There’s certainly more to the eye with this new standard zoom lens option. In addition to the wider range and smaller size, see what else this has to offer.
Standard zoom lenses will always be the most versatile when it comes to range. If one is limited to using only one zoom lens for a shot that may require multiple viewing angles, 24-70mm or 24-105mm (or equivalent crop sensor) lenses are always the way to go. choose top priority. Over the past few decades, standard zoom lenses have been essentially updates of the same lenses, only better glass quality, focus speed, image stabilization, etc. That’s why. It’s time for lens manufacturers to push this range further in the hope of being able to offer more versatility without compromising on image quality.
This new lens from Sony could very well be a great start to pushing the boundaries of standard zoom lenses. The range alone says a lot about the potential difference it can make to both photographers and videographers’ workflow and equipment choices, but let’s take a close look. more than what this lens offers.
One notable difference of this lens is in size. It weighs just 488 grams in a 78.7 mm thick 99 mm barrel. This is relatively compact and lighter than Sony 24-105mm f/4G and even 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II.
The Sony 20-70mm f/4G comes with two customizable focus hold buttons, regular AF/MF switch, separate manual aperture ring from f/4 to f/22 with an extra stop for auto or body control camera, a switch to eliminate clicks/stops of the aperture ring, and an iris lock switch have been continuously added to most Sony lenses over the past year. This also comes with its own reversible hood and has 72mm filters up front.
Optics and focus
This lens is made up of 16 glass elements in 13 groups with extra-low dispersion glass elements that help reduce aberrations and flare. It has a 9-blade circular aperture cluster that has some significance considering the close focusing capabilities of this lens. The 20-70mm f/4 G is equipped with two XD linear autofocus motors that are compatible with the seamless and adaptive AF speed and tracking features of recent Sony cameras.
Aside from the focusing speed and accuracy one would probably expect from any new lens coming out in 2023, another aspect of this lens that could perhaps expand in functionality is the focus distance. significantly close minimum up to 0.25 m in manual focus or 0.25 to 0.3 meter in autofocus in the 20-70mm range. Other 24-70mm lenses typically have a minimum focusing distance between 0.35 and 0.38 m, and while that distance may seem small in numerical terms, this means a wide range of applications. better when photographing products, food, and even smaller objects.
Application
Standard zoom lenses are always considered general use lenses. Since they’re right in the middle of the wide and telephoto ranges, they’re still some of the most practical lenses to have. The Sony 20-70mm f/4 G stays true to this as it offers the same practical applications with the significant addition of providing a 4mm wider angle of view and, at the same time, the ability to focus closer.
As a landscape and cityscape photographer, I see the potential of this lens in situations where an ultra-wide-angle (16-35mm) lens might not be a priority and the photographer doesn’t want to carry it around. under too many lenses. The 4mm increase on the wider end makes a big difference, especially in locations where there’s no room for backup. I have personally also done landscape photography trips with 20mmf/1.8 prime instead of 16-35mm and most of the time, 20mm is wide enough for what I want to accomplish. Then again, of course, this is entirely up to the preference of the photographer, but it’s good to know that the option of having 24-70mm and 20mm in a lens, in terms of range, is available. .
When shooting landscapes with highly detailed foreground elements, the focusing distance as close as 0.25 m can be quite handy. One approach is to try to shoot with as many frames in focus with a smaller aperture. Another approach is to do focus stacking to get each layer as detailed as possible and combine them together in the post. This ability to focus close to the foreground can be a great combination with the AF’s ability to compensate for this a7R DRAW to create ultra-detailed photos of wide vistas.
In other forms of nature photography, the ability to focus close even when zoomed in at 70mm can also be useful. Whether shooting small animals, plants or flowers, the 20-70mm can be a useful tool. However, it is not exactly a macro lens but can certainly get closer than most other zoom lenses.
Portrait photography may not be the first application that most people will think of, especially for those who prefer larger apertures, but this new standard zoom lens can certainly still do the job. , especially when there is a lot of light. When focusing close, it still blurs the background quite well, even when only at f/4.
20mm is a great wide viewing angle for video recording. Personally, I think (in terms of video) anything wider seems unnatural, especially when there’s movement. Having a lens that starts at 20mm with a zoom option can certainly be great for videographers, especially in good light. Whether for vlog content or travel videos, the 20-70mm range offers a lot to work with. It would be nice to see a powerful zoom on this lens as well as smooth motion in video, like what we’ve seen on some recent Sony lenses.
Finally, the close focusing distance of this lens offers more applications in capturing small objects. Whether this is for food photography, small products, detailed images of clothing, wedding rings and engagement photos, a closer focusing distance of 5 to 10mm can be a great foundation for photographers without a dedicated macro lens. Since this covers a wider focus range provided it can focus closer, there is a tendency for the autofocus to slip due to focusing on something further back. Perhaps a switch that restricts focus on closer subjects would improve this.
Conclusion
The 20-70mm is certainly a step towards expanding the capabilities of our trusted standard zoom lenses. The more portable construction, wider viewing angle and closer focusing distance offer a lot of benefits in terms of how we can use the lens. While it is not the perfect lens for all shooting situations, it is a lens that covers many bases for many of them.
What I like
- Wider range
- Close focus distance
- Compact and lightweight
What can be improved
- No zoom option for video
- No focus range switch
Buy
You can buy 20-70mm f/4 G here.
