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Archive 2020Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
p.6 #1Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
nloth wrote:
The 20mm share the same XD motors with the 400mm, does it mean it's superior than the DDSSM on 24mm?
Gerald Undone noted the focusing breathing of the new 20mm - I don't remember 24mm being worse in this category. So what's the catch? Thx!
24/1.4 GM:
11-blade aperture
AF: Redesigned high-power DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) focus drive system contributes to reduced size and weight while delivering approximately three times greater thrust than the previous system.
20/1.8 G:
9-blade aperture
AF: Two XD (eXtreme Dynamic) Linear Motors easily keep up with the high-speed capabilities of today’s most advanced camera bodies
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.
FE 135mm f/1.8 GM (Dual front and rear XD linear motors)
The 20mm share the same XD motors with the 400mm, does it mean it's superior than the DDSSM on 24mm?
Gerald Undone noted the focusing breathing of the new 20mm - I don't remember 24mm being worse in this category. So what's the catch? Thx!
Fred Miranda wrote
There are differences in the number of blades and focus motors as well:24/1.4 GM:
11-blade aperture
AF: Redesigned high-power DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) focus drive system contributes to reduced size and weight while delivering approximately three times greater thrust than the previous system.
20/1.8 G:
9-blade aperture
AF: Two XD (eXtreme Dynamic) Linear Motors easily keep up with the high-speed capabilities of today’s most advanced camera bodies
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.
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FE 135mm f/1.8 GM (Dual front and rear XD linear motors)
Feb 25, 2020 at 03:28 PM
p.6 #2Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
"Dual front and rear" (135mm) sounds a little bit more sophisticated than "Two" (20mm) haha. Could be just marketing.
The 20mm does have several more groups and elements compared to the 24GM if that's an indicator for quality at all....
The 20mm does have several more groups and elements compared to the 24GM if that's an indicator for quality at all....
Feb 25, 2020 at 03:33 PM
p.6 #3Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Fred Miranda wrote:
I really like the GM 24, except the FL.
20/21 + 35 + 75 is my typical kit.
Like others, this should have been Sony’s 35/1.8 approach.
Fingers crossed. And boy does the FE system have a glut of wides. If you step back and look it’s incredible.After the release of the FE 35/1.8, I don't think Sony will design a 35/1.8 G anytime soon. The only hope is for a GM for this focal length...but then, it may not be very compact anymore...
True. But if they do a 1.8/55 or 50 G in this form factor that keeps the approx size of the ZA but improves it’s slight shortcomings I’d be all over it...
nehemiahphoto wrote
If we get 24 GM color and coma correction and fairly smooth rendering (GM24 is narrower and faster so I expect the G 20 to be worse), I’ll sell my GM 24 and Tamron 17-28.I really like the GM 24, except the FL.
20/21 + 35 + 75 is my typical kit.
Like others, this should have been Sony’s 35/1.8 approach.
Fingers crossed. And boy does the FE system have a glut of wides. If you step back and look it’s incredible.
True. But if they do a 1.8/55 or 50 G in this form factor that keeps the approx size of the ZA but improves it’s slight shortcomings I’d be all over it...
Feb 25, 2020 at 03:46 PM
p.6 #4Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Looks like the minimum focus distance is 19cm. That's closer than the 24GM.
Feb 25, 2020 at 04:09 PM
p.6 #5Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
keepcoding wrote:
1100€ in Europe. If it doesn't perform significantly better than the Tokina Firin (which is excellent), I won't buy it.
Only 270$ cheaper than the 24mm F1.4 in my country.
It will probably focus faster than the Firin? Plus it's smaller and lighter.
But I agree, the pricing is very close to the 24/1.4 GM. As someone who already owns the GM and not shooting professionally, it's a tough sell for a lens that would not expand my shooting envelope that significantly (as much as I love wide angles with large apertures).
