Sony has announced the new FE 20-70mm f/4 G, a compact, lightweight wide-angle zoom lens offering a slightly wider field of view than the more common 24-70mm focal length and is well suited for both photo and video uses.
The new lens offers a constant f/4 maximum aperture and an ultra-wide 20mm to mid-telephoto 70mm zoom range which Sony says maintains a wide angle of view at the 20mm end of the zoom range.
Inside, there are two AA (advanced aspherical) elements, one aspherical element, three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, and one ED aspherical element that work together to correct both chromatic and spherical aberration.
These AA elements help to achieve a minimum focus distance of 30 cm – wide (11.8 in) to 25 cm – Telephoto (9.8 in) using AF, and 25 cm (9.8 in) throughout the zoom range when focusing manually. The maximum magnification is 0.39x allowing for detailed close-ups.
View Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G Lens Pricing and Availability at Vistek
Focus breathing, as well as focus and axial shift when zooming has been reduced, helping to minimize image shifts, and Sony’s breathing compensation function found on compatible α series cameras is also supported.
Two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors power the fast, quiet and smooth focus drive offering what Sony says is up to 60% higher AF speed and up to two times better performance while tracking for reliable, precise tracking.
Sony also says that moving subjects are reliably tracked when shooting continuous stills at up to 30 fps, or up to 4K 120p when paired with a compatible alpha camera.
The XD motors work together with a newly developed aperture unit to reduce noise and vibration when recording video.
Sony’s Active Mode image stabilization found on in α series cameras is also supported providing highly effective image stabilization performance, especially at the 20 mm end of the zoom range, particularly useful when recording footage while walking.
The barrel of the lens features an updated dust and moisture resistant design and the front lens element features a fluorine coating to repel water, oil (from fingerprints) and other contaminants.
When shooting video, the aperture ring allows for smooth, rapid and direct control. Click stops can be turned on or off if you want more tactile feedback when shooting stills, and an iris lock switch prevents the aperture ring from being accidentally changed.
There are also two customizable buttons, one on each side of the barrel, that can be used to assign various functions from the camera’s menu and an AF | MF switch that allows for instantaneous switching between modes.
Lastly, the lens accepts standard 72 mm screw-on filters and comes with a petal shaped, bayonet mount lens hood.