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Archive 2018 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

snapsy
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

Here is my Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM comparison. These tests are targeted for my primary use as a landscape photographer.

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Landscape (Infinity) Focal Length and Aperture Series
Sony 24-105 vs 24-70, Landscape Comp (Large Image)

Full-Sized Images for Landscape test above (A7rII):
24-105:
24mm: f/4 f/5.6 f/8
35mm: f/4 f/5.6 f/8
50mm: f/4 f/5.6 f/8
70mm: f/4 f/5.6 f/8
105mm: f/4 f/5.6 f/8

24-70:
24mm: f/2.8 f/4 f/5.6 f/8
35mm: f/2.8 f/4 f/5.6 f/8
50mm: f/2.8 f/4 f/5.6 f/8
70mm: f/2.8 f/4 f/5.6 f/8

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FOV+Vignetting comparison @ 24mm, with and without lens correction
Sony 24-105 vs 24-70 FOV and Vignetting (Animated GIF)

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Light transmission comparison (50mm f/4)
Result: 24-105 G is 0.17 brighter than the 24-70 GM (details)

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Edited on Feb 16, 2018 at 10:57 AM · View previous versions

Feb 15, 2018 at 07:11 PM

fotografur
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

What’s your conclusion?

Feb 15, 2018 at 10:20 PM

bwcolor
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

The GM wins every time @f/2.8

Feb 16, 2018 at 01:05 AM

dshao1
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

And the corollary is also true: the G wins every time at 105

I have a 24-70GM and use it as my default travel lens( short trips, usually twice a month). Looking at the MTFs on LensRentals and Photozone, I decided to keep it. 1/2 pound heavier is not an issue for me right now and I almost always travel with a B85, 90M G, 100STF, or B135 that will cover the long end when I go on either vacation or take longer trips.

Feb 16, 2018 at 01:34 AM

dgpfotografia
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

Many thanks for this. I’m on the phone right now, but I will check the images when I’m back at my computer!!!

Feb 16, 2018 at 02:18 AM

Viramati
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

Thanks for this. You can see the obvious advantage of the 24-105 as a landscape lens at 70mm in the f4-5.6 range though at f 8 it is harder to see (I think your copy of the GM might be slightly better than mine in this respect). At 24mm I would say that the GM has a slight advantage out into the corners but so slight as to be hard to see. At 35 the GM seems slightly softer at f4 but definitely better at f8. Again a 50mm and f8 the GM seems sharper across the image with a slight advantage to the G lens at f4. In fact the 24-105 seems to be remarkable wide open throughout the range but the GM seems to be better stopped down in the 24-50mm range
Personally I don't regard the GM as landscape lens but as an event/portrait lens so I would love to see some comparisons showing the difference in bokeh at f4 with some half body/head shots. I Know this is a more difficult test to do but would be great to see.

Feb 16, 2018 at 03:19 AM

snapsy
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

fotografur wrote:
What’s your conclusion?

Viramati covered it well.

Viramati wrote:
Thanks for this. You can see the obvious advantage of the 24-105 as a landscape lens at 70mm in the f4-5.6 range though at f 8 it is harder to see (I think your copy of the GM might be slightly better than mine in this respect). At 24mm I would say that the GM has a slight advantage out into the corners but so slight as to be hard to see. At 35 the GM seems slightly softer at f4 but definitely better at f8. Again a 50mm and f8 the GM seems sharper across the image with a...Show more →

I agree, that's exactly my take on the two as well. I'll see what I can do about adding some bokeh comps.

Feb 16, 2018 at 10:38 AM

bwcolor
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

Viramati wrote:
Personally I don't regard the GM as landscape lens but as an event/portrait lens so I would love to see some comparisons showing the difference in bokeh at f4 with some half body/head shots. I Know this is a more difficult test to do but would be great to see.
My point with the f/2.8 quip. You buy that lens for the f/2.8. Otherwise, why put up with the weight?

Feb 16, 2018 at 10:45 AM

rhawidantas
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

Would love to see a similar test with the 2470/f4. Know of any place with that?

Feb 16, 2018 at 10:56 AM

Viramati
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

rhawidantas wrote:
Would love to see a similar test with the 2470/f4. Know of any place with that?
When I had the 24-70 f4 I really was not that impressed by it and as I remember it was soft across the frame at 70mm f4 getting better from f5.6. At 24mm it was soft towards the corners even stopped down. My feeing is that in no way would it compete with the newer 24-105 accept maybe in the 35-50mm range

Edited on Feb 16, 2018 at 11:07 AM · View previous versions

Feb 16, 2018 at 11:03 AM

Viramati
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

snapsy wrote:
Viramati covered it well.

I agree, that's exactly my take on the two as well. I'll see what I can do about adding some bokeh comps.

That would be great as I really love the way the GM renders at 70mm and f2.8

Feb 16, 2018 at 11:06 AM

fotografur
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

snapsy wrote:
Viramati covered it well.

I agree, that's exactly my take on the two as well. I'll see what I can do about adding some bokeh comps.

Thanks guys!

Feb 16, 2018 at 08:00 PM

pasblues
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

bwcolor wrote:
My point with the f/2.8 quip. You buy that lens for the f/2.8. Otherwise, why put up with the weight?

I just got the 24-70GM and there are several reasons I was impressed by it.

1.) The AF is just stupid fast responsive.
2.) The lens is sharp as a razor's edge.
3.) The f2.8 bokeh is beautiful
4.) The build quality is indisputably professional grade

I'm not debating between the 24-105 and the 24-70 because of the recall on the former and its unavailability - so I can't get one right now. But I can say that the bar is set very high if the 24-105 is supposed to outperform the 24-70GM. I feel really chagrined that I didn't just go straight to the 24-70GM instead of trying to shop around.

