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 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony E Mount
Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 2.4 years newer.
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Wins
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- AFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.32 × vs 0.17 ×)
- AFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (22.1 cm vs 40 cm)
- AFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Weight (547 g vs 778 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
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FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
⌀88 × 112 mm
547 g (1.21 lb / 19.29 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
⌀87 × 108 mm
778 g (1.72 lb / 27.44 oz)
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 4mm longer and 1mm wider than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 231 g lighter than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
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
- ✓
Min focus distance
22.1 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
547 g vs 778 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.32 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 111.5 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
87 mm vs 87.8 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
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 50mm F1.2 GM
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
- ✓Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
- ✓Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens
Cons
- –Expensive investment for a single focal length
- –Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
- –Some visible vignetting wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.