Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM £3,049/$2,899

This f/2 standard zoom is an engineering marvel that could replace your 24-70mm

- Gareth Bevan

Photographers and engineers have dreamed of wide-aperture standard zoom lenses that can rival prime lenses - without being enormous beasts. Could there be a lens that combines the versatility of a standard zoom with the impressive aperture of a prime lens while maintaining a practical size and weight for professional photographers who might otherwise opt for a 24-70mm f/2.8?

There have been some notable entries in this category - Sigma's 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art offers a prime-like f/1.8 aperture but sacrifices some focal length. On the other hand, Tamron's 35-150mm F2-2.8 Di III VXD provides a broad focal range but cannot maintain its maximum aperture throughout. Canon hit this focal length and aperture with its RF 28-70mm F2 USM lens, but couldn't quite stop the lens from being an absolute monster in size.

The Sony FE 28-70mm F2 G Master may well be the first lens to successfully deliver an impressive combination of focal range, large aperture and a practical size - but is it also good at taking pictures?

Build and handling

Sony has pulled off one heck of an impressive design feat with this lens - somehow making a 28-70mm f/2 lens that is only marginally bigger than 24-70mm f/2.8 and yet remains practical to use. However, before we start to get carried away, this is a professional lens for the most demanding of pros who need this aperture - I wouldn't consider taking this on my next holiday, for example. The lens is still big and heavy, especially in combination with a camera such as the Sony A1 II I was testing it with (reviewed in issue 294) - but I could actually use this lens for a full day of wedding or event shooting with it slung over my shoulder. When walking around it didn't feel much different to my usual 24-70mm f/2.8.