The just-announced Sony FE 20-70mm F/4 G Zoom Lens is an incredibly versatile lens that is both compact and lightweight, and covers the ultra-wide range. This brand-new lens brings the outstanding image quality we are used to seeing in Sony lenses to a very versatile 20-70mm range. Let’s dive into this new standard zoom lens for Sony E-Mount.
Key Features of the Sony 20-70mm Lens:
- 20-70mm range at a fixed f/4 aperture
- 488g/17.2oz, and just four inches tall
- 60% increase in autofocus speed compared to the 24-70mm
- 9-blade circular aperture for soft bokeh
- Reduced focus breathing, and reduced focus and axis shift while zooming
- Active Mode image stabilization support for stable video footage
What’s New About the Sony 20-70mm Lens?
This is the 71st E-Mount lens and 48th full frame lens for Sony cameras. The 20-70mm f/4 lens has a 60% faster autofocus and 2x tracking performance compared to the popular 24-70mm. In addition, it is also slightly wider and boasts a 20mm focal length at the shortest end.
In addition, video capabilities are improved on this lens with reduced focus breathing and reduced focus shift and axis shift while zooming. This lens has a switch for the aperture ring, allowing you to switch the ring from ⅓-step click stops or seamless control without click stops. It is also equipped with an Iris lock switch to prevent accidental movement between aperture settings.
Lastly, it is both shorter and lighter than the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8, although not quite as light as the Sony Vario-Tessar 24-70mm f/4.
Who Should Buy This Lens?
This brand-new lens covers an excellent focal range for all types of photographers — both amateurs and professionals alike. If you are a photographer or videographer who values a single-lens kit, this lens covers a widely used and highly versatile focal range with a minimum aperture of f/4 and soft bokeh.
Portrait, sports, and wildlife photographers will appreciate having two customizable focus hold buttons. These are expandable to offer other functions beyond focus hold. An aperture ring allows photographers to control the aperture right next to the zoom, so only one hand is needed to adjust both zoom and aperture.
Additionally, the Sony 20-70mm f/4 lens is perfect for videographers. The video performance is excellent, and Active Mode image stabilization helps to stabilize your video footage. Simply put, this feature allows you to shoot your video at a wider focal length, and then crop down the footage for smooth movement throughout all of your videos.
Here are some more photos taken with the Sony FE 20-70mm F/4 G Zoom Lens:
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Comparable Sony Lenses
This lens is very similar in size and weight to the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens while being smaller than the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens. In addition to the slightly wider focal length, the new 20-70mm f/4 lens is equipped with improved autofocus and other video features to make it an ideal video lens. When paired with the Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 and the Sony 70-200mm f/4, photographers and videographers can cover all focal lengths between 12-200mm. This would be plenty for most video and photo needs.
For Sony shooters who are after a high-performing, lightweight lens that can do it all — the Sony 20-70mm f/4 lens is a worthy option.
