Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
p.1 #1Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
I tried again. I realize the technique is imperfect but significant decentering will show up. I included center 200% crops for comparison. I think this one is fairly even at 24 mm even if ironically it may be a tad less sharp than ver 1 (might be tough to tell due to lighting differences. Unlike ver 1 ver2 seems a tad softer at 70 mm on the right. Sigh. One good thing about the exchange, I noted the new sales price and B&H has a 30 day price guarantee so saved a bit of dosh. What do you think? I am less apt to use F2.8 at 70mm for landscapes and modest corner issue should not matter for portraits, but still it is an expensive lens in my world. Thanks for looking.
https://www.olyendomike.com/Sony-24-70-F28-GM-II-centering
https://www.olyendomike.com/Sony-24-70-F28-GM-II-centering
Jun 19, 2026 at 05:35 PM
p.1 #2Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
Zoom lenses, especially wide zooms, are known for optical flaws. That said I believe a G lens should be as expected, and a GM lens darn near perfect. To me, this one looks pretty good; not perfect, but pretty good. B&H is usually very good about getting you a good copy. Might be worth trying another copy, I think I would. But realistically this may be as good as they get. If so, Sony may need to revisit their GM designation.
Jun 19, 2026 at 06:14 PM
p.1 #3Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
Thank you for looking. I have time for 1 or two more exchanges before a trip. I worry about getting a worse copy. I have hopes of a large print this trip so the 200% crops are not meaningless. I don’t know what to expect as far as copy variability with this lens. I would appreciate any more opinions. I should get it to FedEx today, if possible, if that is the prudent option
Jun 20, 2026 at 04:52 AM
p.1 #4Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
I realize that my comments will likely not be very helpful, for you, but I am posting just for additional data points.
Based upon historical comments on various forums, this particular lens is fairly well known for de-centering problems. My copy was noticeably de-centered; however, in actual use (as apposed to testing) it yielded a lot of nice images with good sharpness.
I finally sold it and acquired the GM 28-70mm f2. What a difference! The f2 lens is a bit sharper, has noticeably more contrast, shows almost no de-centering and produces great bokeh! Highly recommended if you can absorb the cost and tolerate a few extra grams.
Based upon historical comments on various forums, this particular lens is fairly well known for de-centering problems. My copy was noticeably de-centered; however, in actual use (as apposed to testing) it yielded a lot of nice images with good sharpness.
I finally sold it and acquired the GM 28-70mm f2. What a difference! The f2 lens is a bit sharper, has noticeably more contrast, shows almost no de-centering and produces great bokeh! Highly recommended if you can absorb the cost and tolerate a few extra grams.
Jun 20, 2026 at 06:00 AM
p.1 #5Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
For the new copy, at 24mm the upper-right still looks a little soft. Your 70mm set doesn't have comparable detail in the four corners to perform an evaluation.
Jun 20, 2026 at 06:01 AM
p.1 #6Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
I tried multiple copies of the 24-70GMII, couldn’t get a good one, all were returned. I then tried the 28-70 F2 and managed to get a good one first time. I also got a good copy first time with the 24-50G.
Jun 20, 2026 at 06:48 AM
p.1 #7Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
InFocus2014 wrote:
I realize that my comments will likely not be very helpful, for you, but I am posting just for additional data points.
Based upon historical comments on various forums, this particular lens is fairly well known for de-centering problems. My copy was noticeably de-centered; however, in actual use (as apposed to testing) it yielded a lot of nice images with good sharpness.
I finally sold it and acquired the GM 28-70mm f2. What a difference! The f2 lens is a bit sharper, has noticeably more contrast, shows almost no de-centering and produces great bokeh! Highly recommended if you can absorb the cost...Show more →
No, that is helpful. Thank you.
Jun 20, 2026 at 08:54 AM
p.1 #8Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
snapsy wrote:
For the new copy, at 24mm the upper-right still looks a little soft. Your 70mm set doesn't have comparable detail in the four corners to perform an evaluation.
Please elaborate. I can try again.
The lens is a better travel lens than the 28-70 f2 and the 24 mm is useful. I don’t want to stand on ceremony using overly rigorous testo, but i wish large print capability and may use at 24mm for astro at F2.8. Thank you for commenting.
Jun 20, 2026 at 09:00 AM
p.1 #9Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
Michael Gordon wrote:
Please elaborate. I can try again.
The lens is a better travel lens than the 28-70 f2 and the 24 mm is useful. I don’t want to stand on ceremony using overly rigorous testo, but i wish large print capability and may use at 24mm for astro at F2.8. Thank you for commenting.
