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Two groundbreaking tools—the Alpha 1 II and FE 28-70mm f/2 GM—set a new benchmark for speed, precision, and creativity in photography and video.

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.

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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.
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  • 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.

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– Includes Pre-Capture Mode, capturing up to 1 second of RAW images before you fully press the shutter.

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  • 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
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  • Stabilization: Delivers an incredible 8.5 stops of in-body stabilization, coordinating with lens stabilization for maximum effectiveness.
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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.
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  • 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.


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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!
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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
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  • 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.

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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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Jon 'Swindy' Swindall, based in Atlanta, GA, is a seasoned photographer, cinematographer, and skilled drone pilot, known for his dynamic visual storytelling and passion for capturing the world's diverse beauty through his lens. Sr. Editor Click, connect, and create at Luminous Landscape.
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