Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens vs Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
These are different tools at very different prices. The 18-135mm is an APS-C all-in-one travel zoom at $419.00 at eBay as of November 4, 2026. The 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II is a full-frame pro standard zoom at $1,810.00 at eBay as of November 4, 2026. Buy the 18-135mm for reach and light travel on an APS-C body; buy the GM II for constant f/2.8, sharpness and full-frame coverage.
Today the Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens costs $1,330.99 less at its best price.
Ask our shopping agent
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens
4.6Choose the E 18-135mm if you shoot an APS-C E-mount body and want one light lens covering wide to telephoto for travel and video.
- One lens covers wide angle to telephoto, so you carry less
- Light enough for all-day travel on an APS-C body
- Built-in stabilization helps handheld shots and video
- Quiet linear AF motor suits recording
What separates them
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens | Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor format | APS-C only (27-202.5mm equivalent) | Full frame (24-70mm) |
| Maximum aperture | f/3.5-5.6 variable | Constant f/2.8 |
| Focal reach | 18-135mm, about 7.5x zoom | 24-70mm, about 2.9x zoom |
| Image stabilization | Optical SteadyShot built in | None; relies on body IBIS |
| Weight | About 325 g | 695 g |
| Minimum focus distance | 45 cm, 0.29x magnification | 21 cm at wide, 0.32x magnification |
| Aperture blades | 7 rounded blades | 11 blades |
Price history
- Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens: lowest $428.95 on Nov 1 at Walmart; $428.95 on Nov 4.
- Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II: lowest $2,448.00 on Nov 4 at Macy's.
Prices at every store
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens
- Willoughby's Photo EmporiumNew
In stock
$499.00Observed at 12:12 PM - Abt Electronics & AppliancesNew
In stock
$798.00Observed at 12:12 PM
Also available at
- eBayCheck price at eBay
- bhphotovideo.comCheck price at bhphotovideo.com
- CrutchfieldCheck price at Crutchfield
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
- Macy'sNew
In stock
$2,448.00Free shippingObserved at 12:12 PM - SweetwaterNew
In stock
$2,448.00Free shippingObserved at 12:12 PM - eBayNew
Availability unknownSold by deals-all-year (99.8% positive, 31,000 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$1,829.99Free shippingVerified - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.
$2,448.00Free shippingObserved at 12:12 PM
Also available at
- WalmartCheck price at Walmart
Specs compared
| Spec | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens | Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 |
| Specialty Type | Wide Angle, Telephoto | Portrait, Landscape |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Mount | Sony E | — |
| Image Stabilizing | Yes | — |
| Aspherical | Yes | — |
| Type | Zoom | — |
| Zoom Focal Length | — | 24-70mm |
| Durability | — | Dust resistant, Moisture resistant |
| Magnification | — | 0.32x |
| Accessory Type |
What reviewers say
Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Lens
Owners rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 326 ratings and generally treat it as the practical all-day lens for Sony APS-C bodies. Praise centers on the range, stabilization and quiet focus; complaints focus on the slow aperture and softness at the long end.
- Useful range that replaces two kit lenses
- Effective stabilization for handheld telephoto shots
- Fast, silent autofocus for stills and video
- Light enough to carry all day
- Slow aperture limits indoor and dusk shooting
- Sharpness drops at 135mm wide open
- No weather sealing at this price
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
Owners rate it very highly, 4.9 out of 5 from 17 ratings, and praise the sharpness, the lighter weight versus the first version and the fast focusing. Complaints center on price and on the lack of stabilization.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for travel?
- The 18-135mm. It covers 27-202.5mm equivalent in one light lens, so you rarely change lenses. The GM II stops at 70mm and weighs 695 g.
- Which is sharper?
- The 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. It is a G Master lens with 20 elements and is sharp wide open at f/2.8. The 18-135mm is a good consumer zoom but softer at the long end.
- Can I use the 18-135mm on a full-frame Sony?
- Only in APS-C crop mode, which drops resolution to roughly 10MP on a 24MP body. The GM II works on full frame and on APS-C bodies.
- Is the GM II worth the extra money?
- If you shoot full frame and need f/2.8 in low light or shallow depth of field, yes. At $1,810.00 at eBay as of November 4, 2026, it costs about 4.3 times the 18-135mm's $419.00.
- Which is better for video?
- Both focus quietly. The 18-135mm adds optical stabilization and a longer range; the GM II gives constant f/2.8 and less breathing for pro work.
- Does the 24-70mm GM II have image stabilization?
- No. It relies on the camera's in-body stabilization. The 18-135mm has Optical SteadyShot built in.