Sony FE 16-35mm F/2.8 GM II SEL1635GM2

This Sony E zoom covers 16–35mm on full-frame cameras. The wide range suits landscapes, architecture, interiors and travel. It also suits event photographs that show people with their surroundings. You can narrow the view when the widest setting includes too much.

Sony introduced this second GM generation in 2023. The f/2.8 maximum aperture stays available throughout the zoom. The main trade-offs are the short range and lack of built-in stabilization. A standard or telephoto lens adds tighter views.

The lens weighs 1 lb 3.3 oz (547 g) and measures 4.39 in (111.5 mm) long and 3.46 in (87.8 mm) across. Its size suits carrying a wide zoom on a walk. Consider the camera and lens together when choosing a bag or support.

Screw-in filters must match the 82mm front thread to attach directly.

At 16mm, you can include more of a room or landscape from one position. At 35mm, the view is narrower. How much fits still depends on where you stand. Check the edges for distracting objects before taking the photograph.

The maximum aperture remains f/2.8 as you zoom. You can retain that opening when framing changes, though a different part of the scene may need a different exposure. In a dim room or at dusk, f/2.8 gives more room for a faster shutter speed than a smaller opening.

Moving close makes a foreground object look prominent against distant scenery. That change of viewpoint creates the perspective. Nearby subjects can still have a soft background at f/2.8. Stop down and choose focus carefully when details at several distances must stay sharp.

Closest focus is 0.7 ft (22 cm) throughout the zoom, measured from the sensor. Maximum magnification reaches 0.32x, useful for flowers and everyday objects. Leave room ahead of the glass and avoid shading a nearby detail. The front of the lens sits closer than the sensor.

Dust and moisture resistance help outdoors. Use cover in persistent rain. Fluorine coating helps water and oily marks wipe away from the front glass. Remove loose grit before cleaning, especially after working near sand or soil.

There is no zoom lock switch. The iris lock controls the aperture ring instead. The rotary zoom ring changes framing manually. Keep the lens supported when carrying the camera between locations.

There is no stabilization in the lens. A camera with body stabilization can reduce shake for still scenes. A tripod gives a firm base for long exposures or controlled video work. A moving person still needs enough shutter speed for their movement.

Five aspherical elements help correct distortion and spherical aberration, which can bend lines or soften detail. One also uses ED glass. That element, two further ED elements and one Super ED element help reduce coloured fringes along high-contrast edges.

Internal focusing keeps barrel length unchanged while focus moves.