Sony
FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM
Sony E Mount
FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM — 12–24mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Jul 2017
Sony
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Sony E Mount
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II — 16–35mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Aug 2023
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 6.1 years newer.
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Wins
FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM
Wins
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
5 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Weight (547 g vs 847 g)
- BFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Length (127 mm vs 169 mm)
- BFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Diameter (65 mm vs 86 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM
No major spec wins compared to FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II.
Reasons to choose the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Weight
547 g vs 847 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
127 mm vs 169 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
65 mm vs 86 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Min focus distance
Both 38 cm
Max magnification
Both 0.25 ×
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM and FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.