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Archive 2020Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
p.11 #1Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
jon.pictures wrote:
Regarding why this isn't a GM, it does have a plastic filter thread, not sure if the 24 GM has a metal one or not?
I agree this 20mm blurs the line between G and GM. The 100 STF GM has a plastic filter thread so perhaps GM value-added lies inside the barrel. Many expensive lenses are being released with plastic filter threads (e.g. the $2K Nikkor 28/1.4E), and other lenses of even greater cost have plastic cladding in some sections of the barrel.
Regarding why this isn't a GM, it does have a plastic filter thread, not sure if the 24 GM has a metal one or not?
I agree this 20mm blurs the line between G and GM. The 100 STF GM has a plastic filter thread so perhaps GM value-added lies inside the barrel. Many expensive lenses are being released with plastic filter threads (e.g. the $2K Nikkor 28/1.4E), and other lenses of even greater cost have plastic cladding in some sections of the barrel.
Feb 27, 2020 at 11:15 PM
p.11 #2Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
rico wrote:
I agree this 20mm blurs the line between G and GM. The 100 STF GM has a plastic filter thread so perhaps GM value-added lies inside the barrel. Many expensive lenses are being released with plastic filter threads (e.g. the $2K Nikkor 28/1.4E), and other lenses of even greater cost have plastic cladding in some sections of the barrel.
There are now quite a few lenses from Sony and Canon that I know have the high impact poly carbonate external sheaths. Seam that has become the new norm. I don't have any direct experience with Nikon but I think the new short flange mirrorless lenses are the same. If done right I am getting OK with it. Asking 5 years how they are holding up. Its the rubber focus rings that will start to age and turn an off color that are the potential weak spots. The old knurled metal focus rings are nice but some do have issues with the scrapes and bruising they take.
jon.pictures wrote
Regarding why this isn't a GM, it does have a plastic filter thread, not sure if the 24 GM has a metal one or not?There are now quite a few lenses from Sony and Canon that I know have the high impact poly carbonate external sheaths. Seam that has become the new norm. I don't have any direct experience with Nikon but I think the new short flange mirrorless lenses are the same. If done right I am getting OK with it. Asking 5 years how they are holding up. Its the rubber focus rings that will start to age and turn an off color that are the potential weak spots. The old knurled metal focus rings are nice but some do have issues with the scrapes and bruising they take.
Feb 28, 2020 at 03:50 AM
p.11 #3Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Plastic is great, it flexes, it's not as freezing or hot either.
Feb 28, 2020 at 05:11 AM
p.11 #4Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
As this new 20mm directly competes with the CV 21/1.4 (cheaper, lighter, AF) - in your experiences, any chance we see a discount on the Nokton?
Feb 28, 2020 at 08:26 AM
p.11 #5Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
rico wrote:
I agree this 20mm blurs the line between G and GM. The 100 STF GM has a plastic filter thread so perhaps GM value-added lies inside the barrel. Many expensive lenses are being released with plastic filter threads (e.g. the $2K Nikkor 28/1.4E), and other lenses of even greater cost have plastic cladding in some sections of the barrel.
I feel like G vs. GM is moot nowadays: it is all about marketing. Actually I am not sure whether there is any practical difference between AA and XA elements.
jon.pictures wrote
Regarding why this isn't a GM, it does have a plastic filter thread, not sure if the 24 GM has a metal one or not?I feel like G vs. GM is moot nowadays: it is all about marketing. Actually I am not sure whether there is any practical difference between AA and XA elements.
Feb 28, 2020 at 02:03 PM
p.11 #6Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
moyang_mm wrote:
I agree this 20mm blurs the line between G and GM. The 100 STF GM has a plastic filter thread so perhaps GM value-added lies inside the barrel. Many expensive lenses are being released with plastic filter threads (e.g. the $2K Nikkor 28/1.4E), and other lenses of even greater cost have plastic cladding in some sections of the barrel.I feel like G vs. GM is moot nowadays: it is all about marketing. Actually I am not sure whether there is any practical difference between AA and XA elements.
They describe different things.
AA elements are asphericals with an unusually high difference in thickness from the center to periphery.
