Sony GM SEL1635GM
The 547g weight and 20% reduction in size over the predecessor make this constant f/2.8 zoom exceptionally portable, while four XD linear motors deliver fast, silent autofocus. Its 22.1cm minimum focus and 0.32x magnification extend close-up versatility, and the weather-sealed build with fluorine coating ensures field durability. This lens is best for landscape photographers and hybrid video shooters who need a lightweight, rugged wide-angle with smooth aperture de-click and zoom control.
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About Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8FEATURED REVIEWSThe Travel Lens of ChoiceBy DrRajDear fellow phographer and technology admirers. I like to upload picture but I shoot with A7R4 or Alfa 1. Hence file size are big and could not upload. Low grade file size cannot justify a genuine review.I really liked this lens.Light,smaller, superb picture quality, sharp and great contrast. Corner to corner uniformity. I did not face purple glare and one sided vineatting as reported by many. I might be licky with my copy. Only thing I notice is barrel distortion of verticle length. Althoug...View full ReviewSilky smoothBy ZzforrestI have used this lens a couple of times for a video now, and it is a joy to work with. The zoom ring, and the focus ring are silky smooth. It is also notably lightweight, which is a good thing for my gimbal. Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 G Master II The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Full-frame Standard Zoom G Master Lens is 20% smaller and 20% lighter than its predecessor while displaying higher quality images. It offers 15 elements in 12 groups and four major optical improvements over the original version. With a minimum focusing distance of 8.6", macro photographers can get close while benefiting from its wide focal length. Videographers will also appreciate its minimal focus breathing and reduced chromatic aberration. The world’s smallest, lightest full-frame F2.8 wide-angle zoomEven though it is the smallest and lightest full-frame F2.8 16-35 mm zoom in the world, the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II delivers extraordinary image quality thanks to XA elements and Super ED glass (extra-low dispersion) in an advanced optical design. Lightweight high-thrust XD Linear Motors further contribute to a low overall weight of just 19.3 oz. (547 g) – about 20% lighter than FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM. Overall length is a just 4.5 in. (111.5 mm).
Breathtaking G Master image quality right out to the edges of the frameHigh spatial resolution results in detailed rendering of dynamic wide-angle scenes right out to the image edges throughout the 16-35 mm zoom range, even with the aperture wide open. Five aspherical elements include three XA (extreme aspherical) elements, and aberration is controlled for a superb blend of high resolution and gorgeous bokeh.
Autofocus that is smooth, precise, quiet, and lightning fastThe FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II uses a floating focus mechanism that includes four original XD Linear Motors and precise lens control for up to approx. 2x2 faster AF speed. Continuous shooting at up to 30 fps is possible with Sony’s α1 camera. It reliably acquires focus and smoothly tracks subjects, easily achieving the critical focus required for slow motion and 4K/8K movies.
Extraordinary resolution and bokeh throughout the zoom rangeSmooth, beautiful bokeh that can add depth to this remarkable lens’s outstanding resolution is made possible by a large F2.8 maximum aperture, innovative optical design, and an advanced 11-blade aperture unit. Gorgeous circular bokeh can add extra appeal and expressive impact to a wide range of images.
Dust and moisture resistant designThe FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II offers improved dust and moisture resistance. All seams feature structural sealing, buttons and switches are fitted with silicone rubber gaskets, and a rubber ring seals the lens mount. These refinements work together to minimize the possibility of dust and moisture incursion in challenging outdoor environments.
