Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
p.23 #1Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Looks great Fred. Curious about your test results at 12mm.
Jan 08, 2021 at 03:06 PM
p.23 #2Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
<font size=5>21mm</font>
EXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Thanks Fred. I know you thought very highly of this particular copy of the Loxa 21 because it has minimal FC, so it's impressive to see that pretty much across the entire frame the GM zoom is still better.
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...
<font size=5>21mm</font>
EXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8
Thanks Fred. I know you thought very highly of this particular copy of the Loxa 21 because it has minimal FC, so it's impressive to see that pretty much across the entire frame the GM zoom is still better.
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...
Jan 08, 2021 at 10:45 PM
p.23 #3Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Bobu wrote:
Looks great Fred. Curious about your test results at 12mm.
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rvh23 wrote:
EXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8Thanks Fred. I know you thought very highly of this particular copy of the Loxa 21 because it has minimal FC, so it's impressive to see that pretty much across the entire frame the GM zoom is still better.
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...
How the FE 12-24/2.8 GM performs at 12mm? It's here in the comparison with the CV 12/5.6 III:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/0#15320732
Looks great Fred. Curious about your test results at 12mm.
---------------------------------------------
rvh23 wrote:
Fred Miranda wrote
21mmEXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...
How the FE 12-24/2.8 GM performs at 12mm? It's here in the comparison with the CV 12/5.6 III:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/0#15320732
Jan 08, 2021 at 11:03 PM
p.23 #4Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Looks like you got a really good copy Fred. Better hold on to it!! 
Going back out with the beast tomorrow and this time with the Nisi S6 filter + GND filter I got and polarizer. Not sure if I'll use it since I plan on testing the sony 24-70 2.8 GM and sigma 24-70 2.8 dg dn against each other in landscape settings.
Another great image I got with the 12-24 that I forgot to post. Didn't really bother focus stacking since the light was so good for a short time
15mm F10
Going back out with the beast tomorrow and this time with the Nisi S6 filter + GND filter I got and polarizer. Not sure if I'll use it since I plan on testing the sony 24-70 2.8 GM and sigma 24-70 2.8 dg dn against each other in landscape settings.
Another great image I got with the 12-24 that I forgot to post. Didn't really bother focus stacking since the light was so good for a short time
15mm F10
Jan 08, 2021 at 11:35 PM
p.23 #5Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
rvh23 wrote:
EXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8Thanks Fred. I know you thought very highly of this particular copy of the Loxa 21 because it has minimal FC, so it's impressive to see that pretty much across the entire frame the GM zoom is still better.
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...
The 12-24/2.8 GM is a beast. Perfect match for a high megapixel sensor. It's amazing the high frequency detail it captures even at the long range.
Fred Miranda wrote
21mmEXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...
The 12-24/2.8 GM is a beast. Perfect match for a high megapixel sensor. It's amazing the high frequency detail it captures even at the long range.
Jan 08, 2021 at 11:42 PM
p.23 #6Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
---------------------------------------------
EXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8Thanks Fred. I know you thought very highly of this particular copy of the Loxa 21 because it has minimal FC, so it's impressive to see that pretty much across the entire frame the GM zoom is still better.
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...How the FE 12-24/2.8 GM performs at 12mm? It's here in the comparison with the CV 12/5.6 III:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/0#15320732
Sure, I know how lens performs at 12mm when you look at a good corner (and corner focus to avoid FC effects). It's very good indeed then, even if not quite as spectacular as for the rest of the focal range.
I was more interested in how well 'centered' your particular copy is at that focal length. It's the focal length where I saw the largest sample variation in the corners, with nearly all the copies I tried showing various degrees of decentering (even after correcting for tilt).
As you also discovered, at 12mm field curvature is quite pronounced too, and even stopped down focusing needs to be done with a little more care at that focal length.
But yes, overall, it is indeed a beast of a lens.
Bobu wrote
Looks great Fred. Curious about your test results at 12mm.rvh23 wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
<font size=5>21mm</font>EXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/0#15320732
Sure, I know how lens performs at 12mm when you look at a good corner (and corner focus to avoid FC effects). It's very good indeed then, even if not quite as spectacular as for the rest of the focal range.
I was more interested in how well 'centered' your particular copy is at that focal length. It's the focal length where I saw the largest sample variation in the corners, with nearly all the copies I tried showing various degrees of decentering (even after correcting for tilt).
As you also discovered, at 12mm field curvature is quite pronounced too, and even stopped down focusing needs to be done with a little more care at that focal length.
But yes, overall, it is indeed a beast of a lens.