XA elements are asphericals made from molds that have been polished to such a high degree that the molds don't create onion rings in the bokeh.
rico wrote
jon.pictures wrote
Regarding why this isn't a GM, it does have a plastic filter thread, not sure if the 24 GM has a metal one or not?They describe different things.
AA elements are asphericals with an unusually high difference in thickness from the center to periphery.
XA elements are asphericals made from molds that have been polished to such a high degree that the molds don't create onion rings in the bokeh.
Feb 28, 2020 at 02:15 PM
p.11 #7Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
MAubrey wrote:
They describe different things.
AA elements are asphericals with an unusually high difference in thickness from the center to periphery.
XA elements are asphericals made from molds that have been polished to such a high degree that the molds don't create onion rings in the bokeh.
Yes, I am aware what Sony says. But they are just marketing terms IMHO. I don't see "unusually high difference in thickness from the center to periphery" in the following diagram:
FE 20 F1.8 G
Also, my FE 50 1.4 ZA does not have much onion rings in the bokeh despite it doesn't have any XA, only AA.
They describe different things.
AA elements are asphericals with an unusually high difference in thickness from the center to periphery.
XA elements are asphericals made from molds that have been polished to such a high degree that the molds don't create onion rings in the bokeh.
Yes, I am aware what Sony says. But they are just marketing terms IMHO. I don't see "unusually high difference in thickness from the center to periphery" in the following diagram:
FE 20 F1.8 G
Also, my FE 50 1.4 ZA does not have much onion rings in the bokeh despite it doesn't have any XA, only AA.
Feb 28, 2020 at 02:22 PM
p.11 #8Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Fred Miranda wrote:
I'm not sure which would be superior for a fast wide angle (DDSSM or XD motors). Just like the 400/2.8 GM and new 20/1.8 G, the FE 135/1.8 GM has XD linear motors (dual front and rear) and it's the fastest and most accurate AF system I've ever had in a telephoto lens but I can't complain about the accuracy and speed of the FE 24/1.4 GM's DDSSM motor.
Maybe Sony has decided to use XD to replace DDSSM entirely from now on since 135GM. Almost all recent lenses, regardless of G or GM, use XD motors. For example:
E 16-55mm F2.8 G
E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G
FE 20mm F1.8 G
I'm not sure which would be superior for a fast wide angle (DDSSM or XD motors). Just like the 400/2.8 GM and new 20/1.8 G, the FE 135/1.8 GM has XD linear motors (dual front and rear) and it's the fastest and most accurate AF system I've ever had in a telephoto lens but I can't complain about the accuracy and speed of the FE 24/1.4 GM's DDSSM motor.
Maybe Sony has decided to use XD to replace DDSSM entirely from now on since 135GM. Almost all recent lenses, regardless of G or GM, use XD motors. For example:
E 16-55mm F2.8 G
E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G
FE 20mm F1.8 G
Feb 28, 2020 at 02:28 PM
p.11 #9Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
moyang_mm wrote:
AA elements are asphericals with an unusually high difference in thickness from the center to periphery.
XA elements are asphericals made from molds that have been polished to such a high degree that the molds don't create onion rings in the bokeh.Yes, I am aware what Sony says. But they are just marketing terms IMHO. I don't see "unusually high difference in thickness from the center to periphery" in the following diagram:
FE 20 F1.8 G
Also, my FE 50 1.4 ZA does not have much onion rings in the bokeh despite it doesn't have any XA, only AA.
I'm totally fine with agreeing to disagree.
MAubrey wrote
They describe different things.AA elements are asphericals with an unusually high difference in thickness from the center to periphery.
XA elements are asphericals made from molds that have been polished to such a high degree that the molds don't create onion rings in the bokeh.
FE 20 F1.8 G
Also, my FE 50 1.4 ZA does not have much onion rings in the bokeh despite it doesn't have any XA, only AA.
I'm totally fine with agreeing to disagree.
Feb 28, 2020 at 04:33 PM
p.11 #10Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
MAubrey wrote:
I'm totally fine with agreeing to disagree.
Me too. Regardless of G or GM branding, recent Sony FE/E lenses are all fantastic!
I'm totally fine with agreeing to disagree.
Me too. Regardless of G or GM branding, recent Sony FE/E lenses are all fantastic!
