Meet the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G – the widest full-frame E-mount prime lens

Meet the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G – the widest full-frame E-mount prime lens
(Image credit: Sony)

Sony has announced the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G – the widest full-frame prime lens in its line of E-mount optics, giving users a new wide-angle tool to shoot landscapes, starscapes, environmental portraits and video.  

A compact and lightweight prime, the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G's fast f/1.8 aperture is capable of rendering beautiful bokeh and producing enviable background blur, while its G lens designation promises premium resolution. 

The optical formula features 14 elements in 12 groups, comprising 2 advanced aspherical elements and 3 extra-low dispersion elements to control chromatic aberration and ensure pristine image quality from edge to edge – even when shooting wide open at f/1.8. 

A weather sealed lens, the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G is resistant to dust and moisture. It also possesses a fluorine-coated front lens element designed to repel water and grime, making it perfectly suited for outdoor photography pursuits.

Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G review

The lens features a multitude of controls, including a focus mode switch and customizable focus hold button, as well as an aperture ring that can be de-clicked at the flick of a switch. That makes it an ideal option for videographers and content creators, as do the dual extreme dynamic Linear Motors that provide precise, quick and quiet autofocus

Measuring 73.5 x 84.7 mm, and weighing 373g, it should pair effectively with Sony's E-mount cameras as well as with gimbals and rigs for supremely balanced stabilization. For close-up work, the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G has a minimum focusing distance of 0.19m / 4.48 inches, with a maximum magnification of 0.2x.

The Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G is due for release in March, priced at £950 / $898 / AU$1,699.

Preorder the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G at B&H Photo

Preorder the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G at Adorama

Preorder the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G at Wex Photo Video

Read more: 

The best Sony lenses in 2020: top lenses for Sony mirrorless and Alpha cameras
The best Sony camera in 2020: from Cyber-shots through to Sony Alphas
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James Artaius
Editor

James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus / OM System, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and he loves instant cameras, too.