Jan 09, 2021 at 03:05 AM
p.23 #7Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
rvh23 wrote:
I was more interested in how well 'centered' your particular copy is at that focal length. It's the focal length where I saw the largest sample variation in the corners, with nearly all the copies I tried showing various degrees of decentering
Me too
Jan 09, 2021 at 03:21 AM
p.23 #8Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
BrandonSi wrote:
Speaking of copies.. I hesitate to ask this.. what do you think of the results here? This is f/4 @ 12mm. I feel like it's pretty solid but this is my first time checking a lens like this.
looks like not a perfect copy, maybe.
(mightbe worse than my F4 copy)
curious about the tests of Fred's incoming copy
Speaking of copies.. I hesitate to ask this.. what do you think of the results here? This is f/4 @ 12mm. I feel like it's pretty solid but this is my first time checking a lens like this.
looks like not a perfect copy, maybe.
(mightbe worse than my F4 copy)
curious about the tests of Fred's incoming copy
Jan 09, 2021 at 07:12 AM
p.23 #9Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
rvh23 wrote:
---------------------------------------------
EXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8Thanks Fred. I know you thought very highly of this particular copy of the Loxa 21 because it has minimal FC, so it's impressive to see that pretty much across the entire frame the GM zoom is still better.
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...How the FE 12-24/2.8 GM performs at 12mm? It's here in the comparison with the CV 12/5.6 III:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/0#15320732Sure, I know how lens performs at 12mm when you look at a good corner (and corner focus to avoid FC effects). It's very good indeed then, even if not quite as spectacular as for the rest of the focal range.
I was more interested in how well 'centered' your particular copy is at that focal length. It's the focal length where I saw the largest sample variation in the corners, with nearly all the copies I tried showing various degrees of decentering (even after correcting for tilt).
As you also discovered, at 12mm field curvature is quite pronounced too,...Show more →
---------------------------------------------
Bobu wrote:
Me too
The copy I received (already returned) is horribly tilted from 12-16mm but looks perfect at 21-24mm. That's the nature of zooms...
Fred Miranda wrote
Bobu wrote
Looks great Fred. Curious about your test results at 12mm.rvh23 wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
21mmEXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/0#15320732
I was more interested in how well 'centered' your particular copy is at that focal length. It's the focal length where I saw the largest sample variation in the corners, with nearly all the copies I tried showing various degrees of decentering (even after correcting for tilt).
As you also discovered, at 12mm field curvature is quite pronounced too,...Show more →
---------------------------------------------
Bobu wrote:
rvh23 wrote
I was more interested in how well 'centered' your particular copy is at that focal length. It's the focal length where I saw the largest sample variation in the corners, with nearly all the copies I tried showing various degrees of decenteringThe copy I received (already returned) is horribly tilted from 12-16mm but looks perfect at 21-24mm. That's the nature of zooms...
Jan 09, 2021 at 09:32 AM
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p.23 #11Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
The copy I received (already returned) is horribly tilted from 12-16mm but looks perfect at 21-24mm. That's the nature of zooms...
Thanks Fred. The copy I tried was also nearly perfect at >16mm and had some problems in the range 12-16mm. Sadly this seems to happen quite often.
The copy I received (already returned) is horribly tilted from 12-16mm but looks perfect at 21-24mm. That's the nature of zooms...
Thanks Fred. The copy I tried was also nearly perfect at >16mm and had some problems in the range 12-16mm. Sadly this seems to happen quite often.
Jan 09, 2021 at 11:06 AM
p.23 #12Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
rvh23 wrote:
Thanks Fred, that's much appreciated. I've settled on about F14 as my preferred sunstar aperture with this lens, where at a pinch some sharpening in post can bring the sunstar shot more in line with the rest of my focus stack taken typically at F7.1-F8. The only lens I can imagine displacing this one from my kit is one with comparable range, IQ, and flare resistance, but with 10 or 12 straight aperture blades. Not likley to happen anytime soon unfortunately.
It looks like Laowa will release a 12-24/5.6 FF zoom very soon. It could be equipped with their 5-blade aperture mechanism which means 10-point defined sunstars.
Fred Miranda wrote
Absolutely love this image Richard. Very attractive sunstar and great composition.It looks like Laowa will release a 12-24/5.6 FF zoom very soon. It could be equipped with their 5-blade aperture mechanism which means 10-point defined sunstars.
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Jan 09, 2021 at 12:09 PM
p.23 #13Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
Thanks Fred, that's much appreciated. I've settled on about F14 as my preferred sunstar aperture with this lens, where at a pinch some sharpening in post can bring the sunstar shot more in line with the rest of my focus stack taken typically at F7.1-F8. The only lens I can imagine displacing this one from my kit is one with comparable range, IQ, and flare resistance, but with 10 or 12 straight aperture blades. Not likley to happen anytime soon unfortunately.It looks like Laowa will release a 12-24/5.6 FF zoom very soon. It could be equipped with their 5-blade aperture mechanism which means 10-point defined sunstars.
