Ultra Wides Comparison: Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 vs 16-35mm f/2.8 GM vs 12-24mm f/4 G

Phillip Pettit at LensRentals compared Sony’s three full frame ultra-wide zoom lenses: Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS, Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM and Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G, including build quality, autofocus, handling & usability and image quality. And he said that “they are all excellent wide zoom lenses that each have their strengths and uses“.

From LensRentals:

I cannot stress enough that we’re splitting hairs. These are all excellent lenses, and I would recommend them for different reasons to different people. However, all things considered, the Sony 16-35mm f2.8 GM will outperform all of them. Does that make the other two unworthy? Of course not. But it is a great lens that proves that Sony understands what photographers want. The Sony 16-35mm f4 ZA is still a usable lens that I would recommend to anyone that wants a more rugged lens. The Sony 12-24mm f4 G, I picked on quite a bit, but really, it’s an impressive lens that has a funky look but only at 12mm. Beyond anything else, it’s a specialty lens and does it well, but can’t keep up to the day to day usability of the slightly longer focal ranges that the competition provides. The Sony 16-35mm f2.8 GM is officially getting added to my go to lens list. I was extremely impressed (in case you couldn’t tell). The best way for you to feel the ecstasy of this lens is to take it out and shoot. You won’t be disappointed.

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens: $2,198 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G Lens: $1,698 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens: $1,348 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Read more: Best Sony Full Frame E Mount Lenses.

You can read the full comparison at LensRentals.com