Feb 25, 2020 at 04:13 PM
p.6 #6Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
The red badge 
Fred Miranda wrote:
The Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G is our second 'G series' prime full frame lens. (Sony FE 90/2.8 G Macro was the first)
What other G series prime lenses can we expect from Sony? 15mm? 28mm? 40mm? 200mm?
Also, since the new FE 20/1.8 G is equipped with an aperture ring, XD linear motors and the same buttons and switches as some of the GM counterparts, what really differentiate the G and GM primes now?
Number of aperture blades and the use of Extreme aspherical elements (XA)?
Fred Miranda wrote:
The Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G is our second 'G series' prime full frame lens. (Sony FE 90/2.8 G Macro was the first)
What other G series prime lenses can we expect from Sony? 15mm? 28mm? 40mm? 200mm?
Also, since the new FE 20/1.8 G is equipped with an aperture ring, XD linear motors and the same buttons and switches as some of the GM counterparts, what really differentiate the G and GM primes now?
Number of aperture blades and the use of Extreme aspherical elements (XA)?
Feb 25, 2020 at 05:00 PM
p.6 #7Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Looks like a nice walk around lens. I have the 24GM and will probably sell that, pick this up and use the difference towards grabbing the 24-70 Sigma. It's close enough for what I use my 24mm GM for so I'm interested.
Feb 25, 2020 at 05:02 PM
p.6 #8Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
why didnt sony build the 35 f1.8 like this? The lens looks very premium, and arguably worth the price.....
Feb 25, 2020 at 05:04 PM
p.6 #9Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
I am interested in this lens if coma performance is good. In Canada, there is a significant price difference between this and the 24 GM, $1199 vs $1899. For astrophotography, I like 20mm more than 24mm.
Feb 25, 2020 at 05:21 PM
p.6 #10Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Man this is just like my beloved Nikon 20mm 1.8G lens I had that I loved because it produced beautiful sunstars. I found a review that shows the sunstar at F/11. It also shows the coma performance that many are interested in.
https://www.albertdros.com/single-post/2020/02/16/Sony-20mm-f18-Hands-On-Review-Albert-Dros
https://www.albertdros.com/single-post/2020/02/16/Sony-20mm-f18-Hands-On-Review-Albert-Dros
Feb 25, 2020 at 05:56 PM
p.6 #11Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
So is the difference between G and GM now just the focus motor? Higher maximum aperture than “consumer” grade lenses?
I mean it doesn’t really matter, I’m just curious.
I mean it doesn’t really matter, I’m just curious.
Feb 25, 2020 at 06:06 PM
p.6 #12Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
wittyphrase wrote:
So is the difference between G and GM now just the focus motor? Higher maximum aperture than “consumer” grade lenses?
I mean it doesn’t really matter, I’m just curious.
The difference is that GM lenses are supposed to be designed for top level bokeh including almost all the GM lenses having an 11 bladed rounded aperture and XA aspherical when the lenses have asphericals.
So is the difference between G and GM now just the focus motor? Higher maximum aperture than “consumer” grade lenses?
I mean it doesn’t really matter, I’m just curious.
The difference is that GM lenses are supposed to be designed for top level bokeh including almost all the GM lenses having an 11 bladed rounded aperture and XA aspherical when the lenses have asphericals.
Feb 25, 2020 at 06:20 PM
p.6 #13Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Fred Miranda wrote:
The Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G is our second 'G series' prime full frame lens. (Sony FE 90/2.8 G Macro was the first)
What other G series prime lenses can we expect from Sony? 15mm? 28mm? 40mm? 200mm?
Also, since the new FE 20/1.8 G is equipped with an aperture ring, XD linear motors and the same buttons and switches as some of the GM counterparts, what really differentiate the G and GM primes now?
Number of aperture blades and the use of Extreme aspherical elements (XA)?
