Sony Electronics Inc. has unveiled the highly anticipated 28-70mm F2 G Master lens, marking a significant milestone as the first zoom lens in the Sony lineup to feature a constant F2 aperture, adding to the growing arsenal of 77 lenses designed for the Sony E-Mount system. This full-frame lens expertly combines a versatile focal range from 28mm to 70mm with the capability of rendering stunning prime-like bokeh, all thanks to its impressive constant F2 aperture. Despite incorporating a wide aperture and an extensive zoom range, the 28-70mm F2 G Master boasts a compact, lightweight, and exceptionally well-balanced design, catering to both photography enthusiasts and videographers alike. This remarkable blend of zoom capabilities, large aperture, and manageable size positions the lens as a groundbreaking choice for professionals in portrait, sports, wedding, event, and video production realms.
“Our mission with the 28-70mm F2 G Master was to engineer a high-performance zoom lens that serves as a compelling single-lens alternative to multiple prime lenses,” stated Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions at Sony Electronics Inc. “We placed a strong emphasis on creating a lightweight design during the engineering phase, understanding its essential role in practical applications. True to Sony’s reputation for innovation, we have successfully crafted a compact, standard F2 zoom lens without compromising on image quality. We are excited to elevate our G Master series with this addition and firmly believe it stands among the most groundbreaking lenses available for professionals today.”
Sharp imagery and beautiful bokeh
The 28-70mm F2 G Master is engineered to deliver exceptionally sharp images, showcasing outstanding corner-to-corner clarity throughout the entire zoom range, even when shooting wide open at F2. This high-resolution performance is attributed to the integration of three XA (extreme aspherical) elements alongside three additional aspherical elements, minimizing optical aberrations while retaining image fidelity. The lens also incorporates a floating focusing system that ensures internal stability during operation. As a result, users can achieve an impressive minimum focusing distance of 14.8 inches (0.38m) across the entire zoom range, enhancing creative versatility.
In keeping with the illustrious G Master lineage, the lens features an aperture that reaches up to F2 to create extraordinary bokeh, perfect for producing images characterized by a shallow depth of field. The 28-70mm F2 elevates G Master bokeh standards through a newly engineered 11-blade circular aperture unit. Additionally, the incorporation of three Super ED (extra-low dispersion) elements, complemented by one ED element, effectively reduces chromatic aberrations, which can create unsightly color fringing in photographs. Furthermore, Sony’s advanced Nano AR Coating II technology mitigates flare and internal reflections, ensuring crystal-clear images, even in challenging lighting situations where strong light sources are present.
Compact, lightweight design
The 28-70mm F2 G Master stands out as one of the most sophisticated mirrorless camera lenses available, featuring a remarkable collection of 20 different lens elements meticulously arranged across 14 internal groups. Despite its complex optical architecture, the lens maintains a highly portable design, measuring just 3.6 x 5.5 inches (92.9 x 139.8mm) and weighing approximately 32.3 ounces (918g). This fusion of exceptional imaging performance within a compact design offers an innovative solution that addresses the needs of industry professionals who demand versatility and reliability in the field.
Precise autofocus tracking with instant response
Users will benefit from reliable and responsive autofocus, delivered through the lens’ four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors, which are powered by advanced control algorithms. This seamless performance system guarantees accurate and rapid focus tracking, crucial for various professional scenarios, such as weddings and sporting events. Furthermore, this lens is fully compatible with the impressive high-speed continuous shooting capabilities of Sony’s Alpha 9 III, which can reach up to 120 frames per second while providing AF/AE (autofocus/autoexposure) tracking, even during zoom adjustments.
Designed for high-performance video shooting
Featuring an F2 aperture, the versatile zoom range of the 28-70mm G Master lens serves as an ideal option for video shooting, adept at capturing both standard field-of-view shots and tighter compositions that extend to 70mm. The lens is built to minimize focus breathing and is compatible with the Breathing Compensation feature available on various Alpha camera bodies. Its high autofocus performance ensures accurate focus, even at high frame rates of up to 4K 120p / FHD 240p. Moreover, the XD linear motors and the newly developed aperture unit operate silently, preventing any distracting lens noise from being recorded during filming.
Designed with gimbal users in mind, the lens boasts a minimal zoom extension of approximately .68 inches, allowing for effortless gimbal balance even when adjusting between varying focal lengths. This thoughtful design consideration enhances the overall filming experience.
