Fortunately, Sony was kind enough to lend me a copy of this lens to bring with me to Iceland this Summer where I was leading a series of Photography Workshops. This gave me some time to test this lens in situations and environments that are much more conducive to where I typically work on a regular basis around the world each year. While studio tests might be necessary for some photographers, I always am much more interested in how a camera or lens performs out in the real world.

When it comes to my reviews, I am always as open and transparent as I can be. I am happy to share my thoughts and opinions, and I will always include evidence to back up my claims. In this review, you not will you find high-resolution images throughout, but RAW files for you to play with are located near the end of the review. All in all, this is a good thing because releasing the lens under the GM line, Sony is setting the bar pretty high when it comes to build quality, sharpness, IQ and resolving power. So with all that being said…let’s dive right in!

Specs for the Sony 16-35 f/2.8 GM

E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format

Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22

Minimum Focus Distance: .92 ft (0.28 m)

Filter Diameter 82mm

Angle of View (35mm): 107 ° – 63 °

– 63 Angle of View (APS-C): 83 ° – 44°

– 44° Two Extra-Low Dispersion Elements

Three Aspherical and Two XA Elements

Nano AR Coating and Fluorine Coating

Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF Motors

Focus Hold Button; AF/MF Switch

Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction

Eleven-Blade Circular Diaphragm

Dimensions (DXL): 3-1/2″ x 4-7/8″ (88.5 x 121.6 mm)

Weight: 680 g

Build Quality

One of the first things you notice about the Sony 16-35 f/2.8 GM is how solid the lens itself feels. The rubberized focus/zoom rings feel good to the touch, and the rest of the exterior is what you have probably come to expect from Sony’s GM line of top end glass. Polished, well built and essentially what a $2198 lens should feel like.