Quick Review - Sony 16-35 f/2.8 GM II which is 20% lighter than the original - it is noticeable in hand. It is also 10% smaller - less noticeable but I remind you that this is not an internal zoom lens and the new one has the smallest extension I think I have seen in any lens - it is not even a full finger width of extension as you zoom out to 16mm.
The new 16-35 has an aperture ring with a lock switch to lock the aperture auto-controlled by the camera dial or lock it out of auto. Cannot be used to lock it at a specific aperture.
A small switch to click de-click the aperture ring AF/MF switch and Focus hold button
Focus breathing is greatly reduced which seems like a video feature but this is a lens you are likely to use for focus stacking and less focus breathing means better results when stacking.
You also have Less vignetting and noticeably sharper corners especially wide open.
Should you buy this lens? If you want one of the best fast aperture wide-angle lenses, YES. If you are on a tight budget there are a handful of options available, some even lighter but nothing covers this range with this quality.
Preorders - bhpho.to/3Ek0YAP