Back in May 2017 Sony announced the FE 16-35 mm F2.8 GM lens. Now just over six years later we get the Sony FE 16-35 mm F2.8 GM Mark II (SEL1635GM2).
The new Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II ( SEL1635GM2) lens weighs in at 547 g / 19.29 oz. which makes it approximately 133 g / 4.69 oz. lighter than its predecessor the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM.
This weight saving has been achieved thanks to Sony’s optical engineers creating a new optical construction that shaves 10 mm of the length of the lens which means that it now only 112 mm / 4.4″ in length.
The new construction also helps to keep the weight central when zooming and focusing and also minimizes focus breathing.
The lens is constructed of 15 elements in 12 groups, including three extreme aspherical elements and one extra-low dispersion, one ED aspherical element and one conventional aspherical lens.
Focus is achieved through two independently moving focus groups driven by four XD ‘extreme dynamic’ linear motors (two per group).
According to Sony sharpness has been improved and the lens delivers excellent sharpness across the frame even at the maximum aperture of F2.8.
The minimum focusing distance has also been improved and is now just 0.22 meters with 0.32x magnification.
The lens also now features an aperture ring that can be de-clicked for video shooters.
Sony’s Nano AR Coating II helps to suppress internal reflections that can cause flare and ghosting for clear, crisp imagery. Even with a wide angle of view, Nano AR Coating II maintains high clarity and contrast throughout the entire image, even in difficult light.
The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II will start shipping in October 2023 with a recommended retail price of $2,299.00 / £2,399.00 / €2,700.00
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