Here's a gallery showcasing the Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G (SEL2450G)—a compact and sleek wide-angle zoom lens for Sony full-frame mirrorless systems.
Full Review: Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G (SEL2450G)
Overview
-
The Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G is praised for being a compact, lightweight, and fast standard zoom lens tailored for Sony’s full-frame E-mount cameras (photographyblog, Fstoppers).
-
Constructed with 16 elements in 13 groups, including two extra-low dispersion (ED) and four aspherical elements, it ensures excellent image quality (photographyblog).
Build Quality & Handling
-
Weighing just 440 g and measuring around 92 mm in length, it's notably lighter than alternatives like the 24–70 mm GM II (695 g) or 24–105 mm G OSS (663 g) (photographyblog, phillipreeve.net).
-
The build features a hybrid metal-plastic construction with robust dust and moisture sealing, plus a fluorine coating on the front element to guard against smudges (photographyblog, phillipreeve.net).
-
Veteran users underline its durability: “no rattles, no play, and no cheap-feeling materials” even after exposure to rough environments (Roman Fox).
Features & Controls
-
Offers a customizable button, aperture ring (clickable or smooth), and a dedicated AF/MF switch, appealing to both photographers and videographers (PetaPixel, photographyblog).
-
Autofocus is fast and quiet, thanks to twin linear motors—ideal for hybrid shooting (photographyblog, PetaPixel).
-
However, the lens lacks optical stabilization, relying instead on in-body stabilization if available (PetaPixel, photographyblog).
Performance & Image Quality
-
Optically, the lens delivers excellent sharpness, low chromatic aberration, and good flare resistance (The-Digital-Picture.com, phillipreeve.net, photographyblog).
-
Vignetting is present at F2.8 and improves when stopped down, especially by 3+ stops (photographyblog).
-
Distortion, particularly barrel distortion at 24 mm, is noticeable—especially in uncorrected RAW files—and needs correction post-processing (photographyblog, The-Digital-Picture.com).
-
Lateral chromatic aberration (CA), although present, performs reasonably well with in-camera corrections (phillipreeve.net, The-Digital-Picture.com).
-
Advanced optical testing reveals excellent flare and coma control, minimal bokeh fringing, and pleasing sunstars (thanks to its 11-blade diaphragm) between f/11 and f/22 (phillipreeve.net).
-
Close focusing is strong for a zoom, achieving 0.30× to 0.33× magnification, ideal for tighter, near-macro framing (photographyblog, phillipreeve.net).
Use Case & Limitations
-
Ideal for travel, general-purpose, and video use, thanks to its lightweight nature and fast aperture—but its limited 24–50 mm range may feel restrictive compared to broader options (Amateur Photographer, PetaPixel, Fstoppers).
-
At roughly US $1,100, some reviewers suggest it’s hard to justify given third-party alternatives (e.g., Tamron, Sigma) that offer broader ranges for similar weight and price (PetaPixel).
-
One reviewer advised that the 20–70 mm F4 G might hold more appeal due to its broader zoom range, despite also being compact (phillipreeve.net, Fstoppers).
-
A real-world user preference:
"Images are very sharp and rich in detail... Took this lens out instead of the small G primes. It definitely has punch." (DPReview)
Summary Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact, lightweight (440 g) | Limited zoom range (24–50 mm) |
| Fast f/2.8 aperture | No built-in stabilization |
| Excellent sharpness & close focus | Noticeable distortion at wide end |
| Robust build, weather-sealed design | Higher vignetting at max aperture |
| Quiet, customizable controls (video-friendly) | Value considerations versus alternatives |
Final Takeaway
The Sony FE 24–50mm F2.8 G delivers exceptional optics in the most compact and light package for a constant-aperture zoom. It’s a smart pick for those prioritizing portability and quality—especially videographers and travelers. But its limited zoom range may steer some toward broader third-party options.
If you’d like, I can also help you compare it directly with lenses like Sony’s 20–70 mm F4, Tamron 28–75 mm F2.8, or suits for specific shooting styles (e.g., portraits, landscapes, video).