If a camera company could make one lens, what would get your vote? It’s a question that’s been floating around on camera forums with all kinds of wild responses that push physics aside when it comes to what is and isn’t possible. However, if the rumors are true, Sony could soon announce the kind of lens that we’d put in the wishful thinking category: the world’s first 24-70mm f/2 full-frame lens. Mama mia.
Let’s be clear: this is a rumor, but it is also possible. Canon impressed us with the first full-frame zoom lens with a constant f/2 aperture, the RF 28-70mm F2 L USM pro lens. However, it is rumored that the Sony lens will become wider while offering a constant f/2 aperture of 24-70mm, becoming one of the best Sony lenses ever.
My only lens for wedding and event photography is a reliable 24-70mm f/2.8 (see below). It is a classic professional lens that is extremely versatile. However, there are plenty of occasions where I would like a wider aperture, for example; to achieve a shallower depth of field with the lens anywhere between 50mm and 70mm, and for low-light indoor areas where events are often hosted. The rumored Sony lens – story courtesy of Sony Alpha Rumors – could just be the ticket.
If it’s true, what can we expect?
A 24-70mm f/2 lens could do the job of several prime lenses, from 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm and 70mm, and could be the only lens you need, especially for landscape photography, portrait, events and weddings. Sticking to a single lens instead of constantly switching is a godsend for high-pressure photo and video assignments. However, this convenience will come at a cost in more ways than one.
Going by Canon’s high-end 28-70mm f/2 lens, we can expect Sony’s lens to be hefty. It will certainly be larger and heavier than the Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM II, which weighs 695 grams. Rumors suggest it will have similar proportions to the gargantuan Canon RF 28-70mm, which measures 103.8 x 139.8mm / 4.08 x 5.5 inches / 103.8 x 139.8mm and a whopping 3 weighs .15 pounds / 1,430 grams. I’ve used that lens and it’s a beast.
We can also expect Sony’s rumored lens to cost more than the Sony FE 24-70mm F/2.8, with it already retailing for around $2,000 / £2,300. I expect the 2-aperture version to cost at least $3,000 / £3,300. So it will be a heavier and more expensive lens, but it will also be a professional ‘GM’ lens, meaning the image quality should be excellent across the entire zoom and aperture range.
I see the appeal of such a lens because it is a professional’s dream to keep a single lens on the camera all day during a shoot, even if it is heavier. And when the lens becomes reality, it’s the kind of design shows we love.