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Archive 2020Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
p.7 #1Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
bjornthun wrote:
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?
Don't know if one needs AF at 14mm and not sure manual focus is Sony's forte. But give me a light 200 2.8 and 300 f4 with fabulous AF and I'm happy.
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?
Don't know if one needs AF at 14mm and not sure manual focus is Sony's forte. But give me a light 200 2.8 and 300 f4 with fabulous AF and I'm happy.
Feb 25, 2020 at 07:15 PM
p.7 #2Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Fred Miranda wrote:
Yes, three lenses per focal length is the limit. So you are still OK.
I hope that is a prime only rule and does not restrict getting a zoom that overlaps those same focal lengths?
With the 16-35/2.8 GM, Sigma 14-24/2.8 and others also in this range its really hard to avoid.
jhinkey wrote
It's fine to have a slow (21CV/3.5), medium (21/2.8 Lox) and fast (20/1.8G) set of 20's - right?I hope that is a prime only rule and does not restrict getting a zoom that overlaps those same focal lengths?
With the 16-35/2.8 GM, Sigma 14-24/2.8 and others also in this range its really hard to avoid.
Feb 25, 2020 at 07:21 PM
p.7 #3Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Movie title
“Smuggling Glass”
vdo1 wrote:
That's exactly how I got mine at $612 at the time. Great advise.An opportunity for starting a “Canadian Lens Pharmacy” small business? 
“Smuggling Glass”
vdo1 wrote:
KarmaKramer wrote
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.Feb 25, 2020 at 07:22 PM
p.7 #4Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
gocolts wrote:
I realize some will feel different, but for me it's too close to the 24 GM. I'd want a gap wider than that. If it was an 18 maybe, just don't think I have a current need.
That was my initial thought but now I like the idea providing it is as sharp as a 16-35GM of having kind of a smaller psuado zoom you might say on my a7rIV.
20mm 1.8 and 28mp & 30mm by pressing C2 for APS-C crop mode.
Might even use it on my a6500 with a flash for restaurant pics and such.
I realize some will feel different, but for me it's too close to the 24 GM. I'd want a gap wider than that. If it was an 18 maybe, just don't think I have a current need.
That was my initial thought but now I like the idea providing it is as sharp as a 16-35GM of having kind of a smaller psuado zoom you might say on my a7rIV.
20mm 1.8 and 28mp & 30mm by pressing C2 for APS-C crop mode.
Might even use it on my a6500 with a flash for restaurant pics and such.
Feb 25, 2020 at 07:26 PM
p.7 #5Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
KarmaKramer wrote:
Movie title
“Smuggling Glass”
That's exactly how I got mine at $612 at the time. Great advise.An opportunity for starting a “Canadian Lens Pharmacy” small business?
Peace Bridge renamed to Glass Bridge lol
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Stamp_US_1977_13c_Peace_Bridge.jpg
Movie title
“Smuggling Glass”
vdo1 wrote
KarmaKramer wrote
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.Peace Bridge renamed to Glass Bridge lol
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Stamp_US_1977_13c_Peace_Bridge.jpg
Feb 25, 2020 at 07:26 PM
p.7 #6Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Glass Bridge. Thats better. Steven Soderbergh would do that one nicely.
vdo1 wrote:
“Smuggling Glass”
That's exactly how I got mine at $612 at the time. Great advise.An opportunity for starting a “Canadian Lens Pharmacy” small business? Peace Bridge renamed to Glass Bridge lol
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Stamp_US_1977_13c_Peace_Bridge.jpg
vdo1 wrote:
KarmaKramer wrote
Movie title“Smuggling Glass”
vdo1 wrote
KarmaKramer wrote
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.https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fd/Stamp_US_1977_13c_Peace_Bridge.jpg
Feb 25, 2020 at 07:28 PM
p.7 #7Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
The Batis 18/2 has been discounted significantly lately. Is there a case for preferring this new Sony 20/1.8 to it? I wouldn’t think that 2mm/.2 would make much difference.
Feb 25, 2020 at 07:40 PM
p.7 #8Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
chez wrote:
Don't know if one needs AF at 14mm and not sure manual focus is Sony's forte. But give me a light 200 2.8 and 300 f4 with fabulous AF and I'm happy.
Yes AF is needed, AF 14/1.8 GM. Then 200/4 Macro, 300/2.8, 500/4, 800/5.6 all GM. Maybe Sony will throw in a 300/4 or 400/5.6 with the G label for good meassure.
