killer lens! Also, I love the Pete Stone cameo. Love that dude!

[@Nateinthewild]

It was awesome to hang with him!

[@pauldb5]

Now this is a proper test, wow

[@maximusaugustus6823]

I will definitely buy this lens to complete my bag, I have 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-80mm f/2.8, and 600mm f/4. I want this particular lens, this is an excellent review with samples and input.

[@cowboyyoga]

Thanks Nate ))) Enjoyed the video. Thanks for the support!

[@uhhnush]

great review! super detailed and well explained!

[@IanCresswell]

Love all the real world examples here Nate. Thanks for the video.

[@Karthik-The-Photographer]

Thanks a lot I was just searching for an actual user's review & you nailed it man

[@MatLoyola]

That gopher shot with the barn in the background is so epic.

[@vladimircorsair]

Really nice photos showcasing the real deal with the lens

Best review yet for this lens, I've watched ca 10 of them, you should have more subs and views

[@Nateinthewild]

Appreciate that! Tell your friends :)

[@jamisonedwards3609]

Can’t think of a better place to showcase this lens. Good video, great shots.

[@UdoKellner]

Top Fotos, super Video, Danke! I like the astro-part. It seems to be fantastic for this purpose. Will be a perfect outdoor lens, even when you got hiking. Udo

[@autpops]

Yasssssss! So stoked about this!!

[@Nateinthewild]

It's so beautiful!

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

Looking forward to seeing the comparison between 12-24GM vs. 16-35GM astrophotography in particular. I think this will be very interesting to who already already own 16-35GM and use it for Astro.

[@G1507]

I´m travelling to iceland this summer, and after watching your video, I am pretty sure I will take the 12-24 with me. Thanks for the great review and for the awesome pictures. Greetings from Germany, keeo up the good work.

[@stevearita3267]

Excellent review, and have to agree with Cody below, a review that captured actual outdoor landscape photographs, this is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you, and happy to have subscribed to your channel!

[@phoenixa2z792]

Awesome, you deserve more subscribers

[@Nateinthewild]

Tell all your friends ;)

[@BrianCho]

I knew I had to finally end up at Nate's channel to actually see the lens being used in the field.

[@Nateinthewild]

I am STOKED for that to be my reputation 🤘🏼

[@Antoniogut]

why are there only 6k subscribers?? you deserve more my friend!

[@thirdmort]

I haven't found anyone doing a super-comprehensive test for UWA night lenses yet. Sigma 14 1.8, Laowa 12 2.8, Laowa 15 2, Samyang 14, Zeiss 18, Sony 20 1.8 (I know you love this one a ton), heck the new Sony 12-24 2.8. All of these (minus the Sony 20) are even wider than this comparison, so I'd be curious how the Field of View of each focal length works for astrophotography. I know sourcing would probably be difficult, but I know you'd give the lenses the comparison test they deserve! Keep up the great content!

[@kgsriram]

Excellent bro! Pretty in-depth

[@jvvision2047]

6:33 That timelapse was fantastic!!!

[@Nateinthewild]

Appreciate it!

[@sandman141414]

Great review. Most of previous reviewers take photos of walls, bad portraits and "normal" streets, so thank you.

[@Nateinthewild]

I've noticed that too. There's nothing super interesting in a photo of someone's living room to tell you if a lens makes nice pictures.

[@sarfaraz.hosseini]

I was trying to decide on the Nikon Z 14-24 S 2.8, your review, being an actual photographer, convinced me to pull the trigger when it's released later in the year. Great work.

[@andyraeber6044]

Very informative. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

[@echoauxgen]

You LUCKY, LUCKY Photographer!!! When I travel I carry only two lenses 1224g and the 24240. This lens at 2.8 is my very next lens for it will be like daytime at night. My f/4 is great already. But this lens on a A7S/A7Sii will be so bright you may have to decrease exposure in post to make a image look like a night shot. I like 12mm for astro for the reason the galactic center is so much smaller BUT say a subject can be close and look normal while standing right in front of say a driftwood tree that is over your head but look like it is shorter. I started shooting at 12mm with the 1018 at 12mm f/4 in FF mode (IS and screw on filters) for astro and indoor then came the 1224 f4. For those not used to 12mm it is not for getting it all in but getting close to a subject with a wide background. Like indoors windows and doorways will be elongated when at the sides and always aim for a corner. For landscapes things will look so far away with the wideness so have something close and may have to go lower. Also a portrait view 180 deg. "Rainbow" pano of the Milky Way at 12mm is fast only needing one level. With 2.8 you will think "Bright Monitoring" is on, wear flip shades when looking at LCD. I really like the note of internal mount of filters and saw no softness in corners (a problem with fast glass at night), OH! MAN! Now I can use it on my A7iii (on my A7S/ii use the playmemoriescameraapps digital filter app [ very few know about]). Also the internal (somewhat) focusing will reduce particles inside the lens, the focus motor is like the 200-600mm very very fast. A lens coat will help in cold Jan/Feb. MW 5 am mornings keeping lens from frosting up or the westward Dec. MW Rainbow Pano over snow or behind the Arora. Also most 1.4/1.8 lenses are stopped down to 2 or 2.8 anyway to reduce coma in corners, Hard to fight speed of light physics through glass lenses!!! And quick 36mm f/2.8 APS-C mode.

