Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
p.12 #1Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Just a beautiful day...one of my favorite from my trip that I just returned from. So many pictures to work on. I've captured some of the best images in a very long time with this lens and am very happy with it's performance. Hopefully the images I've showed so far give a decent impression of the lens 
I've also uploaded the sample images to be viewed at Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/95352129@N02/albums/72157715767361871
18mm, F9
_DSC9144-HDR-Edit-Edit by Sevan, on Flickr
_DSC6443-HDR-Edit-Edit by Sevan, on Flickr
_DSC6711_2_3_4_5-Edit-Edit-2 by Sevan, on Flickr
I've also uploaded the sample images to be viewed at Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/95352129@N02/albums/72157715767361871
18mm, F9
_DSC9144-HDR-Edit-Edit by Sevan, on Flickr_DSC6443-HDR-Edit-Edit by Sevan, on Flickr_DSC6711_2_3_4_5-Edit-Edit-2 by Sevan, on FlickrAug 30, 2020 at 02:55 AM
p.12 #2Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
I‘m now on my second copy of this lens. Maybe I‘m expecting miracles (especially for the price). Despite being impressively sharp at 12mm and F2.8 the performance throughout the focal range is not consistent. From 20mm to 24mm at F2.8 a quarter of the right hand side of the image is not sharp. Stopping down to F5.6 improves things a bit but still not as sharp as the rest of the image at F2.8. If it were only the corners and extreme edges I could live with a some lack of sharpness wide open.
Field curvature would surely show on both sides so looks like the lens is another decentered copy.
The plan was to get this lens and ditch the 16-35mm GM, Sony 12-24mm G (sadly already sold) and a couple of other lenses.
Now I‘m not sure what to do....Try yet another copy or just simply give up and stick with what I have but now without 12-15mm covered?
Field curvature would surely show on both sides so looks like the lens is another decentered copy.
The plan was to get this lens and ditch the 16-35mm GM, Sony 12-24mm G (sadly already sold) and a couple of other lenses.
Now I‘m not sure what to do....Try yet another copy or just simply give up and stick with what I have but now without 12-15mm covered?
Aug 31, 2020 at 12:48 PM
p.12 #3Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
MRK2019 wrote:
I‘m now on my second copy of this lens. Maybe I‘m expecting miracles (especially for the price). Despite being impressively sharp at 12mm and F2.8 the performance throughout the focal range is not consistent. From 20mm to 24mm at F2.8 a quarter of the right hand side of the image is not sharp. Stopping down to F5.6 improves things a bit but still not as sharp as the rest of the image at F2.8. If it were only the corners and extreme edges I could live with a some lack of sharpness wide open.
Field curvature would surely show on both...Show more →
Maybe you should do some more tests and repeat. One can never rule out user error, be it just for coincidence.
I‘m now on my second copy of this lens. Maybe I‘m expecting miracles (especially for the price). Despite being impressively sharp at 12mm and F2.8 the performance throughout the focal range is not consistent. From 20mm to 24mm at F2.8 a quarter of the right hand side of the image is not sharp. Stopping down to F5.6 improves things a bit but still not as sharp as the rest of the image at F2.8. If it were only the corners and extreme edges I could live with a some lack of sharpness wide open.
Field curvature would surely show on both...Show more →
Maybe you should do some more tests and repeat. One can never rule out user error, be it just for coincidence.
Aug 31, 2020 at 12:57 PM
p.12 #4Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
I spent the afternoon taking different test images and even comparing images of the same subjects with other lenses. I will try again tomorrow....but to be honest I‘ve already reached my final conclusion.
Aug 31, 2020 at 01:08 PM
p.12 #5Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
MRK2019 wrote:
I spent the afternoon taking different test images and even comparing images of the same subjects with other lenses. I will try again tomorrow....but to be honest I‘ve already reached my final conclusion.
Hi Matt,
Try this test at 12mm, 18mm and 24mm: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1534737
My copy was well centered at these focal lengths but it's not unusual for ultra wide zooms to be slightly asymmetric somewhere in the range.
I spent the afternoon taking different test images and even comparing images of the same subjects with other lenses. I will try again tomorrow....but to be honest I‘ve already reached my final conclusion.
