Cameraegg Compare logoCameraegg

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 price

Released Aug 2023

vs

Sony

FE 28mm F2

Sony E Mount

FE 28mm F2 — 28mm f/2 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.

$448

Launch price

Released Mar 2015

FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 8.5 years newer.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Wins

2categories

FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

LandscapeSports & Action

Wins

5categories

FE 28mm F2

Sports & Action

1 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II wins 1 categories·FE 28mm F2 wins 4 categories
  • BFE 28mm F2 has lower Weight (200 g vs 547 g)
  • AFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.15 ×)
  • BFE 28mm F2 has lower Length (78 mm vs 127 mm)
  • BFE 28mm F2 has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2 vs f/2.8)
  • BFE 28mm F2 has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2 vs f/2.8)

Key specs at a glance

FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM IIFE 28mm F2
Focal Length16-35 mm28 mm
Max Aperturef/2.8f/2
MountSony ESony E
CoverageAPS-CFull Frame
StabilizationNoNo
Weight547 g200 g
Min Focus38 cm30 cm
Filter Size62 mm67 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM IIFE 28mm F2
Portrait
4.5Fair
4.5Fair
Sports & Action
6.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
5.0Fair
2.0Limited
Landscape
7.0Good
1.0Limited
Travel
3.5Limited
5.0Fair
Wildlife
3.0Limited
1.0Limited
Macro & Close-up
2.0Limited
1.5Limited

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II

  • Weather sealing

    Only FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II supports it

  • Control ring

    Only FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II supports it

  • Custom function button

    Only FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II supports it

  • Max magnification

    0.25 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better

  • Diameter

    65 mm vs 70 mm — lower is better

Reasons to choose the FE 28mm F2

  • Weight

    200 g vs 547 g — lower is better

  • Length

    78 mm vs 127 mm — lower is better

  • Max aperture (Wide)

    f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better

  • Max aperture (Tele)

    f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better

  • Min focus distance

    30 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better

Shared specifications

Internal focus

Both support internal focus

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 28mm F2

Pros

  • Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
  • Lightweight design easy to carry all day
  • Native Sony E mount compatibility

Cons

  • Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II and FE 28mm F2 at major authorized retailers.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Full specifications

= category winner

FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
FE 28mm F2
Focal length (Min)
16 mm
28 mm
Focal length (Max)
35 mm
28 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8
f/2+1 stop wider
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8
f/2+1 stop wider
Elements
16
10
Groups
12
8
Special elements
Aspherical
Aspherical
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
FE 28mm F2
Min focus distance
38 cm
30 cm−8 cm less
Max magnification
0.25 ×+67%
0.15 ×
Autofocus motor
Linear / Stepping Motor
Linear / Stepping Motor
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
FE 28mm F2
Optical stabilization
No
No
OIS effectiveness
0 stops
0 stops
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
FE 28mm F2
Weight
547 g
200 g−347 g less
Length
127 mm
78 mm−49 mm less
Diameter
65 mm−5 mm less
70 mm
Filter thread size
62 mm
67 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
No
Diaphragm blades
9
11
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
FE 28mm F2
Lens mount
Sony E
Sony E
Format coverage
APS-C
Full Frame

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.