Customers praise the G Master FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Wide Angle Zoom Lens for its exceptional sharpness, wide-angle capabilities, and remarkable image quality. Many users consider it their favorite lens, particularly for landscape and vlogging purposes. While some find the lens to be expensive and heavy, the overall consensus is that the lens's outstanding performance justifies its price.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 150 reviews
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best GM lens
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
G Master definitely represents the top of the line lens for Sony. My camera is the A9ii which is meant for all GM glass. Buying this lens exceeded all my expectations. Sharp from corner to corner. Remember Sony Cameras and lens can go much higher on F stop mean F10 and above for outdoors and high ISO. Night its tack sharp at 2.8 as well. Do not waste time by trying to go cheap if you already invested in a top notch camera.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
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Sony commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. We're happy to hear that the SEL1635GM is exceeding your expectations. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Thank you for the review!
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Sonygmaster
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
First impressions of this lens are really good.
I've done some test shots comparing against two other lenses in the focal range.
Comparing against the Sony 28mm with 16mm conversion lens and with the Zeiss FE 35mm F2.8 lens (my favorite)
Attached are a couple of test shots – nothing too special, I'm not DxOMark – check out their review when they get to it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
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Hello Ronin, Sony's commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. We would like to thank you for your review on the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM. We truly appreciate your first impressions feedback and hope that the lens continues to serve you well! -Nick
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Crystal Clear
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This lens is great for landscape photography and zooms to 35mm for portraits without looking rounded or distorted. I highly recommend this lens, a 50mm f1.4 and the 70-200 f2.8 g master.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Sony 16-35mm f2.8 GM lens
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Posted . Owned for more than 2 years when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
One first purchases for my sony lenses collection. Super sharp lens. Sony 16-35mm f2.8 GM lens
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
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Hi Sonya6400, Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on this lens. Sony's commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. Happy to hear the lens has exceeded your expectation being the first of your G Master line. Thank you for choosing Sony! Happy shooting. - Linda (Sony Social Support)
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
DESERT STEALTH LENS!
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Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This was the pre-eminent lens in this category and is an absolute go to landscape lens for tourist rich kids at Burning Man. Why haul 3 primes when you know you can't change them in the dust and drugs of a hot desert night? This is the answer to all those pro's with their medium format Hasselblad 12mm fisheye poser images stealing your instagram influencer girlfriend with their superior web content. AND THIS IS THE EXACT SAME LENS JIMI HENDRIX USED TO PHOTOGRAPH THE BEATLES AT MONTEREY POP IN 1967. Own a piece of history and a yardstick of notoriety!
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi charlie, Sony's commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. We are happy to hear that you love our lens and its value. We are also happy to hear that its performance meet your standard. These are the feedback that we really want to hear from our customers. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experience. And thank you very much for choosing Sony. - Pakorn
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Must have lens
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Amazing wide angle lens, perfect for architecture and real estate photography.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Sony's commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Thank you for the review! - Glenn
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
16-35GM
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great having the 2.8 for low-light environments. Great piece within the holy trinity. High quality images and video.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
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Hi 2124, Sony's commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. We are happy to hear that you love our lens. We are also happy to hear that its performance meet your standard. These are the feedback that we really want to hear from our customers. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experience. And thank you very much for choosing Sony. - Pakorn
Pros mentioned:
Focal length
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great lens
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I sold my Tamron 1728 because I wanted the extra 8 mm and add to my GM collection. Overall great wide lens.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Glad you are happy with our product.
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Lens for Landscape!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Amazing lens. My go to for landscaping photography!
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hello Jerry, Sony's commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. We would like to thank you for your review on the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens. We truly appreciate your feedback and are glad you are enjoying the lens for your landscape photography! -Nick
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
This is the best lens I got in my gear bag
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Good a lens will get any job done you will be happy !!!!
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Thank You for sharing your experience with us. We are happy that you are enjoying your lens. Your recommendation will help others with their decision.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
An amazing lens
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’m new to full frame photography however I’ve always had a passion for it. I’ve used other cameras and lenses.......this, this one though is beyond amazing! Do the research on it but at the end of the day if your heart is in it, just pull the trigger and invest.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Thank You for sharing your experience with us. We are happy that you are enjoying your lens. Your recommendation will help others with their decision.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Sony G Master FE 16-35mm
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
It has excellent focus on everything and is a plus for an a7R4.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
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Hi JCGREG, Sony's commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. We are happy to hear that you love our lens and its autofocus performance. We are also happy to hear that its performance meet your standard. These are the feedback that we really want to hear from our customers. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experience. And thank you very much for choosing Sony. - Pakorn
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Open Box - Excellent condition- Dead on arrival
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
We bought this as an open box excellent condition otem. Did not work from the moment we got home, had to take back, luckily with a warranty, sent off to have repaired on the 4th week of waiting.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
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Hello KA71, Sony's commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. Where you able to contact the retailer? If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to us at Sony's General Consumer Support: 239-245-6360. Thank you for choosing Sony! - Edward (4/11/2025) Sony Social Support
Pros mentioned:
Autofocus performance, Image quality, Portability
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best Wide Angle Lens!!
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Posted . Owned for 1.5 years when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens Review: A Pro-Level Wide-Angle Powerhouse
The Sony G Master 16-35mm f/2.8 is arguably one of the best wide-angle zoom lenses available for full-frame Sony mirrorless cameras, and it lives up to the premium expectations of the G Master line. Designed for professionals and serious enthusiasts alike, this lens excels in build quality, optical performance, and versatility.
