For professional photographers, the lenses you choose can make or break your final results. The second-generation G Master series from Sony is a refined collection that truly stands out, offering top-tier, professional-grade lenses that serve a diverse range of needs. Simply put, the GM II generation took already amazing lenses and made them even better.

This buyer's guide offers an in-depth look at the four key players in this series: the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II, Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II, Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II and the Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II. Whether you're a landscape lover, a portrait enthusiast, or a versatile visual storyteller, the refined G Master II series has something to cater to your unique requirements.

We take a closer look at the innovative G Master II series that offers photographers a range of top-notch, professional-grade lenses.

Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II

If you’re seeking a versatile wide-angle lens that merges exceptional image quality with flexibility, the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II is a top-notch option. The 16-35mm range is perfect for capturing landscapes, cityscapes and architecture, allowing photographers to fit more into the frame without distorting the perspective. Even in tight spaces, this lens can capture a broad view, making it a favorite among interior and real estate photographers. It’s also great for video, and the f/2.8 maximum aperture across the entire zoom range means it performs well in low light situations. It does a great job at creating a beautiful bokeh effect, adding that professional touch to your photos. The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II also has fast and accurate autofocusing, so it really gives you the freedom to explore creatively without limitations. Simply put, this lens is a valuable addition to any camera bag.

Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II

Talented landscape photographer Brandt Ryder (@brandtryderphotography) says this lens is a must-have in his kit. “Having a versatile lens is so important in landscape photography because you never know what kind of composition you might encounter,” he explains. “I love the 16-35mm because sometimes I need an ultra-wide angle to capture an intimate foreground subject like flowers, but other times a closer crop can make a photo. The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II does it all and shines across the entire focal length spectrum. I owned version one for years so when the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II came out that was smaller, lighter, sharper and had a closer front element focus distance I was immediately salivating. This lens rarely leaves my Sony Alpha 7 IV body as my go to all-arounder.” Read more in What’s In My Bag: A Complete G Master Kit For Landscapes & Astroscapes.

Photo by Brandt Ryder. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II. 5-Focus Stacked. .5-sec., f/13, ISO 100 (EXIF ISO 100, f/13, 0.5s x 5 focus stack)

Travel filmmaker and YouTube educator Brandon Li (@brandon_l_li) uses the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II as his go-to for run-and-gun filming. “What I really like is that the 16-35mm doesn’t extend or contract very much as you zoom it, so that means I don’t have to rebalance the gimbal regardless of which focal length I use with this lens,” he says. “You can go between ultra-wide and portrait, you can go 16-35 all within the same lens, and that covers me on a lot of my docu-type shoots.” Another bonus? He says if you’re using the Sony Alpha 7 IV or Sony Alpha 7C camera, you can switch into APS-C mode at 35mm to jump you in even more to 50mm.” Watch more in his video below.

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II

The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II lens is like the Swiss Army knife of the photography world and one that creators can rely on for almost any shooting scenario. 24-70mm is a workhorse range for many photographers, and this lens offers that flexibility to cater to a wide range of subjects. It also features a refined autofocus that makes it easy to capture any moment, even those in motion. Whether you're capturing intimate portraits, expansive landscapes, bustling street scenes, or even quick-and-dirty product shots, the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II is genuinely a lens for all seasons. Its combination of speed, precision, versatility and image quality is hard to beat.

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II

Travel photographer and Alpha Collective member Vincent Lim likes to use the versatile Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II in a wide range of travel photography scenarios. He says, “Its flexible focal range allows you to seamlessly switch between wide-angle shots of stunning landscapes and close-up portraits with beautiful background bokeh. The constant f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent low-light performance, making it ideal for capturing everything from vibrant cityscapes at dusk to intimate moments. Additionally, its compact and durable design makes it easy to carry on the go, ensuring you’re always ready to capture the perfect shot, no matter where your travels take you.” Read more in What’s In My Bag: An Alpha 7R V & G Master Kit For Landscape, Travel & Lifestyle Photography.

Photo by Vincent Lim. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/160-sec., f/4, ISO 320

When we say the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II is a solid option for just about everything, we mean it. Fashion photographer and Sony Artisan Nino Rakichevich relies on it for Fashion Week. “It's absolutely amazing,” he says. “The Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II is very light for its focal range and maximum aperture which makes it easy to carry with me during the more frenetic moments of Fashion Week. It’s also incredibly sharp and gives me the perfect range for fashion photography.” Read more in What’s In My Bag: A Pro’s Two Lens Kit For Fashion Week.

Backstage at the Julien Fournie couture fashion show, Paris. Photo by Nino Rakichevich. Sony Alpha 7R V. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/50-sec., f/2.8, ISO 1000

Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II

When it comes to capturing distant subjects, investing in a high-performance telephoto zoom lens is a must. The Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II lens is the one to add to cart. It provides an incredible level of detail and clarity so your photos are sharp and vibrant even at the maximum zoom range. It's ideal for a wide range of situations, including sports and wildlife photography, where you need to cover a significant distance to get close to the action. The lens is also brilliant for shooting stunning portraits, allowing you to create a flattering effect by compressing facial features and providing a gorgeous background bokeh blur. Its autofocus is great for tracking moving subjects so you can capture those split-second moments in sports or wildlife without issue. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for multiple purposes in photography.

Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II

Wedding photographer and Sony Artisan Sara France says the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II is a great kit for any wedding photographer to have in their arsenal. “The Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II is an essential workhorse lens for wedding photographers, and I am no exception,” she says. “This lens is perfect for capturing distant moments like ceremonies and candid interactions during receptions. Its zoom range allows for quick framing adjustments without changing lenses, ensuring no crucial moments are missed. I love this lens for its image stabilization and sharpness, which help me capture clear, vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions. Unlike other 70-200mm lenses, which are usually very heavy, the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II is the lightest in the industry, making it much easier to use for extended periods. This is especially valuable for second photographers who need flexibility and endurance.” Read more in What's In My Bag: The Top Tools For A Luxury Wedding Photographer.

Photo by Sara France. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/800-sec., f/2.8, ISO 200

Wildlife and landscape photographer Amber Favorite (@amber.favorite.photography) appreciates the many uses she can find for the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. “This lens is so versatile that I’ve used it for landscapes, portraits and environmental wildlife shots. The autofocus is quick, has an internal zoom, and it’s lightweight. Some of my favorite shots with this have been portraits with the creamy bokeh you can get at f/2.8. I even used it for photographing Grizzly Bears in Alaska. If you pair this with a 1.4x teleconverter you can get macro like photos on frogs, snakes or small bugs.” Read more in What’s In My Bag: An Outdoor Photo & Video Kit For Travel, Wildlife & Landscapes.

I love that when grizzlies are fishing that they don’t care anything about you. The Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II was the perfect lens on this dreary day. Photo by Amber Favorite. Sony Alpha 1. Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/800-sec, f/2.8, ISO 400

Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II

The Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II lens stands out with its ability to deliver remarkable image quality. When it comes to portrait photography, the 85mm focal length is a favorite among professionals. It offers a flattering perspective with minimal distortion, also it allows for perfect working distance from your subject. The Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II's bright f/1.4 aperture excels in low-light conditions, giving photographers the artistic flexibility to create striking images with a dramatic depth of field. The wide aperture also contributes to gorgeous bokeh, creating a smooth, out-of-focus area that makes your subject stand out beautifully. Its usefulness extends beyond portrait photography – it’s also great for event photography, capturing detailed shots in weddings, or even intimate nature shots where a bit of distance is required.

Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II

Portrait photographer Niah Aldrich (@niahrosephoto) is one of the many portrait photographers who like to use the 85mm focal length. After using the Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II for the bold red monochrome portrait she captured below, she decided it’s her favorite 85mm lens to date. "What I loved about shooting with the Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II is that it really softened her features and brought attention to her eyes," Aldrich explains. “It just really blurred that red even more in the background, softened her hair, and brought all of the attention in frame to her.” Read more in A Portrait Pro Tests The New Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II.

Photo by Niah Aldrich. Sony Alpha 7 IV. Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II. 1/3200-sec., f/1.4, ISO 100

The film crew for the launch of the Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II had an opportunity to use the lens for portrait photography, as well as to create the film. It features portrait photographer Gabriela Gabrielaa who used the Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II for portraits on the move. She says, “Using the Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II paired with the Sony Alpha 7R V was really great for on-the-go portraits and all the candid street portraits that I wanted to take. So making the Sony 85mm f/1.4 G Master II 20 percent lighter really helped not lose that interaction and personal moment with my subjects.” Watch more about how they used the lenses in the videos below.