For what it is worth I predict the following G lenses 28 f/1.8 and 40 f/1.8 to go with this 20 f/1.8 and the 90 f/2.8 Macro. If we are super lucky we might get a 200 f/2.8
For GM lenses I would predict in the long run I would expect new lenses at 14 f/1.8; 35 f/1.4; 50 f/1.2, 200 f/2; 300 f/2.8, and 500 f/4 to go with the 24 f/1.4, 85 f/1.4, 100 f/2.8 STF, 135 f/1.8, 400 f/2.8, and 600 f/4. (Note this requires replacing the ZA 35 f/1.4 with the 35 f/1.4 GM, which I think would be welcome by many but not replacing the ZA 50 f/1.4, but adding the 50 f/1.2 GM along side it).
For plain Sony (no G or GM label) I see just a 24 f/2.8 and a 135 f/2.8 added to the 28 f/2 (that I think will stick around), 35 f/1.8, 50 f/1.8, 50 f/2.8 macro, 85 f/1.8.
I think that would make a pretty excellent set of lenses.
The Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G is our second 'G series' prime full frame lens. (Sony FE 90/2.8 G Macro was the first)
What other G series prime lenses can we expect from Sony? 15mm? 28mm? 40mm? 200mm?
Also, since the new FE 20/1.8 G is equipped with an aperture ring, XD linear motors and the same buttons and switches as some of the GM counterparts, what really differentiate the G and GM primes now?
Number of aperture blades and the use of Extreme aspherical elements (XA)?
For what it is worth I predict the following G lenses 28 f/1.8 and 40 f/1.8 to go with this 20 f/1.8 and the 90 f/2.8 Macro. If we are super lucky we might get a 200 f/2.8
For GM lenses I would predict in the long run I would expect new lenses at 14 f/1.8; 35 f/1.4; 50 f/1.2, 200 f/2; 300 f/2.8, and 500 f/4 to go with the 24 f/1.4, 85 f/1.4, 100 f/2.8 STF, 135 f/1.8, 400 f/2.8, and 600 f/4. (Note this requires replacing the ZA 35 f/1.4 with the 35 f/1.4 GM, which I think would be welcome by many but not replacing the ZA 50 f/1.4, but adding the 50 f/1.2 GM along side it).
For plain Sony (no G or GM label) I see just a 24 f/2.8 and a 135 f/2.8 added to the 28 f/2 (that I think will stick around), 35 f/1.8, 50 f/1.8, 50 f/2.8 macro, 85 f/1.8.
I think that would make a pretty excellent set of lenses.
Feb 25, 2020 at 06:34 PM
p.6 #14Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Like I've told lots of folks on here, if you're in the US and you want the 35/1.8, buying from Henry's in Canada is your best bet, you'll save a chunk.
That's exactly how I got mine at $612 at the time. Great advise.
Feb 25, 2020 at 06:37 PM
p.6 #15Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Surfnsun wrote:
Poorly worded on my part. I meant that I don't understand why they brought out a 20mm prime at this point. That's all. Not a big deal. I was just hoping for a different FL. I like the physical design of the lens itself.
What part/attribute of the lens physical design do you not understand that Sony thought it (?) was needed?
Ah, I have those days as well.
I'm glad they brought out a 20/1.8. Have to compete with Nikon I suppose.
Plus the slow 20mm-ish market is covered by the 21/3.5 CV and the 21/2.8Lox. Seems like a good move to me.
Personally I'll have to figure out if I want to carry this around. Only one way to find out
Poorly worded on my part. I meant that I don't understand why they brought out a 20mm prime at this point. That's all. Not a big deal. I was just hoping for a different FL. I like the physical design of the lens itself.
jhinkey wrote
Surfnsun wrote
I find the sun stars really distracting. However I do like the physical design of this 20/1.8; even if I don't understand why Sony thought it was needed...Ah, I have those days as well.
I'm glad they brought out a 20/1.8. Have to compete with Nikon I suppose.
Plus the slow 20mm-ish market is covered by the 21/3.5 CV and the 21/2.8Lox. Seems like a good move to me.