[@MichaelHollender]

Exciting stuff Nate. I have the 12-24 f/4 G and I wonder how it will compare to the GM. Give us a deep dive comparison soon?

[@Nateinthewild]

That’s a great idea! From this test I think the GM wins out if you can afford it.

[@wtfstop]

Love the Astro shot over the lake can you tell me what lake that is? It is gorgeous I gotta get this lens

[@ryanheldoorn]

Mate have you done a Timelapse tutorial yet??? You definitely should. Would like to see your workflow for this!

[@Nateinthewild]

I have done a timelapse tutorial! It was a ways back, but if you look through my videos it's there!

[@florianleger96]

what a great review !! keep up the great work

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

Wow the comparison at 10:46 is eye-opening.

[@luispaxtor2680]

Great review and very useful examples of how to use this lens!

[@ncsttsccr]

Just a quick note in case it hasn't already been mentioned...while you are technically correct that this is the first 12-24mm 2.8 on the market, it isn't the first with that FF equivalent focal length. Fuji has been selling a 8-16mm f2.8 (12-24mm FF equivalent) for $2k ($1500 on sale) for their X mount for a while now.

[@mawavoy]

First time watching you enjoyed your review and stunning photos!

[@timwhite1111]

Great video Nate! I've just bought this lens and I'm incredibly impressed with it for astro, especially at the 12mm end. Your pic which shows stretching in the corner at 08:55, what was the shutter speed & body? I suspect slight star trailing made it looks worse than it actually is. I've only done test shots on mine so far, but at 12mm with a star tracker, the corners have perfectly round stars! Very slightly bloated, but round, even at f2.8. Decent at 18mm and 24mm too, although f3.5 gave me better overall star shape at those focal lengths. Keep up the good work!

[@dgfilms264]

this lens looks like a beast!

[@TB-tg4ri]

What an Amazing Lens 😍

[@timurhant469]

Thank you Nate! You got a nw subscriber with this one! Well done.

[@Nateinthewild]

Thank you! Glad to have you here.

[@ZoltanF1LH]

How do you only have 4K subs? You have awesome pics and great reviews!

[@DavidKatz]

Awesome time-lapse at 6:38 !

[@joshr277]

Beautiful review 💯

[@echoauxgen]

It has been 2 weeks and no more seen or heard about this lens, did Sony let you keep it on hand for more image testing?? Like for comet shots (know a 35 -80mm best for landscape of the comet)! We just passed another new moon did you get some more images. But an idea is when Augusts (and the lens is in our hands) new moon and a 2 week playtime is to mount on a tracker for a very long exposure and capture a MW with the comet (or a 35mm). Using Stellarium or SkySafari they track it closest to the MW in August being in the west sky and the MW in the SW sky! A person has dreams!!!

[@HamiltonSRink]

That "Send a post card to your Grandma, hope she is doing well". Truly a high class admonishment! I approve!

[@zfisher]

Really nice to see how you used the extreme wide end to get those climbing shots

[@ZemententeLP]

Heya Nateinthewild, Question here: since you mention the older 12-24mm, can you say anything on how the old compares to the new one? Especially in terms of distortion and rectarlinity (is that a even a word?) I know that the old one already did a very decent job in terms of distortion, is the new one even better, and how so?

[@Nateinthewild]

I haven't used the old 12-24 a TON, but from my memory this lens is definitely a step up.

[@reesereissig1181]

Incredible day to night timelapse. What method/software did you use to balance the exposure? LR TImelapse? Edit: Nvm, found your video on it!

[@tacotaco7658]

Thks for the review wth real life photos. Xcelent!

[@Mart1n2007]

Awesome Milky Way timelapse as part of the lens review. For Astro timelapses which do you prefer: 12\14mm at 2.8 or 20mm at 1.8?

[@surajgrandhi6742]

12mm will be insane. I think its worth if it is F1.8. And Congrats sony featured your picture.