That does sound rather interesting for stopped down landscapes. But to take advantage of the straight blades, flare control would have to be comparable to the Sony to tempt me, and that's a big ask. Also, in terms of IQ so far only Sony and Sigma seem to have managed to produce lenses that have truly sharp corners below 18mm on the A7r4. But who knows, maybe that's about to change...
rvh23 wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Absolutely love this image Richard. Very attractive sunstar and great composition.That does sound rather interesting for stopped down landscapes. But to take advantage of the straight blades, flare control would have to be comparable to the Sony to tempt me, and that's a big ask. Also, in terms of IQ so far only Sony and Sigma seem to have managed to produce lenses that have truly sharp corners below 18mm on the A7r4. But who knows, maybe that's about to change...
Jan 09, 2021 at 03:41 PM
p.23 #14Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
---------------------------------------------
EXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8Thanks Fred. I know you thought very highly of this particular copy of the Loxa 21 because it has minimal FC, so it's impressive to see that pretty much across the entire frame the GM zoom is still better.
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...How the FE 12-24/2.8 GM performs at 12mm? It's here in the comparison with the CV 12/5.6 III:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/0#15320732Sure, I know how lens performs at 12mm when you look at a good corner (and corner focus to avoid FC effects). It's very good indeed then, even if not quite as spectacular as for the rest of the focal range.
I was more interested in how well 'centered' your particular copy is at that focal length. It's the focal length where I saw the largest sample variation in the corners, with nearly all the copies I tried showing various degrees of decentering (even after correcting for tilt).
As you also discovered, at 12mm field curvature is quite pronounced too, and even stopped down focusing needs to be done with a little more care at that focal length.
But yes, overall, it is indeed a beast of a lens.---------------------------------------------
Me tooThe copy I received (already returned) is horribly tilted from 12-16mm but looks perfect at 21-24mm. That's the nature of zooms...
And perhaps particularly a zoom that includes 12mm. It appears much harder to get a good 12-24 GM than a good Sigma 14-24 DN.
It also seems these two lens designs are optimised for different regions. The GMs tend to have issues more often at the wide end, and the Sigmas at the long end.
rvh23 wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Bobu wrote
Looks great Fred. Curious about your test results at 12mm.rvh23 wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
<font size=5>21mm</font>EXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/0#15320732
I was more interested in how well 'centered' your particular copy is at that focal length. It's the focal length where I saw the largest sample variation in the corners, with nearly all the copies I tried showing various degrees of decentering (even after correcting for tilt).
As you also discovered, at 12mm field curvature is quite pronounced too, and even stopped down focusing needs to be done with a little more care at that focal length.
But yes, overall, it is indeed a beast of a lens.
Bobu wrote
rvh23 wrote
I was more interested in how well 'centered' your particular copy is at that focal length. It's the focal length where I saw the largest sample variation in the corners, with nearly all the copies I tried showing various degrees of decenteringAnd perhaps particularly a zoom that includes 12mm. It appears much harder to get a good 12-24 GM than a good Sigma 14-24 DN.
It also seems these two lens designs are optimised for different regions. The GMs tend to have issues more often at the wide end, and the Sigmas at the long end.
Jan 09, 2021 at 03:45 PM
p.23 #15Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Still working through the editing on this one but figured I'd share since today was the first time in a week or so I've been able to get out to shoot. I probably won't be finished and happy with this guy for at least another week or so.
@12mm
@12mm
Jan 09, 2021 at 06:03 PM
p.23 #16Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Order is placed.My copy of the GM 12-24/2.8 should arrive within a week.
Jan 12, 2021 at 08:36 AM
p.23 #17Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
---------------------------------------------
EXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8Thanks Fred. I know you thought very highly of this particular copy of the Loxa 21 because it has minimal FC, so it's impressive to see that pretty much across the entire frame the GM zoom is still better.
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...How the FE 12-24/2.8 GM performs at 12mm? It's here in the comparison with the CV 12/5.6 III:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/0#15320732Sure, I know how lens performs at 12mm when you look at a good corner (and corner focus to avoid FC effects). It's very good indeed then, even if not quite as spectacular as for the rest of the focal range.
I was more interested in how well 'centered' your particular copy is at that focal length. It's the focal length where I saw the largest sample variation in the corners, with nearly all the copies I tried showing various degrees of decentering (even after correcting for tilt).
As you also discovered, at 12mm field curvature is quite pronounced too, and even stopped down focusing needs to be done with a little more care at that focal length.
But yes, overall, it is indeed a beast of a lens.---------------------------------------------
Me tooThe copy I received (already returned) is horribly tilted from 12-16mm but looks perfect at 21-24mm. That's the nature of zooms...
