Lens Reviews / Sony Lenses i Not yet tested

20-70mm

Updates:
01/17/2023: Hands-on & Gallery Images added

(From Sony lens literature) Sony Electronics is redefining its standard zoom category of lenses with the introduction of the full-frame E-mount 20-70mm F4 G (model: SEL2070G) that boasts a versatile zoom range, a remarkably compact and lightweight form-factor, and a constant F4 aperture throughout the zoom range. With impressive Sony G LensTM image quality, high speed accuracy and tracking autofocus (AF), and a smart design for maximum mobility and operability, this new lens is designed for a wide range of creators. The FE 20-70mm F4 G is the perfect choice for a variety of content capturing scenarios including vlogging, video production, portraits, and landscapes. ​ 

 “The FE 20-70mm F4 G is our 71st E-mount lens and is redefining the standard zoom in our G Lens category to meet the needs to today’s content creators,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “Having tools that creators can utilize to create both still and video content is ever more important. The FE 20-70mm F4 G ranges from 20mm to 70mm in a compact form-factor – this is an excellent lens option for hybrid content creators and those seeking versatility in a standard zoom.” 

Compact with a Standard Zoom Range Ideal for Hybrid Creation

With an unprecedentedlyi wide 20mm to 70mm zoom range and constant F4 aperture, the FE 20-70mm F4 G offers outstanding optical performance in a compact and lightweight form-factor. ​ Combined with a compact Sony AlphaTMbrand mirrorless body, this lens can deliver superb image quality in just about any situation at all focal lengths. The versatility of this lens makes it an ideal selection for still, video, and hybrid content creation.

A key benefit of a zoom lens that includes a 20mm offering is its ability to maintain a wide-angle-of-view when shooting video with a 16:9 or 2.35:1 aspect ratio. This allows content creators to capture more within a single frame, which is critical when vlogging or selfie-style shooting. The wide-angle also provides content creators with additional flexibility to crop their frames in the post-production process to increase the effectiveness of image stabilization. This is an increasingly popular editing technique that benefits creators who are filming without the stabilization support of a gimbal. 

Image Quality Consistent with the G Lens Line-Up 

With Sony’s latest technology, the new lens boasts unique G Lens image quality in a surprisingly compact and lightweight package. With two AA (advanced aspherical) elements, one aspherical element, three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, and one ED aspherical element, this lens simultaneously corrects chromatic and spherical aberration for extremely high optical performance across the whole zoom range. Optimized coatings add high flare and ghost resistance for extraordinary contrast and clarity.​

Beautiful bokeh is achieved with full-frame image sensors and is further enhanced by a 9-blade circular aperture and optimally controlled spherical aberration. This combination supports the naturally rendered bokeh, offering impressive, memorable imagery. 

 The FE 20-70mm F4 G has a minimum focus distance of up to 11.8” (30 cm) at the wide end and up to 9.8” (25 cm) at the telephoto end of the zoom range when using AFii, making it easy to maneuver around subjects to find the ideal angle.

Maximizes Camera AF Performance for Stills and Video 

The lens’s focus group is driven by two of Sony’s latest XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors, providing a fast, quiet, low-vibration focus drive. Thrust efficiency has been significantly improved over previous modelsiii, resulting in up to a 60% increase in AF speediv. Because tracking performance has been improved by about two times compared to previous modelsv, moving subjects are tracked with consistent reliability and precision. Reliable tracking is achieved when shooting continuous stills of fast-moving subjects at up to 30 frames per second with the Alpha 1 cameraviand can smoothly record when shooting video at a high frame rate. 

Video Performance Designed for Refined Imagery 

The FE 20-70mm F4 G features the latest lens technology to reduce focus breathing, as well as focus and axial shift when zooming. This lens has also been carefully designed for quiet operation when shooting movies, with advanced XD linear motors and a newly developed aperture unit that dramatically reduces noise and vibration.​ ​ 

The Alpha brand series cameras’ Active Modevii image stabilization is highly effective at the wide 20mm end of the FE 20-70mm F4 G zoom range. This can be particularly useful for shooting smooth, stable handheld footage while walking. 

Focus is especially critical when shooting high-resolution 4K or 8K movies. The FE 20-70mm F4 G’scompact design and XD linear motors work with Alpha series camera bodies to easily acquire accurate focus and smoothly track fast-moving subjects. The ability to leave focusing to the camera when solo shooting can be a huge advantage. 

In addition, the Linear Response MFviii ensures that the focus ring responds directly and linearly to subtle control when focusing manually and an independent aperture ring offers direct, intuitive aperture control. ​ 

High-Level Operability and Reliability for Any Environment 

The new FE 20-70mm F4 G’s independent focus, zoom, and aperture rings feature optimized diameter, width, and positioning for full control when shooting stills as well as maximum versatility when recording video. ​

Customizable focus hold buttons are provided in two locations for easy access and convenient control. A focus mode switch on the side of the lens makes it possible to switch between autofocus and manual focus to quickly adapt to changing shooting conditions. To offer additional creative control, the FE 20-70mm F4 G is compatible with circular polarizing filters despite being a wide-angle zoom lens. It also includes an Iris Lock switch to prevent unwanted changes while shooting. 

Lastly, the FE 20-70mm F4 G has a dust and moisture resistant designix and the front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and other contaminantsx. 

Pricing and Availability 

The new FE 20-70mm F4 G will be available in March 2023 for approximately $1,099 USD and $1,499 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.