Position a small area of detail in the same extreme corner of each frame, something that's 320x320 at 2:1 perhaps. The spiky things at power line junctions are a good subject for this.
Also, if you could create a single composite image with images from all four corners, that would likely get a much bigger response of opinions.
snapsy wrote
For the new copy, at 24mm the upper-right still looks a little soft. Your 70mm set doesn't have comparable detail in the four corners to perform an evaluation.The lens is a better travel lens than the 28-70 f2 and the 24 mm is useful. I don’t want to stand on ceremony using overly rigorous testo, but i wish large print capability and may use at 24mm for astro at F2.8. Thank you for commenting.
Position a small area of detail in the same extreme corner of each frame, something that's 320x320 at 2:1 perhaps. The spiky things at power line junctions are a good subject for this.
Also, if you could create a single composite image with images from all four corners, that would likely get a much bigger response of opinions.
Jun 20, 2026 at 09:03 AM
|
p.1 #10Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
Here are the composites for version 2. I lifted the shadows to aid analysis. I think Snapsy is correct that the left is bit softer even at 24mm and 70mm I think clearly is. Our utilities are buried and won't likely have time to repeat due to crazy work schedule but my imperfect methodology imperfectly implemented still looks useful. I can drop off at FedEx if need be --getting close to a trip so need something within 2 weeks. I should have started earlier but did not anticipate finding an acceptable copy might be difficult.
https://www.olyendomike.com/Sony-24-70-F28-GM-II-centering/i-V5gnFZF/A
https://www.olyendomike.com/Sony-24-70-F28-GM-II-centering/i-hZkF6Sn/A
No need to flip through 4-5 images now but may need to enlarge. Appreciate any other comments.
https://www.olyendomike.com/Sony-24-70-F28-GM-II-centering/i-V5gnFZF/A
https://www.olyendomike.com/Sony-24-70-F28-GM-II-centering/i-hZkF6Sn/A
No need to flip through 4-5 images now but may need to enlarge. Appreciate any other comments.
Jun 20, 2026 at 04:19 PM
p.1 #11Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
I have the 3rd copy. It is not perfect, though suspect few are. The images are all 200% crops again of the extreme corners.
The 24 mm right upper and 70mm left lower look the worst to me. Perhaps it is good enough. It is easier to evaluate with the larger images at least for me. If one hits on the arrow in the gallery to the next, it only takes a minute to scroll through them. I used the same target at the same position so could compare copies.
https://www.olyendomike.com/Sony-24-70-F28-GM-II-centering/i-XzgNr8g/A
I remain on the fence. Appreciate any thoughts.
The 24 mm right upper and 70mm left lower look the worst to me. Perhaps it is good enough. It is easier to evaluate with the larger images at least for me. If one hits on the arrow in the gallery to the next, it only takes a minute to scroll through them. I used the same target at the same position so could compare copies.
https://www.olyendomike.com/Sony-24-70-F28-GM-II-centering/i-XzgNr8g/A
I remain on the fence. Appreciate any thoughts.
Jun 27, 2026 at 03:22 PM
p.1 #12Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
Have you considered a Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG DN, either version? Much cheaper and I suspect you'll find a copy with at least as good as symmetry as the GM's you're finding, albeit at a lower peak MTF.
Jun 27, 2026 at 05:04 PM
p.1 #13Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
I tried 3 copies of the 24-70 GMII, at different times and returned them all due to de-centering. I ended up buying the Sigma 24-70 II instead, and my copy is optically excellent.
Jun 27, 2026 at 06:31 PM
p.1 #14Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
If you can live with 28mm on the wide side, the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Gen II is surprisingly good. I'm sure it's nowhere near as good as the 28-70 F2 GM, but it is 1/3 the price and a fraction of the weight and size. I do think it is better than the 24-70 GM II especially when you factor in probability of decentering.
Jun 27, 2026 at 08:17 PM
p.1 #15Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
I don’t have this lens and I can understand how price size, weight and the limitations on the wide end can all be a negative, but the f/2.0 zoom is widely praised and the f/2.0 is a big plus. I went with a 24mm GM and the 50-150mm f/2.0 for travel and in all ways the Sony f/2.0 zooms are special.
Last week I received an email from B&H, which stated,” Thank you for being a loyal B&H customer!
Great news, B&H is offering Sony customers that have previously purchased the a1 II, a9 III, a7 V, a7 VM, a7R V or a7R6 mirrorless cameras an additional $300 off select Sony GM lenses.”.
