Sony Vario Sonnar T 24 70mm F2 8 ZA SSM II Review | 54 Data compared

The Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II is evaluated by DXOMARK as an excellent, solid zoom option designed for full-frame A-mount DSLT cameras. This mark II version retains the original complex optical structure of 17 elements in 13 groups, incorporating two ED elements to minimize colour blur and two aspherical elements to counteract spherical aberration and distortion. When mounted on the Sony Alpha 850, the lens secures a DXOMARK score of 20, showing optimum performance specifically at 35mm and f/2.8. Key performance data highlights a sharpness of 15 P-Mpix, a 3.2 TStop transmission rating, very low distortion at 0.2%, vignetting at -1.4 EV, and lateral chromatic aberrations measuring 14 µm. Pros: Excellent center sharpness: Central image clarity is notably high starting right from the maximum f/2.8 aperture. Well-controlled distortion: Global distortion is suppressed down to a minimal 0.2%. Robust optical build: The design successfully utilizes specialized ED and aspherical glass elements to eliminate color fringing and spherical errors. Cons: Uneven edge sharpness: The lens exhibits noticeable issues with sharpness uniformity across the frame at wider apertures...

The original Sony Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM slightly outperforms its successor on the Sony SLT Alpha 99 with a higher overall DXOMARK score of 22 compared to the Mark II’s score of 21. Key advantages of the first-generation lens include a superior sharpness profile peaking at 16 P-Mpix and slightly less barrel distortion at 0.2%. It is also lighter at 955 grams and significantly cheaper with an introductory price of $1,599. However, its primary disadvantages are a higher chromatic aberration of 15 µm and the lack of a dedicated focus ring. In contrast, the Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II brings subtle advancements, notably integrating a physical focus ring and reducing chromatic aberration to 14 µm. Both models share identical physical traits, including a 13-group construction, a 9-blade circular diaphragm, and an identical 111mm length. They also perform equally in light transmission at 3.1 TStop and vignetting at -1.4 EV. Despite these similarities, the Mark II suffers from lower sharpness at 15 P-Mpix, a higher price tag of $2,100, and a heavier build weighing...

The Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II is a high-performing standard zoom lens designed for full-frame A-mount cameras, earning an overall DXOMARK score of 21 points on the Sony SLT Alpha 99. The review highlights that this updated "mark II" version retains the complex optical design of its predecessor—featuring 17 glass elements arranged in 13 groups. Key pros include excellent center sharpness right from the maximum f/2.8 aperture and outstanding overall sharpness uniformity across the frame when stopped down by one or two stops. Additionally, the lens incorporates two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to successfully lower color blur and two aspherical elements that significantly minimize spherical aberration and distortion. However, the DXOMARK review also points out specific cons regarding its optical uniformity. At wider apertures between the 24mm and 50mm focal ranges, the lens struggles with consistency, meaning the edges of your photos will not match the high sharpness found in the center. The main exception is at the 35mm focal length, which requires stopping down all the way to f/8 to achieve optimum, balanced uniformity...