20 Photographers x 1 Lens: Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II

Reading Time 10 min.

Author Alpha Universe

Date 2025.06.21

Versatility and precision are paramount for most photographers, and few pieces of equipment embody these qualities like the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II lens. Celebrated across diverse genres, from landscapes and portraits to sports and weddings, this lens has become an indispensable tool for photographers seeking a balance of performance and portability. Below we spotlight 20 remarkable photographers who have integrated the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II into their creative arsenal. These artists, including renowned names like Chris Burkard and Brooke Shaden, share their unique experiences and insights, illustrating why this lens is a staple in their kits:

Photographers Who Love The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II

Chris Burkard

“The Sony 24-70mm G Master II is another lens that is always with me. I bring this lens everywhere and I think everyone who has seen my photos can attest to that. The new "mark II" version of the lens is smaller and lighter than the first generation 24-70mm GM making it even easier for me to shoot from a plane and attach it to my video rig. When I'm shooting aerial photography from a plane, I will always have the 24-70mm lens with me, along with a 70-200mm lens for more reach.”

The 24-70mm is my go-to lens while shooting from a plane. It allowed me to compress this image and showcase the yellow plane a bit more. Photo by Chris Burkard. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II.

Brooke Shaden

“I own a single lens, and it’s the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens. With its f/2.8 aperture, I often find myself up before the sun, running out into the forest in extremely low light to create a moody piece of art. With this lens, I don’t worry about a thing. I can shoot wide at 24mm, or tight for a blurry background/portrait effect. I can shoot wide open, too, and given that I don’t often use lights in my work, that f/stop allows me to create separation between my subject and background. Having a light kit is essential for me since I’m just one (rather tiny) human lugging gear around alone, and shooting by myself.”

Photo by Brooke Shaden. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II.

Brandt Ryder

“I always told myself I could live without one of the holy trinity lenses – the 24-70mm focal length. I resisted for years until Sony released the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. When I heard it was smaller, lighter and sharper than its predecessor I caved and bought it. I love having this versatility in my kit as it has made me see scenes and compositions in a totally new way. The 24-70mm really shines with compression shots. I mean what could be better than getting amazing wildflowers and compressed mountain peaks? Nothing!”

Photo by Brandt Ryder. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/125-sec., f/13, ISO 800

Jess Santos

“I traded my 24-70mm GM version 1 for this little baby and it packs all the same things that I loved from version 1 in a more compact form. Having this lens coupled with my Sony 12-24mm GM gives me a combined focal range of 12mm all the way up to 70mm, allowing me to shoot a variety of scenes in two lenses. The maximum aperture of f/2.8 makes this a fun lens to get creative with while photographing the stars in a less common focal length.”

Photo by Jess Santos. Sony Alpha 7R IV. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/13-sec., f/11, ISO 100

Jermaine Horton

“I know I keep speaking to the weight of these lenses but I can’t stress enough how important this is. At weddings you are on your feet for 8-10 hrs a day and sometimes multiple days, so having lightweight gear is important for me. This lens is much smaller than the previous but packs a powerful punch. It’s one of my go-to lenses as it’s usually on one camera and the 70-200mm on the other. It’s the perfect pair. This lens for video is ALWAYS on my main camera, but for photography it is too. In studio I like having range and not switching lenses much. I’m usually at f/7 and above in the studio, so it’s why I never really worry about using primes.”

Photo by Jermaine Horton. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/160-sec., f/7.1, ISO 100

Bret Blakely

“This is a beast of a lens. It has the sharpness, depth and quality that I have come to expect from every Sony lens but on top of that it is a perfect all around lens…especially if I want or need to pack light for a hike. The 24-70mm gives me wide enough to capture vast landscapes, tight enough for portraits or depth shots and the f/2.8 makes it wonderful for low light and astrophotography. That paired with the lightness and size has made it the lens that I most often start with on the camera.”