Feb 28, 2020 at 04:57 PM
p.11 #11Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Well. I gave in, and pre ordered one. I get good pricing. Hopefully it will be as good as the early reviews show.
Feb 29, 2020 at 05:25 AM
p.11 #12Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
matt-to wrote:
As this new 20mm directly competes with the CV 21/1.4 (cheaper, lighter, AF) - in your experiences, any chance we see a discount on the Nokton?
I think there is zero chance of that. The CV is also two thirds of a stop faster, and for many people who buy the Voigtlander lenses and especially at this focal length AF won't be seen as an advantage.
As this new 20mm directly competes with the CV 21/1.4 (cheaper, lighter, AF) - in your experiences, any chance we see a discount on the Nokton?
I think there is zero chance of that. The CV is also two thirds of a stop faster, and for many people who buy the Voigtlander lenses and especially at this focal length AF won't be seen as an advantage.
Feb 29, 2020 at 08:38 AM
p.11 #13Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Steve Spencer wrote:
I think there is zero chance of that. The CV is also two thirds of a stop faster, and for many people who buy the Voigtlander lenses and especially at this focal length AF won't be seen as an advantage.
Actually for some AF would be the disadvantage. For me as a working Pro AF lenses are boring as hell and my mind thinks work. MF lenses are for me and to be creative outside of actual work. I know sounds weird but all these years I’m looking not to be bored. I’m old school have different thoughts on MF lenses. Thats MY kit not the work kit
matt-to wrote
As this new 20mm directly competes with the CV 21/1.4 (cheaper, lighter, AF) - in your experiences, any chance we see a discount on the Nokton?Actually for some AF would be the disadvantage. For me as a working Pro AF lenses are boring as hell and my mind thinks work. MF lenses are for me and to be creative outside of actual work. I know sounds weird but all these years I’m looking not to be bored. I’m old school have different thoughts on MF lenses. Thats MY kit not the work kit
Feb 29, 2020 at 08:42 AM
p.11 #14Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
GMPhotography wrote:
I think there is zero chance of that. The CV is also two thirds of a stop faster, and for many people who buy the Voigtlander lenses and especially at this focal length AF won't be seen as an advantage.Actually for some AF would be the disadvantage. For me as a working Pro AF lenses are boring as hell and my mind thinks work. MF lenses are for me and to be creative outside of actual work. I know sounds weird but all these years I’m looking not to be bored. I’m old school have different thoughts on MF lenses. Thats MY kit not the work kit
Doesn't sound weird to me. I am just an amateur, used to have a D750 with AF lenses but that was almost like just pointing and shooting, with very little left for me to do. I take much more pleasure in turning the focus ring and seeing my subject getting clearer and clearer. Much more fun for my use!
Steve Spencer wrote
matt-to wrote
As this new 20mm directly competes with the CV 21/1.4 (cheaper, lighter, AF) - in your experiences, any chance we see a discount on the Nokton?Doesn't sound weird to me. I am just an amateur, used to have a D750 with AF lenses but that was almost like just pointing and shooting, with very little left for me to do. I take much more pleasure in turning the focus ring and seeing my subject getting clearer and clearer. Much more fun for my use!
Feb 29, 2020 at 09:13 AM
p.11 #15Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
GMPhotography wrote:
I think there is zero chance of that. The CV is also two thirds of a stop faster, and for many people who buy the Voigtlander lenses and especially at this focal length AF won't be seen as an advantage.Actually for some AF would be the disadvantage. For me as a working Pro AF lenses are boring as hell and my mind thinks work. MF lenses are for me and to be creative outside of actual work. I know sounds weird but all these years I’m looking not to be bored. I’m old school have different thoughts on MF lenses. Thats MY kit not the work kit
I have the Nokton but also got the 20 1.8 for two different things. Critical landscape work will be with the Voigt but for everyday walk around and switching it quickly to 30mm on my a7riv by pressing C2 for crop mode AF will be welcome.
Steve Spencer wrote
matt-to wrote
As this new 20mm directly competes with the CV 21/1.4 (cheaper, lighter, AF) - in your experiences, any chance we see a discount on the Nokton?I have the Nokton but also got the 20 1.8 for two different things. Critical landscape work will be with the Voigt but for everyday walk around and switching it quickly to 30mm on my a7riv by pressing C2 for crop mode AF will be welcome.
