Conclusion
Pros
- Exceptionally well-built lens with great haptics and weather sealing
- Fast, quiet and accurate autofocus at most apertures
- Focuses very close
- Extremely sharp across the frame at all focal lengths and apertures
- Very nice bokeh
- Excellent color and contrast
- Very low chromatic aberration
- Good flare control
Cons
- Big and heavy (but expected)
- Mount gasket doesn’t actually touch the mount of the camera
- Some focus errors at small apertures
- Some distortion throughout the range
- Vignetting never goes away
- Price
The cons list may seem a bit long at first for such a high priced lens, but for the most part, they are nitpicks (though worth mentioning). The lens is a very large and very heavy lens for its focal range, and is larger even than many SLR lenses with the same focal length and aperture. It also is a very expensive lens at $2,200 US. However, if you’re a pro who needs a fast standard zoom with excellent quality, both of those cons are really a non issue, and the size is expected given the full-frame coverage and fast aperture.
The bottom line is that this lens is exceptional. I’ve never used a standard lens that is this sharp, and the sharpness is outstanding throughout the entire range and at all apertures and all focus distances. It’s truly remarkable. Throw in good (but not great) bokeh, outstanding color and contrast and very low CA and you’ve got a standard lens that can truly take the place of a bag full of primes. While I personally can’t justify the exorbitant price for my own shooting, those who need a fast standard zoom will be hard pressed to find a better lens. Whether shooting landscapes, events or any other type of shooting, it’s simply an exceptional optic and a wonderful way to kick off the G Master lens line.
Image Samples
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