Edited on Feb 25, 2020 at 07:54 PM · View previous versions
bjornthun wrote
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?Yes AF is needed, AF 14/1.8 GM. Then 200/4 Macro, 300/2.8, 500/4, 800/5.6 all GM. Maybe Sony will throw in a 300/4 or 400/5.6 with the G label for good meassure.
Edited on Feb 25, 2020 at 07:54 PM · View previous versions
Feb 25, 2020 at 07:53 PM
p.7 #9Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
bjornthun wrote:
Don't know if one needs AF at 14mm and not sure manual focus is Sony's forte. But give me a light 200 2.8 and 300 f4 with fabulous AF and I'm happy.Yes AF is needed, AF 14/1.8 GM. Then 200/4 Macro, 300/2.8, 500/4, 800/5.6 all GM. Maybe Sony will throw in a 300/4 or 400/5.6 with the G label for good meassure.
---------------------------------------------
Fred Miranda wrote:
It does not seem like much but yes, at this focal length it makes a difference in blur, especially if the background is further way from your subject.
The Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 is as the name says an f/2.8 lens.
The filter thread of the Batis 18/2.8 is 77mm compared to a more manageable 67mm for the Sony 20/1.8 G. Add to that an aperture ring and a linear focus feel with the new Sony lens. I’d take the Sony lens.
chez wrote
bjornthun wrote
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?---------------------------------------------
Fred Miranda wrote:
PhilthePhrame wrote
The Batis 18/2 has been discounted significantly lately. Is there a case for preferring this new Sony 20/1.8 to it? I wouldn’t think that 2mm/.2 would make much difference.The Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 is as the name says an f/2.8 lens.
The filter thread of the Batis 18/2.8 is 77mm compared to a more manageable 67mm for the Sony 20/1.8 G. Add to that an aperture ring and a linear focus feel with the new Sony lens. I’d take the Sony lens.
Feb 25, 2020 at 07:58 PM
p.7 #10Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
bjornthun wrote:
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?
I wonder why Sony didn't go with a FE 18/1.8 G instead to complement their FE 24/1.4 GM with a longer gap.
Perhaps at 18mm, the lens could be designed even smaller...
As someone wrote, perhaps Sony is trying to match the competition for now but eventually we will probably get all the focal lengths covered to death..
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?
I wonder why Sony didn't go with a FE 18/1.8 G instead to complement their FE 24/1.4 GM with a longer gap.
Perhaps at 18mm, the lens could be designed even smaller...
As someone wrote, perhaps Sony is trying to match the competition for now but eventually we will probably get all the focal lengths covered to death..
Feb 25, 2020 at 08:02 PM
p.7 #11Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
bjornthun wrote:
Don't know if one needs AF at 14mm and not sure manual focus is Sony's forte. But give me a light 200 2.8 and 300 f4 with fabulous AF and I'm happy.Yes AF is needed, AF 14/1.8 GM. Then 200/4 Macro, 300/2.8, 500/4, 800/5.6 all GM. Maybe Sony will throw in a 300/4 or 400/5.6 with the G label for good meassure.---------------------------------------------
It does not seem like much but yes, at this focal length it makes a difference in blur, especially if the background is further way from your subject.The Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 is as the name says an f/2.8 lens.
The filter thread of the Batis 18/2.8 is 77mm compared to a more manageable 67mm for the Sony 20/1.8 G. Add to that an aperture ring and a linear focus feel with the new Sony lens. I’d take the Sony lens.
I just went with that 18mm f/2!!
bjornthun wrote
chez wrote
bjornthun wrote
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?Fred Miranda wrote
PhilthePhrame wrote
The Batis 18/2 has been discounted significantly lately. Is there a case for preferring this new Sony 20/1.8 to it? I wouldn’t think that 2mm/.2 would make much difference.The filter thread of the Batis 18/2.8 is 77mm compared to a more manageable 67mm for the Sony 20/1.8 G. Add to that an aperture ring and a linear focus feel with the new Sony lens. I’d take the Sony lens.
I just went with that 18mm f/2!!
Feb 25, 2020 at 08:04 PM
p.7 #12Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
I currently own the Loxia 21 and Batis 18 and do find them enough different but I really own them because of the two different kits, one manual and small with other Loxias and a second with the Batis family where the spacing of the 18 to 25 and then 40 is great IMHO is great.
Also like that this is very similar to the 24 GM. I am a big fan of consistency in lens design and wish the 35/1.8 had taken this approach. Can I return that lens and get a 35 like this? So now the 20, 24, 85, and 135 (and the 100) have this look, feel and handling. What other prime will take this approach? A 15, 35/? or 50/? Or will they try to do a 40mm? I have really gotten very tied to that focal length as a great alternative to a 35 and 50/55.