"This was taken during blue hour as the sun began to rise on a VERY windy day in Zion." Photo by Bret Blakely. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 8-sec., f/2.8, ISO 800

David Horn

“This lens gets a lot of use and is such a great general purpose lens. On a home match day I use it to capture images of match day mascots warming up and also the man of the match award photos in the corporate hospitality suite after a match. It’s also the lens I use for team and individual photos at the start of the season and for new signings.”

In a new player signing photo, Issa Kabore, on loan from Manchester City, shows his enthusiasm to be playing for Luton Town. This image was shot with the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II lens at 40mm with one off camera flash in a soft box. Photo by David Horn. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/160-sec., f/4, ISO 400

Justin Niu

“This lens is my bread-and-butter lens. It is the lens I use the most when I travel. It is versatile and light, allowing me to shoot a variety of compositions whether wide shot or zoomed in.”

Photo by Justin Niu. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/60-sec., ISO 100

Nelson Thaksakorn

“I can say this lens is a photographic powerhouse, offering unparalleled versatility and exceptional optical performance. Its fast F2.8 aperture across the zoom range ensures stunning low-light capability and beautiful bokeh, while the advanced optics deliver sharpness and clarity. With a robust build and advanced features, it's the go-to lens for professionals and enthusiasts seeking top-tier quality in a variety of shooting scenarios.”

Photo by Nelson Thaksakorn. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/125-secs., f/7.1, ISO 800

Dietmar Körbler

“The second generation of the 24-70mm f/2.8 GM changed my opinion about this focal range completely. I never really liked this “standard zoom” range but would prefer a 50mm prime lens. I gave this lens a try and it immediately made its way into my camera bag and is with me most of the time. Its image quality is just so good and the bokeh looks super nice. I use it mostly for capturing everything that is going on around the action - details, the hikes, emotions. It’s just a super flexible G Master.”

Photo by Dietmar Körbler. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II.

Sara Boychuk

“The Sony 24-70mm is my absolute favorite lens. It provides me a perfect range in the outdoors to get a variety of perspectives. I am comfortable using it for landscapes or portraits for that reason. The Sony GM II is particularly crisp and I trust it which is why it’s attached to my camera 90% of the time.”

Photo by Sara Boychuk. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/200-sec., f/5.6, ISO 100

Jay Clue

“This might be my overall favorite lens. It practically lives on my camera because I use it for almost everything topside. Its manual focus is super easy to get tack-sharp stars when shooting nightscapes, it gives beautiful creamy soft backgrounds for shooting models, and the zoom is the perfect range to play with. Sadly, I recently had an accident while photographing nightscapes in the Ancient Bristlecone Forest and had to send it in for repairs. But the incredible ninjas at Sony Alpha Pro are quickly getting it fixed up, so I have it ready for my next shoot - another reason I love shooting Sony Alpha!”

Photo by Jay Clue. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 10-sec., f/2.8, ISO 800

Madison Webb

“The first selling point for me on this lens is the focal length range. I started as a landscape photographer, and that still deeply informs my portrait work. In fact, clients often tell me that that is what drew them to me. I strive to capture people within the landscape, not just in front of it. Hence the need for something as wide as a 24mm, with the flexibility to quickly capture as close as 70mm. With this lens I can capture a couple walking in front of the Tetons, with the landscape taking center stage, and in the next frame I can zoom in and show that same couple filling the frame, with the Grand Teton looming behind them. I also often shoot backlight, and this lens provides both beautiful bokeh and sharp focus. This lens is so lightweight compared to the previous version, which when shooting an 8-hour wedding can make all the difference!”