Build Quality and Handling
As expected from Sony’s G Master series, the build is robust, weather-sealed, and feels rock-solid in hand. Despite being a zoom lens, it’s relatively compact and lightweight for its class, making it a reliable companion for travel, landscape, and event photography. The zoom and focus rings are smooth and precise, and it includes a customizable focus hold button, adding to its usability.
Optical Performance
This is where the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM truly shines. The lens delivers exceptionally sharp images from edge to edge, even wide open at f/2.8. Distortion and chromatic aberration are well-controlled, thanks to advanced lens elements and coatings. Colors are rich, contrast is excellent, and flare is minimal—even when shooting into the sun.
The constant f/2.8 aperture is a big plus for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field, especially for video creators and wedding photographers who need flexibility in varied lighting conditions.
Autofocus
Autofocus is fast, accurate, and virtually silent—perfect for both stills and video. It pairs seamlessly with Sony’s advanced AF systems, like Real-Time Eye AF, making it great for capturing moving subjects or filming dynamic scenes.
Who It’s For
• Landscape and architecture photographers will love the wide 16mm field of view.
• Wedding and event shooters benefit from its speed and flexibility.
• Videographers will appreciate the sharpness, fast focus, and lack of breathing.
Final Verdict
The Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM is an outstanding wide-angle zoom lens, combining pro-grade image quality with rugged reliability. It’s not cheap, but for those who demand top-tier performance in a wide-angle lens, it’s worth every penny.
Pros:
• Razor-sharp across the frame
• Fast f/2.8 constant aperture
• Premium build and weather sealing
• Excellent autofocus
Cons:
• Pricey
• Slightly bulky for casual users
Rating: 9.5/10
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hello WilliamHardie, Sony's commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. The SEL1635GM is a great lens! Sharp quality pictures. We are happy you are enjoying your lens. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to us at Sony's General Consumer Support: 239-245-6360. Thank you for choosing Sony! - Edward (4/11/2025) Sony Social Support
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Highest DXO Mark Rated Wide Angle Zoom Ever
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I read a 100 reviews and watched a dozen videos on this lens vs the much lower cost Zeis version. In the end, the extra money provides a much faster F2.8 aperature, which allows for nice Bokeh which is nearly impossible to gain on any wide angle due to their naturally high depth of field. The other features such as the A to M focus switch is just so handy. And, as mentioned, the DXO mark and DXO sharpness are the highest ever recorded, better than most prime lenses which are so much less usable when moving about. So, it is like getting 2 or 3 prime lenses for one price that makes it a nice choice....of course, if you can afford it. But, if you have a hi-rez A7 or A7R model, you bought that body for perfection, and this lens is a true match for the full frame sensor body.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Autofocus performance, Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Perfect wide angel travel lens
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Only owned this briefly so far, but from what I have tested so far it lives up to the expectations for a G Master series lens. AF has been quick, and precise. No focus hunting to speak of. I have yet to push limits, but so far no vignetting with 2 filters attached in a test at F4. This is a heavier lens when compared to what it replaced (Tamron 20mm), but the added weight is not burdensome. Overall it is a excellent quality lens that provides a good focal length range for wide scenary imaging
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hi SN2200, Sony commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. Thank you for sharing your experience with the SEL1635GM lens. We are glad to hear that overall, you loved the excellent quality this lens provides. Thank you for choosing Sony. For any questions or concerns, you can reach us at 239-245-6360. Regards, Larry Sony Social Support
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
First of my Sony G Master trifecta
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Amateur pic-taker here. I've previously used a 20mm G prime as well as 24-50mm zoom G lens and this easily replaced both in quality and convenience. You don't know how sharp your pictures can be if you don't put the best glass on there. This goes on a Sony a7ii body
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hello ParentLaptop, Sony's commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. The SEL1635GM is a great lens! Sharp quality pictures. We are happy you are enjoying your lens. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to us at Sony's General Consumer Support: 239-245-6360. Thank you for choosing Sony! - Edward (6/1/2025) Sony Social Support
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best lens from Sony
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Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I have always been a big Fan of Sony cameras and lenses, as it has the best picture and color quality.I always go to buy products from best buy as they have best quality and easy to purchase from them
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Hello SrisaichaitanyathT, Sony's commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. The SEL1635GM is a great lens! Sharp quality pictures. We are happy you are enjoying your lens. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to us at Sony's General Consumer Support: 239-245-6360. Thank you for choosing Sony! - Edward (6/1/2025) Sony Social Support
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fabulous G Master lens
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is a great piece of glass from Sony, and it is like buying 3 prime lenses in one. I was looking at options to use on the a6000 and the full frame A7R iii cameras . This wide angle 16mm up to 35mm is fast at all lengths. It could become my most used lens. Astro photography, street and landscapes. Worth saving for.
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
Posted .
Thank You for sharing your experience with us. We are happy that you are enjoying your lens. Your recommendation will help others with their decision.
Pros mentioned:
Image quality
Cons mentioned:
Weight
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Better than expected!
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Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I wasn’t so sure when purchasing this lens at first because of the price, but from all the vids I seen and to now owning this lens it’s all you will want in quality from a full frame lens. Although it’ll be a little heavy to some but not a big issue!
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from SonyListens
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Hello Eric2332. Sony's commitment to customer satisfaction is our top priority. Thank you for your review of the SEL1635GM, we appreciate your feedback. We are happy that you are enjoying the image quality of the lens. Thank you for choosing Sony! - Sony Social Support Nick