Sony 28-70mm f/2 G Master vs. G Master Primes – Sharpness and Bokeh Face-Off

Portrait photographer Alex Barrera recently tested the brand new Sony 28-70mm f/2 G Master against some of Sony’s most acclaimed primes: the Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM, the Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM, the Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM, and the Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM.Alex tested each lens at three apertures: wide open (f/1.4 for primes, f/2 for the zoom), f/2, and f/2.8, using a tripod to ensure consistency. His goal was to see if the 28-70mm f/2 could match or come close to the optical performance of Sony’s top-tier primes.

24mm vs. 28mm: At f/2, both lenses were extremely sharp, with the zoom even producing more pleasing background blur due to focal length compression. At f/2.8, the differences became minimal, with both performing at a very high level. Wide open, the 24mm f/1.4 had the advantage in subject isolation, but the zoom was still remarkably close.

35mm comparison: The prime lens had slightly rounder bokeh balls and a hair more sharpness, but the differences were small enough that most viewers wouldn’t notice without pixel-peeping.

50mm comparison: The 50mm f/1.4 GM is one of the sharpest primes Alex has used, and while it retained a small edge wide open, the zoom held up incredibly well — particularly when stopped down.

70mm vs. 85mm: Here, the prime’s extra focal length and faster aperture made a big difference. The 85mm f/1.4 GM delivered superior compression, bokeh, and sharpness, making it the clear winner in this range.

Alex concluded that the Sony 28-70mm f/2 G Master is so good that it could replace multiple prime lenses for many photographers, especially event shooters, thanks to its image quality, versatility, and the convenience of not having to swap lenses during a shoot.

While the $3,000 price tag is steep, the value proposition of condensing four premium primes into one high-performing zoom is compelling. Alex plans more real-world portrait tests soon, so stay tuned for further impressions.

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Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK.

New Sigma 35mm f1.2 DG II Art Reviews

Sigma 35mm f/1.2 II at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.

The lens shipment kicked of this week and here are three new reviews:

All new Sigma lenses:
Sigma 135mm f/1.4 preorder links at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.
Sigma 35mm f/1.2 II preorder links at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.
Sigma 20-200mm f/3.5-6.3 preorder links at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.
Sigma 28-45mm T2 Cine Zoom Lens with AF preorder at BHphoto. Adorama.

Fstoppers: Viltrox Pro AF 85mm f/1.4 – The Best 85mm Lens for Sony E-Mount?

Viltrox launched the new 85mm f/1.4 FE lens for $598 at BHphoto, Amazon US&EU, Viltroxstore, Pergear.

Viltrox is really making significant progress in improving the performance of Sony GM lenses. Fstopper even goes so far as to claim that this is the next 85mm lens with an E-mount:

And Viltrox isn’t the only chinese company making good quality autofocus E-mount lenses. Here is a comparison between the Viltrox and the new Kase 85mm (available at Amazon):

PetaPixelTV: The Sigma 135mm f/1.4 Art is MASSIVE and MAGNIFICENT!

Jordan from PetaPixel tested the new Sigma 135mm f/1.4 FE lens.  Of course he loved the lens! The only real drawback is its size. But if you need the ultimate Bokeh King this is the lens to get!

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Sigma 135mm f/1.4 preorder links at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.
Sigma 35mm f/1.2 II preorder links at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.
Sigma 20-200mm f/3.5-6.3 preorder links at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.
Sigma 28-45mm T2 Cine Zoom Lens with AF preorder at BHphoto. Adorama.

New Sigma 20-200mm FE lens reviews (and supply shortage warning)

Sigma 20-200mm at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.

I’m seriously considering this lens for my hiking tours. And it looks like I’m not the only one — Sigma Japan has just announced a potential supply shortage due to demand being higher than expected.

Here are two new reviews of the lens:

All new Sigma lenses:
Sigma 135mm f/1.4 preorder links at BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.
Sigma 35mm f/1.2 II preorder links at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.
Sigma 20-200mm f/3.5-6.3 preorder links at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, Fotoerhardt, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton.
Sigma 28-45mm T2 Cine Zoom Lens with AF preorder at BHphoto. Adorama.

Sigma 300-600mm f/4 Hands-On in the Wild – A Kingfisher Adventure with Olle Nilsson

Wildlife photographer Olle Nilsson took the brand new Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG DN OS Sports Lens out for a two-day field test, aiming to capture lightning-fast kingfishers in action. Key highlights from the video:

  • The constant f/4 aperture delivers exceptional subject separation and low-light performance
  • Sharpness is superb across the 300-600mm range, paired with a Sony A1 for 50MP cropping flexibility
  • Lens is large (~4kg), but surprisingly manageable with its internal zoom and balance
  • Compared to the Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS, the Sigma delivers much stronger subject isolation
  • Faster and more versatile than using a 300mm f/2.8 GM with teleconverter setup in static positions
  • Ideal for hide-based or tripod work – less suited for mobile “sneaking” shoots due to weight

Olle also tested the lens on a Leofoto PG-1 gimbal head and a carbon fiber tripod, which helped stabilize the heavy setup for hours in the field.

His final verdict? While it’s a heavy investment, the Sigma 300-600mm f/4 delivers pro-level results at nearly half the price of a 600mm prime. For those who shoot from a fixed location and value flexibility, sharpness, and beautiful background separation – this is one of the best lenses available.

Gear mentioned:

For those interested in stunning wildlife imagery and want a telephoto workhorse that rivals prime lenses in sharpness and speed – this Sigma might just be the dream lens.

UPDATE: He also posted this new video: