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Archive 2020Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
p.9 #1Back 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.The other advantage of the Sony is it doesn’t have the white LED of the Batis, which is quite annoying in dark sky Astro conditions. Thanks for correcting my brain blip - f/2.8, of course, not f/2.The white LED can be switched off, I think. Check out the manual.
Thanks for the tip. Yup - put it in MF and just keep cranking the focus ring to the left. Helpful video by Jason Vong:
The Batis has a great reputation for sharpness, but Kai W found the Sony sharper in the center wide open and in the corners at f/2.8
PhilthePhrame wrote
bjornthun 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?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.
Thanks for the tip. Yup - put it in MF and just keep cranking the focus ring to the left. Helpful video by Jason Vong:
The Batis has a great reputation for sharpness, but Kai W found the Sony sharper in the center wide open and in the corners at f/2.8
Feb 26, 2020 at 10:47 AM
p.9 #2Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Jman13 wrote:
I'm the same way, Guy. My 14-24/2.8 is as sharp as any wide prime I've ever used in it's range (Including the Loxia 21), and better than any 14mm lens I've ever used. And it has virtually no CA, and decent flare performance, and good looking bokeh (when available), etc.
I am keeping my CV15 because it's so small, pretty good (though the Sigma is better) and takes small screw in filters, for times I don't want to deal with the big filter system.
I differ from you and Guy. I own the Sigma 14-24 but dislike the weight, bulk and filter issue. I think it’s a lens that most shooters will adore for technical reasons, but will shed after the novelty wears off.
If you absolutely need 14, then the Sigma makes sense cause it’s just unrivaled there. But different combos of 17-28 + g 20 or a CV 15 + GM 24 are much preferable to me, especially for speed (1.8/1.4) and portability.
I hike a lot (7+ miles usually), so size weight are always a priority. If you’re more stationary the Sigma is more attractive as well. So good we have such an abundance of options for different needs and preferences.
I really hope Sony puts out a 14, 15 or 16mm G or GM lens that’s relatively small, fast with decent Bokeh with great coma correction.
I'm the same way, Guy. My 14-24/2.8 is as sharp as any wide prime I've ever used in it's range (Including the Loxia 21), and better than any 14mm lens I've ever used. And it has virtually no CA, and decent flare performance, and good looking bokeh (when available), etc.
I am keeping my CV15 because it's so small, pretty good (though the Sigma is better) and takes small screw in filters, for times I don't want to deal with the big filter system.
I differ from you and Guy. I own the Sigma 14-24 but dislike the weight, bulk and filter issue. I think it’s a lens that most shooters will adore for technical reasons, but will shed after the novelty wears off.
If you absolutely need 14, then the Sigma makes sense cause it’s just unrivaled there. But different combos of 17-28 + g 20 or a CV 15 + GM 24 are much preferable to me, especially for speed (1.8/1.4) and portability.
I hike a lot (7+ miles usually), so size weight are always a priority. If you’re more stationary the Sigma is more attractive as well. So good we have such an abundance of options for different needs and preferences.
I really hope Sony puts out a 14, 15 or 16mm G or GM lens that’s relatively small, fast with decent Bokeh with great coma correction.
Feb 26, 2020 at 11:34 AM
p.9 #3Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
nehemiahphoto wrote:
I am keeping my CV15 because it's so small, pretty good (though the Sigma is better) and takes small screw in filters, for times I don't want to deal with the big filter system.I differ from you and Guy. I own the Sigma 14-24 but dislike the weight, bulk and filter issue. I think it’s a lens that most shooters will adore for technical reasons, but will shed after the novelty wears off.
If you absolutely need 14, then the Sigma makes sense cause it’s just unrivaled there. But different combos of 17-28 + g 20 or a CV 15 + GM 24 are much preferable to me, especially for speed (1.8/1.4) and portability.