Hi Matt,
Try this test at 12mm, 18mm and 24mm: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1534737
My copy was well centered at these focal lengths but it's not unusual for ultra wide zooms to be slightly asymmetric somewhere in the range.
Aug 31, 2020 at 01:13 PM
p.12 #6Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
It's a bit hard to actually test 12mm since it's so wide. Honestly if you are within the return policy (my store I get my lenses at is 30 days if its defective, 15 days if you don't like it), I would try another copy. For this price I would want to make sure I get a good copy. It's an awesome lens. My first copy was not good and had AF issues. Try some different tests especially further away. Freds and Philip's decentering tests are pretty darn good. You can also always shoot a brick wall or any wall in general as long as it has some textures. Don't give up yet This lens is truly amazing!
This lens is truly amazing!Aug 31, 2020 at 03:30 PM
p.12 #7Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
MRK2019 wrote:
I‘m now on my second copy of this lens. Maybe I‘m expecting miracles (especially for the price). Despite being impressively sharp at 12mm and F2.8 the performance throughout the focal range is not consistent. From 20mm to 24mm at F2.8 a quarter of the right hand side of the image is not sharp. Stopping down to F5.6 improves things a bit but still not as sharp as the rest of the image at F2.8. If it were only the corners and extreme edges I could live with a some lack of sharpness wide open.
Field curvature would surely show on both...Show more →
The reported number of substantially decentered GMs at this early stage is a little worrying. I just hope this doesn't turn out to be one of those lenses for which it's really hard to get a reasonably well centered copy. The other two wide Sony zooms don't have a good reputation in this regard.
It took me multiple tries to get a copy of the Sigma that's good across the whole range, but other FM members have managed it on their first try (Fred received two in a row). I certainly won't be letting go of mine until I know I can get a Sony that's at least comparable. Not much point spending considerably more money for a poorer performing lens...
Edited on Aug 31, 2020 at 05:03 PM · View previous versions
I‘m now on my second copy of this lens. Maybe I‘m expecting miracles (especially for the price). Despite being impressively sharp at 12mm and F2.8 the performance throughout the focal range is not consistent. From 20mm to 24mm at F2.8 a quarter of the right hand side of the image is not sharp. Stopping down to F5.6 improves things a bit but still not as sharp as the rest of the image at F2.8. If it were only the corners and extreme edges I could live with a some lack of sharpness wide open.
Field curvature would surely show on both...Show more →
The reported number of substantially decentered GMs at this early stage is a little worrying. I just hope this doesn't turn out to be one of those lenses for which it's really hard to get a reasonably well centered copy. The other two wide Sony zooms don't have a good reputation in this regard.
It took me multiple tries to get a copy of the Sigma that's good across the whole range, but other FM members have managed it on their first try (Fred received two in a row). I certainly won't be letting go of mine until I know I can get a Sony that's at least comparable. Not much point spending considerably more money for a poorer performing lens...
Edited on Aug 31, 2020 at 05:03 PM · View previous versions
Aug 31, 2020 at 04:23 PM
p.12 #8Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
rvh23 wrote:
Field curvature would surely show on both sides so looks like the lens is another decentered copy.
The plan was to get this lens and ditch the 16-35mm GM, Sony 12-24mm G (sadly already sold) and a couple of other lenses.
Now I‘m not sure what to do....Try yet another copy or just simply give up and stick with what I have but now without 12-15mm covered?The reported number of substantially decentered GMs at this early stage is a little worrying. I just hope this doesn't turn out to be one of those lenses for which it's really hard to get a well centered copy. The other two wide GM zooms don't have a good reputation in this regard.
It took me multiple tries to get a copy of the Sigma that's good across the whole range, but other FM members have managed it on their first try (Fred received two in a row). I certainly won't be letting go of mine until I know I...Show more →
The worse for me was the FE 12-24/4G. I've tested 7 copies and they were far from symmetric at most FLs. This is the reason I could not compare it to the FE 12-24/2.8 GM on this review.
MRK2019 wrote
I‘m now on my second copy of this lens. Maybe I‘m expecting miracles (especially for the price). Despite being impressively sharp at 12mm and F2.8 the performance throughout the focal range is not consistent. From 20mm to 24mm at F2.8 a quarter of the right hand side of the image is not sharp. Stopping down to F5.6 improves things a bit but still not as sharp as the rest of the image at F2.8. If it were only the corners and extreme edges I could live with a some lack of sharpness wide open.Field curvature would surely show on both sides so looks like the lens is another decentered copy.
