My name is Andrea Font, Spanish director and cinematographer. As an all-terrain camerawoman, with a deep-rooted history with Sony, I’ve always sought tools that align with my dynamic workflow.
My journey with Sony began years ago, and since then, my entire ecosystem has been built around their cameras and lenses. This integration has allowed me to evolve as a cinematographer specialising in sports, live music, documentary, and travel. The new Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM lens perfectly complements this hybrid approach, bridging the gap between artistic precision and technical versatility.
This new lens has not only met but exceeded my expectations, offering the flexibility of a zoom with the stunning quality of a prime. Here’s my journey with this impressive piece of glass.
To test the FE 28-70mm f/2 GM I decided to shoot two of my favourite subjects: a high-voltage sports event and a vibrant live concert.
My work often takes me to such varied and demanding environments, and this lens provided a unique opportunity to see how well it coped with both disciplines. Sports cinematography demands quick adaptability, while live music captures the nuances of emotion under challenging lighting.
Traditionally, I've always prioritised prime lenses for concerts due to their superior light-gathering capabilities. However, the 28-70mm offered me the brightness of a prime with the added versatility of a zoom, making it an extremely valuable tool.
As soon as I unboxed the lens, I was struck by its robust build. Despite being a zoom lens, it maintains a compact and lightweight profile, making it ideal for long shoots. The ergonomics are well thought out, with a solid grip that feels natural in the hand. This is a lens that promises durability and top-tier performance in every scenario.
The FE 28-70mm f/2 GM excels in delivering sharp, vibrant images. Whether capturing a wide scene at 28mm or zooming in for a close-up at 70mm, the lens maintains remarkable clarity and consistency. The edge-to-edge sharpness is particularly noteworthy, with minimal distortion and precise rendering of colours and details. This is particularly evident in portrait work, where the lens rendered skin tones naturally and captured intricate details beautifully.
Shooting in low-light environments like concerts requires a fast lens, and having a maximum aperture of f/2 didn’t disappoint. It allowed me to maintain lower ISO settings, resulting in cleaner images and the creamy bokeh added an artistic touch to my shots, drawing attention to the subject while beautifully blurring the background.
Before testing this lens, I was hesitant about zoom lenses. While they offer maximum flexibility, I often found myself craving the brighter aperture of primes and the 28-70mm has completely shifted my perspective. The extra stop of light makes a significant difference, offering greater creative flexibility and ensuring I never have to compromise on either light or versatility. This lens brings the best of both worlds into a single, highly functional package.
Pairing the 28-70mm with my Sony FX6 felt like a match made in heaven. The combination is perfectly balanced, allowing for smooth and stable shooting, whether handheld or on a rig. This balance is crucial during long shoots, reducing fatigue and enabling me to focus on capturing the moment. This setup was ideal for capturing smooth, cinematic footage, whether I was filming a fast-moving athlete or a soulful musician on stage.
Autofocus is another area where the 28-70mm shines. The speed and accuracy are impressive, effortlessly tracking fast-moving subjects in sports and locking onto performers in low light during concerts. Additionally, the minimal focus breathing was excellent, delivering smooth and cinematic focus transitions.
There's a simple reason why I use Sony products; it's an ecosystem that supports my creative journey. A lens like this shows me that they're constantly striving to provide the best tools for creators, allowing them to concentrate on bringing their vision to life.
In my work I need tools that can keep up with my pace. The FE 28-70mm f/2 GM delivers perfectly, combining the sharpness and image quality of primes with the adaptability of a zoom. It’s a lens that empowers creators to push their limits, offering unmatched flexibility and performance in any scenario.
It’s not just a lens; it’s a partner in creativity, built to inspire and perform in equal measure.
"As a director and cinematographer I’ve always sought tools that align with my dynamic workflow."