Sony has announced an updated version of the original FE 24-70mm G Master lens, the 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II offering a smaller, lighter body, better image quality improved autofocus and more emphasis on filmmaking capabilities.
Just about everything with this new lens has been changed and improved over the original. There are new lens elements, a different optical arrangement, and a floating focus mechanism as well as a lighter body.
Thanks to these improvements, the lens has an overall reduction in weight of around 191 grams.
The lens features 20 elements in 15 groups, including three aspherical elements, two extreme aspherical (XA) elements, two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements, and two Super ED elements.
The autofocus system is driven by Sony’s XD linear focusing system which is also found on other high-end Sony lenses, providing faster, more accurate and essential for filmmaking, almost silent autofocus and low vibration operation.
Thanks to this, Sony says it’s possible to shoot at up to 30 frames per second or up to 4K 120p (with a compatible camera body) with full AF tracking performance with the aperture stopped down.
The new optical arrangement also helps to reduce focus breathing, focus shift and axial shift when zooming with image and angle of view shifts minimized for smoother movie imagery.
The minimum focusing distance is just 8.3” (0.21 m) at 24 mm and 11.8” (0.30 m) at 70 mm, with maximum magnification of 0.32x
On the exterior, the aperture ring provides direct, rapid control as well as click stops that can be turned on for more tactile feedback when shooting stills, or off for smooth, silent control when shooting movies.
There is also an iris lock switch to prevent the aperture ring from being accidentally moved between the [A] and f/2.8 ~ f/22 settings.
Zoom ring torque can be adjusted via a two-position switch on the side of the lens. When in the “tight” position the barrel won’t extend unexpectedly, especially during transportation.
The “smooth” position provides light zoom operation offering flexible, responsive shooting to produce smooth slow zoom when shooting video.
There are also two customizable focus hold buttons that are also assignable for other functions from the camera’s menu.
The AF/MF switch is easy to reach and makes it easy to switch between Auto and Manual focus.
Linear Response manual focus (MF) ensures that the focus ring responds directly and linearly to subtle control when focusing manually.
Sony’s Nano AR Coating II technology offers a uniform anti-reflection coating on lens surfaces, that helps to reduce flare and ghosting.
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