Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II vs Sony - FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
Between the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II and FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II comes out ahead in weight, while the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II wins on min focal and max focal. Overall, the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II scores 45.9 and the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II scores 55.3 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 9.4 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight.
Pick the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II if you care most about min focal and max focal. Its strongest claims are min focal, max focal.
Both ship with comparable weather sealed, optical stabilization, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II wins
- ▲Weight — 148.00 g less. 547 vs 695.
Why Sony - FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II wins
- ▲Min focal: 24 (vs 16).
- ▲Max focal: 70 (vs 35).
Spec comparison
Optics
| Spec | Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | Sony - FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II |
|---|---|---|
| Min focal | 16 mm | 24 mmlead |
| Max focal | 35 mm | 70 mmlead |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
Build
| Spec | Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | Sony - FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 547 glead | 695 g |
| Weather sealedⓘ | true | true |
| Optical stabilizationⓘ | false | false |
Mount
| Spec | Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | Sony - FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II |
|---|---|---|
| Lens mount | Sony E | Sony E |
Frequently asked
Spec-level deep dives
More from the same brands
vsMars is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.