San Diego, CA—Sony Electronics added an E-mount, full-frame standard zoom to its G lens lineup: the Sony 20-70mm F4 G (model SEL2070G). The lens offers a versatile range; a compact, lightweight form; as well as a constant f/4 aperture throughout its range. Moreover, it is a solution for still, video and hybrid content creation.
In addition, the new lens boasts Sony G lens image quality, high–speed accuracy and tracking autofocus (AF). Moreover, built for mobility and operability, it is a choice for a variety of scenarios. They include vlogging, video production, portraits as well as landscapes.
“The FE 20–70mm f/4 G is our 71st E-mount lens. It is redefining the standard zoom in our G lens category to meet the needs of today’s content creators,” said Yang Cheng, vice president, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc.
“Having tools that creators can utilize to create both still and video content is ever more important. The FE 20–70mm f/4 G ranges from 20mm to 70mm in a compact form factor. This is an excellent lens option for hybrid content creators and those seeking versatility in a standard zoom.”
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G Key Features
A key benefit of a zoom lens that includes a 20mm setting is its ability to maintain a wide angle of view when shooting video with a 16:9 or 2.35:1 aspect ratio. As a result, content creators can capture more within a single frame. This is an important factor when vlogging or selfie-style shooting.
The lens’s wide angle also provides content creators with the ability to crop frames in postproduction to increase the effectiveness of image stabilization. This editing technique also benefits creators who are filming without a gimbal.
Furthermore, the lens is constructed with two AA (advanced aspherical) elements, one aspherical element, three ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements and one ED aspherical element. They simultaneously correct chromatic and spherical aberration. What’s more, Sony applied optimized coatings for flare and ghost resistance.
In addition, the lens supports the naturally rendered bokeh that is achieved with full-frame image sensors. It is enhanced by the lens’s 9-blade circular aperture and optically controlled spherical aberration.
The FE 20–70mm f/4 G also has a minimum focus distance of up to 11.8 inches at the wide end and 9.8 inches at the telephoto end when using AF.
Moreover, its focus group is driven by two of Sony’s latest XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors. Consequently, it boasts a fast, quiet, low-vibration focus drive. Thrust efficiency was also improved over previous models, for a 60% increase in AF speed. What’s more, because tracking performance was improved by about two times compared to previous models, moving subjects are tracked with more consistent reliability and precision.
Additionally, Alpha cameras’ active mode image stabilization is effective at the wide 20mm end of the lens’s zoom range. This is useful for shooting stable handheld footage while walking.
Additional Features
The FE 20–70mm f/4 G features Sony’s latest lens technology to reduce focus breathing. It also reduces focus and axial shift when zooming. Sony designed it for quiet operation when shooting movies, with XD linear motors and a new aperture unit that reduces noise and vibration.
Its compact design and XD linear motors also work with Alpha cameras to acquire accurate focus and track fast-moving subjects when shooting 4K or 8K movies.
In addition, its linear response MF helps ensure the focus ring responds directly and linearly to subtle control when focusing manually. Further, an independent aperture ring offers direct, intuitive aperture control. The independent focus, zoom and aperture rings also feature optimized diameter, width and positioning for control when shooting stills or recording video.
Plus, customizable focus hold buttons are provided in two locations for easy access. Also, a focus mode switch makes it possible to switch between autofocus and manual focus. Other features include compatibility with circular polarizing filters; an iris lock switch; dust and moisture resistance; as well as a fluorine coating on the front element to repel fingerprints, dust, water and oil.
The Sony FE 20–70mm f/4 G will reach retail in March 2023. It will have a suggested retail price of $1,099.