They are still offering $300 off the F2 lenses. I just put the 28 -70 in my cart and the discount magically appeared. If you have any interest, I’m sure one of the sales reps would allow you to get the sale price, should you have purchase one of those cameras through B&H.
Last week I received an email from B&H, which stated,” Thank you for being a loyal B&H customer!
Great news, B&H is offering Sony customers that have previously purchased the a1 II, a9 III, a7 V, a7 VM, a7R V or a7R6 mirrorless cameras an additional $300 off select Sony GM lenses.”.
They are still offering $300 off the F2 lenses. I just put the 28 -70 in my cart and the discount magically appeared. If you have any interest, I’m sure one of the sales reps would allow you to get the sale price, should you have purchase one of those cameras through B&H.
Jun 27, 2026 at 08:27 PM
p.1 #16Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
Michael Gordon wrote:
I tried again. I realize the technique is imperfect but significant decentering will show up. I included center 200% crops for comparison. I think this one is fairly even at 24 mm even if ironically it may be a tad less sharp than ver 1 (might be tough to tell due to lighting differences. Unlike ver 1 ver2 seems a tad softer at 70 mm on the right. Sigh. One good thing about the exchange, I noted the new sales price and B&H has a 30 day price guarantee so saved a bit of dosh. What do you think?...Show more →
Answer 1: If you are not happy with the lens, return it. Having strong doubts equals not being happy.
Answer 2: Take more (preferably practical) pictures and take a look. Ok or not ok? Your pixel peeping method is in the same time not perfectly controlled and so demanding that it will make almost any zoom look more or less flawed. If not, then zoom to 300%
Answer 3: Just go out and do photography. I see your 24-70 as a technically not quite perfect lens but good enough to take perfect pictures. How about a portrait @f/2.8? Or a landscape @f/8 or 11? After some banger images you might start to think differently about the whole episode.
I have had two 24-70GMII. I dropped the first one which was (maybe) a little better at 70mm wide open than the one I am using right now. But frankly, I have never taken a f/2.8 70mm picture where corner sharpness is critical. f/4 and difference is gone. Sure I could have immediately returned the second lens, but I am fairly sure that it could have been worse, not better copy. Most of these complex 24-xx zooms more or less not perfect if tested very rigorously.
I tried again. I realize the technique is imperfect but significant decentering will show up. I included center 200% crops for comparison. I think this one is fairly even at 24 mm even if ironically it may be a tad less sharp than ver 1 (might be tough to tell due to lighting differences. Unlike ver 1 ver2 seems a tad softer at 70 mm on the right. Sigh. One good thing about the exchange, I noted the new sales price and B&H has a 30 day price guarantee so saved a bit of dosh. What do you think?...Show more →
Answer 1: If you are not happy with the lens, return it. Having strong doubts equals not being happy.
Answer 2: Take more (preferably practical) pictures and take a look. Ok or not ok? Your pixel peeping method is in the same time not perfectly controlled and so demanding that it will make almost any zoom look more or less flawed. If not, then zoom to 300%
Answer 3: Just go out and do photography. I see your 24-70 as a technically not quite perfect lens but good enough to take perfect pictures. How about a portrait @f/2.8? Or a landscape @f/8 or 11? After some banger images you might start to think differently about the whole episode.
I have had two 24-70GMII. I dropped the first one which was (maybe) a little better at 70mm wide open than the one I am using right now. But frankly, I have never taken a f/2.8 70mm picture where corner sharpness is critical. f/4 and difference is gone. Sure I could have immediately returned the second lens, but I am fairly sure that it could have been worse, not better copy. Most of these complex 24-xx zooms more or less not perfect if tested very rigorously.
Jun 28, 2026 at 02:33 AM
p.1 #17Help me decide--should I exchange this Sony 24-70 f 2.8 GM II--trial #2
Thank you commenting. I appreciate the wisdom of fellow FMers. I was fussing as had ideas of using it for astro at f2.8 in the 24-35mm range where I sometimes do panos. If anything the 3rd copy is a tad worse. I had the option to get better corners with the 28-70 f2, but not the best travel lens. Roger at Lensrentals agrees with you that all lenses are not centered if one looks hard enough. You are also right about being happy with a lens. My initial thought was to use the Loxia 25/F2.4 and the 28-70 f2 as a combo. The Loxia corners are worse and never use it for astro, but I just like the images it produces stopped down despite other lenses having higher resolution. I'm inclined to give the 24-70 gm II as go.
Jun 28, 2026 at 03:47 PM