The plan was to get this lens and ditch the 16-35mm GM, Sony 12-24mm G (sadly already sold) and a couple of other lenses.
Now I‘m not sure what to do....Try yet another copy or just simply give up and stick with what I have but now without 12-15mm covered?
It took me multiple tries to get a copy of the Sigma that's good across the whole range, but other FM members have managed it on their first try (Fred received two in a row). I certainly won't be letting go of mine until I know I...Show more →
The worse for me was the FE 12-24/4G. I've tested 7 copies and they were far from symmetric at most FLs. This is the reason I could not compare it to the FE 12-24/2.8 GM on this review.
Aug 31, 2020 at 04:28 PM
p.12 #9Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Damn, 7 copies of the 12-24 F4? That's crazy. I think I would give up after 3 tries
Aug 31, 2020 at 04:35 PM
p.12 #10Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
sismailian wrote:
Damn, 7 copies of the 12-24 F4? That's crazy. I think I would give up after 3 tries
Most were loans and rentals though. The 16-35/4 ZA and 16-35/2.8 GM did not do well in variance either.
Damn, 7 copies of the 12-24 F4? That's crazy. I think I would give up after 3 tries
Most were loans and rentals though. The 16-35/4 ZA and 16-35/2.8 GM did not do well in variance either.
Aug 31, 2020 at 04:36 PM
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p.12 #11Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Oh that makes sense. I am sure they get dropped and dinged here and there easily.
Aug 31, 2020 at 04:46 PM
p.12 #12Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
MRK2019 wrote:
I‘m now on my second copy of this lens. Maybe I‘m expecting miracles (especially for the price). Despite being impressively sharp at 12mm and F2.8 the performance throughout the focal range is not consistent. From 20mm to 24mm at F2.8 a quarter of the right hand side of the image is not sharp. Stopping down to F5.6 improves things a bit but still not as sharp as the rest of the image at F2.8. If it were only the corners and extreme edges I could live with a some lack of sharpness wide open.
Field curvature would surely show on both...Show more →
Sadly this doesn't surprise me at all. You'll always have to be prepared to go through the hassle of testing/returning.
It really is a lottery. I've only used 2 decently centered GM lenses the last couple of years. My 16-35 GM is great, at first try. My first 100-400 GM was great as well.
I never managed to get decent copies of the 135 GM, 85 GM, 24-70 GM, 70-200 GM and I also gave up when I wanted to re-buy the 100-400 GM because I only received terribly decentered copies.
It frustrates me so much and is exactly why buying new lenses isn't that fun anymore. It holds me back at buying this new 12-24 GM as well.
Some people say "you must be too critical", but that's really not the case. Even the people at the store always said "that indeed doesn't look right".
If you know what you're doing you can completely rule out user error quickly.
It can be random luck, but I feel that Canon has less copy variance than Sony.
I tried an EOS R for about 10 months, next to my Sony system. I didn't come across a single strongly decentered RF lens. I also still use a 70-200 F4 IS II with an adapter on my Sony bodies. While not perfect (no zoom lens is), both copies I tried of that complex zoom were great.
Roger from Lensrentals mentioned that he thinks Canon nowadays has a more automated lens assembly process, with optical adjustments along the way.
I‘m now on my second copy of this lens. Maybe I‘m expecting miracles (especially for the price). Despite being impressively sharp at 12mm and F2.8 the performance throughout the focal range is not consistent. From 20mm to 24mm at F2.8 a quarter of the right hand side of the image is not sharp. Stopping down to F5.6 improves things a bit but still not as sharp as the rest of the image at F2.8. If it were only the corners and extreme edges I could live with a some lack of sharpness wide open.
Field curvature would surely show on both...Show more →
Sadly this doesn't surprise me at all. You'll always have to be prepared to go through the hassle of testing/returning.
It really is a lottery. I've only used 2 decently centered GM lenses the last couple of years. My 16-35 GM is great, at first try. My first 100-400 GM was great as well.