I hike a lot (7+ miles usually), so size weight are always a priority. If you’re more stationary the...Show more →
I think it’s fair to say none of us like the weight and filter issue. One reason I keep holding on to the 2 different lens kits idea Although I had it on my body in NY and did not bug me much. Well the lens cap sucks but it’s the only option. I do absolutely need 14 . Heck I loved 12mm. Just happy we have these options now.
Jman13 wrote
I'm the same way, Guy. My 14-24/2.8 is as sharp as any wide prime I've ever used in it's range (Including the Loxia 21), and better than any 14mm lens I've ever used. And it has virtually no CA, and decent flare performance, and good looking bokeh (when available), etc.I am keeping my CV15 because it's so small, pretty good (though the Sigma is better) and takes small screw in filters, for times I don't want to deal with the big filter system.
If you absolutely need 14, then the Sigma makes sense cause it’s just unrivaled there. But different combos of 17-28 + g 20 or a CV 15 + GM 24 are much preferable to me, especially for speed (1.8/1.4) and portability.
I hike a lot (7+ miles usually), so size weight are always a priority. If you’re more stationary the...Show more →
I think it’s fair to say none of us like the weight and filter issue. One reason I keep holding on to the 2 different lens kits idea Although I had it on my body in NY and did not bug me much. Well the lens cap sucks but it’s the only option. I do absolutely need 14 . Heck I loved 12mm. Just happy we have these options now.
Feb 26, 2020 at 11:57 AM
p.9 #4Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
matt-to wrote:
Another review from Ken Rockwell:
I own the 1 Voigtlander 1.4 Nokton and 24 GM and of course 16-35GM so was on the fence.
I ordered a 20 1.8 and the Ken Rockwell video confirmed I made a good decision. I like his idea of carrying a 20 & 85 and the 24 being confusion as it is not really a wide angle but none the less love my 24 GM.
I shoot a lot of car shows and seldom stop down like he was but made a note of his settings and can see where I will use them with this lens and loooking forward to it. My go to Car show lens is a 35mm and 90 macro. I suppose it would be just as easy to use my 16-35 and frame it at 20mm but I found the idea of doing this and stopping down to F11 and even F16 with F8 being used for frontal closeups good advice.
I am not sure how biased he is but he sure seemed to give the lens superlative praise. I am taking this with a grain of salt I know its a very good lens I have read too many reviews already but he almost makes it out to be a GM other than the plastic filter threads and not so precise aperure ring.
Another review from Ken Rockwell:
I own the 1 Voigtlander 1.4 Nokton and 24 GM and of course 16-35GM so was on the fence.
I ordered a 20 1.8 and the Ken Rockwell video confirmed I made a good decision. I like his idea of carrying a 20 & 85 and the 24 being confusion as it is not really a wide angle but none the less love my 24 GM.
I shoot a lot of car shows and seldom stop down like he was but made a note of his settings and can see where I will use them with this lens and loooking forward to it. My go to Car show lens is a 35mm and 90 macro. I suppose it would be just as easy to use my 16-35 and frame it at 20mm but I found the idea of doing this and stopping down to F11 and even F16 with F8 being used for frontal closeups good advice.
I am not sure how biased he is but he sure seemed to give the lens superlative praise. I am taking this with a grain of salt I know its a very good lens I have read too many reviews already but he almost makes it out to be a GM other than the plastic filter threads and not so precise aperure ring.
Feb 26, 2020 at 11:59 AM
p.9 #5Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
I've just requested a production model loan for review. I will compare it to the FE 24/1.4 GM, Sigma 14-24/2.8 @20mm and Loxia 21/2.8 Distagon.
Feb 26, 2020 at 11:59 AM
p.9 #6Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
trstahly wrote:
I own the 1 Voigtlander 1.4 Nokton and 24 GM and of course 16-35GM so was on the fence.
I ordered a 20 1.8 and the Ken Rockwell video confirmed I made a good decision. I like his idea of carrying a 20 & 85 and the 24 being confusion as it is not really a wide angle but none the less love my 24 GM.
The 24/1.4 GM is not really a wide angle??
