Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II: The world's smallest zoom lens

Sony has gone, er,  small with its new FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II G Master zoom lens (E mount), claiming it to be the world’s smallest and lightest.

The new FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II zoom lens is quite compact and lightweight — so much so that Sony is calling it the world’s smallest and lightest. That means it will be a breeze to carry in a camera bag or backpack, especially when you’re on a day-long shoot or a run-and-gun situation. Having a collection of compact lenses makes it easier on the back.

The lens is 20% lighter and 10% smaller than previous, similar lenses and can be used with the Sony Alpha cameras, cinema line, and others with an adapter. Indeed, Sony has been showing off the new lens on one of its full-frame FX6 cinema cameras, so it’s versatile.

And the best part is it’s not sacrificing anything to produce such a compact lens for its famous Sony Alpha cameras or others with a different mount. Here’s the list of key features

• Focal length of 16-35mm (35mm equivalent focal-length (APS-C) 24-52.5)
• f/2.8 to f/22
• 35mm full-frame
• Fast Wide-Angle Zoom
• Four XD Linear AF Motors, Floating Focus
• Aperture De-Click and Lock Switches
• Zoom Smoothness Switch
• XA and Super ED Elements
• Fluorine Coating
• Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction

Indeed, the only issue I can see with the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II zoom lens is the price: $2,299. That might be above some budgets, but remember, quality glass lasts for many, many years - longer than the camera in some cases.

So, despite the high price of $2,299, the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II zoom lens looks like a very worthy addition to a cinematographer or photographer’s bag, and not just for use on an Alpha. Learn more at Sony’s site.