[@matto9734]

1.8 with this zoom range? lol

[@timelapsebylkunl72]

Thank for a great astro review of this lens.

[@tylerlewisgrover7261]

This will be my next addition!

[@Spartacus1975]

Thank you for the test! A wonderful and very specific lens to create a certain ultra wide angle look 🔭 I´ll stay with my Sony 16-35 F 2.8 GM since it is more versatile (I use it also for wide angle portraits at 35mm) and lighter (less to carry on long hikes/climbes). What I would love from Sony would be a 14/15 mm F1.8 GM which is lighter than the Sigma. It would be my Astro-pano-dream lens 🌌 Finally I could stay under ISO 3200 and reduce noise significantly.

[@Nateinthewild]

I absolutely agree! I love my 16-35mm also, and will likely be sticking with it. I've been obsessed with my 20mm f/1.8 for astro, but I agree if there was a 16mm f/1.8 (or even 1.4) I would buy it in an instant.

[@jamesgkrk]

Need to get saving for this one

[@kmmgjn0102]

Hello. I am currently debating between the 14gm and 1224gm underwater wide angle lens for my Sony full frame camera. Although 1224gm is heavier, I don't think it will make much difference underwater, and some people say that 1224gm has more distortion at same focal length (14mm). What do you think about it? I'm curious what more you recommend.

[@bobpaulson9r72fk24]

Great video! Would love to know your feelings between 12 and 16 vs 12 and 24. I know for me personally the 16-35gm would be the best choice for what I shoot. Beautiful photos Nate!

[@martinusjr7654]

awesome video thanks for sharing

[@ahmetceliktenn]

fantastic review, thanks! but damn that timelapse at 06:33 took my breathe away

[@LukeMaximoBell1]

"This lens isn't great for portraits". Proceeds to showing some incredible portrait shots taken with this lens. haha. Man that day to night timelapse was out of this world!

[@kaadhome5821]

Would love to see a head to head between this, the sigma 14-24 2.8, the sony 12-24f4, and the sony 16-35f2.8. Also would love to see a head to head on Breakthrough vs Aurora Aperture filters (same size maybe on your 16-35). Seeing as Aurora makes rear filters for this and the Sigma whereas Breakthrough don't but have some large square/rect. ones that could go on front mount system it would be interesting to see if there's a considerable drop in quality in opting for the rear filters (or Aurora filters in general) vs going for a bulkier Breakthrough setup. Those are the two filter brands I haven't seen anyone put head to head...

[@Badal_10]

Wow nice review man.

[@davidluo9682]

Hi Great Field Test! Thanks a lot! Is it possible to have a protection ND filter for this expensive lens? Thanks.

[@Nateinthewild]

Hi David, Unfortunately, no. You can attach filters to the front but the system is fairly large and cumbersome, I wouldn't recommend it for casual protection.

[@AlbertVasquez4Homes]

I currently own the 18mm Sony Zeiss Batís, aside from the focal zoom range, how does this 12-24 compare to the 18 Zeiss? Recta linear, focus, sharpness, color rendition?

[@MarktrustingJesus]

great review. I just got my copy. Does your lens seem to hunt back and forth in continuous autofocus, almost like focus breathing even when it looks like it has acquired focus? I'm shooting on a a7r3 and it doesn't ever settle on focus in continuous.

[@Querenciatv]

Amazing Work 👍

[@WiwatChang]

Another great vid !

[@alexk574]

Appreciate this detailed review

[@SouBuuS]

That lens is a beast! very nice shots and that timelapse is amazing. Am I a noob for liking the lens flares? haha! 😂

[@photonium]

Love the review, Thank you- but I'm torn because as a landscape photog I can't live without the polarizer but still want to get this lens with the small form factor. Do you think it's worth the trade off?

[@shlomobenzaquen]

would you recommend this lense for internal real estate video phography with the sony a7 iv or the new 16-35 GM II?

[@Tommy_ZM]

Nate! You have a great KZbin channel. I just got a Sony A7 iii for astrophotography and I’m looking at G Master lenses. I watched your video on the 12-24mm F2.8, I also know they have a 16-35mm F2.8 and a 14mm F1.8. Which lens do you think would be best for nightscapes of the Milky Way? Thanks!

[@Nateinthewild]

For Milky Way specifically you can't beat the 14mm f/1.8. For all-around landscapes plus astro I would go with the 16-35mm

[@chrispy4u2]

Would you recommend this or the 16-35 gm lens for landscape

[@sic04250f]

Madness mate!!!

[@powerArmor9]

I own the 12-24 f4 G..do i need to upgrade or trade it? And what sony body do you use? Thanks..