I never managed to get decent copies of the 135 GM, 85 GM, 24-70 GM, 70-200 GM and I also gave up when I wanted to re-buy the 100-400 GM because I only received terribly decentered copies.
It frustrates me so much and is exactly why buying new lenses isn't that fun anymore. It holds me back at buying this new 12-24 GM as well.
Some people say "you must be too critical", but that's really not the case. Even the people at the store always said "that indeed doesn't look right".
If you know what you're doing you can completely rule out user error quickly.
It can be random luck, but I feel that Canon has less copy variance than Sony.
I tried an EOS R for about 10 months, next to my Sony system. I didn't come across a single strongly decentered RF lens. I also still use a 70-200 F4 IS II with an adapter on my Sony bodies. While not perfect (no zoom lens is), both copies I tried of that complex zoom were great.
Roger from Lensrentals mentioned that he thinks Canon nowadays has a more automated lens assembly process, with optical adjustments along the way.
Sep 01, 2020 at 01:44 AM
p.12 #13Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Thanks Fred.
I performed the test at 18mm and 24mm. It just confirmed what I‘d already established from previous tests. At 12mm sharpness was already excellent so I didn’t test at this focal length. 18mm was fine (not 100% perfect but very good nonetheless) at F2.8
At 24mm and F2.8 the lens shows evidence of being very decentered on the right hand side.
No need for me to post any images. I just wanted to confirm what I’d already identified. The lens is going back. I’m not looking for 100% perfection .....it’s just the lens doesn’t perform anywhere near what should be expected for this price category between 21-24mm wide open or even stopped down several stops.
Fred Miranda wrote:
Hi Matt,
Try this test at 12mm, 18mm and 24mm: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1534737
My copy was well centered at these focal lengths but it's not unusual for ultra wide zooms to be slightly asymmetric somewhere in the range.
I performed the test at 18mm and 24mm. It just confirmed what I‘d already established from previous tests. At 12mm sharpness was already excellent so I didn’t test at this focal length. 18mm was fine (not 100% perfect but very good nonetheless) at F2.8
At 24mm and F2.8 the lens shows evidence of being very decentered on the right hand side.
No need for me to post any images. I just wanted to confirm what I’d already identified. The lens is going back. I’m not looking for 100% perfection .....it’s just the lens doesn’t perform anywhere near what should be expected for this price category between 21-24mm wide open or even stopped down several stops.
Fred Miranda wrote:
MRK2019 wrote
I spent the afternoon taking different test images and even comparing images of the same subjects with other lenses. I will try again tomorrow....but to be honest I‘ve already reached my final conclusion.Try this test at 12mm, 18mm and 24mm: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1534737
My copy was well centered at these focal lengths but it's not unusual for ultra wide zooms to be slightly asymmetric somewhere in the range.
Sep 01, 2020 at 07:31 AM
p.12 #14Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
Most were loans and rentals though. The 16-35/4 ZA and 16-35/2.8 GM did not do well in variance either.
This is why I have your perfect 16-35 ZA Fred
sismailian wrote
Damn, 7 copies of the 12-24 F4? That's crazy. I think I would give up after 3 triesThis is why I have your perfect 16-35 ZA Fred
Sep 01, 2020 at 09:07 AM
p.12 #15Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Schlotkins wrote:
Most were loans and rentals though. The 16-35/4 ZA and 16-35/2.8 GM did not do well in variance either.This is why I have your perfect 16-35 ZA Fred
It's still a great lens. This copy was slightly sharper than the FE 16-35/2.8 GM at center.
It took me so many copies to find it. Don't sell it.
Fred Miranda wrote
sismailian wrote
Damn, 7 copies of the 12-24 F4? That's crazy. I think I would give up after 3 triesIt's still a great lens. This copy was slightly sharper than the FE 16-35/2.8 GM at center.
It took me so many copies to find it. Don't sell it.
Sep 01, 2020 at 10:47 AM
p.12 #16Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
Most were loans and rentals though. The 16-35/4 ZA and 16-35/2.8 GM did not do well in variance either.This is why I have your perfect 16-35 ZA Fred It's still a great lens. This copy was slightly sharper than the FE 16-35/2.8 GM at center.
It took me so many copies to find it. Don't sell it.
