Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens

I purchased this lens along with an A7iii. The autofocus with this set set up is nothing short of astonishing! Using the eye focus feature I took some environmental portraits of my kids on a hike. I was impressed with the speed of the autofocus but knew the real test would be looking at the photos in Lightroom. After reviewing them I am so happy with this lens and camera. The 24-70 2.8 GM lens is sharper than any lens I have ever shot with including mid range 50mm 1.8 lenses on multiple platforms including Sony, Nikon, and Cannon.Of the features I appreciate are the locking lens hood which locks both in the installed position as well as the storage position, requiring a gentle press of an unlocking button. This prevents one of my frustrations with other lenses of ... MoreI purchased this lens along with an A7iii. The autofocus with this set set up is nothing short of astonishing! Using the eye focus feature I took some environmental portraits of my kids on a hike. I was impressed with the speed of the autofocus but knew the real test would be looking at the photos in Lightroom. After reviewing them I am so happy with this lens and camera. The 24-70 2.8 GM lens is sharper than any lens I have ever shot with including mid range 50mm 1.8 lenses on multiple platforms including Sony, Nikon, and Cannon.Of the features I appreciate are the locking lens hood which locks both in the installed position as well as the storage position, requiring a gentle press of an unlocking button. This prevents one of my frustrations with other lenses of the hood being a serious draw back to an otherwise great lens.The zoom lock and the included case are also features I appreciate.This is NOT a small lens! I was prepared for the size of this lens having shot the Cannon and Nikon equivants, but with the small body size of the A7iii I was not ready for the imbalance. I ordered the Vello grip which helps with the small grip size of the A7iii with this large lens.My 1 sincere concern is that I may have spoiled myself for lesser lenses. As an amateur/hobbyist I dont NEED G-Master level lenses but the wow factor is making me seriously consider staying with these lenses.Overall I would highly reccomend this lens to anyone considering investing in good glass, but strongly encourage you to inform yourself as to the size. A battery grip also seems to me a neccessary accessory for this great lens on A7 series bodies.

Yes this is an expensive lens, but you pay for quality. Sharpness and overall image quality from this lens are very good, even wide open at f2.8. 24mm-70mm is an incredibly versatile focal range for me, covers everything from landscape and some astro through to street, portrait, events and more. My niche is fly-fishing photography and outdoor pursuits, this is my go to focal length for the majority of my shooting. Works brilliantly in variable lighting conditions (I almost never have anything but natural light to work with).Autofocus is quick and spot on, for landscape and night shooting manual focus is brilliant. Focus ring is a little tight which I prefer as it makes it harder to accidentally knock it out of focus once you have focus set.Make sure to capitalize ... MoreYes this is an expensive lens, but you pay for quality. Sharpness and overall image quality from this lens are very good, even wide open at f2.8. 24mm-70mm is an incredibly versatile focal range for me, covers everything from landscape and some astro through to street, portrait, events and more. My niche is fly-fishing photography and outdoor pursuits, this is my go to focal length for the majority of my shooting. Works brilliantly in variable lighting conditions (I almost never have anything but natural light to work with).Autofocus is quick and spot on, for landscape and night shooting manual focus is brilliant. Focus ring is a little tight which I prefer as it makes it harder to accidentally knock it out of focus once you have focus set.Make sure to capitalize on the custom button below the red G logo. Set to whatever you require it makes for a brilliant extra assist. I have mine set to eye auto focus. When shooting people I can hold the custom button and it will auto find and focus to the eyes. Release the button and return to your regular focus mode. Perfect when shooting a variety of subjects all in one session, eg events, sports, street etc.Be prepared for the weight and size. This is a large and very heavy lens, if you are an ultralight gear person this may not be for you. I hike and carry gear for hours on end, but was prepared to take the extra weight in order to have the quality this lens provides. For me it is worth it!Overall I am very very happy with this lens and am excited for years of great shots with it.

My main issue was that the lens was an open box and had more damage than what should be considered as excellent condition. I don't think it was mechanically flawed but it was visibly damaged. That was my main reason for returning the lens but it's barely better than my kit lens. The restocking fee was more than a rental of the G Master 2.8 from borrowed lenses for a week. That's the first restocking fee that I've had to pay but it's going to affect my purchasing habits moving forward. I buy random things that I don't know if I need or not because I can return it if it's defective or not a fit for what I intended to use it for even though more often than not, I end up keeping whatever I buy. Now, I'm not so sure. I basically lost $150 and didn't have the lens 2 days. ... MoreMy main issue was that the lens was an open box and had more damage than what should be considered as excellent condition. I don't think it was mechanically flawed but it was visibly damaged. That was my main reason for returning the lens but it's barely better than my kit lens. The restocking fee was more than a rental of the G Master 2.8 from borrowed lenses for a week. That's the first restocking fee that I've had to pay but it's going to affect my purchasing habits moving forward. I buy random things that I don't know if I need or not because I can return it if it's defective or not a fit for what I intended to use it for even though more often than not, I end up keeping whatever I buy. Now, I'm not so sure. I basically lost $150 and didn't have the lens 2 days. The tape on the box was clearly ripped open and the lens had dents in it. I could've rented one for 2 weeks from borrowed lenses. If you're not 100% sure you want it, find a store with a better return policy. Not trying to give borrowed lenses any business because I honestly don't see the value you in renting camera equipment unless you're a professional and will make more than enough to justify the fees. Purchase new and make sure it's exactly what you want before you buy it. You don't want to spend money and get nothing in return. First time buying open box. If they kept a restocking fee from the first person they sold it to, they've made over $260 and still have the lens for sale at probably only $40 or $50 less than regular price. If they've sold it more than that, they're just passing around a lens that they know will get returned only to keep getting restocking fees.