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Sony

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Sony E Mount

The ultimate standard zoom — incredibly sharp, exceptionally compact, and built for professionals.

$2,299

Launch price

Released Apr 2022

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 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 7.2 years newer.

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Wins

2categories

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

LandscapeSports & Action

Wins

5categories

FE 28mm F2

Sports & Action

1 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II wins 2 categories·FE 28mm F2 wins 3 categories
  • BFE 28mm F2 has lower Weight (200 g vs 695 g)
  • AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.32 × vs 0.15 ×)
  • BFE 28mm F2 has lower Length (78 mm vs 120 mm)
  • AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 30 cm)
  • BFE 28mm F2 has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2 vs f/2.8)

Key specs at a glance

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM IIFE 28mm F2
Focal Length24-70 mm28 mm
Max Aperturef/2.8f/2
MountSony ESony E
CoverageFull FrameFull Frame
StabilizationNoNo
Weight695 g200 g
Min Focus21 cm30 cm
Filter Size82 mm67 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseFE 24-70mm 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
5.5Fair
5.0Fair
Wildlife
3.0Limited
1.0Limited
Macro & Close-up
3.5Limited
1.5Limited

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

  • Special elements

    Adds 2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED…

  • Weather sealing

    Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it

  • Control ring

    Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it

  • Custom function button

    Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it

  • Min focus distance

    21 cm vs 30 cm — lower is better

  • Max magnification

    0.32 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better

Reasons to choose the FE 28mm F2

  • Special elements

    Adds Aspherical

  • Weight

    200 g vs 695 g — lower is better

  • Length

    78 mm vs 120 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

  • Diameter

    70 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better

Shared specifications

Internal focus

Both support internal focus

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Pros

  • Outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range
  • Remarkably small and lightweight for an f/2.8 zoom
  • Four XD Linear focus motors provide blazing-fast AF tracking
  • Excellent close-up magnification
  • De-clickable aperture ring and customized function buttons

Cons

  • No built-in optical image stabilization (relies on body IBIS)
  • High launch price
  • Aperture ring can be easily bumped if not locked

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 24-70mm 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 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 28mm F2
Focal length (Min)
24 mm
28 mm
Focal length (Max)
70 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
20
10
Groups
15
8
Special elements
2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED, 2 Super ED
Aspherical
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 28mm F2
Min focus distance
21 cm−9 cm less
30 cm
Max magnification
0.32 ×2.1× more
0.15 ×
Autofocus motor
4 XD Linear Motors
Linear / Stepping Motor
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 28mm F2
Optical stabilization
No
No
OIS effectiveness
0 stops
0 stops
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 28mm F2
Weight
695 g
200 g−495 g less
Length
120 mm
78 mm−42 mm less
Diameter
88 mm
70 mm−18 mm less
Filter thread size
82 mm
67 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
No
Diaphragm blades
11
11
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 28mm F2
Lens mount
Sony E
Sony E
Format coverage
Full Frame
Full Frame

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