Sony announces FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens

Sony has updated the third of its trio of GM series F2.8 zooms, reducing size and weight in a 10% smaller and 20% lighter package that the company says is the world's smallest and lightest wide-angle zoom lens.

The lens is 111.5mm long and a weighs 547g.

According to the company, along with the reduced size and weight, the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has a new optical design and an improved minimum shooting distance of 22cm.

The new lens includes XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors that effectively works on high-speed drive, with Sony saying AF is up to twice as fast as 'conventional' models. Furthermore, Sony's Nano AR Coating II will, the company says, help suppress ghosting and flare.

Externally, the lens has an aperture ring that can be clicked on/off with a switch, and two focus hold buttons that can be assigned a desired function from the camera body.

The front lens has a fluorine coating, along with the lenses' dustproof and splashproof design.

The FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II lens will set you back $3,999, and will be available from September. You can find out more here.