KEY FEATURES:
High resolution rivals the best primes: Excellent contrast at high spatial frequencies means superb resolution even at F2.8. Two high-precision XA (extreme aspherical) elements, two ED (Extra-low dispersion) glass elements, two Super ED glass elements and a floating focus mechanism control aberration, for sharp, clear images at all zoom and aperture settings.
Minimal flare and ghosting: Nano AR Coating II technology produces a uniform anti-reflection coating on lens surfaces, effectively subduing flare and ghosting. The lens’s design suppresses internal reflections that can reduce clarity when shooting landscapes, sports, and a variety of other subjects. Excellent clarity is also an advantage for live streaming and similar events.
Stunning G Master bokeh: Beautiful F2.8 bokeh extends throughout the zoom range thanks to advanced optics and a new 11-blade aperture unit. Bokeh is enhanced by precise control of spherical aberration during both design and manufacture. Two precision XA elements suppress onion ring bokeh, while ED glass elements prevent color bleeding for natural-looking circular bokeh.
Excellent close-up performance: Minimum focusing distance is 0.21 meters at 24 mm and 0.30 meters at 70 mm, with maximum magnification of 0.32x. Deep bokeh at F2.8 is great for close-ups. Floating focus ensures ideal sharpness throughout the zoom range and at all focusing distances, while inner focus enables impressive close-up stills or movies where space is limited.
Fast, precise AF and excellent response: Four of Sony’s original XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, a floating focus mechanism, and advanced lens control achieve high AF precision and tracking. Shoot at up to 30 frames per second with a compatible camera body. A new aperture unit also contributes to high speed, enabling full AF tracking performance with the aperture stopped down.
Movie features refined for visual creators: Advanced lens design reduces focus breathing, focus shift and axial shift when zooming. Image and angle of view shifts are minimized for smooth movie imagery. XD Linear Motors and a new aperture unit contribute to quiet, low-vibration operation. The breathing compensation function provided in compatible α series bodies is also supported.
Smooth, quiet AF for movies: Focus is critical for slow motion 4K or 8K movies. With α-series bodies this lens reliably acquires focus and smoothly tracks moving subjects. Its four XD Linear Motors and advanced control technology achieve extraordinarily precise AF. Subjects are smoothly tracked, making it possible to leave focusing entirely to the camera.
Natural, linear manual focus response: Linear Response MF ensures that the focus ring responds directly and linearly to subtle control when focusing manually. It also provides precise repeatability. Focus ring rotation translates directly to a corresponding change in focus so control feels immediate and precise when shooting stills or movies.
Small, light and versatile: This lens is the smallest and lightest F2.8 24-70mm zoom in its class. It weighs just 695 grams (24.6 oz), over 20% less than the previous model. It is 16 mm shorter and overall volume has been reduced by approximately 18%. Excellent mobility makes it a great choice for professional or enthusiast still or movie use in a wide range of situations.
Zoom smoothness switch: Zoom ring torque can be adjusted via a two-position switch. With the switch in the Tight position: the barrel won’t extend unexpectedly during transportation or when the lens is used on a tripod. The Smooth position provides light zoom operation for flexible, responsive shooting while also making it easy to produce smooth slow zoom for movies.
Aperture click and iris lock switches: An aperture ring provides direct, rapid control. The aperture ring click stops can be turned ON to provide tactile feedback when shooting stills or OFF for smooth, silent control when shooting movies. There is also an iris lock switch that prevents the aperture ring from being accidentally moved between the [A] and F2.8 ~ F22 settings.
Customizable focus hold buttons: Two customizable focus hold buttons are provided for easy access and convenient control when shooting in horizontal or vertical orientation, and just about any angle. An alternative function can be assigned to the focus hold buttons from the body menus.
Lens hood with filter window: The supplied lens hood features an opening that allows convenient operation of circular polarizing and variable ND filters.
Dust and moisture resistant design: An updated dust and moisture resistant design provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions. Silicon seals around buttons and switches and a rubber gasket around the lens mount, greatly reduce the likelihood of dust and moisture incursion.
Fluorine front element coating: The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil and other contaminants, while making it easier to wipe off any contaminants or fingerprints that do become attached to the lens surface.