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Archive 2020Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
p.10 #1Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
pdmphoto 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.
Well in the comments sections, he mentions "the Sony is pretty close to perfect". I would say that qualifies as a high praise!
matt-to wrote
trstahly wrote
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:Well in the comments sections, he mentions "the Sony is pretty close to perfect". I would say that qualifies as a high praise!
Feb 26, 2020 at 01:54 PM
p.10 #2Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Blegh. This is exactly the lens I was looking for, but I'm beginning to get turned off by the sample images. I don't see the same pop/contrast/character as the 24 GM and other Zeiss / Voigtlander lenses I like.
Feb 26, 2020 at 02:02 PM
p.10 #3Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
pdmphoto 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.
That would match the polish site review I posted in this thread earlier.
Pros:
+ great resolution in the center of the frame
+ very good resolution on the edges starting from f2.8
+ practically negligible distortion (but when present - wavy)
+ compact, light, sealed, well-built, etc.
+ aperture ring
+ quick and silent AF
+ clickless aperture (option)
Cons:
- vigneting across all apertures
- big issues with flares/ghosting (night time with strong light sources)
- visible focus breathing (there's a video example in the review)
- price (that's local for PL I guess, but it seems it will be visibly more expensive than its alternatives
)
matt-to wrote
trstahly wrote
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:That would match the polish site review I posted in this thread earlier.
Pros:
+ great resolution in the center of the frame
+ very good resolution on the edges starting from f2.8
+ practically negligible distortion (but when present - wavy)
+ compact, light, sealed, well-built, etc.
+ aperture ring
+ quick and silent AF
+ clickless aperture (option)
Cons:
- vigneting across all apertures
- big issues with flares/ghosting (night time with strong light sources)
- visible focus breathing (there's a video example in the review)
- price (that's local for PL I guess, but it seems it will be visibly more expensive than its alternatives
) Feb 26, 2020 at 02:07 PM
p.10 #4Back 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.Well in the comments sections, he mentions "the Sony is pretty close to perfect". I would say that qualifies as a high praise!
He doesn't give any quantitative data or compare against the 24GM. Others do and it isn't as good as the 24GM according to them.
pdmphoto wrote
matt-to wrote
trstahly wrote
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:He doesn't give any quantitative data or compare against the 24GM. Others do and it isn't as good as the 24GM according to them.
Feb 26, 2020 at 03:06 PM
p.10 #5Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
pdmphoto 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.Well in the comments sections, he mentions "the Sony is pretty close to perfect". I would say that qualifies as a high praise!He doesn't give any quantitative data or compare against the 24GM. Others do and it isn't as good as the 24GM according to them.
It sure looks like it is a heck of a lens especially for the money. Is it noy perfect, but its not $2,000 either and I would much rather have what Sony released than one that has slightly better flare resistance or coma and spend double of triple.
I think it is a better lens than most thought it was going to be and they could have made a GM for double or a cheapie for $450 I think they hit the sweet spot.
Curious to know how it stacks up to the 16-35 GM though
Edited on Feb 26, 2020 at 06:34 PM · View previous versions
matt-to wrote
pdmphoto wrote
matt-to wrote
trstahly wrote
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:It sure looks like it is a heck of a lens especially for the money. Is it noy perfect, but its not $2,000 either and I would much rather have what Sony released than one that has slightly better flare resistance or coma and spend double of triple.
I think it is a better lens than most thought it was going to be and they could have made a GM for double or a cheapie for $450 I think they hit the sweet spot.
Curious to know how it stacks up to the 16-35 GM though
Edited on Feb 26, 2020 at 06:34 PM · View previous versions
Feb 26, 2020 at 03:28 PM
p.10 #6Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
pdmphoto 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.
Flare/ghosting is very hard to meaningfully test for because you can always get any lens to ghost/flare if you try hard enough. My 21/3.5 CV and 21Lox will also ghost/flare in extreme circumstances. I'll be testing these three against each other as soon as I get the lens and we get some consistent sunshine here in Seattle, which may take a while.
Will be taking one of these 21mm-ish lenses to Lofoten in June.
matt-to wrote
trstahly wrote
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:Flare/ghosting is very hard to meaningfully test for because you can always get any lens to ghost/flare if you try hard enough. My 21/3.5 CV and 21Lox will also ghost/flare in extreme circumstances. I'll be testing these three against each other as soon as I get the lens and we get some consistent sunshine here in Seattle, which may take a while.
Will be taking one of these 21mm-ish lenses to Lofoten in June.
Feb 26, 2020 at 03:33 PM
p.10 #7Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
pdmphoto 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.Well in the comments sections, he mentions "the Sony is pretty close to perfect". I would say that qualifies as a high praise!He doesn't give any quantitative data or compare against the 24GM. Others do and it isn't as good as the 24GM according to them.
But this is a 20mm not a 24mm. I'd like to see comparisons with other 20mm lenses.
matt-to wrote
pdmphoto wrote
matt-to wrote
trstahly wrote
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:But this is a 20mm not a 24mm. I'd like to see comparisons with other 20mm lenses.