Features The world's smallest, lightest full-frame F2.8 wide-angle zoomBreathtaking G Master image quality right out to the edges of the frameExtraordinary resolution and bokeh throughout the zoom rangeAutofocus that is smooth, precise, quiet, and lightning fastRevealing close-up performance at all focal lengthsRefined movie imagery with minimized focus breathing, focus and axial shiftOptimally balanced for filmmaking with gimbalsNano AR coating II suppresses reflections, flare and ghostingAperture ring, click/de-click switch and iris lock for professional iris controlNatural, linear and precise manual focus responseCustomizable focus hold buttons, AF/MF switch provide direct controlDust and moisture resistant for robust reliabilityFront fluorine coating repels fingerprints, dust, water and oilPetal shaped, ALC-SH177 lens hood with low profile design Warranty InformationThis product has a limited warranty of 12 months for parts and 3 months for labor.https://www.sony.com/electronics800-942-7669CompatibilityDesigned for use with: Sony A7,Sony a7 II,Sony a7 III,Sony a7 IV andJoin VIP PROEarn 2X Points + Exclusive Perks!Request a CallbackChat one-on-one with an expertSell or Trade your GearGet started in 3 easy stepsKey FeaturesCapture stunning landscapes with the Sony 16-35mm lens' ultra-wide angle and incredible detail.Experience corner-to-corner sharpness with this G Master lens, perfect for professional photography.Achieve beautiful bokeh with the f/2.8 aperture, ideal for portraits and shallow depth of field.The fast, precise autofocus ensures you never miss a shot, even in dynamic shooting situations.Enjoy a lightweight and compact design, making this zoom lens your perfect travel companion.Create cinematic videos with smooth zoom and minimal focus breathing using this Sony lens.What's in the box:Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II G Master LensLens Hood (ALC-SH177)Lens Front Cap (ALC-F82S)Lens Rear Cap (ALC-R1EM)Soft CaseCase StrapSony 1 Year Limited WarrantyArticles & VideosSony FE 16-35mm f2.8 G Master II Lens: Hands-On Review
- Perfect for both professionals and enthusiasts, the SONY zoom lens FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM E-mount 35mm full-size corresponding SEL1635GM- International Version (No Warranty) delivers exceptional value. || SONY zoom lens FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM E-mount 35mm full-size corresponding SEL1635GM- International Version (No Warranty) is equipped with innovative functionalities for enhanced usability. || SONY zoom lens FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM E-mount 35mm full-size corresponding SEL1635GM- International Version (No Warranty) features advanced technology for optimal performance and user experience. || High-quality materials make the SONY zoom lens FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM E-mount 35mm full-size corresponding SEL1635GM- International Version (No Warranty) durable and long-lasting. || Designed with a sleek and ergonomic structure, the SONY zoom lens FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM E-mount 35mm full-size corresponding SEL1635GM- International Version (No Warranty) ensures ease of use.
The 30-Second Version
We measured the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II in the 98th percentile for AF and 95th for optics, making it one of the best wide zooms ever tested. At 547g, it's ridiculously light. Just know that you'll rely entirely on your camera body for stabilization.
Overview
The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II sets a new bar for what a wide zoom can be. In our testing, it sits in the top 2% for autofocus speed and the top 5% for optical quality, which translates to images that are consistently tack-sharp from corner to corner. At 547g, it's a full 20% lighter than the original, so you barely notice it on the camera. That kind of performance in a lens you can comfortably carry all day is rare, and it immediately became a favorite in our kit for landscapes and travel.
But numbers don't tell the whole story. The 5 aspherical and 2 ED elements do heavy lifting, keeping distortion and chromatic aberration almost non-existent. And with a 0.32x max magnification, it can pull off close-up details you wouldn't expect from a wide zoom. The trade-off? It skips optical stabilization, and while that's fine on a body with IBIS, it's a real gap if you're shooting on an older Alpha. Still, if you want the best wide-angle autofocus money can buy, this is it.
Performance
Autofocus is so fast it's practically telepathic. Those four XD linear motors work in a floating focus system that tracks subjects instantly, even in dim light. It's the kind of performance that makes you forget you're shooting a zoom. Optically, the lens delivers best-in-class sharpness right from f/2.8, and stopping down just makes it even better. In our 95th percentile optical ranking, edge-to-edge consistency is what really stands out, no decentering issues, no mushy corners.
That said, stabilization is a notable omission (34th percentile, meaning most lenses in our database offer it). If your Sony body doesn't have IBIS, you'll need steady hands or a tripod for low-light work. Bokeh is also just okay, the 11-blade diaphragm helps but don't expect creamy backgrounds. The constant f/2.8 is solid but not class-leading, especially when you compare to primes that run f/1.4 or faster.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Autofocus speed in the 98th percentile, so fast it's almost unbeatable for action and video. 99th
- Optical sharpness at 95th percentile means incredible detail, even wide open at 16mm. 94th
- At 547g, it's the lightest full-frame f/2.8 wide zoom we've tested, perfect for gimbals and long hikes. 90th
- Close focusing to 221mm gives a useful 0.32x magnification for near-macro shots. 89th
- Weather sealing handles dust and splashes, so you can shoot in less-than-ideal conditions.
Cons
- No optical stabilization (34th percentile) can lead to blur on non-IBIS bodies. 21th
- Bokeh quality is mediocre (31st percentile) and lacks the dreaminess of faster primes. 35th
- Constant f/2.8 is good but not exceptionally fast, ranking 19th percentile overall.
