Sony announces FE 28-70mm F2 G Master lens

Sony has announced the 28-70mm F2 G Master, its first zoom lens with a constant F2 aperture and the 77th lens in the Sony E-Mount lineup.

According to Sony, advanced design and optical simulation result in a zoom quality that rivals prime lenses. And at 92.9 x 139.8 mm and just 918g, the lens is also quite compact. 

The lens comprises three XA (extreme aspherical) elements to ensure high corner-to-corner resolution at F2 throughout the zoom range. Floating focus also increases sharpness, at close focus down to 0.38 m throughout the zoom range. 

In addition, Sony’s Nano AR Coating II minimises flare/ghosting and optics designed to suppress internal reflections provide further flare resistance.

A newly developed 11-blade aperture unit promises clean bokeh, and a combination of Super ED (extra-low dispersion) and ED glass elements help reduce chromatic aberration. 

Internally, four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors control the large and heavy focus group.

Sony says the lens is fully compatible with the A9 III's high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking of up to 120 frames per second, with tracking continued even whilst zooming.

For filmmaking, the lens includes technology to 'subdue' focus breathing, resulting in refined movie imagery.

Rack focus and zoom effects can be used with F2 depth of field to create smooth, natural transitions, while Sony says critical focus for high frame rate 4K 120p/FHD 240p recording is easy due to the lenses' high AF tracking performance.

On the exterior of the lens barrel are a number of control functions, including Linear Response MF for intuitive manual focus, adjustable zoom ring torque, and an aperture ring with a click ON/OFF switch.

There are also two customisable focus hold buttons, an iris lock switch, and an AF/MF switch.

As you might expect, buttons and switches feature silicone gaskets, the lens mount includes a rubber ring, and all other critical areas are designed to prevent the intrusion of dust and moisture, Sony says. The filter diameter is 86mm.

“Our goal with the 28-70 mm F2 G Master was to create a high-performing zoom lens that could be a strong single lens alternative to multiple primes,” Yang Cheng, vice president of Imaging Solutions at Sony, said.

The lens retails for a hefty $5,299 RRP, and will be available locally in mid-December.