Hi Fred
Just like to know, when will your 2nd copy arrive?
rvh23 wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Bobu wrote
Looks great Fred. Curious about your test results at 12mm.rvh23 wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
<font size=5>21mm</font>EXTREME CORNER resolution/contrast comparison between Sony 12-24/2.8 GM @12mm vs Loxia 21mm f/2.8
I'm curious too to hear how it performs at 12mm too, although I think I can probably guess...
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/0#15320732
I was more interested in how well 'centered' your particular copy is at that focal length. It's the focal length where I saw the largest sample variation in the corners, with nearly all the copies I tried showing various degrees of decentering (even after correcting for tilt).
As you also discovered, at 12mm field curvature is quite pronounced too, and even stopped down focusing needs to be done with a little more care at that focal length.
But yes, overall, it is indeed a beast of a lens.
Bobu wrote
rvh23 wrote
I was more interested in how well 'centered' your particular copy is at that focal length. It's the focal length where I saw the largest sample variation in the corners, with nearly all the copies I tried showing various degrees of decenteringHi Fred
Just like to know, when will your 2nd copy arrive?
Jan 13, 2021 at 08:22 AM
p.23 #18Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Finally got around to finishing that edit.
Anyway.. I'm struggling a bit with paying the NiSi S6 tax.. I've got a solid set of 100mm filters that work with my Lee Foundation kit. Big stopper, little stopper, various grads, reverse grads.. it's pretty complete.
Now to go 150mm for the S6 I'm looking at well over $1k. For those of you who did step up to 150mm filters, what mounting system are you using for your other lenses? Are you sticking with the NiSi 150mm "square" filters and holder or did you get another brand's filters / holder? I know Lee makes 150mm, so does Formatt hitech..
At the minimum I'm going to need the CPL, then a IRND @ 1.8 and 3.0, then a 2 or 3 stop soft grad in 150mm. Ideally a reverse grad too.. going to add up. Makes me want to stick with my 16-35 GM :/
Anyway.. I'm struggling a bit with paying the NiSi S6 tax.. I've got a solid set of 100mm filters that work with my Lee Foundation kit. Big stopper, little stopper, various grads, reverse grads.. it's pretty complete.
Now to go 150mm for the S6 I'm looking at well over $1k. For those of you who did step up to 150mm filters, what mounting system are you using for your other lenses? Are you sticking with the NiSi 150mm "square" filters and holder or did you get another brand's filters / holder? I know Lee makes 150mm, so does Formatt hitech..
At the minimum I'm going to need the CPL, then a IRND @ 1.8 and 3.0, then a 2 or 3 stop soft grad in 150mm. Ideally a reverse grad too.. going to add up. Makes me want to stick with my 16-35 GM :/
Jan 17, 2021 at 02:27 PM
p.23 #19Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Well to those discouraged with the apparent copy variance concerns on the Sony 12-24 f/1.2 GM, I can tell you that it isn't always the case that you will need to buy and test multiple copies. I decided to order one for examination from B&H and if it was poorly centered I would return it and stick with my excellent Sigma 14-24 DG DN. I really wanted the extra 12mm focal length, the better flare performance and nicer sunstars of the Sony. Well I can say it was a resounding success and the Sony was very well centered at 12mm, 18mm, 20mm and 24mm. I performed Fred's tough centering test and this lens is a keeper on the first try.
Jan 21, 2021 at 09:21 AM
p.23 #20Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Chuck Coyne wrote:
Well to those discouraged with the apparent copy variance concerns on the Sony 12-24 f/1.2 GM, I can tell you that it isn't always the case that you will need to buy and test multiple copies. I decided to order one for examination from B&H and if it was poorly centered I would return it and stick with my excellent Sigma 14-24 DG DN. I really wanted the extra 12mm focal length, the better flare performance and nicer sunstars of the Sony. Well I can say it was a resounding success and the Sony was very well centered at...Show more →
I'm not entirely sold on copy variance concerns with this lens being sound. We've got such a small (and biased) sample size going here in the first place. Congrats on getting a copy that you're happy with!
Well to those discouraged with the apparent copy variance concerns on the Sony 12-24 f/1.2 GM, I can tell you that it isn't always the case that you will need to buy and test multiple copies. I decided to order one for examination from B&H and if it was poorly centered I would return it and stick with my excellent Sigma 14-24 DG DN. I really wanted the extra 12mm focal length, the better flare performance and nicer sunstars of the Sony. Well I can say it was a resounding success and the Sony was very well centered at...Show more →
I'm not entirely sold on copy variance concerns with this lens being sound. We've got such a small (and biased) sample size going here in the first place. Congrats on getting a copy that you're happy with!
Jan 21, 2021 at 09:27 AM