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:I ordered a 20 1.8 and the Ken Rockwell video confirmed I made a good decision. I like his idea of carrying a 20 & 85 and the 24 being confusion as it is not really a wide angle but none the less love my 24 GM.
The 24/1.4 GM is not really a wide angle??
Feb 26, 2020 at 12:01 PM
p.9 #7Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Fred Miranda wrote:
I've just requested a production model loan for review. I will compare it to the FE 24/1.4 GM, Sigma 14-24/2.8 @20mm and Loxia 21/2.8 Distagon.
Looking forward to your findings Fred, can we expect a full report later today?
I've just requested a production model loan for review. I will compare it to the FE 24/1.4 GM, Sigma 14-24/2.8 @20mm and Loxia 21/2.8 Distagon.
Looking forward to your findings Fred, can we expect a full report later today?
Feb 26, 2020 at 12:01 PM
p.9 #8Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
trstahly wrote:
Looking forward to your findings Fred, can we expect a full report later today?
It looks like the lens will start shipping on March 6th.
Fred Miranda wrote
I've just requested a production model loan for review. I will compare it to the FE 24/1.4 GM, Sigma 14-24/2.8 @20mm and Loxia 21/2.8 Distagon.It looks like the lens will start shipping on March 6th.
Feb 26, 2020 at 12:02 PM
p.9 #9Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Fred Miranda wrote:
I own the 1 Voigtlander 1.4 Nokton and 24 GM and of course 16-35GM so was on the fence.
I ordered a 20 1.8 and the Ken Rockwell video confirmed I made a good decision. I like his idea of carrying a 20 & 85 and the 24 being confusion as it is not really a wide angle but none the less love my 24 GM.The 24/1.4 GM is not really a wide angle??
I know I think it is, I was taken back by that also.
trstahly wrote
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:I ordered a 20 1.8 and the Ken Rockwell video confirmed I made a good decision. I like his idea of carrying a 20 & 85 and the 24 being confusion as it is not really a wide angle but none the less love my 24 GM.
I know I think it is, I was taken back by that also.
Feb 26, 2020 at 12:02 PM
p.9 #10Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
One day Sony will release a 15mm lens with a front filter thread with a wide f2 or f1.8 aperture. And wide angle options will be complete. Save of course a native T/S option.
Feb 26, 2020 at 12:07 PM
p.9 #11Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
I have one on preorder. Hopefully it will last longer than the 24GM did. That was a very good, but not great lens for me. My Tamron 17-28 was close enough at 24mm that I didn't need the GM.
I have a very good copy of the Voigtlander 20/1.4 as well, so the Sony has some tough competition.
I have a very good copy of the Voigtlander 20/1.4 as well, so the Sony has some tough competition.
Feb 26, 2020 at 12:37 PM
p.9 #12Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Fred Miranda wrote:
I own the 1 Voigtlander 1.4 Nokton and 24 GM and of course 16-35GM so was on the fence.
I ordered a 20 1.8 and the Ken Rockwell video confirmed I made a good decision. I like his idea of carrying a 20 & 85 and the 24 being confusion as it is not really a wide angle but none the less love my 24 GM.The 24/1.4 GM is not really a wide angle??
Some of us consider a 180 deg. fisheye to just be a "wide angle"
Obviously there is no universal definition of what's considered to be a wide angle.
For me actually 20mm becomes interesting as a wide angle as for me 35-40mm is my personal "normal" for how I see the world.
trstahly wrote
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:I ordered a 20 1.8 and the Ken Rockwell video confirmed I made a good decision. I like his idea of carrying a 20 & 85 and the 24 being confusion as it is not really a wide angle but none the less love my 24 GM.
Some of us consider a 180 deg. fisheye to just be a "wide angle"
Obviously there is no universal definition of what's considered to be a wide angle.
For me actually 20mm becomes interesting as a wide angle as for me 35-40mm is my personal "normal" for how I see the world.
Feb 26, 2020 at 12:49 PM
p.9 #13Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
For me the biggest advantage of the 20 1.8 over any of the zoom options is the extra stop of the lens. I would be shooting in dim lights, markets at night, inside etc... where the 1.8 would definitely come in handy. I've had to use my 85 1.8 and 25 f2 wide open quite often at ISO 12,800.
Feb 26, 2020 at 12:53 PM
p.9 #14Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Just placed a pre-order through Amazon (through FM link) just now.
I suspect the Lox 21/2.8 will soon be sold unless I find I really do need a slow/small, fast/medium, really fast/large set of 21mm-ish primes.
I must admit that I have not used my 21 Lox much after getting the 21/3.5 CV since it's only a stop slower and much much smaller/lighter.
Nice to have quality choices though.
March 6 is not that far away.
- J
I suspect the Lox 21/2.8 will soon be sold unless I find I really do need a slow/small, fast/medium, really fast/large set of 21mm-ish primes.
I must admit that I have not used my 21 Lox much after getting the 21/3.5 CV since it's only a stop slower and much much smaller/lighter.
Nice to have quality choices though.
March 6 is not that far away.
- J
Feb 26, 2020 at 12:54 PM
p.9 #15Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
jhinkey wrote:
I own the 1 Voigtlander 1.4 Nokton and 24 GM and of course 16-35GM so was on the fence.
I ordered a 20 1.8 and the Ken Rockwell video confirmed I made a good decision. I like his idea of carrying a 20 & 85 and the 24 being confusion as it is not really a wide angle but none the less love my 24 GM.The 24/1.4 GM is not really a wide angle?? Some of us consider a 180 deg. fisheye to just be a "wide angle"
Obviously there is no universal definition of what's considered to be a wide angle.
For me actually 20mm becomes interesting as a wide angle as for me 35-40mm is my personal "normal" for how I see the world.
Same here regarding the 20mm as giving a much different look over a 24mm. It's the focal length where images feel like you are right next to the subjects when viewing them.
Fred Miranda wrote
trstahly wrote
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:I ordered a 20 1.8 and the Ken Rockwell video confirmed I made a good decision. I like his idea of carrying a 20 & 85 and the 24 being confusion as it is not really a wide angle but none the less love my 24 GM.
Obviously there is no universal definition of what's considered to be a wide angle.
For me actually 20mm becomes interesting as a wide angle as for me 35-40mm is my personal "normal" for how I see the world.
Same here regarding the 20mm as giving a much different look over a 24mm. It's the focal length where images feel like you are right next to the subjects when viewing them.
Feb 26, 2020 at 12:56 PM
p.9 #16Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
chez wrote:
I own the 1 Voigtlander 1.4 Nokton and 24 GM and of course 16-35GM so was on the fence.
I ordered a 20 1.8 and the Ken Rockwell video confirmed I made a good decision. I like his idea of carrying a 20 & 85 and the 24 being confusion as it is not really a wide angle but none the less love my 24 GM.The 24/1.4 GM is not really a wide angle?? Some of us consider a 180 deg. fisheye to just be a "wide angle"
Obviously there is no universal definition of what's considered to be a wide angle.
For me actually 20mm becomes interesting as a wide angle as for me 35-40mm is my personal "normal" for how I see the world.Same here regarding the 20mm as giving a much different look over a 24mm. It's the focal length where images feel like you are right next to the subjects when viewing them.
Agreed too—I prefer 18-21 and they have much different compositions than a 24, which is a lot more “normal” to me.
Also agree on the speed thing—if this were a 2.8 or 2.4, I wouldn’t be interested.
jhinkey wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
trstahly wrote
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:I ordered a 20 1.8 and the Ken Rockwell video confirmed I made a good decision. I like his idea of carrying a 20 & 85 and the 24 being confusion as it is not really a wide angle but none the less love my 24 GM.
Obviously there is no universal definition of what's considered to be a wide angle.
