Redefining the standard for zoom lenses with a versatile zoom range, outstanding image quality and supreme autofocus performance, Sony has announced the new Ultra-Wide FE 20-70mm F4 G Lens! Remarkably compact with a lightweight form factor and a constant F4 aperture throughout the zoom range, the FE 20-70mm F4 G boasts Sony’s impressive G Lens image quality, high-speed accuracy and tracking autofocus (AF), and a smart design for maximum mobility and operability. Designed for a wide range of creators, the FE 20-70mm F4 G is the perfect choice for a variety of scenarios including vlogging, video production, portraits, and landscapes. Of course, our TCSTV Team had to put this lens to the test! Could the FE 20-70mm F4 G be the best lens of 2023 so far? Let’s take a closer look!
Designed for hybrid content creators and those seeking versatility in a standard zoom, FE 20-70mm F4 G has an unprecedentedly wide 20mm to 70mm zoom range and constant F4 aperture. Boasting Sony’s unique G Lens image quality, the FE 20-70mm F4 G has two AA (advanced aspherical) elements, one aspherical element, three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, and one ED aspherical element.
These elements, alongside optimized coatings, add high flare and ghost resistance for extraordinary contrast and clarity while simultaneously correcting chromatic and spherical aberration for extremely high optical performance across the whole zoom range. Stunning bokeh is achieved with full-frame image sensors and is further enhanced by a 9-blade circular aperture and optimally controlled spherical aberration. With a minimum focus distance of up to 30 cm (11.8 in) at the wide end and up to 25 cm (9.8 in) at the telephoto end of the zoom range when using AF, it makes it easy to maneuver around subjects to find the ideal angle.
The FE 20-70mm F4 G’s focus group is driven by two of Sony’s latest XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors, providing a fast, quiet, low-vibration focus drive. Thrust efficiency has been significantly improved, along with tracking performance. High precision and reliable tracking is achieved when shooting continuous stills of fast-moving subjects at up to 30 frames per second with the Alpha 1 camera and can smoothly record when shooting video at a high frame rate.
A key benefit of a zoom lens that includes a 20mm offering is its ability to maintain a wide-angle-of-view when shooting video with a 16:9 or 2.35:1 aspect ratio. This allows content creators to capture more within a single frame, which is critical when vlogging or selfie-style shooting. The wide-angle also provides content creators with additional flexibility to crop their frames in the post-production process to increase the effectiveness of image stabilization. This is an increasingly popular editing technique that benefits creators who are filming without the stabilization support of a gimbal.
The FE 20-70mm F4 G features the latest lens technology to reduce focus breathing as well as focus and axial shift when zooming. This lens has also been carefully designed for quiet operation when shooting movies, with advanced XD linear motors and a newly developed aperture unit that dramatically reduces noise and vibration. Active Mode image stabilization is highly effective at the wide 20mm end of the FE 20-70mm F4 G zoom range, which is particularly useful for shooting smooth, stable handheld footage while walking.
The FE 20-70mm F4 G’s compact design and XD linear motors work with Alpha series camera bodies to easily acquire accurate focus and smoothly track fast-moving subjects for 4K or 8K movies. In addition, the Linear Response MF ensures that the focus ring responds directly and linearly to subtle control when focusing manually and an independent aperture ring offers direct intuitive aperture control.
The FE 20-70mm F4 G was thoughtfully designed, with independent focus, zoom, and aperture rings which feature optimized diameter, width, and positioning for full control when shooting stills as well as maximum versatility when recording video. Customizable focus hold buttons are provided in two locations for easy access and convenient control. A focus mode switch on the side of the lens makes it possible to switch between autofocus and manual focus to quickly adapt to changing shooting conditions. For additional creative control, the FE 20-70mm F4 G is compatible with circular polarizing filters despite being a wide-angle zoom lens. It also includes an Iris Lock switch to prevent unwanted changes while shooting. The FE 20-70mm F4 G has a dust and moisture-resistant design, and the front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and other contaminants.
In all, the new FE 20-70mm F4 G sounds like an incredibly versatile lens for all kinds of content creators! But is it the best lens of 2023 so far? Check out Dave and Evelyn’s TCSTV review to see what they thought!
To preorder the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G, click here!
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