Oh I'm not! I have that and your Contax 35-70 too. I'm going to add a 100-300 and I have myself a pretty awesome light weight kit that works for me. I don't think I've ever printed bigger than 20x16 so for more lenses it's about application now.
I do a ton of Astro but I don't think I'll ever shot much at 12 2.8. Maybe one or two things, but that's want lensrentals is for. Plus you could do a little pano with a slight wider lens if needed.
Chris
Schlotkins wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
sismailian wrote
Damn, 7 copies of the 12-24 F4? That's crazy. I think I would give up after 3 triesIt took me so many copies to find it. Don't sell it.
Oh I'm not! I have that and your Contax 35-70 too. I'm going to add a 100-300 and I have myself a pretty awesome light weight kit that works for me. I don't think I've ever printed bigger than 20x16 so for more lenses it's about application now.
I do a ton of Astro but I don't think I'll ever shot much at 12 2.8. Maybe one or two things, but that's want lensrentals is for. Plus you could do a little pano with a slight wider lens if needed.
Chris
Sep 01, 2020 at 11:34 AM
p.12 #17Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Schlotkins wrote:
Most were loans and rentals though. The 16-35/4 ZA and 16-35/2.8 GM did not do well in variance either.This is why I have your perfect 16-35 ZA Fred It's still a great lens. This copy was slightly sharper than the FE 16-35/2.8 GM at center.
It took me so many copies to find it. Don't sell it.Oh I'm not! I have that and your Contax 35-70 too. I'm going to add a 100-300 and I have myself a pretty awesome light weight kit that works for me. I don't think I've ever printed bigger than 20x16 so for more lenses it's about application now.
I do a ton of Astro but I don't think I'll ever shot much at 12 2.8. Maybe one or two things, but that's want lensrentals is for. Plus you could do a little pano with a slight wider lens if needed. Chris
Hi Chris,
IMO, the Contax 100-300 VS is still a top landscape lens. Just watch for haze in the rear element which is very common with this lens.
Fred Miranda wrote
Schlotkins wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
sismailian wrote
Damn, 7 copies of the 12-24 F4? That's crazy. I think I would give up after 3 triesIt took me so many copies to find it. Don't sell it.
I do a ton of Astro but I don't think I'll ever shot much at 12 2.8. Maybe one or two things, but that's want lensrentals is for. Plus you could do a little pano with a slight wider lens if needed. Chris
Hi Chris,
IMO, the Contax 100-300 VS is still a top landscape lens. Just watch for haze in the rear element which is very common with this lens.
Sep 05, 2020 at 09:39 AM
p.12 #18Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
From Aurora: (regarding rear magnetic ND filters for the 12-24mm f/2.8 GM)
"Hi Fred,
Thank you for the heads up.
We will communicate more frequently in Kickstarter about the progress.
BTW, we are changing the Sony 12-24/4 adapter design so the filters will be compatible with the new Sony 12-24/2.8."
"Hi Fred,
Thank you for the heads up.
We will communicate more frequently in Kickstarter about the progress.
BTW, we are changing the Sony 12-24/4 adapter design so the filters will be compatible with the new Sony 12-24/2.8."
Sep 06, 2020 at 09:45 AM
p.12 #20Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Received my replacement GM today, and this second one is much better centered (one somewhat weaker corner at the wide end but essentially perfect at the long end).
As Fred has demonstrated flare control is noticeably better than the Sigma, and as much as I love the Sigma, that will be the main reason for switching to the GM for me because it means even less lens changes in the field. Sharpness wise I doubt I will see any difference in my landscapes.
One thing I did notice in my brief test of the lens so far was some focus shift in the corners when I compared infinity focus at F2.8 and F5.6. It doens't affect me personally because I always focus at "taking aperture", but if you prefer to focus wide open and then stop down it might.
As Fred has demonstrated flare control is noticeably better than the Sigma, and as much as I love the Sigma, that will be the main reason for switching to the GM for me because it means even less lens changes in the field. Sharpness wise I doubt I will see any difference in my landscapes.
One thing I did notice in my brief test of the lens so far was some focus shift in the corners when I compared infinity focus at F2.8 and F5.6. It doens't affect me personally because I always focus at "taking aperture", but if you prefer to focus wide open and then stop down it might.
Sep 06, 2020 at 08:50 PM