The Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G Lens is finally Sony's answer to a compact ultra-wide prime with a bright maximum aperture for their full-frame cameras. Sony’s latest optical technology achieves impressive corner-to-corner resolution from maximum F1.8 aperture in a large-aperture wide-angle prime lens. It is characterized by its portability, advanced optical design, and intuitive handling.
The optical design incorporates a pair of aspherical elements and three extra-low dispersion elements to greatly reduce a variety of aberrations and distortion. A Nano AR Coating has also been applied to further reduce surface reflections and flare for improved contrast when working in bright and backlit conditions.
Benefitting the optics, this lens also sports a dual XD Linear Motor system that is fast and quiet while lending to more responsive control for manual focus operation. The lens is also dust- and moisture-sealed along with a fluorine coating, to support shooting in inclement conditions.
A focus hold button, focus mode switch, aperture ring, and other controls have been designed and positioned for easy operation and a smooth workflow. Alternative functions that support individual shooting needs can be assigned to the focus hold button via camera body menu settings. While the front lens element is fluorine-coated to repel water and grime, and the lens' dust and moisture resistant design provides the reliability needed for outdoor use in challenging conditions. Additionally, this lens has been optimised for video with a de-clickable aperture ring and a smooth linear manual focus response.
The Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G features two AA (advanced aspherical) elements in an innovative optical design to minimise aberration for outstanding corner-to-corner resolution right from the lens’s widest F1.8 aperture.
In addition to precise control of spherical aberration that has a significant influence on bokeh quality, the FE 20mm F1.8 G has a 9-blade circular aperture that contributes to smooth, creamy bokeh and natural-looking highlights that are hallmarks of the G Lens series. This lens also has a minimum focusing distance of just 0.19 meter when used in AF mode, and an even closer 0.18 meter minimum focusing distance when focused manually. It is an excellent choice for gimbal/grip mounting, whether shooting selfies or other subjects.
Sony’s original Nano AR Coating creates a precise, regular nanostructure on lens surfaces that does not interfere with light transmission while suppressing reflections that can cause flare and ghosting. Internal reflections are reduced to an absolute minimum, achieving outstanding clarity and contrast.
Two AA (advanced aspherical) elements and three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements are employed to minimise sagittal flare so that point light sources are reproduced accurately, without colour smearing.
Two XD (eXtreme Dynamic) Linear Motors easily keep up with Sony’s high-speed camera bodies, taking full advantage of their AF speed, precision, and tracking potential. New control algorithms make it possible to drive the lens’s large focus group smoothly and without delays for responsive, silent, low-vibration autofocus.
The excellent optical performance is further supported by a refined mechanical system that only weighs 373 grams! Resulting in enhance mobility when used with compact E-mount bodies, and making up a well-balanced system that is ideal for use on gimbals or accessory grips.
A dust and moisture resistant design provides the reliability needed for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants while making it easier to wipe off any contaminants or fingerprints that do become attached to the lens surface.
A conveniently placed focus hold button not only offers easy focus hold control but can be assigned to a variety of other functions from a menu accessed via the camera body.
Recognising the need of Sony content creators, this lens offers a smooth natural and linear focus response for subtle control when focusing manually. The focus ring rotation translates directly to a corresponding change in focus, so control feels immediate and precise.
In addition to providing the fast response required for professional application, the aperture ring includes a switch that turns its click stops on or off: ON for tactile feedback when shooting stills, or OFF for seamless, silent control when shooting movies.
A focus mode switch that allows instant switching between auto and manual focus modes can be a great advantage when shooting subjects or situations that require fine manual focus adjustment.
Focal Length | 20mm |
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Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 |
Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
Lens Mount | Sony E |
Format Compatibility | Full-Frame |
Angle of View | 94° |
Minimum Focus Distance | 7.09" / 18 cm |
Maximum Magnification | 0.2x |
Optical Design | 14 Elements in 12 Groups |
Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded |
Focus Type | Autofocus |
Image Stabilization | No |
Filter Size | 67 mm (Front) |
Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.89 x 3.33" / 73.5 x 84.7 mm |
Weight | 13.16 oz / 373 g |