Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
p.8 #1Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Sunstar Rendering 2: Sony FE 12-24/2.8 GM's Sunstar shape and definition from f/2.8 to f/22
Aug 23, 2020 at 12:57 PM
p.8 #2Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Cont...
I find that starting at f/9, sunstar definition is good, f/11-16 very good and at f/18-22 it's excellent.
I find that starting at f/9, sunstar definition is good, f/11-16 very good and at f/18-22 it's excellent.
Aug 23, 2020 at 01:00 PM
p.8 #3Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
Judging from the new filter set images, it looks like Haida used the same glass thickness as the one designed for the Sigma 14-24, which means induced field curvature will be very noticeable because the glass is too thick at 0.5m. Hopefully they changed the thickness to 0.3m which both Aurora and Kase rear ND filters have.
Anybody using the Aurora system and if so, any review or feedback? I am still using the Kase and very happy with it.
rvh23 wrote
Haida has announced what looks like a solution for rear glass filters for the 12-24 GM. Hopefully other manufacturers will too, although FC will need to be evaluated. It may be the case Sony didn't provide an option for glass filters for a reason....Anybody using the Aurora system and if so, any review or feedback? I am still using the Kase and very happy with it.
Aug 23, 2020 at 01:47 PM
p.8 #4Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
Cont...
Thanks Fred, that's very comprehensive. Do you know if the Sony's blades are straighter than the SIgma's to achieve the better definition?
First time I've seen examples of somewhat more pronounced ghosts from this lens too. More generally Sony seem to have done a remarkable job in terms of flare resistance despite that very large front element.
I agree with you about the CV 12 point stars, as opposed to 10, being pretty much optimal. But I'm reluctant to carry the largish 21/1.4 in addition to one of these two zooms.
Cont...
Thanks Fred, that's very comprehensive. Do you know if the Sony's blades are straighter than the SIgma's to achieve the better definition?
First time I've seen examples of somewhat more pronounced ghosts from this lens too. More generally Sony seem to have done a remarkable job in terms of flare resistance despite that very large front element.
I agree with you about the CV 12 point stars, as opposed to 10, being pretty much optimal. But I'm reluctant to carry the largish 21/1.4 in addition to one of these two zooms.
Aug 23, 2020 at 04:56 PM
p.8 #5Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
rvh23 wrote:
Thanks Fred, that's very comprehensive. Do you know if the Sony's blades are straighter than the SIgma's to achieve the better definition?
First time I've seen examples of somewhat more pronounced ghosts from this lens too. More generally Sony seem to have done a remarkable job in terms of flare resistance despite that very large front element.
I agree with you about the CV 12 point stars, as opposed to 10, being pretty much optimal. But I'm reluctant to carry the largish 21/1.4 in addition to one of these two zooms.
The aperture blades for both lenses look round but the Sigma has 2 extra blades which may contribute to the better definition at f/9-11.
Fred Miranda wrote
Cont...First time I've seen examples of somewhat more pronounced ghosts from this lens too. More generally Sony seem to have done a remarkable job in terms of flare resistance despite that very large front element.
I agree with you about the CV 12 point stars, as opposed to 10, being pretty much optimal. But I'm reluctant to carry the largish 21/1.4 in addition to one of these two zooms.
The aperture blades for both lenses look round but the Sigma has 2 extra blades which may contribute to the better definition at f/9-11.
Aug 23, 2020 at 05:00 PM
p.8 #6Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
The specifications for both lenses show the exact same MFD at 0.28m and maximum magnification of 1.4x but the Sigma focuses much closer than the Sony in both AF and MF throughout the entire range. It has noticeably higher reproduction ratio.
