With the announcement of the Sony a7 V, Sony also introduced a refreshed standard zoom lens: the new Sony FE 28‑70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II (SEL28702). Designed as a compact, lightweight, full-frame compatible zoom, this lens is built to match the a7 V’s upgraded performance — notably its high-speed continuous shooting and modern autofocus / video capabilities.
Sony FE 28–70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II costs US$ 449. Preorder / purchase links:
What’s New: Key Features & Specs
- Full-frame E-mount zoom: 28–70 mm – works natively on Sony full-frame mirrorless bodies (and APS-C with crop).
- Variable aperture: f/3.5 at 28 mm → f/5.6 at 70 mm.
- Optical SteadyShot (OSS): built-in stabilization helps handheld shooting with full-frame bodies.
- Compact & lightweight build: approx. 293 g weight, 72.5 × 83 mm size, 55 mm filter thread.
- Improved AF & video support: lens supports AF/AE tracking up to 120 fps and is compatible with focus-breathing compensation — optimized for fast-paced shooting and video on a7 V.
- Close focusing & magnification: minimum focus distance around 0.30–0.45 m, with ~0.19× magnification — usable for casual close-ups.
✅ Who the FE 28–70mm OSS II Is For
- New a7 V owners looking for a native kit zoom: compact size, OSS + stabilized IBIS on the body make it a good “walk-around” lens or everyday lens when high speed matters.
- Travellers and street photographers: versatility from 28 to 70 mm, light weight and OSS make it a practical, low-bulk all-purpose lens.
- Hybrid shooters & vloggers: AF/AE tracking up to 120 fps and focus-breathing compensation help when using the lens for video or run-and-gun shooting.
- Entry-level full-frame users & those coming from APS-C: a cost-effective way to enjoy full-frame coverage without investing in heavier, expensive glass.
Considerations / What It Isn’t
- The variable aperture (f/3.5–5.6) means low-light and shallow depth-of-field performance is limited compared to “fast” primes or constant-aperture zooms.
- As a standard kit lens, optical quality will be adequate for everyday shooting, but it may not compete with higher-end zooms or primes in sharpness, corner rendering, or bokeh quality — especially wide-open. (This has been typical of standard zooms in this class.)
- Not ideal for demanding professional use — for example, if you need maximum sharpness, heavy cropping, or very shallow depth-of-field, a faster or higher-class lens would still be better.
Price & Availability
Sony says the FE 28–70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II will be available from February 2026, with a retail price around US$ 449.
Preorder / purchase links (affiliate):
- 🔗 Amazon Store Page for “Sony FE 28-70mm OSS II”
- 🔗 B&H Photo Store Page for “Sony FE 28-70mm OSS II”
- 🔗 Adorama Store Page for “Sony FE 28-70mm OSS II”
📸 Final Thoughts
The Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II stands out as a timely and sensible upgrade to Sony’s standard kit zoom lineup. It’s compact, lightweight, stabilized, and now optimized to keep up with modern high-frame-rate shooting and video workflows.
For everyday photography — travel, portraits, street, events — or as a reliable kit lens for a new full-frame E-mount shooter, this lens represents a practical balance of versatility, convenience, and affordability. Just don’t expect it to rival premium primes or high-end zooms in low-light speed or ultimate image quality — but used intelligently, it can be a solid all-rounder.