For me actually 20mm becomes interesting as a wide angle as for me 35-40mm is my personal "normal" for how I see the world.
Agreed too—I prefer 18-21 and they have much different compositions than a 24, which is a lot more “normal” to me.
Also agree on the speed thing—if this were a 2.8 or 2.4, I wouldn’t be interested.
Feb 26, 2020 at 01:22 PM
p.9 #17Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
trstahly wrote:
I am not sure how biased he is but he sure seemed to give the lens superlative praise. I am taking this with a grain of salt I know its a very good lens I have read too many reviews already but he almost makes it out to be a GM other than the plastic filter threads and not so precise aperure ring.
Also wondering the same for every "review" I read/watch online. I doubt Ken Rockwell is affiliated with Sony (could be wrong) as he usually doesn't hesitate to point their products weaknesses on his blog - as opposed to other websites where all lenses reviewed are so fantastic.
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:Also wondering the same for every "review" I read/watch online. I doubt Ken Rockwell is affiliated with Sony (could be wrong) as he usually doesn't hesitate to point their products weaknesses on his blog - as opposed to other websites where all lenses reviewed are so fantastic.
Feb 26, 2020 at 01:26 PM
p.9 #18Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
I’d get one if someone would buy my Sigma 24/1.4.....*crickets,crickets*
I like wide getting ready wedding photos.
I like wide getting ready wedding photos.
Feb 26, 2020 at 01:34 PM
p.9 #19Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
chez wrote:
For me the biggest advantage of the 20 1.8 over any of the zoom options is the extra stop of the lens. I would be shooting in dim lights, markets at night, inside etc... where the 1.8 would definitely come in handy. I've had to use my 85 1.8 and 25 f2 wide open quite often at ISO 12,800.
For me, having a fast AF capable 20mm is perfect for tight dim spaces as well as low light landscapes where shutter speed matters (like starry night shots). It's just a question of if the size/weight over my 21/3.5 CV can be justified for some of my uses.
I'm getting one to find out. I don't find the price objectionable at all based on the reviews thus far.
- J
For me the biggest advantage of the 20 1.8 over any of the zoom options is the extra stop of the lens. I would be shooting in dim lights, markets at night, inside etc... where the 1.8 would definitely come in handy. I've had to use my 85 1.8 and 25 f2 wide open quite often at ISO 12,800.
For me, having a fast AF capable 20mm is perfect for tight dim spaces as well as low light landscapes where shutter speed matters (like starry night shots). It's just a question of if the size/weight over my 21/3.5 CV can be justified for some of my uses.
I'm getting one to find out. I don't find the price objectionable at all based on the reviews thus far.
- J
Feb 26, 2020 at 01:40 PM
p.9 #20Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
matt-to wrote:
I am not sure how biased he is but he sure seemed to give the lens superlative praise. I am taking this with a grain of salt I know its a very good lens I have read too many reviews already but he almost makes it out to be a GM other than the plastic filter threads and not so precise aperure ring.Also wondering the same for every "review" I read/watch online. I doubt Ken Rockwell is affiliated with Sony (could be wrong) as he usually doesn't hesitate to point their products weaknesses on his blog - as opposed to other websites where all lenses reviewed are so fantastic.
The weaknesses seem to be flare/ghosting and corner sharpness at larger apertures. Anyone else notice how no one really addresses flare/ghosting in detail? KR does a decent job, across the aperture range, and doesn't give it high praise( as his sample images show). Corner sharpness is good, but a couple reviewers note its not as good as the 24GM at open apertures. My 24GM was excellent at f/1.4.
trstahly wrote
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:The weaknesses seem to be flare/ghosting and corner sharpness at larger apertures. Anyone else notice how no one really addresses flare/ghosting in detail? KR does a decent job, across the aperture range, and doesn't give it high praise( as his sample images show). Corner sharpness is good, but a couple reviewers note its not as good as the 24GM at open apertures. My 24GM was excellent at f/1.4.
Feb 26, 2020 at 01:42 PM