[@heavyspinal2]

Hey, I just bought the 16-35 f2.8 gm and am wondering if i should return to exchange for the 12-24 f2.8, my main concern is the lack of easy filter replacement and the fact that is not as versatile as a focal range when shooting travel pictures ( also shoot a lot of video) but 2mm extra adds something for extreme wide angle shots, what would you recommend? Thanks!

[@mehdidabbagh]

Hi,it would have been nice to see how it worked on video

[@SylvainBui]

love your content 👍

[@lynneftw]

The Sigma 14-24 f2.8 has had those rear-loading filters. I think I'd get that one over this, with not much difference between 12mm and 14mm,and the price difference. I'll probably still just invest in the 16-35 gm.

[@Xetenor]

Astro photographers are going to melt over this after that $3,300 transaction. Thanks for the great review and stunning pictures!

[@leo_miuuu]

Could you do a comparison with the Laowa 12mm f2.8 "0 distorsion"? It's available for 1/3 of the price of the G Master. I really like your reviews. Excellent job. 👌👌

[@pkevinhorn3428]

Damn. Well, I don’t really need two kidney’s, right? Fantastic review, Nate. Thank you. Hope you and Autumn are doing well, cheers!

[@Nateinthewild]

Thanks, Kevin! Finally heading back to Seattle in about a week. Tell the weather to be nice to us, please!

[@geepi265]

i considering FE20/1.8G, for me 12-16 too wide what do you think? to compare 12-24GM at 20mm vs 20/1.8G

[@matto9734]

Adressed all aspects and ticking all the boxes in the lenses natural habitat. Good job

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

Question from a newbie: Is this a replacement lens for the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM if a person is mainly doing landscape videography and photography ?

[@Nateinthewild]

It definitely could be, but since it's over $1,000 more expensive I don't think that trade would necessarily be worth it for a newbie.

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

@@Nateinthewild If you could only have one lens for landscape photography what would it be ? Maybe the "FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM" ?

[@Nateinthewild]

@@newlifeeveryday1821 Correct

[@kiwimike2330]

If I buy the lens do I get your photography skills with it? Then it’d definitely be worth the price.

[@Nateinthewild]

If you buy a slot at one of my workshops you get my photography skills ;) www.nateluebbe.com/workshops

[@lebihkerendariTomCruise]

great review tho! subs already

[@MatthewSaville]

Looking forward to getting my hands on it for review! If only there had been a Kando Trip this year in the Grand Tetons... :-\

[@Nateinthewild]

Gosh I know, right?

[@albertnicolau4139]

Hey Nate, great photos as always. Do you have any info on the price, though? This looks like the lens I've searching, wide and fast, but at the alleged 4,000$, it's completely out of my budget.

[@Nateinthewild]

I have the price listed in the description. $2,998 USD, $3998 CAD.

[@Fredddoh]

I know they're two completely different lenses but as an outdoors person who hikes, climbs and does care about the weight of the lens, how would this stack up against the tamron 17-28? Is the extra width worth the extra weight?

[@Nateinthewild]

Yes, absolutely worth it. Also in my opinion getting the shot is the most important part. If Jimmy Chin can climb Everest with two D810's then you can carry this lens on a day hike ;)

[@Fredddoh]

@@Nateinthewild yes but Jimmy chin is on a different planet. I am a commoner who dreams of doing 5-6000m peaks let alone actually doing it. I'm glad you think it's worth the extra weight. My mind was all made up for the tamron until today when the NDAs all lifted!

[@Nateinthewild]

@@Fredddoh Haha that's true, unfair comparison. If it makes you feel any better, I'm just some random schlub also, but I carried an a7iii, a7riii, 16-35 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/4 plus a tripod up to 6,300m.

[@AR-vf7vg]

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM : Why is the DN 14-24mm that came out available and much cheeper just only a little earlier - is not even mentioned (it seems).

[@Nateinthewild]

It's not mentioned because this is a video about the Sony 12-24mm specifically. It is not a comparison video with ANY other lenses...

[@AR-vf7vg]

@@Nateinthewild Nikon and 16-35 is just for size c omparison, I know. There are always justifications for everything. Even for elephants.

[@Nateinthewild]

@@AR-vf7vg Do you work for Sigma? I don't understand why you're so upset about this.

[@AR-vf7vg]

@@Nateinthewild No. Perhaps I should adress to you a similar question ? (But I did sell the 16-35 2.8 to buy the DN 14-24mm and with money left). How-ever ; I just hate it when elephants in a room are not addressed. That's my REAL and only reason. You could not ignore it. There are basic responsibilities of respect to endorse as an influencer.

[@haszmarcus9603]

Whats that intro song from lol i think i hear it all the time