Feb 29, 2020 at 09:15 AM
p.11 #16Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
In the past MF lenses were a pain to nail focus. Today's electronic viewfinders and image magnification turned this around and as long as the subject is still, MF lenses can be even more accurate than AF lenses, especially in adverse lighting conditions.
Feb 29, 2020 at 09:24 AM
p.11 #17Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Fred Miranda wrote:
In the past MF lenses were a pain to nail focus. Today's electronic viewfinders and image magnification turned this around and as long as the subject is still, MF lenses can be even more accurate than AF lenses, especially in adverse lighting conditions.
Yes, as long as subject is still then manual focus is great. I use totally manual focus for landscapes as I can more accurately place the exact focus point where I want.
But for travel where I'm taking images of hectic places with movement everywhere, it's AF all the way or I'd miss many opportunities.
In the past MF lenses were a pain to nail focus. Today's electronic viewfinders and image magnification turned this around and as long as the subject is still, MF lenses can be even more accurate than AF lenses, especially in adverse lighting conditions.
Yes, as long as subject is still then manual focus is great. I use totally manual focus for landscapes as I can more accurately place the exact focus point where I want.
But for travel where I'm taking images of hectic places with movement everywhere, it's AF all the way or I'd miss many opportunities.
Feb 29, 2020 at 10:04 AM
p.11 #18Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Horses for courses. I wouldn't dream of doing landscapes without manually focusing from a tripod. Equally, MF for street photography relies too much on DOF for my taste so spot AF is pretty well de rigeur in the post-Leica world 🤬. I'm very tempted by this lens because of the flexibility it offers but would be interested to know how it compares with the Loxia for landscape work and the Tamron 17-28 for everything in between. Any observations would be welcome.
Feb 29, 2020 at 02:05 PM
p.11 #19Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
waterden wrote:
Horses for courses. I wouldn't dream of doing landscapes without manually focusing from a tripod. Equally, MF for street photography relies too much on DOF for my taste so spot AF is pretty well de rigeur in the post-Leica world 🤬. I'm very tempted by this lens because of the flexibility it offers but would be interested to know how it compares with the Loxia for landscape work and the Tamron 17-28 for everything in between. Any observations would be welcome.
I will test it against the Loxia as soon as I get my hands on it.
Horses for courses. I wouldn't dream of doing landscapes without manually focusing from a tripod. Equally, MF for street photography relies too much on DOF for my taste so spot AF is pretty well de rigeur in the post-Leica world 🤬. I'm very tempted by this lens because of the flexibility it offers but would be interested to know how it compares with the Loxia for landscape work and the Tamron 17-28 for everything in between. Any observations would be welcome.
I will test it against the Loxia as soon as I get my hands on it.
Feb 29, 2020 at 02:21 PM
p.11 #20Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
trstahly wrote:
I think there is zero chance of that. The CV is also two thirds of a stop faster, and for many people who buy the Voigtlander lenses and especially at this focal length AF won't be seen as an advantage.Actually for some AF would be the disadvantage. For me as a working Pro AF lenses are boring as hell and my mind thinks work. MF lenses are for me and to be creative outside of actual work. I know sounds weird but all these years I’m looking not to be bored. I’m old school have different thoughts on MF lenses. Thats MY kit not the work kitI have the Nokton but also got the 20 1.8 for two different things. Critical landscape work will be with the Voigt but for everyday walk around and switching it quickly to 30mm on my a7riv by pressing C2 for crop mode AF will be welcome.
I think this actually pretty common in this crowd here on FM. If I did not have the sigma 14-24 than this would make sense along with the 35. Most here are more landscape and travel kinds of things. Why I like the 2 lens kit scenario
GMPhotography wrote
Steve Spencer wrote
matt-to wrote
As this new 20mm directly competes with the CV 21/1.4 (cheaper, lighter, AF) - in your experiences, any chance we see a discount on the Nokton?I think this actually pretty common in this crowd here on FM. If I did not have the sigma 14-24 than this would make sense along with the 35. Most here are more landscape and travel kinds of things. Why I like the 2 lens kit scenario
Feb 29, 2020 at 03:05 PM