Sony's announced the new 24-70mm f2.8 G Master II lens today....
...and it is everything I had hoped it would be.
It's 22% lighter than the original 24-70 GM and this one comes in at 695 grams (1.5 pounds). The original is 18% larger and came in weighing at 1.9 pounds or 886 grams).
User reports that the lens feels more balanced and less front heavy, something that Sony has been doing since the launch of the 400 2.8 G Master which spread out the lens elements so that weight was more evenly distributed.
It's also got improved focus motors, newly added control of the zooming mechanism (Smooth and Tight)
The lens also has a mechanical aperture ring and the ability to de click the aperture like most of the recent G Master lenses have contained.
Sony reports that they have improved focus breathing in video and the breathing compensation with the Sony a7IV works so that should improve performance of these still lenses when used for video production.
All in all, it is a worthy update and one I will get. Yesterday I had a video shoot and used the a7SIII and the 16-35 2.8 GM and the 24-105 G OSS (mostly this one) on the gimbal all day.
For video I really like this 24-70, 24-105 range when using a gimbal. For me, it just works especially in fast, run-and-gun situations like a wedding or event.
If you want to see some good information on the new lens, go first to AlphaUniverse site for the overview:
Then the Matt Johnson YouTube video is very good (and he's not a real 24-70 f2.8 fan)...
I love Matt's reviews because he is a person who uses the tools for paying client work and that gives him real credibility in my eyes.
Gerald Undone does great technical reviews, and here is his:
There are more of course and you can find them at youtube https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sony+24-70+gm+ii
What are your thoughts on this lens? Please comment below!