Here are some comparison crops for you to check out, this time it’s between the Sony 24-70mm F/2.8 GM, and the Sony Zeiss 16-35mm F/4. I gave the 16-35mm F/4 a really good review, but when looking at the comps here, the 24-70/2.8 GM has the edge at both focal lengths.
Also note the comparisons where taken on a different day, with slightly different weather conditions that might favor the contrast of the Sony GM lens.
Sony A7R used for test images.
Sony Zeiss FE 16-35mm F/4 sets are along the top, and Sony FE 24-70/2.8 GM sets are on the bottom of image.
Here is the whole test scene and where the crops are taken from.
24mm
left side, center, and right side
Sony Zeiss 16-35mm F/4 on the top, Sony 24-70mm F/2.8 GM on the bottom. Click pictures to enlarge.
F/4
There aren’t a whole lot of differences here, however, it looks like the 24-70mm GM is slightly sharper across the frame.
F/5.6
Both lenses sharpen up along the sides just a bit at F/5.6, but the results are about the same as F/4.
F/8
Pretty close results here, but I’d give the edge to the GM.
F/11
Both lenses show about the same here; not bad for the GM as it’s at the very beginning of the zoom, and the Zeiss 16-35/4 is in the middle, where performance is usually maximized.
The GM wins at 24mm, but not really by much. The most noticeable differences are in the centers at F/4-5.6 where the GM is sharper.
35mm
left side, center, and right side
Sony Zeiss 16-35mm F/4 on the top, Sony 24-70mm F/2.8 GM on the bottom. Click pictures to enlarge.
F/4
The Zeiss FE 16-35/4 is soft at 35mm-F/4, we saw this in the comps here, and the review here. With that said, the Zeiss is actually a bit sharper on the left side.
F/5.6
The Zeiss sharpens up substantially throughout frame at F/5.6, but the GM seems sharper still.
F/8
Things look pretty close at F/8.
F/11
Same results here at F/11.
The GM wins again at 35mm, but when stopped down, the Zeiss is very close in sharpness across the frame, and the differences at both 24mm and 35mm focal lengths are only really noticeable when looking at cropped images blown way up on your computer screen.
If you don’t plan on using the ultra wide end of your Sony Zeiss 16-35mm F/4, and want a first rate zoom lens, the Sony 24-70mm F/2.8 GM is for you; It’s a stop faster, and a little better all the way around; however, it’s also more expensive, lacks OSS, and is heavier and larger. I use the ultra wide end of my Sony 16-35/4 ZA OSS, so I will be keeping it.
I bought both lenses here at B&H Photo, and they help support the site when you get your goodies from them through my links. Thanks!