Feb 26, 2020 at 03:57 PM
p.10 #8Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
jhinkey 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.Flare/ghosting is very hard to meaningfully test for because you can always get any lens to ghost/flare if you try hard enough. My 21/3.5 CV and 21Lox will also ghost/flare in extreme circumstances. I'll be testing these three against each other as soon as I get the lens and we get some consistent sunshine here in Seattle, which may take a while.
Will be taking one of these 21mm-ish lenses to Lofoten in June.
That would be great John. Awaiting your findings. Thanks.
pdmphoto wrote
matt-to wrote
trstahly wrote
matt-to wrote
Another review from Ken Rockwell:Will be taking one of these 21mm-ish lenses to Lofoten in June.
That would be great John. Awaiting your findings. Thanks.
Feb 26, 2020 at 03:58 PM
p.10 #9Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
So while I have other lenses that I can use in this focal range I took the plunge and pre-ordered it. I had considered trying the Sigma 14-24 because I heard many liked it but for me the fact that it was even heavier than the the GM 16-35 I have and would not take filters made it a non starter.
While I have the 16-35/2.8 GM I want a lens I can put in a backpack and take with me on a climb. Was surprised that its actually lighter than the Loxia 21 but a little heavier than the Batis 18. So I will give this one a shot. In general I like 20-21 more than 18 but that is a personal thing. Would love to also see them do a 14 or 15 if they decided to keep it small but not sure that would be their goal for a wider prime. I don't think there is as much profit in it. I think the rumored 12-24/2.8 would be where they go next.
While I have the 16-35/2.8 GM I want a lens I can put in a backpack and take with me on a climb. Was surprised that its actually lighter than the Loxia 21 but a little heavier than the Batis 18. So I will give this one a shot. In general I like 20-21 more than 18 but that is a personal thing. Would love to also see them do a 14 or 15 if they decided to keep it small but not sure that would be their goal for a wider prime. I don't think there is as much profit in it. I think the rumored 12-24/2.8 would be where they go next.
Feb 26, 2020 at 07:52 PM
p.10 #10Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
swldstn wrote:
So while I have other lenses that I can use in this focal range I took the plunge and pre-ordered it. I had considered trying the Sigma 14-24 because I heard many liked it but for me the fact that it was even heavier than the the GM 16-35 I have and would not take filters made it a non starter. .
Yeh the Sigma would be a landscape lens for me, but it's awkward handling of filters is definitely a show stopper. It's too heavy to be used as a travel lens so it's got no room in my bag.
So while I have other lenses that I can use in this focal range I took the plunge and pre-ordered it. I had considered trying the Sigma 14-24 because I heard many liked it but for me the fact that it was even heavier than the the GM 16-35 I have and would not take filters made it a non starter. .
Yeh the Sigma would be a landscape lens for me, but it's awkward handling of filters is definitely a show stopper. It's too heavy to be used as a travel lens so it's got no room in my bag.
Feb 26, 2020 at 08:43 PM
p.10 #11Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
I took one of Dpreviews landscapes/building RAW scenes at @F8 and converted and printed at 50 x 30 inches at work today. Absolutely stunning... right to the edge. Better then the loxia etc dare I say it.... 
Feb 27, 2020 at 12:03 AM
p.10 #12Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Just bought a Batis 18 and now, for the same price I paid, there’s this. Damn! Granted, for landscape I don’t see an advantage over my Batis, but that shallow DoF sure sounds like fun for portrait/urban shooting
Feb 27, 2020 at 12:22 AM
p.10 #13Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
SONY CHINA has just announced that start to ship(not pre-order) since this afternoon
Feb 27, 2020 at 03:11 AM
p.10 #14Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
photomadnz wrote:
I took one of Dpreviews landscapes/building RAW scenes at @F8 and converted and printed at 50 x 30 inches at work today. Absolutely stunning... right to the edge. Better then the loxia etc dare I say it....
From the RAWs, it looks good to me so far. I don't think quite as good as the Loxia towards the corners due to astigmatism but similar performance to FE 24/1.4 GM which is an outstanding lens.
I took one of Dpreviews landscapes/building RAW scenes at @F8 and converted and printed at 50 x 30 inches at work today. Absolutely stunning... right to the edge. Better then the loxia etc dare I say it....
From the RAWs, it looks good to me so far. I don't think quite as good as the Loxia towards the corners due to astigmatism but similar performance to FE 24/1.4 GM which is an outstanding lens.
Feb 27, 2020 at 09:22 AM
p.10 #15Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
photomadnz wrote:
I took one of Dpreviews landscapes/building RAW scenes at @F8 and converted and printed at 50 x 30 inches at work today. Absolutely stunning... right to the edge. Better then the loxia etc dare I say it....
Even if it isn't quite up to the Loxia in the corners, the Sony has AF and goes to 1.8 which are big deals for me. If you can make stunning images at 50x30...what's not to like?
I took one of Dpreviews landscapes/building RAW scenes at @F8 and converted and printed at 50 x 30 inches at work today. Absolutely stunning... right to the edge. Better then the loxia etc dare I say it....
