Sony Unveils Unique 20-70mm Full-Frame Lens

2023.01.17

Today, Sony launched one of the most unique and versatile lenses for Full-Frame cameras on the market! Their new zoom is the first constant-aperture zoom that spans extreme-wide-angle to medium focal-length among any format, accounting for crop-factor.

The new Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G takes flexibility to the next level with a 3.5X optical zoom that covers both extreme wide-angle and medium focal-lengths. It captures an angle between 94 and 34° which is suitable for a large variety of photographic subjects, from architecture and astrophotography to portraits and closeups thanks to an exceptional 0.39X maximum magnification.

Normally, spanning the same angle-of-view requires two lenses, except on Leica L-mount using the equally unique Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm F/3.5-5.6 that covers a similar angle-of-view yet with a variable aperture. This one new Sony lens allows Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera gear to be more compact and lighter than ever. The 20-70mm F/4G and Sony FE 70-200mm F/4G OSS plus Sony Alpha A7R IV together weigh 2kg.

This lens is part of the high-end G-series of performance optics that constantly delivers great optics in compact designs. The FE 20-70mm F/4 is light, at 488g, and moderately compact, extending 10cm in length. It offers high-end features, including a customizable control-ring, dedicated aperture-ring, focus hold, aperture lock and even a declickable aperture, all in a study weatherproof design.

Sony packed this lens with two of their Extreme-Dynamic Linear Motor to focus faster than before. It is optimized for continuous autofocus and tracking, plus it minimizes focus-breathing that is noticeable in videos. Focusing is possible down to 25cm from the focal-plane at the telephoto end to achieve its 0.39X magnification. A 9-blade rounded iris allows the 20-70mm to render smooth bokeh. The constant F/4 maximum aperture maintains highly consistent exposure and shutter-speed throughout.

A 72mm filter-thread at the front support standard screw-on filters and a bayonet mount accepts a lens hood. A high number of extreme-wide-angle lenses do not support filters but this one does, given that it spans normal focal-lengths too, where filters are commonly used. In this case, it makes it easy to use ND filters with such wide angle-of-view.

Sony expects to ship the new FE 20-70mm F/4G in March for $1100 USD or $1500 CAD. Adorama, B&H Photo and Amazon UK are all accepting pre-orders already. This is such a unique and promising lens that it could get very popular and backordered quickly, so orders one as soon as possible.

Along with the Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G, the company announced they are working on a FE 300mm F/2.8 GM OSS lens for early 2024. It is a long time ahead that is meant to signal the continued development of premium optics. Little information was revealed yet it should be inline with other G-Master lenses.

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