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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 50mm F1.2 GM

Sony E Mount

Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.

$1,999

Launch price

Released Mar 2021

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 1.1 years newer.

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Wins

3categories

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

LandscapeSports & Action

Wins

4categories

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

PortraitSports & Action

1 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II wins 3 categories·FE 50mm F1.2 GM wins 2 categories
  • 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 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 40 cm)
  • AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.32 × vs 0.17 ×)
  • AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Weight (695 g vs 778 g)

Key specs at a glance

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM IIFE 50mm F1.2 GM
Focal Length24-70 mm50 mm
Max Aperturef/2.8f/1.2
MountSony ESony E
CoverageFull FrameFull Frame
StabilizationNoNo
Weight695 g778 g
Min Focus21 cm40 cm
Filter Size82 mm72 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 50mm F1.2 GM
Portrait
4.5Fair
9.0Excellent
Sports & Action
6.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
5.0Fair
4.5Fair
Landscape
7.0Good
3.0Limited
Travel
5.5Fair
2.0Limited
Wildlife
3.0Limited
3.0Limited
Macro & Close-up
3.5Limited
0.0Limited

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…

  • Min focus distance

    21 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better

  • Max magnification

    0.32 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better

  • Weight

    695 g vs 778 g — lower 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 120 mm — lower is better

  • Diameter

    87 mm vs 88 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 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 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 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.

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Full specifications

= category winner

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Focal length (Min)
24 mm
50 mm
Focal length (Max)
70 mm
50 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8
f/1.2+2.4 stops wider
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8
f/1.2+2.4 stops wider
Elements
20
14
Groups
15
10
Special elements
2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED, 2 Super ED
3 XA (extreme aspherical)
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Min focus distance
21 cm−19 cm less
40 cm
Max magnification
0.32 ×+88%
0.17 ×
Autofocus motor
4 XD Linear Motors
XD Linear Motors
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Optical stabilization
No
No
OIS effectiveness
0 stops
0 stops
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Weight
695 g−83 g less
778 g
Length
120 mm
108 mm−12 mm less
Diameter
88 mm
87 mm−1 mm less
Filter thread size
82 mm
72 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes
Diaphragm blades
11
11
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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.