Personally I'll have to figure out if I want to carry this around. Only one way to find out
Feb 25, 2020 at 06:39 PM
p.6 #16Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Not anymore...Sony Canada put the kybosh on it.
swldstn wrote:
That's exactly how I got mine at $612 at the time. Great advise.
swldstn wrote:
Earlier quote
Like I've told lots of folks on here, if you're in the US and you want the 35/1.8, buying from Henry's in Canada is your best bet, you'll save a chunk.Feb 25, 2020 at 06:40 PM
p.6 #17Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
jhinkey wrote:
What part/attribute of the lens physical design do you not understand that Sony thought it (?) was needed?Ah, I have those days as well.
I'm glad they brought out a 20/1.8. Have to compete with Nikon I suppose.
Plus the slow 20mm-ish market is covered by the 21/3.5 CV and the 21/2.8Lox. Seems like a good move to me.
Personally I'll have to figure out if I want to carry this around. Only one way to find out
From my perspective I think this lens fills a hole in the Sony glass. Fast, light and AF...great for travel when one wants to get right close into the scene.
Surfnsun wrote
Poorly worded on my part. I meant that I don't understand why they brought out a 20mm prime at this point. That's all. Not a big deal. I was just hoping for a different FL. I like the physical design of the lens itself.jhinkey wrote
Surfnsun wrote
I find the sun stars really distracting. However I do like the physical design of this 20/1.8; even if I don't understand why Sony thought it was needed...I'm glad they brought out a 20/1.8. Have to compete with Nikon I suppose.
Plus the slow 20mm-ish market is covered by the 21/3.5 CV and the 21/2.8Lox. Seems like a good move to me.
Personally I'll have to figure out if I want to carry this around. Only one way to find out
From my perspective I think this lens fills a hole in the Sony glass. Fast, light and AF...great for travel when one wants to get right close into the scene.
Feb 25, 2020 at 06:43 PM
p.6 #18Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Fred Miranda wrote:
Just sold my Loxia today and will have to decide between Tamron 17-28, Sigma 14-24 (likely not, don't want a big filter system) or the 16-35GM. This lens looks nice, too.My favorite 20-21mm landscape lens is still the Loxia 21/2.8 and it will be interesting to compare it to the new Sony 20/1.8G.
I would love to see that comparison, owning the Loxia 21 and being a big fan. Interested in this lens as well though because its AF. Wonder how the Batis 18mm compares. The Art of Photography youtube channel has done some brief field curvature comparisons of this lens to the two the two Zeiss lenses.
Edited on Feb 25, 2020 at 07:47 PM · View previous versions
Holger wrote
In the videos they compare against the 24GM. Sharpness is similar to the 24GM in the central region and a tiny bit behind in the corners (but we don't know about field curvature so far).Just sold my Loxia today and will have to decide between Tamron 17-28, Sigma 14-24 (likely not, don't want a big filter system) or the 16-35GM. This lens looks nice, too.
I would love to see that comparison, owning the Loxia 21 and being a big fan. Interested in this lens as well though because its AF. Wonder how the Batis 18mm compares. The Art of Photography youtube channel has done some brief field curvature comparisons of this lens to the two the two Zeiss lenses.
Edited on Feb 25, 2020 at 07:47 PM · View previous versions
Feb 25, 2020 at 06:55 PM
p.6 #19Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Good move from Sony, now they cover all focal lengths ftom 20mm to 135mm with a prime lens. Maybe there will be more tele photos, 200mm, 300mm, 500mm and then maybe 800mm and a 14mm wide angle?
Feb 25, 2020 at 07:05 PM
p.6 #20Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
KarmaKramer wrote:
Not anymore...Sony Canada put the kybosh on it.
That's exactly how I got mine at $612 at the time. Great advise.
An opportunity for starting a “Canadian Lens Pharmacy” small business?
Not anymore...Sony Canada put the kybosh on it.
swldstn wrote
Earlier quote
Like I've told lots of folks on here, if you're in the US and you want the 35/1.8, buying from Henry's in Canada is your best bet, you'll save a chunk.An opportunity for starting a “Canadian Lens Pharmacy” small business?
Feb 25, 2020 at 07:13 PM