Sony FE 20-70mm F4G
In the absence of offers discover
The links shown above may not work in the presence of an ad blocker.
A new trans-standard in E mount
Sony’s already generous optical fleet for hybrids is growing again. The Japanese manufacturer is unveiling this time a rather original zoom because of its focal lengths: the FE 20-70mm F4 G. It is therefore indeed what is called a trans-standard, a versatile and good-for-everything lens make. However, this is usually the name for 24-70 mm or even 28-75 mm zooms: we will therefore benefit here from a slightly wider angle of view.
A mini FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
The lens strongly resembles (only shorter) the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II. We therefore find the same aesthetic and ergonomic codes. The 488 g zoom (9.9 cm long and 7.8 cm in diameter) is equipped — in addition to the zoom and focus rings — with a diaphragm ring, the stroke of which can be chosen (smooth or toothed). There are also configurable buttons and a switch for autofocus.
Under its hood, the zoom is based on an optical construction of 16 elements grouped into 13 groups. The minimum focusing distance is 30 cm at the widest angle and 25 cm at full zoom (in autofocus). In manual focus, this distance is established at 25 cm over the entire focal length. The diaphragm has nine blades and the zoom does not have optical stabilization, unlike the lens it intends to succeed: the Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS.
Succession, ten years later
Launched in 2013, this Zeiss-branded zoom was the first constant-aperture trans-standard for Sony hybrids with a 24×36 sensor, but it is now getting a little old. The newcomer does without optical stabilization, of course, but since all Sony 35mm hybrids still on the market are equipped with mechanical stabilization of the sensor, this is not a problem.
A bonus super telephoto lens
Alongside this announcement, Sony has lifted the veil on a lens that professionals in sports or wildlife photography will appreciate, the FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS. It joins Sony’s list of very high-end telephoto lenses, such as the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS and FE 600mm F4 GM OSS. This premium lens, which we don’t know much about at the moment, will probably be compatible with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, for those who always need to see a little further.
Price and availability
The Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G will be available for €1600 from February 2023. A relatively high-end product which, in addition to Sony lenses, competes with brighter optics such as the Sigma 24-70mm F2 .8 DG DN Art and DG DN 28-70mm F2.8 Contemporary, the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD as well as the more recent 28-75mm F2.8 DI III VXD G2 or the Samyang AF 24-70mm F2.8FE.
As for the FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS, we only know that it is scheduled for 2024 (presumably to coincide with the Paris Olympics). The price has not been communicated, but given the placement of other optics of the same type, we can expect a price approaching €10,000.
Illustrative images courtesy of Sony