By: Jon Swindall | November 19, 2024
Sony has once again shaken the photography world, unveiling the Alpha 1 II (A1 II) alongside the FE 28-70mm f/2.0 G Master (GM) lens. These two releases, described by Sony’s Michael Bubolo as “two new excitements,” push the boundaries of performance and innovation for photographers and filmmakers.
While the Alpha 1 II refines what was already a groundbreaking hybrid camera, the 28-70mm f/2.0 lens is a game-changer in its own right—a constant-aperture zoom designed to deliver prime-like quality in a lightweight, compact package.
Let’s break it all down.
The Alpha 1 II: Built for Speed and Precision
The Alpha 1 II builds on the legacy of the original Alpha 1 with new AI-driven features, enhanced performance, and an updated design that streamlines workflows.
Top Features
- AI Autofocus: A dedicated AI processor powers Human Pose Estimation, which recognizes human bodies in any pose to ensure precise eye focus—even when faces are partially hidden. Also, automatic subject recognition and a dedicated AI processing unit.
- Unrivaled Speed:
– Shoots up to 30 fps with full autofocus and auto-exposure, and performs 120 autofocus calculations per second with 759 phase-detection points covering 92% of the frame.
– Includes Pre-Capture Mode, capturing up to 1 second of RAW images before you fully press the shutter.
- Low-Light Mastery: Focuses down to -4EV with an f/2.0 lens, making it a go-to for dark environments. This is huge for event and documentary photography – maintaining focus in the near dark!
- 4 Axis Multi-Angle LCD/ OLED EVF – with a “Squishy” eyepiece option
- Stabilization: Delivers an incredible 8.5 stops of in-body stabilization, coordinating with lens stabilization for maximum effectiveness.
Video Innovations
- 8K Video: Shoots up to 30p, derived from 8.6K capture for pristine quality.
- Framing Stabilizer & Auto Framing: Borrowed from Sony’s ZV-E1, these modes add dynamism to locked-off shots and help keep subjects centered.
- Custom LUTs and shot markers enable professional workflows straight out of the camera.
Designed for Seamless Workflow
- Tag and Transfer: Voice tagging for images and fast FTP capabilities—now 2.5x faster than the original Alpha 1—make sharing and editing seamless.
- Display and Viewfinder:
- A 3.2-inch 4-axis LCD for ultimate flexibility.
- A 9.44-million-dot viewfinder with a refresh rate of 240 fps ensures a smooth, immersive shooting experience.
- Dual Card Slots: Support for CFexpress Type A cards for fast, reliable storage.
The Alpha 1 II will be available in December 2024 for $6,399.
The FE 28-70mm f/2.0 GM: Redefining the Standard Zoom
The true star of this announcement might be the FE 28-70mm f/2.0 GM, Sony’s first-ever constant f/2.0 zoom lens. This lens is a marvel, combining the versatility of a zoom with the performance of primes—all without relying on digital corrections.
Why This Lens Is Revolutionary
- Prime-Like Quality: Sony claims this lens delivers “the best image quality we’ve ever produced in a zoom lens.” The resolution, sharpness, and bokeh rival top-tier prime lenses across the entire zoom range.
- Constant Aperture: The f/2.0 aperture remains constant from 28mm to 70mm, offering bright, consistent performance for both stills and video.
- Lightweight Build: Weighing just 981g (2.16 lbs), it’s compact and easy to handle—whether handheld or mounted on a gimbal.
- Close-Up Focus – 14.8 inch minimum focus!
Professional Video Features:
- Designed for 120 fps autofocus on cameras like the A9 III or 240 fps for video.
- Virtually no focus breathing, eliminating distracting shifts in perspective during focus pulls.
Usability and Innovation
- Smooth Zoom Control: A customizable zoom ring allows you to adjust resistance for precise handling.
- Fast and Silent Autofocus – linear motor innovation
- Uncompromised Optical Quality: The lens doesn’t rely on digital compensation, ensuring natural rendering and incredible edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Lightweight: 32.3 oz
- Designed for Gimbal Use: No need for rebalancing when zooming between 28mm and 70mm, making it perfect for dynamic shooting.
The FE 28-70mm f/2.0 GM will also be available in December 2024 for $3,000.
Why These Products Matter
Sony’s two new announcements cater directly to professionals who demand the best in speed, resolution, and versatility:
- The Alpha 1 II is a workhorse for sports, wildlife, and video shooters who can’t afford to miss a moment. Its AI-powered autofocus, improved stabilization, and seamless workflow features ensure it keeps up with the most demanding shoots.
- The FE 28-70mm f/2.0 GM redefines what’s possible with a standard zoom lens. Its unique blend of sharpness, bokeh, and build quality makes it a must-have for hybrid shooters who want to travel light without sacrificing quality.
Final Thoughts
Sony has delivered on its promise of “two new excitements.” The Alpha 1 II and FE 28-70mm f/2.0 GM lens are not just upgrades—they’re tools that redefine what professionals can achieve in photography and video.
Both will be available in December 2024. At $6,399 for the Alpha 1 II and $3,000 for the FE 28-70mm f/2.0 GM, these aren’t casual purchases. But for those who rely on their gear to deliver under any circumstances, these products set a new gold standard.
What excites you most about Sony’s new releases? Send us your thoughts at teamlula@luminous-landscape.com or join the conversation below. Let’s hear how you’ll use these tools in your creative journey!
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