Aug 23, 2020 at 05:23 PM
p.8 #7Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Out of focus Rendering comparison
Sigma 14-24/2.8 vs. Sony 12-24/2.8 at 14mm and MFD for each lens:
Sigma on top. Since the Sigma can focus closer at MFD (despite both lenses sharing identical MFD specs), therefore there is more blur for the Sigma image
Center at MFD: Sigma showing more blur at MFD since it can focus closer than the GM
Center at MFD: Sigma showing more blur at MFD since it can focus closer than the GM
Sigma 14-24/2.8 vs. Sony 12-24/2.8 at 14mm and MFD for each lens:
Sigma on top. Since the Sigma can focus closer at MFD (despite both lenses sharing identical MFD specs), therefore there is more blur for the Sigma image
Center at MFD: Sigma showing more blur at MFD since it can focus closer than the GM
Center at MFD: Sigma showing more blur at MFD since it can focus closer than the GM
Aug 23, 2020 at 06:23 PM
p.8 #8Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Sony 12-24/2.8 at MFD (12mm vs 14mm):
Sony MFD background rendering: @14mm (top image) and @12mm (bottom image)
Center crop: @14mm the FE 12-24/2.8 GM's rendering is slightly smoother at MFD
Corner crop: @14mm the FE 12-24/2.8 GM's rendering is slightly smoother at MFD
Sony MFD background rendering: @14mm (top image) and @12mm (bottom image)
Center crop: @14mm the FE 12-24/2.8 GM's rendering is slightly smoother at MFD
Corner crop: @14mm the FE 12-24/2.8 GM's rendering is slightly smoother at MFD
Aug 23, 2020 at 06:27 PM
p.8 #9Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Sigma 14-24/2.8 vs. Sony 12-24/2.8 at 24mm and mid-distance for each lens: (1.85m)
Sony 12-24/2.8 GM on TOP
Center crop: @24mm the Sigma's rendering is slightly smoother at center
Corner crop: @24mm the Sony's rendering is significantly smoother at corner
Sony 12-24/2.8 GM on TOP
Center crop: @24mm the Sigma's rendering is slightly smoother at center
Corner crop: @24mm the Sony's rendering is significantly smoother at corner
Aug 23, 2020 at 06:30 PM
p.8 #10Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Minimal Focus Distance performance
Let's start by comparison the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM at 12mm and 14mm (MFD):
Sony @12mm: At f/2.8 shows already high resolution at MFD. It improves at f/4 where it's optimal
Sony @14mm: At f/2.8 shows already high resolution at MFD. It improves at f/4 where it's optimal
Sony @24mm: At f/2.8 is very good improving at f/4
Sony @24mm: There is an improvement from f/4 to f/5.6 at MFD
Let's start by comparison the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM at 12mm and 14mm (MFD):
Sony @12mm: At f/2.8 shows already high resolution at MFD. It improves at f/4 where it's optimal
Sony @14mm: At f/2.8 shows already high resolution at MFD. It improves at f/4 where it's optimal
Sony @24mm: At f/2.8 is very good improving at f/4
Sony @24mm: There is an improvement from f/4 to f/5.6 at MFD
Aug 23, 2020 at 07:22 PM
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p.8 #11Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
As a comparison, here is the Sigma 14-24/2.8 DG DN at MFD (14mm and 24mm):
Sigma @14mm (MFD): it's already great wide open, improving slightly at f/4 where it's optimal (no changes to f/5.6)
Sigma @14mm (MFD): it's already great wide open, improving slightly at f/4 where it's optimal (no changes to f/5.6)
Aug 23, 2020 at 07:24 PM
p.8 #12Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Here is a last comparison showing how much closer the Sigma 14-24/2.8 DG DN Art can focus at 14m (minimal focus distance) compared to the Sony. The Sigma will have a higher reproduction ratio.
Both lenses at 14mm and MFD (no significant change in MFD at 12mm). The Sigma can focus way closer despite both lenses having similar MFD specs...
Both lenses at 14mm and MFD (no significant change in MFD at 12mm). The Sigma can focus way closer despite both lenses having similar MFD specs...
Aug 23, 2020 at 07:32 PM
p.8 #13Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
The specifications for both lenses show the exact same MFD at 0.28m and maximum magnification of 1.4x but the Sigma focuses much closer than the Sony in both AF and MF throughout the entire range. It has noticeably higher reproduction ratio.
That's a significant plus for the Sigma not just for photographing smaller objects, but potentially also for extreme near-far focus-stacked landscapes. It's odd the specs quote the same MFD. Do you have a rough idea on what you think they actually are?
** I just had a quick look at my Sigma, and ballpark I think MFD its not much over 20cm at the wide end and maybe 23cm at the long end.
Edited on Aug 23, 2020 at 07:55 PM · View previous versions
The specifications for both lenses show the exact same MFD at 0.28m and maximum magnification of 1.4x but the Sigma focuses much closer than the Sony in both AF and MF throughout the entire range. It has noticeably higher reproduction ratio.
That's a significant plus for the Sigma not just for photographing smaller objects, but potentially also for extreme near-far focus-stacked landscapes. It's odd the specs quote the same MFD. Do you have a rough idea on what you think they actually are?
** I just had a quick look at my Sigma, and ballpark I think MFD its not much over 20cm at the wide end and maybe 23cm at the long end.
Edited on Aug 23, 2020 at 07:55 PM · View previous versions
Aug 23, 2020 at 07:46 PM
p.8 #14Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
rvh23 wrote:
That's a significant plus for the Sigma not just for photographing smaller objects, but potentially also for extreme near-far focus-stacked landscapes. It's odd the specs quote the same MFD. Do you have a rough idea on what you think they actually are?
I didn't measure it but I can focus significantly closer with the Sigma at all FLs. At first I thought it was in AF mode only but it's the case for both MF and AF.
Fred Miranda wrote
The specifications for both lenses show the exact same MFD at 0.28m and maximum magnification of 1.4x but the Sigma focuses much closer than the Sony in both AF and MF throughout the entire range. It has noticeably higher reproduction ratio.I didn't measure it but I can focus significantly closer with the Sigma at all FLs. At first I thought it was in AF mode only but it's the case for both MF and AF.