Operability and reliability for versatile control
Essential control features include a Linear Response MF mode for intuitive manual focusing, customizable zoom ring torque, and an aperture ring with an easily accessible click ON/OFF switch. Additionally, the lens is equipped with two customizable focus hold buttons, an iris lock switch, and an AF/MF switch for seamless operation. With an 86mm filter diameter and a practical window on the lens hood for variable filter adjustments, this lens caters to diverse shooting preferences and requirements.
For added durability, all buttons and switches are meticulously sealed with silicone gaskets, while critical areas are designed to resist dust and moisture ingress. This ensures dependable performance even in challenging outdoor settings. A fluorine coating on the front lens element also aids in repelling contaminants, simplifying the cleaning process and maintaining the lens’s pristine condition.
Pricing and availability
The 28-70mm F2 G Master is set to become available in December 2024, with a price point of approximately $2,899.99 USD and $3,999.99 CAD. It will be offered through a wide selection of Sony’s authorized dealers across North America.
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What are the benefits of using the 28-70mm F2 G Master lens for videography compared to other lenses?
### Interview with Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions at Sony Electronics Inc.
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Yang. Exciting news about the launch of the 28-70mm F2 G Master lens! What are the key features that set this lens apart from others in the market?
**Yang Cheng:** Thank you for having me! The 28-70mm F2 G Master lens is indeed a significant milestone for us. Its constant F2 aperture is a game-changer, as it allows for stunning prime-like bokeh while maintaining a versatile zoom range for various photography and videography needs. The lens is engineered to be lightweight and compact without compromising image quality, making it an ideal choice for professionals in portrait, sports, and event photography, as well as video production.
**Editor:** The design does sound impressive! Can you tell us more about the optical performance and technology used in this lens?
**Yang Cheng:** Absolutely! We incorporated three Extreme Aspherical (XA) elements and three additional aspherical elements, which significantly minimize optical aberrations and ensure sharpness from corner to corner—even when shooting wide open at F2. The lens also utilizes a floating focusing system, enhancing its internal stability and achieving a minimum focusing distance of just 14.8 inches. This level of precision opens up various creative opportunities for our users.
**Editor:** It’s fascinating to hear about the advancements in bokeh quality too. How does the 11-blade circular aperture contribute to this?
**Yang Cheng:** The newly engineered 11-blade circular aperture improves the bokeh by creating a beautifully smooth background blur. This feature, combined with the use of Super ED elements to minimize chromatic aberrations, allows photographers to focus on their subjects without the distraction of color fringing. Plus, our Nano AR Coating II technology helps mitigate flare, ensuring crystal-clear images even in challenging lighting conditions.
**Editor:** Portability is crucial for many photographers. How does the lens address this need while maintaining performance?
**Yang Cheng:** The 28-70mm F2 G Master is designed to be one of the most sophisticated yet portable lenses on the market. We’ve achieved this by integrating 20 lens elements across 14 internal groups in a compact frame of just 3.6 x 5.5 inches and a weight of approximately 32.3 ounces. This careful engineering makes it easier for professionals to carry the lens throughout the day without sacrificing any performance.
**Editor:** Autofocus seems to be a critical component for action shots. How does this lens handle fast-paced environments?
**Yang Cheng:** We’ve equipped the lens with four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors, enabling rapid and accurate autofocus tracking even in dynamic scenarios, such as weddings or sports events. This feature, combined with the lens’s compatibility with the high-speed continuous shooting capabilities of our Alpha 9 III, ensures that users won’t miss a moment.
**Editor:** The lens also appears to cater well to video shooters, is that correct?
**Yang Cheng:** Yes, indeed! The 28-70mm F2 G Master is optimized for video applications as well. Its ability to minimize focus breathing and its compatibility with our Breathing Compensation feature make it perfect for video recording. It can perform seamlessly even at high frame rates, and the XD linear motors operate silently, which is essential for filming without capturing distracting noises.
**Editor:** Thank you for the insights, Yang. It sounds like the 28-70mm F2 G Master lens is set to make a significant impact in the industry!
**Yang Cheng:** Thank you! We’re excited about the possibilities this lens opens up for photography and videography professionals and can’t wait to see how they use it creatively.