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Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II — Standard zoom · 695 g · XD linear
Sony

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

Standard zoom · 695 g · XD linear

95
/ 100
From $2,298
VS
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II wins by 1
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II — Prime/Zoom
Sony

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II

Prime/Zoom

94
/ 100
From $2,298
Specdex verdict

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lands at 95 and Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II at 94. That puts Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II if…

  • ✓Much lighter than v1
  • ✓Superb AF speed
  • ✓Zero focus breathing

Pick Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Autofocus

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II leads on af (98 vs 93).

Sharpness

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II leads on sharpness (96 vs 94).

Build

Tie

Compared on the build sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II 95
vs
94 Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II

Score breakdown

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
95
sharpness 96
af 98
build 94
value 86
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II
94
sharpness 94
af 93
build 94
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II versus Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II — full spec comparison
Spec Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II
Mount
Sony E
—
Aperture
f/2.8
—
Weight
695 g
—
Filter size
82 mm
—

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

Pros
  • +Much lighter than v1
  • +Superb AF speed
  • +Zero focus breathing
Cons
  • −Still expensive
  • −No IS (relies on body IBIS)
  • −Hood rattle complaints

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

FAQ: Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II vs Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II

Which is better, Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II or Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II? +

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II worth the price? +

At $2,298, Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in af.

Is Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II worth the price? +

At $2,298, Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II or Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for autofocus, Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II or Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II? +

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II — leads on af (98 vs 93). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II or Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II? +

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II — leads on sharpness (96 vs 94). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.