Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens (Full Frame)

The gold standard zoom lens for modern filmmaking — now lighter, sharper, and faster. The Sony 24–70mm f/2.8 GM II is the definitive full-frame workhorse for professional cinematographers and video crews working in Thailand.

Full Description – Why Filmmakers Rent the 24–70mm GM II in Thailand

For cinematographers, this lens now sits perfectly alongside Sony Burano, FX6, and FX3, delivering clean, distortion-free images with minimal breathing and fast, silent autofocus. Whether you’re shooting handheld, on a gimbal, or rigged for a full crew setup, the GM II offers the kind of precision and reliability expected on professional film sets in Thailand.

Sony FE 24–70mm f/2.8 GM II Overview

The Sony FE 24–70mm f/2.8 GM II (SEL2470GM2) builds on the success of its predecessor with major improvements in optical design, focusing performance, and handling. The constant f/2.8 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field across the zoom range and excellent low-light capability — ideal for narrative filmmaking and commercial work in Bangkok’s vibrant night scenes or Chiang Mai’s low-lit interiors.

Inside, four XD Linear Motors and a floating focus mechanism provide extremely fast and accurate autofocus. Tracking is smoother than ever — even at wide apertures or during subject movement. Combined with Sony’s high-speed readout sensors on the Burano or FX6, the result is sharp, stable 4K and 8K imagery with virtually no focus hunting.

For video shooters, the inclusion of a de-clickable aperture ring, iris lock switch, and focus mode toggle make this lens practical for real-world production. Filmmakers can execute smooth iris pulls during exposure transitions — such as moving from daylight exteriors into dimly lit interiors — without any mechanical jitter or exposure jumps.

The lens accepts 82mm front filters, maintaining compatibility with matte boxes, ND filters, and diffusion filters commonly used in commercial setups.

Optical Design & Performance

Sony has overhauled the internal optical layout, minimizing distortion and chromatic aberrations across all focal lengths. The design now includes:

• Five aspherical elements, including two XA (Extreme Aspherical) lenses for edge-to-edge sharpness.

• Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and two Super ED elements, suppressing color fringing and maintaining contrast in high-contrast scenes.

• Nano AR Coating II to reduce flare and ghosting — essential when shooting under harsh tropical light.

• Fluorine front coating to repel dust, fingerprints, and moisture — ideal for humid outdoor shoots in Thailand.

With 11 aperture blades, the GM II delivers an exceptionally round bokeh, maintaining smooth background separation even when stopped down. The minimum focusing distance is just 21cm (at 24mm) and 30cm (at 70mm) — making it capable of intimate detail shots without switching lenses.

Video-Centric Design

This lens was clearly built with filmmakers in mind. Key features include:

• Linear Response MF for predictable, repeatable focus pulls.

• Support for Focus Breathing Compensation on Sony Burano and Alpha cameras — maintaining perfect framing during focus transitions.

• Zoom Smoothness Switch (Smooth/Tight) for adapting to handheld or tripod use.

• Dual programmable focus hold buttons for quick recall.

• Aperture de-click and lock switches for precise manual iris control.

These refinements make the GM II one of the few stills lenses that feel cinema-ready out of the box — no adapter or rehousing needed.

Compact Build, Professional Reliability

Weighing just 695 grams, the Sony 24–70mm f/2.8 GM II is 191 grams lighter than the original GM and nearly 18% smaller in volume. Yet, its construction feels solid and purpose-built for the demands of field production.

Rubber gaskets at all seams and a sealed mount design ensure dust and moisture resistance, allowing DPs to shoot in Thailand’s unpredictable conditions — from humid beaches in Phuket to dusty street markets in Bangkok. The ergonomics of the lens barrel — with tactile, clearly marked rings — make it an intuitive tool for professional crews.

On Set in Thailand – Why Filmmakers Choose the 24–70 GM II

The Sony FE 24–70mm f/2.8 GM II has become a default lens for many camera crews working across Thailand. Whether paired with a Sony Burano for feature work, or used on an FX3 mounted to a gimbal for commercials or music videos, it provides consistent, high-end results.

It’s versatile enough for:

• Establishing wide shots at 24mm.

• Intimate close-ups at 70mm.

• Dynamic handheld work with precise AF tracking.

From Bangkok’s neon-lit streets to Phuket’s golden-hour beaches, this lens adapts instantly to the pace of any production — sharp, cinematic, and dependable.