Also like that this is very similar to the 24 GM. I am a big fan of consistency in lens design and wish the 35/1.8 had taken this approach. Can I return that lens and get a 35 like this? So now the 20, 24, 85, and 135 (and the 100) have this look, feel and handling. What other prime will take this approach? A 15, 35/? or 50/? Or will they try to do a 40mm? I have really gotten very tied to that focal length as a great alternative to a 35 and 50/55.
Feb 25, 2020 at 08:05 PM
p.7 #13Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
bjornthun wrote:
Don't know if one needs AF at 14mm and not sure manual focus is Sony's forte. But give me a light 200 2.8 and 300 f4 with fabulous AF and I'm happy.Yes AF is needed, AF 14/1.8 GM. Then 200/4 Macro, 300/2.8, 500/4, 800/5.6 all GM. Maybe Sony will throw in a 300/4 or 400/5.6 with the G label for good meassure.
What would you be using a 14mm where AF is required? If you focus at 8', the DOF at 1.8 goes from less than 5' right to almost 24'. I'd preset to focus and treat it like a p&s.
chez wrote
bjornthun wrote
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?What would you be using a 14mm where AF is required? If you focus at 8', the DOF at 1.8 goes from less than 5' right to almost 24'. I'd preset to focus and treat it like a p&s.
Feb 25, 2020 at 08:10 PM
p.7 #14Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
chez wrote:
Don't know if one needs AF at 14mm and not sure manual focus is Sony's forte. But give me a light 200 2.8 and 300 f4 with fabulous AF and I'm happy.Yes AF is needed, AF 14/1.8 GM. Then 200/4 Macro, 300/2.8, 500/4, 800/5.6 all GM. Maybe Sony will throw in a 300/4 or 400/5.6 with the G label for good meassure.What would you be using a 14mm where AF is required? If you focus at 8', the DOF at 1.8 goes from less than 5' right to almost 24'. I'd preset to focus and treat it like a p&s.
Because DOF does not replace critical focus when shooting with a high megapixel sensor.
bjornthun wrote
chez wrote
bjornthun wrote
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?Because DOF does not replace critical focus when shooting with a high megapixel sensor.
Feb 25, 2020 at 08:15 PM
p.7 #15Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Fred Miranda wrote:
Don't know if one needs AF at 14mm and not sure manual focus is Sony's forte. But give me a light 200 2.8 and 300 f4 with fabulous AF and I'm happy.Yes AF is needed, AF 14/1.8 GM. Then 200/4 Macro, 300/2.8, 500/4, 800/5.6 all GM. Maybe Sony will throw in a 300/4 or 400/5.6 with the G label for good meassure.What would you be using a 14mm where AF is required? If you focus at 8', the DOF at 1.8 goes from less than 5' right to almost 24'. I'd preset to focus and treat it like a p&s.Because DOF does not replace critical focus when shooting with a high megapixel sensor.
Maybe true for close focus, but for landscapes and most everything else I much prefer to set a focus point via manual focus ring with focus distance markings. Sony's electronic version is pretty useless.
chez wrote
bjornthun wrote
chez wrote
bjornthun wrote
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?Maybe true for close focus, but for landscapes and most everything else I much prefer to set a focus point via manual focus ring with focus distance markings. Sony's electronic version is pretty useless.
Feb 25, 2020 at 08:26 PM
p.7 #16Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
pdmphoto wrote:
Don't know if one needs AF at 14mm and not sure manual focus is Sony's forte. But give me a light 200 2.8 and 300 f4 with fabulous AF and I'm happy.Yes AF is needed, AF 14/1.8 GM. Then 200/4 Macro, 300/2.8, 500/4, 800/5.6 all GM. Maybe Sony will throw in a 300/4 or 400/5.6 with the G label for good meassure.What would you be using a 14mm where AF is required? If you focus at 8', the DOF at 1.8 goes from less than 5' right to almost 24'. I'd preset to focus and treat it like a p&s.Because DOF does not replace critical focus when shooting with a high megapixel sensor.Maybe true for close focus, but for landscapes and most everything else I much prefer to set a focus point via manual focus ring with focus distance markings
Still may need to focus stack with today's high MP sensors.
Fred Miranda wrote
chez wrote
bjornthun wrote
chez wrote
bjornthun wrote
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?Still may need to focus stack with today's high MP sensors.
