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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Sony E Mount
The standard telephoto zoom, completely redesigned to be 29% lighter and significantly sharper.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 1.9 years newer.
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Wins
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Wins
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has higher OIS effectiveness (4.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- AFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Weight (547 g vs 1045 g)
- 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 Length (111.5 mm vs 200 mm)
- AFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.32 × vs 0.3 ×)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to share
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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
⌀88 × 200 mm
1045 g (2.30 lb / 36.86 oz)
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 89mm shorter than FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II.
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 498 g lighter than FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II.
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
- ✓
Control ring
Only FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
Weight
547 g vs 1045 g — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
22.1 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
111.5 mm vs 200 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.32 × vs 0.3 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
87.8 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 XA, 1 Aspherical, 1 Super ED…
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
4.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II supports it
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Pros
- ✓Extremely lightweight for an f/2.8 telephoto zoom (only 1045g)
- ✓Virtually instantaneous and silent autofocus with 4 XD Linear motors
- ✓Stunning optical performance and contrast across entire range
- ✓Outstanding built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization
- ✓Dedicated physical aperture ring with click and lock switches
Cons
- –Very high price tag
- –Lens hood is bulky and can block storage space easily
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II and FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.