Published: July 7, 2020
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 G Master lens ($2,998 from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony) is the widest fullframe F2.8 Zoom lens ever made. It’s ideal for interiors, astro photography and working in available light and controlling depth of field thanks to its constant f/2.8 maximum aperture. Advanced optical design includes a series of XA, aspherical, Super ED, and ED elements, which combine to reduce a variety of aberrations and distortions for a high degree of corner-to-corner sharpness, accurate rendering and color accuracy.
Sony a7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM at 12mm | 1/125 | F8 | ISO 100
SIZE:
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM measures 3.84 x 5.39″ / 97.6 x 137 mm (diameter x length)
WEIGHT:
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM tips the scales at 1.86 lb (847 g)
FILTERS:
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM features a Rear Gel Filter Holder
WEATHER SEALING:
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM is dust- and moisture-sealed for working in inclement weather.
IMAGE STABILIZATION:
There is no optical stabilization on this lens. Many Sony camera bodies have built-in sensor-shift stabilization.
Sony a7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM at 12mm | 1/125 | F10 | ISO 100
AUTO FOCUS:
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM features Dual XD Linear Floating Focus actuators just like those found in Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM OSS for extremely fast and precise focus tracking and responsive Eye AF.
APERTURE:
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM has 9 rounded aperture blades for smooth, rounded bokeh
FORMAT:
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM covers Fullframe sensor and smaller.
OPTICAL DESIGN:
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM features an advanced optical design of 17 Elements in 14 Groups including a series of XA, aspherical, Super ED, and ED elements, which combine to reduce a variety of aberrations and distortions for a high degree of sharpness, accurate rendering, and notable color accuracy. An updated Nano AR Coating II has also been applied, which suppresses flare and ghosting for greater contrast when working in bright and backlit conditions.
LENS CHARTS:
SUN STARS
Sony a7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM at 12mm | 1/100 | F22 | ISO 100
As with all lenses, suns stars are most pronounced when the lens is stopped all the way down. As expected, Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM produces the strongest sun stars at F22 which gradually become less pronounced as the lens is opened up.
Close-up of Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM Sunstar at F22
IN THE BOX:
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM comes with front & rear lens caps & a padded lens pouch. The hood is built-in.
PRICE:
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM has a street price of $2,998 USD
THE NEW HOLY TRINITY
Sony’s FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM,FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM & FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lenses made up Sony’s classic ‘Holy Trinity’ of F2.8 G Master zooms, but for those of you who’ve been asking for a WIDER range, there’s a New Holy Trinity with the release of the Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM Lens
Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens, FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM & FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS lenses
Sony a7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM at 12mm | 1/60 | F10 | ISO 100
LENS COMPARISONS
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM -VS- Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 Art
As you’d expect for a premium lens, Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM ($2,988) tips the cash register at a bit over double the price of the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art ($1,399). Let’s take a look at the reasons. First off, squeezing out an extra 14.3% angle of view requires a much more complex design as you can see from the G Master’s extremely complex front element. The FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM uses a much more sophisticated focus system using dual floating focus groups which move independently to provide much sharper images at minimum focus distances. It’s powered by four XD linear actuators for extremely responsive AF while Sigma uses a single stepping motor for focus. The good news is two good choices depending on your needs and budget.
| Lens | Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM | Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 Art |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 12 to 24mm | 14 to 24mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Format Compatibility | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 122° to 84° | 114.2° to 84.1° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.02″ / 28 cm | 11.02″ / 28 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.14x | 0.14x |
| Optical Design | 17 Elements in 14 Groups | 18 Elements in 13 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded | 11, Rounded |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Focus Type | Dual XD Linear Motors | Stepping Motor |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Filter Size | Gel Filter (Rear) | Gel Filter (Rear) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 3.84 x 5.39″ / 97.6 x 137 mm | 3.35 x 5.16″ / 85 x 131 mm/td> |
| Weight | 1.86 lb / 847 g | 1.75 lb / 795 g |
| Price (USD) | $2,988 | $1,399 |
Sony a7R IV | FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM at 12mm | 1/60 | F8 | ISO 100
CURRENT SONY FE LENS LINE-UP
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM is the 33rd Sony FE lens to date.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM will appeal to anyone looking for the sharpest and widest ultra wide zoom on the market. It offers excellent corn-to-corner sharpness across the entire focus range from 11″ to infinity. It’s not the cheapest ultra wide zoom – but it is the best.
Order Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM from B&H Photo | Amazon | Sony
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4 thoughts on “Lens Review: Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM – Widest F2.8 Fullframe Zoom Ever!”
Awesome! Great to see Sony pushing the envelop of possibilities! Will be exciting to see if Sigma can follow suit. Also, what’s the possibility of Sony releasing a 14mm F1.8 GM prime? Seems unlikely, but here’s to hoping!
Sigma planted their flag at 14-24mm, so I don’t expect them to release a 12-24mm…
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