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Sony Announces FE 20-70mm f4 G Zoom
17 January 2023
Sony has announced its FE 20-70mm f4-GB lens, extending the familiar 24-70mm range to a wider 20mm. The extended range is expected to appeal particularly to vloggers and selfie shooters.
The new zoom consists of 16 elements arranged in 13 groups with a blend of aspherical, advanced aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements to combat aberrations and other distortions. A 9-bladed circular aperture promises smooth, out-of-focus backgrounds when shooting with the aperture opened up.
The 20-70mm zoom does not feature image stabilization despite its rather slow f4 maximum aperture. An image stabilized body and/or clean high ISO sensitivity can compensate for that shortcoming.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the new zoom include:
- Full-frame coverage
- Apertures: f4 to f22
- Ultra-wide standard zoom at 20mm
- Fast internal focusing system
- Supports micro-step aperture control
- Fluorine coatings
- Rounded 9-blade diaphragm
- Dust and moisture-resistant construction
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the FE zoom include:
SONY FE 20-70mm f4 G LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Sony E Focal Length 20mm to 70mm Aperture f4 to f22
9 rounded diaphragm bladesAngle of View 94° Minimum Focus 9.8 inches Magnification 0.39x Optical Design 16 elements in 13 groups Autofocus Yes Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 72mm Dimensions 3.1 x 3.9 inches Weight 17.2 oz. PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Sony did not announced availability of the $1,098 zoom. Both Adorama and B&H will be accepting pre-orders Jan. 18.
Sony Announces FE 20-70mm f4 G Lens
An extra-wide standard lens designed for photographers and videographers who like to keep their camera within reach
NEW YORK -- Sony has announced its FE 20-70mm f4-GB lens. A fresh take on the "normal" zoom, its extended range should appeal not only to vloggers and selfie connoisseurs but also photographers and videographers looking to squeeze more into their compositions without the hassle of swapping lenses.
Product Highlights:
- Full-Frame
- f4 to f22
- Ultra-Wide Standard Zoom
- Fast Internal Focusing System
- Supports Micro-Step Aperture Control
- Fluorine Coatings
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Dust & Moisture-Resistant Construction
The new zoom sits in Sony's G series between the 12-24mm f4-GB and 70-200mm f4-GB OSS. Prior to its release, the 24-105mm f4-GB OSS served as the mid-range zoom in the series. By shifting its focal range to the wide end, the new lens brings more versatility to the lineup than a conventional 24-70mm. The usefulness of the extra millimeters will become immediately apparent to anyone recording at a wide aspect ratio or working close to subjects.
Optically, the 20-70mm f4 consists of 16 elements arranged in 13 groups. A blend of aspherical, advanced aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements combat aberrations and other distortions, ensuring corner-to-corner sharpness and accurate color rendering. A 9-bladed circular aperture promises smooth, out-of-focus backgrounds when shooting with the aperture opened up.
The new Sony 20-70mm lens was designed, optically and mechanically, for photographers and videographers on the go. Compared to the 24-105mm, it offers a greater maximum magnification of 0.39x (vs 0.31x). Similarly, its minimum focusing distance of 0.25m (0.3m using AF) provides plenty of working room for self-recording. Active Mode image stabilization helps maintain focus when shooting handheld or recording while walking. Further benefiting handheld use is its light weight of 17 oz and its 4-inch length. Finally, focusing is quick, quiet and accurate, thanks to an internal focusing mechanism powered by two XD linear motors. Focus breathing and shift are minimized for consistent video capture.
The external design of the lens shares many of the practical features of recent G-series lenses, including a de-clickable aperture ring, two customizable focus hold buttons, an AF/MF switch and iris lock. Its housing is dust and moisture resistant and a fluorine coating on its outer element protects against environmental contaminants. It accepts a 72mm filter.