Aug 23, 2020 at 07:49 PM
p.8 #15Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Roughly at 14mm for both lenses, MFD is ~8 inches from subject to sensor for the Sigma and ~2.5 inches further for the Sony. This translates to a higher reproduction ratio for the Sigma as seen here:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/7#15325963
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/7#15325963
Aug 23, 2020 at 07:54 PM
p.8 #16Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
Roughly at 14mm for both lenses, MFD is ~8 inches from subject to sensor for the Sigma and ~2.5 inches further for the Sony. This translates to a higher reproduction ratio for the Sigma as seen here:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/7#15325963
Yes, that's what I get for my Sigma at the wide end too. And at the long end a little over 9". I wonder why Sigma are specifying 11".
Roughly at 14mm for both lenses, MFD is ~8 inches from subject to sensor for the Sigma and ~2.5 inches further for the Sony. This translates to a higher reproduction ratio for the Sigma as seen here:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1659827/7#15325963
Yes, that's what I get for my Sigma at the wide end too. And at the long end a little over 9". I wonder why Sigma are specifying 11".
Aug 23, 2020 at 07:57 PM
p.8 #17Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Finally some sample photos for people to enjoy 
I didn't really do much editing to them at all. Not at home PC that has all my tools I use.
12mm F11 (resized to 2048)
12mm F/10 (resized to 2048)
12mm F10 (resized to 2048)
12mm F11 (resized to 2048)
12mm F8 (resized to 2048)
Edited on Aug 24, 2020 at 10:42 AM · View previous versions
I didn't really do much editing to them at all. Not at home PC that has all my tools I use.12mm F11 (resized to 2048)
12mm F/10 (resized to 2048)
12mm F10 (resized to 2048)
12mm F11 (resized to 2048)
12mm F8 (resized to 2048)
Edited on Aug 24, 2020 at 10:42 AM · View previous versions
Aug 24, 2020 at 01:10 AM
p.8 #18Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
This thread is not complete without head portrait comparison at 14mm
Aug 24, 2020 at 09:57 AM
p.8 #19Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Distortion at 12mm, 14mm and 24mm
Ultra wide zooms usually have moderate to severe barrel distortion at the widest FL and noticeable pincushion distortion at the end of the range.
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 performs very well in regards to distortion control. It has low distortion at 12mm (almost matching the Voigtlander 12mm f/5.6 III prime), no barrel distortion at 14mm and slightly less pincushion distortion compared to the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art.
Distortion and vignetting correction was turned off in-camera and in-post for all lenses. This is a great way to compare their vignetting control at f/5.6. Also, notice flare resistance since the sun was above the garage door and the lenses were swapped in a matter of seconds. I see ghosting or the Voigtlander and Sigma and zero ghosting for the Sony GM.
Distortion at 12mm
Sony FE 12-24/2.8 GM vs Voigtlander 12mm f/5.6 III
Sony FE 12-24/2.8 GM (TOP) vs Voigtlander 12mm f/5.6 III (BOTTOM): The Voigtlander prime shows slightly less barrel distortion. This is a great performance at 12mm for an ultra wide zoom. Notice the better flare resistance + lower vignetting for the Sony
Ultra wide zooms usually have moderate to severe barrel distortion at the widest FL and noticeable pincushion distortion at the end of the range.
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 performs very well in regards to distortion control. It has low distortion at 12mm (almost matching the Voigtlander 12mm f/5.6 III prime), no barrel distortion at 14mm and slightly less pincushion distortion compared to the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art.
Distortion and vignetting correction was turned off in-camera and in-post for all lenses. This is a great way to compare their vignetting control at f/5.6. Also, notice flare resistance since the sun was above the garage door and the lenses were swapped in a matter of seconds. I see ghosting or the Voigtlander and Sigma and zero ghosting for the Sony GM.
Distortion at 12mm
Sony FE 12-24/2.8 GM vs Voigtlander 12mm f/5.6 III
Sony FE 12-24/2.8 GM (TOP) vs Voigtlander 12mm f/5.6 III (BOTTOM): The Voigtlander prime shows slightly less barrel distortion. This is a great performance at 12mm for an ultra wide zoom. Notice the better flare resistance + lower vignetting for the Sony
Aug 24, 2020 at 12:08 PM
p.8 #20Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Review
Distortion at 14mm
Sony FE 12-24/2.8 GM vs Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
Sony FE 12-24/2.8 GM (TOP) vs Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (BOTTOM): The Sigma shows noticeable barrel distortion and higher vignetting at 14mm f/5.6
Sony FE 12-24/2.8 GM vs Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art
Sony FE 12-24/2.8 GM (TOP) vs Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (BOTTOM): The Sigma shows noticeable barrel distortion and higher vignetting at 14mm f/5.6
Aug 24, 2020 at 12:09 PM