Feb 25, 2020 at 08:27 PM
p.7 #17Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
18mm would have been a yes, agreeing with another poster, just too close to 24 for me.
Feb 25, 2020 at 08:35 PM
p.7 #18Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
The most appealing thing about this lens is the design language. That it matches the 24, the 85 and 135 is very appealing. The least appealing is the gapping. I’m not going to carry a 20 and a 24. And frankly neither are wide enough even if they have their applications.
The release of this lens begs questions like why isn’t Sony making prime lenses in the ultra wide range? Is Sony going to get consistent with its haptics and design? On the one hand Sony has released a lot of great glass. On the other I see a lot of holes still
and room for improvement:
15?
18?
28?
Fast 35 without horrendous copy variation
40?
Super fast 50
Fast 85 that has the contemporary focusing systems
200?
300?
500?
It would be nice to have a mature lens lineup. Sony’s smacks of middle age. Good thing there’s third parties.
swldstn wrote:
I currently own the Loxia 21 and Batis 18 and do find them enough different but I really own them because of the two different kits, one manual and small with other Loxias and a second with the Batis family where the spacing of the 18 to 25 and then 40 is great IMHO is great.
Also like that this is very similar to the 24 GM. I am a big fan of consistency in lens design and wish the 35/1.8 had taken this approach. Can I return that lens and get a 35 like this? So now the 20, 24,...Show more →
The release of this lens begs questions like why isn’t Sony making prime lenses in the ultra wide range? Is Sony going to get consistent with its haptics and design? On the one hand Sony has released a lot of great glass. On the other I see a lot of holes still
and room for improvement:
15?
18?
28?
Fast 35 without horrendous copy variation
40?
Super fast 50
Fast 85 that has the contemporary focusing systems
200?
300?
500?
It would be nice to have a mature lens lineup. Sony’s smacks of middle age. Good thing there’s third parties.
swldstn wrote:
I currently own the Loxia 21 and Batis 18 and do find them enough different but I really own them because of the two different kits, one manual and small with other Loxias and a second with the Batis family where the spacing of the 18 to 25 and then 40 is great IMHO is great.
Also like that this is very similar to the 24 GM. I am a big fan of consistency in lens design and wish the 35/1.8 had taken this approach. Can I return that lens and get a 35 like this? So now the 20, 24,...Show more →
Feb 25, 2020 at 08:48 PM
p.7 #19Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
swldstn 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.
Without even testing the lens, we can assume that:
1) At infinity distance, the FE 20/1.8 G's corners may be similar to the 24/1.4 GM's. (This is the best case scenario based on their MTF graphs). In other words, I don't think the 20/1.8 G will outperform the 24 GM at the corners.
2) From my own tests, the Loxia 21/2.8's overall performance is very similar to the Loxia 25/2.4 across the field. Similar center, mid and extreme corner resolution and contrast.
So, this is what to expect as a best case scenario for the 20/1.8G when comparing it to the Loxia 21/2.8 at the extreme corners:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1568815/0#14649868
Based on the test linked above, it's likely that the Loxia will still outperform the Sony G at the extreme corners.
However, at center and mid-field, I would expect a very similar performance. Flare resistance, field curvature, color rendering and CA correction are still question marks.....Although it looks like the FE 20/1.8 is well corrected for CA based on one review I've read.
Fred Miranda wrote
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.
Without even testing the lens, we can assume that:
1) At infinity distance, the FE 20/1.8 G's corners may be similar to the 24/1.4 GM's. (This is the best case scenario based on their MTF graphs). In other words, I don't think the 20/1.8 G will outperform the 24 GM at the corners.
2) From my own tests, the Loxia 21/2.8's overall performance is very similar to the Loxia 25/2.4 across the field. Similar center, mid and extreme corner resolution and contrast.
So, this is what to expect as a best case scenario for the 20/1.8G when comparing it to the Loxia 21/2.8 at the extreme corners:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1568815/0#14649868
Based on the test linked above, it's likely that the Loxia will still outperform the Sony G at the extreme corners.
However, at center and mid-field, I would expect a very similar performance. Flare resistance, field curvature, color rendering and CA correction are still question marks.....Although it looks like the FE 20/1.8 is well corrected for CA based on one review I've read.
Feb 25, 2020 at 08:48 PM
p.7 #20Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Definitely looks nice, that's for sure. Not really on my wish list though, but I'm sure plenty will be happy with it if the early example images are any indication. Now if only they'd release my 28 1.4 GM lol
Feb 25, 2020 at 09:06 PM