Sony has announced the FE 20-70mm f4 G standard zoom lens will be available from February 2023 with an SRP of $2000. And a FE 300mm f2.8 G Master telephoto lens is in development, with a target launch due in early 2024.
The lens, covering the ultra-wide to zoom focal lengths, weighs 488 grams and is described as being ‘remarkably compact’. Sony attributes this to a new lens design that includes XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors technology. This lens uses two of ’em, making the autofocus 60 percent faster than the FE 24-70mm F4 ZA, Sony claims.
It’s also designed to be good for video, with reduced focus breathing along with axial shift when zooming. Those linear motors are apparently also quiet, and a new aperture unit also reduces noise and vibration.
There isn’t anything else worth mentioning about the FE 3000mm f2.8.
Here’s the press release for the FE 20-70mm f4 G.
Sony Redefines Standard Zoom Lens with Launch of Ultra-Wide FE 20-70mm F4 G
New Addition to Sony’s E-mount Lens Line-Up Offers Outstanding Image Quality, Supreme Autofocus performance and Impressive Operability
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 18 January 2023 – Sony is radically changing the standard zoom
category of lenses with the introduction of the FE 20-70mm F4 G (model – SEL2070G) that
boasts an ultra-wide 20-70 mm zoom range in a remarkably compact, lightweight full-frame
lens, with a constant F4 aperture throughout the zoom range. With impressive G LensTM image
quality, high speed accuracy and tracking AF and a smart design for maximum mobility and
operability, this new lens is designed for a wide range of creators. The FE 20-70mm F4 G is
the perfect choice for a variety of content capture like vlogging and movie production through
to still portraits and landscapes.
“The introduction of the FE 20-70mm F4 G delivers another G series lens adorned with many
of the technologies that have flowed down from our flagship G Master lenses”, said Jun Yoon,
Head of Digital Imaging, Sony Australia & New Zealand. “This new product is a fantastic option
to add to the lens library of both still and video creators alike, with its compact, lightweight &
robust design, packed full of the latest technology and features.”
Compact and lightweight new standard zoom covers ultra-wide 20-70 mm
With an unprecedented(i) ultra-wide 20 mm to 70 mm zoom range and constant F4 aperture,
the FE 20-70mm F4 G offers outstanding optical performance in a remarkably compact,
lightweight lens thanks to Sony’s latest lens design and XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors
technology. Combined with a compact mirrorless body, this lens can deliver superb image
quality in just about any situation at all focal lengths, providing an excellent solution for
shooting with a minimum amount of equipment.
What’s more, filmmakers will appreciate the ultra-wide 20 mm end of the zoom range, which
makes it possible to maintain a wide angle of view when shooting video with a 16:9 or 2.35:1
aspect ratio.
Outstanding image quality consistent with the G Lens logo
The new FE 20-70mm F4 G delivers the stunning image quality and gorgeous bokeh that
photographers have come to expect from the G Lens marque.
With Sony’s latest technology, the new lens boasts unique G Lens image quality in a
surprisingly compact and lightweight lens. With two AA (advanced aspherical) elements, one
aspherical element, three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, and one ED aspherical
element, this lens’s state-of-the-art optical design simultaneously corrects chromatic and
spherical aberration for extremely high optical performance across the whole zoom range.
Optimised coatings add high flare and ghost resistance to this superior optical design, giving
it extraordinary contrast and clarity.
Beautiful bokeh is achieved with full-frame image sensors and is further enhanced by a 9-
blade circular aperture and optimally tuned spherical aberration.
The FE 20-70mm F4 G’s short minimum focusing distance makes it easy to manoeuvre
around subjects, such as small flowers, to find the ideal angle (0.3 meters at the wide end and
0.25 meters at the telephoto end of the zoom range when using AF)(ii). Maximum magnification
is 0.39x for dynamic, detailed close-ups.
Maximises camera AF performance for stills and video
The lens’s focus group is driven by two of Sony’s latest XD Linear Motors, providing high thrust
for fast, quiet, low-vibration focus drive. Thrust efficiency has been significantly improved over
previous models(iii), resulting in up to a 60% increase in AF speediv, and because tracking
performance has been improved by about 2 times compared to previous models(v), moving
subjects are tracked with consistent reliability and precision. Reliable tracking is achieved
when shooting continuous stills of fast-moving subjects at up to 30 frames per second with the
Alpha 1 body (vi), and can smoothly record when shooting video at a high frame rate.
Video performance designed for refined imagery
The FE 20-70mm F4 G features the latest lens technology to reduce focus breathing as well
as focus and axial shift when zooming to ensure that the highest quality images are captured.
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.
Alpha series cameras’ Active Mode(vii) image stabilisation is highly effective at the ultra-wide
20mm end of the FE 20-70mm F4 G zoom range, providing excellent image stabilisation
performance, whilst maintaining a wide angle of view. This can be particularly useful for
shooting smooth, stable handheld footage whilst walking.
Focus is especially critical when shooting high-resolution 4K or 8K movies. The FE 20-70mm
F4 G works with Alpha series camera bodies to easily acquire accurate focus and smoothly
track fast-moving subjects thanks to two high-thrust XD Linear Motors and a high-level control
system in a compact, lightweight lens. The ability to leave focusing to the camera when
shooting solo can be a huge advantage.
Linear Response MF(viii) 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.
High-level operability and reliability for any environment
The new FE 20-70mm F4 G’s independent focus, zoom, and aperture rings feature optimised
diameter, width, and positioning for full control when shooting stills as well as maximum
versatility when recording video.
Customisable focus hold buttons are provided in two locations for easy access and convenient
control and 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. Even though
the lens is an ultra wide-angle, it is compatible with circular polarising filters to the edge of the
lens, so the user has full creative control. It also includes an Iris Lock switch to prevent
unwanted changes while shooting.
Lastly, the FE 20-70mm F4 G has a dust and moisture resistant designix and the front lens
element features a fluorine coating that repels fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and other
contaminants(x).
Availability
The new FE 20-70mm F4 G will be available in Australia from early February 2023.
SRP: $1999.00 AUD.
i January 2023, Sony survey of full-frame constant F4 standard zoom lenses.
ii 0.25 throughout the zoom range when focusing manually
iii Compared to the SEL2470Z.
iv Compared to the SEL2470Z. Sony test conditions.
v Compared to the SEL2470Z. Sony test conditions.
vi “Hi+” continuous shooting mode. Effective at 1/125 sec. or higher shutter speed. In AF-C mode at shutter
speeds of 1/250 sec. or higher the maximum continuous frame rate will depend on the shooting mode.
vii With a compatible camera. Active Mode causes a slight reduction in angle of view.
viii This feature also works effectively with cameras such as the α7 IV and FX6 AF Assist function, giving creators
enhanced artistic control.
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