Photo by Madison Webb. Sony Alpha 9. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/1600-sec., f/2.8, ISO 100

Austin Rupp

“The 24-70mm serves a few purposes for me. When it comes to video, this is my go-to lens when I need to be able to capture a variety of shots. I love being able to quickly switch from filming a talking head to B roll without having to slow down production with constant lens changes. With this second version of the 24-70mm being smaller and lighter, it has also become my do it all photography lens when I need to pack light or capture moments in everyday life. On a recent trip to Disney Land with my family I only took the Alpha 7R V and 24-70mm. This is the perfect combo for this kind of environment where you don’t always have time to get into the perfect position to take a photo. With the versatility of the 24-70mm I was able to capture a variety of shots without ever slowing down the fun.”

“Being able to capture a variety of shots, while being stuck in the same spot, made this parade even more enjoyable.” Photo by Austin Rupp. Sony FX3. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II.

Scott Howes

“The GOAT! I absolutely adore this lens, it ticks all the boxes for me that It rarely leaves my camera. The focal lengths are so flexible and it is incredibly sharp that it’s glued to my camera the majority of the time. I’d say that the sharpness is up there with my 24mm prime lens. It's that good. Whether it’s multi-day hikes or commercial photo and video work this lens is with me at all times.”

Photo by Scott Howes. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/800-sec., f/4, ISO 100

Maria Hildebrand

“This is my all time favorite lens. I just upgraded from Version I to Version II and the Version II is smaller, more lightweight and even faster than the first. I love how easily I can capture a beautiful wide landscape shot with the 24 mm and then quickly zoom in to 70mm to get a closer shot with a beautiful compression. It is perfect for getting ready shots in small rooms, and it is my go-to lens for capturing portraits at night underneath the stars to capture as much of the sky as possible.”

Photo by Maria Hildebrand. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/4-sec, f/2.8, ISO 4000

Oscar Lindsey

“This is actually my first lens of this focal length and it has left me wondering how it's taken me so many years to get my hands on and shoot with! It’s the ultimate lens to travel with if you’re looking to keep things light and cover a lot of bases. I personally love using this lens for automotive photography, especially when you don’t have too much time to capture your shots – this is a fantastic ‘run and gun’ lens. You’re able to capture wider shots which allow the subject to be shown within its environment, but you also have the ability to punch right into 70mm and get some great detailed shots. This piece of kit is becoming one of my favorite lenses to shoot with.”

Photo by Oscar Lindsey. Sony Alpha 7 III. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/4-sec., f/2.8, ISO 500

Daryl Scott Walker

“This lens is the most recent addition to my bag. I was never a lover of zoom lenses, opting to carry a bag of prime lenses instead. However when the new 24-70mm GM II was announced, I knew it would change my mind about zooms. The prime like sharpness, lightweight compact body of this lens means I very rarely take this off my camera. It’s the perfect lens for run and gun adventures where I want to shoot wide landscapes but then also grab details of the environment or subject. Wide open at f/2.8 it’s pin sharp edge to edge.”

“Dolomiti Tre Cime, catching a lone walker heading up to The Time during the morning blue hour.” Photo by Daryl Scott Walker. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/160-sec, f/2.8, ISO 500

Ben Becker

“My Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II is my base lens. I can make so many different types of pictures with it. I love to make action images as if I were in the action; meaning making shots super close to the athlete. The Ultra-wide angle lenses have too many distortions for my taste so I prefer to start at 24mm and make pictures similar to what my eye can see. And compared to the original version of this lens, the II is incredibly light! That is critical to me. This lens basically never leaves my camera body.”

Photo by Ben Becker. Sony Alpha 9 II. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/20-sec., f/9, ISO 100

Mike Meyers

“This lens was added to the bag the day it was released, and for good reason. I’ve been a longtime fan of the mark-I version, which I did my absolute best to wear out over the six years I had it. The mark II took everything I loved about the original and made it significantly better. The first thing I noticed was the size and weight difference – so much lighter and more compact. This lens NEVER gets left at home, so the lighter weight for every shoot is a big plus. It’s also even sharper corner to corner and has performed excellently since the first snap. While that focal range may not be as “creative” as some other lenses, I so often find myself needing that lens that I could not imagine going anywhere without it.”