People talk about weight and it's a legitimate argument. But coming from Nikon or Canon, the weight is customary.

Feb 17, 2018 at 02:07 PM

RobCD
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

pasblues wrote:
I just got the 24-70GM and there are several reasons I was impressed by it.

1.) The AF is just stupid fast responsive.
2.) The lens is sharp as a razor's edge.
3.) The f2.8 bokeh is beautiful
4.) The build quality is indisputably professional grade

I'm not debating between the 24-105 and the 24-70 because of the recall on the former and its unavailability - so I can't get one right now. But I can say that the bar is set very high if the 24-105 is supposed to outperform the 24-70GM. I feel really chagrined that I didn't just go straight to...Show more →

Don't know why you didn't know these things before feeling chagrined. Why would you reasonably expect a lens that covers a wider range and costs almost 50% less to have better AF, better bokeh, better build quality and better IQ across the board? If these are your top priorities then anyone would have directed you to the GM.

(and who said the 24-105 is supposed to outperform the GM?)

Feb 17, 2018 at 06:55 PM

pasblues
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

RobCD wrote:
Don't know why you didn't know these things before feeling chagrined. Why would you reasonably expect a lens that covers a wider range and costs almost 50% less to have better AF, better bokeh, better build quality and better IQ across the board? If these are your top priorities then anyone would have directed you to the GM.

(and who said the 24-105 is supposed to outperform the GM?)

Example thread

Lots of people - not only on FM but other review sites as well. I can understand that people want to believe that a less expensive lens is just as good or better than a more expensive lens. I can't say because I can't get ahold of the 24-105 to compare. At this point, I don't really need to other than curiosity. Most of the favoritism toward the 24105 was aimed at its lighter weight and longer reach.

You are absolutely right in that, if I had simply taken a step back and said "No way the 24105 outperforms the GM", I could have made a decision a lot sooner.

Was the purpose of this thread to compare the two?

Feb 17, 2018 at 07:10 PM

RobCD
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

pasblues wrote:
Was the purpose of this thread to compare the two?

Comparing doesn't mean that anyone expects the 24-105 to have better IQ than the GM or better AF or build quality either. I believe many are interested in the comparison to see how close the 24-105 IQ is to the GM in order to determine if they can live with that difference to gain other things like more range, less weight and size and money.

I'd love a 24-105 that costs 1/2 of the GM and has better overall IQ but seriously no one has (or should have) crazy expectations like that.

Feb 17, 2018 at 07:41 PM

pasblues
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

RobCD wrote:
Comparing doesn't mean that anyone expects the 24-105 to have better IQ than the GM or better AF or build quality either. I believe many are interested in the comparison to see how close the 24-105 IQ is to the GM in order to determine if they can live with that difference to gain other things like more range, less weight and size and money.

I'd love a 24-105 that costs 1/2 of the GM and has better overall IQ but seriously no one has (or should have) crazy expectations like that.

Ken Rockwell whose review said:

"Overall

I love this lens. it's the best midrange zoom available for full-frame Sony cameras if you live in the real world where you have to carry your own gear all day. This 24-105mm is a pro-level lens at a consumer price! Someone at Sony is starting to take the photography market seriously, bravo!

The 24-70/2.8 GM is more of a showboat lens for people who don't actually use it (or who shoot pro sports and action all day and night), and the 24-240mm is a lighter-duty lens with longer range but less optical performance and durability."

He called the 24-70GM a "showboat lens for people who don't actually use it..." and raved about the 24-105 as "a pro-level lens at a consumer price"

That and other reviews and dialogue were influential distractions. When people have dialogues and express opinions about something - especially when those people are in a position of strong influence - hold the power to move opinions in certain directions.

In a world where camera stores are a rarity and buying on the internet is the norm, photographers rely on thorough, realistic reviews to help them make decisions. It's not hard to get caught up in indecision and confusion.

Edited on Feb 18, 2018 at 12:29 AM · View previous versions

Feb 17, 2018 at 10:26 PM

trogdon
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

Everything I’ve seen shows the 24-105mm as an incredibly competent landscape lens. It’s sort of tempting for the size and quality, coming from someone that doesn’t use zooms often

Feb 17, 2018 at 11:22 PM

pasblues
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

trogdon wrote:
Everything I’ve seen shows the 24-105mm as an incredibly competent landscape lens. It’s sort of tempting for the size and quality, coming from someone that doesn’t use zooms often

I think that's a fair enough assessment. And people who buy this lens and use it with success for their photographic purpose should be very happy.

I shoot people, lots of low light and fast-moving situations. Different purpose.

All photo equipment is just tools.

My very first ever photo instructor back in 1969 was also our Physics instructor. His advice to us back then?

"If it works, use it."

Edited on Feb 20, 2018 at 01:16 PM · View previous versions

Feb 18, 2018 at 12:28 AM

Craig Gillette
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Sony 24-105 G vs 24-70 GM Comparison

There is some room to expect good performance. Perhaps even great performance. There are "build" quality differences between lens series that shouldn't be expected to have serious negative impacts on optical quality. Although maybe 50% lower price is probably asking a little too much. That may mean less rugged, more "plastic" in the overall product, less sturdiness when it comes to drops or bad handling, but don't hammer with it?

It's reasonable to expect an f4 lens to be smaller and lighter than an f2.8 lens and at least somewhat less expensive. And if it costs more than the other big name 24-1xx lenses, there is at least some hope that it will perform as well or better.

There are 70-200/4 lenses out there that show what is possible in setting expectations.

Feb 18, 2018 at 02:06 AM

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