Even if it isn't quite up to the Loxia in the corners, the Sony has AF and goes to 1.8 which are big deals for me. If you can make stunning images at 50x30...what's not to like?
Feb 27, 2020 at 09:26 AM
p.10 #16Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
Maybe what we'll end up with are 4 21mm-ish lens choices:
Slow & small w/very very good IQ: 21/3.5 CV
Medium speed & moderate size w/excellent IQ: 21Lox
Fast speed & larger size w/very very good IQ: 20/1.8G and 21/1.4CV
Don't know how the Firin fits into the above categorization as I've not seen too much about that lens in this forum. Sounds like someone needs to make a table of 21mm-ish modern offerings and compare them.
Slow & small w/very very good IQ: 21/3.5 CV
Medium speed & moderate size w/excellent IQ: 21Lox
Fast speed & larger size w/very very good IQ: 20/1.8G and 21/1.4CV
Don't know how the Firin fits into the above categorization as I've not seen too much about that lens in this forum. Sounds like someone needs to make a table of 21mm-ish modern offerings and compare them.
Feb 27, 2020 at 09:56 AM
p.10 #17Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
jhinkey wrote:
Maybe what we'll end up with are 4 21mm-ish lens choices:
Slow & small w/very very good IQ: 21/3.5 CV
Medium speed & moderate size w/excellent IQ: 21Lox
Fast speed & larger size w/very very good IQ: 20/1.8G and 21/1.4CV
Don't know how the Firin fits into the above categorization as I've not seen too much about that lens in this forum. Sounds like someone needs to make a table of 21mm-ish modern offerings and compare them.
Need to add the 20/1.8G has great AF...which separates itself from the rest.
Maybe what we'll end up with are 4 21mm-ish lens choices:
Slow & small w/very very good IQ: 21/3.5 CV
Medium speed & moderate size w/excellent IQ: 21Lox
Fast speed & larger size w/very very good IQ: 20/1.8G and 21/1.4CV
Don't know how the Firin fits into the above categorization as I've not seen too much about that lens in this forum. Sounds like someone needs to make a table of 21mm-ish modern offerings and compare them.
Need to add the 20/1.8G has great AF...which separates itself from the rest.
Feb 27, 2020 at 10:19 AM
p.10 #18Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
chez wrote:
Slow & small w/very very good IQ: 21/3.5 CV
Medium speed & moderate size w/excellent IQ: 21Lox
Fast speed & larger size w/very very good IQ: 20/1.8G and 21/1.4CV
Don't know how the Firin fits into the above categorization as I've not seen too much about that lens in this forum. Sounds like someone needs to make a table of 21mm-ish modern offerings and compare them.Need to add the 20/1.8G has great AF...which separates itself from the rest.
True.
jhinkey wrote
Maybe what we'll end up with are 4 21mm-ish lens choices:Slow & small w/very very good IQ: 21/3.5 CV
Medium speed & moderate size w/excellent IQ: 21Lox
Fast speed & larger size w/very very good IQ: 20/1.8G and 21/1.4CV
Don't know how the Firin fits into the above categorization as I've not seen too much about that lens in this forum. Sounds like someone needs to make a table of 21mm-ish modern offerings and compare them.
True.
Feb 27, 2020 at 11:48 AM
p.10 #19Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
chez wrote:
Even if it isn't quite up to the Loxia in the corners, the Sony has AF and goes to 1.8 which are big deals for me. If you can make stunning images at 50x30...what's not to like?
Entirely agree. OTOH, I absolutely prefer Zeiss rendering for landscape, nature and urban. I’d love to see the exact same image printed at 50x30 and see the differences between the two.
photomadnz wrote
I took one of Dpreviews landscapes/building RAW scenes at @F8 and converted and printed at 50 x 30 inches at work today. Absolutely stunning... right to the edge. Better then the loxia etc dare I say it....Entirely agree. OTOH, I absolutely prefer Zeiss rendering for landscape, nature and urban. I’d love to see the exact same image printed at 50x30 and see the differences between the two.
Feb 27, 2020 at 11:53 AM
p.10 #20Back On Sale: Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens for only $798 ($100 off)
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Even if it isn't quite up to the Loxia in the corners, the Sony has AF and goes to 1.8 which are big deals for me. If you can make stunning images at 50x30...what's not to like?Entirely agree. OTOH, I absolutely prefer Zeiss rendering for landscape, nature and urban. I’d love to see the exact same image printed at 50x30 and see the differences between the two.
Yes, I shoot the 21ze and will never give it up for landscapes. This Sony 20 would be for my travel / cultural photography.
chez wrote
photomadnz wrote
I took one of Dpreviews landscapes/building RAW scenes at @F8 and converted and printed at 50 x 30 inches at work today. Absolutely stunning... right to the edge. Better then the loxia etc dare I say it....Yes, I shoot the 21ze and will never give it up for landscapes. This Sony 20 would be for my travel / cultural photography.
Feb 27, 2020 at 12:48 PM