Update: The Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G is a recipient of our Editors’ Choice award, which recognizes exceptional video production equipment, software and services. Click here to see all of the current Editors’ Choice winners in the lens category.
Sony announced today a new G Lens: the FE 20mm F1.8 G. It is a new large-aperture Ultra-wide-angle prime lens meant for portraits, astrophotography, landscape and street photography, along with video.
According to Sony, the lens is a compact, lightweight, ultra-wide prime lens, being the “widest full-frame prime lens in Sony’s E-mount lineup.” Now, let’s take a look inside:
Inside the FE 20mm F1.8 G
The lens features two advanced aspherical (AA) elements and three extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements. They suppress chromatic aberration and deliver “high corner-to-corner image quality with minimal distortion” even at the maximum F1.8 aperture, according to Sony. It comes with a minimum focus distance of 7.5 inches (max. magnification: 0.2 times).
“[The lens] delivers crisp and clear images thanks to its advanced optical design that accurately reproduces point light sources with high contrast and minimum sagittal flare,” says Sony.
FE 20mm F1.8 G’s build
In total, the lens weighs just 13.2 oz (373g). Its small size should make it easy to carry around, making it very realistic for videographers to carry the lens around on the go. It’s dust and moisture resistant and has a fluorine front element coating. Additionally, it features a customizable focus-hold button and aperture ring with a click on/off switch. Furthermore, it’s compatible with a variety of 67mm filters
Autofocus
The FE 20mm F1.8 G comes with two extreme dynamic (XD) Linear Motors. Sony says the motors with deliver “fast, precise and quiet” autofocus for both stills and video shooting.
Pricing and availability
The lens will be out this March for $899. It will be available in E-mount.
