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
Sony
FE 20-70mm F4 G
Sony E Mount
FE 20-70mm F4 G — 20–70mm f/4 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$1,099
Launch priceReleased Jan 2023
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 7 months newer.
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Wins
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Wins
FE 20-70mm F4 G
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BFE 20-70mm F4 G has higher Max magnification (0.39 × vs 0.25 ×)
- AFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
- AFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
- BFE 20-70mm F4 G has lower Length (99 mm vs 127 mm)
- BFE 20-70mm F4 G has lower Min focus distance (30 cm vs 38 cm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
⌀65 × 127 mm
547 g (1.21 lb / 19.29 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
FE 20-70mm F4 G
⌀76 × 99 mm
488 g (1.08 lb / 17.21 oz)
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 28mm longer and 11mm narrower than FE 20-70mm F4 G.
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 59 g heavier than FE 20-70mm F4 G.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
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 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
65 mm vs 76 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 20-70mm F4 G
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical, 1 ED, 1 Super ED
- ✓
Length
99 mm vs 127 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.39 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
- ✓
Weight
488 g vs 547 g — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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
FE 20-70mm F4 G
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –No optical stabilization — relies on body IBIS
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II and FE 20-70mm F4 G at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.