Excellent contrast at high spatial frequencies means superb resolution even at F2.8. Two high-precision XA elements, two ED glass elements, two Super ED glass elements, and a floating focus mechanism control aberration, realize sharp, clear images at all zoom and aperture settings.

This lens is the smallest and lightest F2.8 24-70mm zoom in its class. It weighs just 24.6 oz (695 g), over 20% less than the previous model. It is 16 mm shorter, and overall volume has been reduced by approximately 18%. Excellent mobility makes it a great choice for still or movie use.

F2.8 bokeh extends throughout the zoom range thanks to advanced optics and a new 11blade aperture unit. Bokeh is enhanced by precise control of spherical aberration during both design and manufacture. Two precision XA elements suppress onion ring bokeh, ED glass elements prevent color bleeding.

Four of Sony’s original XD Linear Motors, a floating focus mechanism, and advanced lens control achieve fast, precise and quiet AF with excellent tracking. A new aperture unit also contributes to high speed, enabling full AF tracking performance with the aperture stopped down.

Minimum focusing distance is just 8.3” at 24 mm and 11.8” at 70 mm, with maximum magnification of 0.32x. Floating focus ensures ideal sharpness throughout the zoom range and at all focusing distances, while inner focus enables impressive close-up stills or movies where space is limited.

Advanced lens design reduces focus breathing, focus shift and axial shift when zooming. Image and angle of view shifts are minimized for smooth movie imagery. XD Linear Motors and a new aperture unit contribute to quiet, low-vibration operation.

An aperture ring provides direct, rapid control. The aperture ring click stops can be turned ON to provide tactile feedback when shooting stills, or OFF for smooth, silent control when shooting movies. There is also an iris lock switch that prevents the aperture ring from being accidentally moved.

Two spherical elements that use ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass, plus two more that use Super ED glass significantly reduce chromatic aberration for sharp reproduction without color bleeding.