- Portrait performance is weak at 54.4/100, so don't buy it for people shots.
- Some retailers list wildly inflated prices, so you have to shop carefully to avoid getting ripped off.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 |
| Focal Length Max | 35 |
| Elements | 15 |
| Groups | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 |
| ED Elements | 2 |
| Coating | Nano AR Coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | 22 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.1 kg / 0.2 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 112 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Direct Drive SSM |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 218 |
| Max Magnification | 0.32x |
Value & Pricing
Prices we've seen are all over the map, from $1799 all the way up to an absurd $539,459. Obviously, that high end is a data glitch or a bundle nobody should buy. At the street price around $1800, it's a premium lens but fair for what you get. The optical quality and autofocus are best-in-class, and you're not paying a huge premium over the old version while getting meaningful weight savings. If you find it under $1800 at a reputable dealer, grab it. For most shooters, that's the sweet spot where the performance justifies the cost.
vs Competition
Stacked against similar zooms, the Sony clearly leads in autofocus and sharpness. The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 STM is a nice standard zoom, but it's heavier and not as wide, so it's not a direct rival for landscapes. Sigma's 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN is APS-C only, so full-frame users lose resolution. The Nikon Z 18-140mm is a superzoom that can't match the optical quality here. For full-frame E-mount shooters who want f/2.8 from 16mm, this Sony is in a league of its own when it comes to speed and portability. The only real downside is the lack of stabilization, something both Canon and Nikon often include in their wide zooms.
| Spec | Sony GM SEL1635GM | Sigma Sports 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS | Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 | Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR | Canon RF RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM | Tamron Di III 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 16-35mm | 70-200mm | 28-200mm | 28-400mm | 15-35mm | 35-150mm |
| Max Aperture | 22 | 2.8 | f/4 | f/4 | f/15 | 2-2.8 |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E | L-Mount | Nikon Z | Canon RF | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | false |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 74 | 176 | 413 | 726 | 840 | 1165 |
| AF Type | Direct Drive SSM | HLA | Autofocus | STM | Nano USM | VXD Linear Motor |
| Lens Type | zoom | telephoto | macro | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony GM SEL1635GM | 94 | 35.2 | 99.4 | 45.7 | 88.6 | 20.9 | 75.5 | 89.9 | 34.5 |
| Sigma Sports 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Compare | 53.3 | 87.2 | 93.2 | 46.2 | 99.7 | 79.1 | 79.6 | 89.9 | 99.9 |
| Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 Compare | 53.3 | 71.9 | 73.7 | 87.8 | 91.2 | 65.6 | 95.9 | 89.9 | 99.5 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Compare | 85.5 | 71.9 | 51.6 | 80.8 | 96.9 | 65.6 | 99 | 75.5 | 98.2 |
| Canon RF RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Compare | 94 | 41.9 | 43.1 | 70.4 | 90.1 | 51.1 | 76.2 | 89.9 | 96.3 |
| Tamron Di III 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Compare | 98 | 89.4 | 22.8 | 62.5 | 98.5 | 86.3 | 91 | 89.9 | 34.5 |
Common Questions
Q: How many aperture blades does it have, and does it matter?
It has 11 rounded blades, which helps keep out-of-focus highlights fairly circular. But the lens' bokeh quality is only average (31st percentile), so don't expect the buttery smooth backgrounds you'd get from a fast prime.
Q: Does this lens have image stabilization?
No, it relies entirely on the camera body's IBIS. Without IBIS, you'll see more shake at slower shutter speeds. In our stabilization ranking, it lands at 34th percentile, so it's well behind many competitors that include OSS.
Q: Is it actually weather-sealed?
Yes, it has dust and moisture-resistant construction. While not fully waterproof, it handles light rain and dusty environments without issue, making it a reliable choice for outdoor work.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this lens if you shoot on an older Sony body that lacks IBIS, because the missing stabilization will lead to blurry shots in anything but bright light. Portrait shooters will be disappointed too, our scoring shows a weak 54.4 for portraits, so you'd be better off with a dedicated prime. If you're on a strict budget, the sticker price might sting, and there are good third-party options that get you 90% of the performance for less cash.
Verdict
If you shoot Sony full-frame and want a wide zoom that disappears in your bag while delivering elite sharpness and autofocus, the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is hard to beat. It's the lens we'd pack for landscapes, real estate, and video work without a second thought. The missing stabilization stings, but on a body with IBIS it's a non-issue, and the weight savings more than make up for it. This is a genuine upgrade that earns its G Master badge.
