Features
A compact high-resolution 20mm F1.8 prime
Sony’s latest optical technology achieves impressive corner-to-corner resolution from maximum F1.8 aperture in a large-aperture wide-angle prime lens. It is also remarkably compact. Matched with an E-mount body this lens makes up a mobile system with outstanding AF performance, control, and reliability for a wide variety of shooting needs.
Superb corner-to-corner resolution from F1.8
Two AA (advanced aspherical) elements in an innovative optical design minimise aberration for outstanding corner-to-corner resolution right from the lens’s widest F1.8 aperture.
Smooth, natural-looking bokeh
In addition to precise control of spherical aberration that has a significant influence on bokeh quality, the FE 20mm F1.8 G has a 9-blade circular aperture that contributes to smooth, creamy bokeh and natural-looking highlights that are hallmarks of the G Lens series.
Realistically rendered point sources
Two AA (advanced aspherical) elements and three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements are employed to minimise sagittal flare so that point light sources are reproduced accurately, without colour smearing.
Superb AF speed, precision, and tracking
Two XD (eXtreme Dynamic) Linear Motors easily keep up with Sony’s high-speed camera bodies, taking full advantage of their AF speed, precision, and tracking potential. New control algorithms make it possible to drive the lens’s large focus group smoothly and without delays for responsive, silent, low-vibration autofocus.
Compact and lightweight for enhanced mobility and handling
An advanced optical design that includes two AA elements is supported by a refined mechanical system in a G Lens that weighs just 373 grams (13.2 oz.). Small size and light weight enhance mobility when used with compact E-mount bodies, and make up a well-balanced system that is ideal for use on gimbals or accessory grips. The FE 20mm F1.8 G is a versatile lens for a wide variety of still and movie shooting situations.
Excellent close-up performance, even for selfies
In addition to the fact that 20mm is a great focal length for selfies, this lens has a minimum focusing distance of just 0.19 meter (0.63 ft) when used in AF mode, and an even closer 0.18 meter (0.59 ft) minimum focusing distance when focused manually. It is an excellent choice for gimbal/grip mounting, whether shooting selfies or other subjects.
Nano AR Coating for crisp contrast
Sony’s original Nano AR Coating creates a precise, regular nanostructure on lens surfaces that does not interfere with light transmission while suppressing reflections that can cause flare and ghosting. Internal reflections are reduced to an absolute minimum, achieving outstanding clarity and contrast. (1. Nano AR Coating / 2. Glass / 3. Transmitted light)
Dust and moisture resistant
A dust and moisture resistant design provides the reliability needed for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
Natural, linear manual focus response
Linear Response MF ensures that the focus ring responds directly and linearly to subtle control when focusing manually. Focus ring rotation translates directly to a corresponding change in focus, so control feels immediate and precise.
Customisable focus hold button
A conveniently placed focus hold button not only offers easy focus hold control, but can be assigned to a variety of other functions from a menu accessed via the camera body.
Fluorine front element coating
The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants, while making it easier to wipe off any contaminants or fingerprints that do become attached to the lens surface.
Easy manual/auto focus switching
A focus mode switch that allows instant switching between auto and manual focus modes can be a great advantage when shooting subjects or situations that require fine manual focus adjustment.
Switchable aperture ring click stops
In addition to providing the fast response required for professional application, the aperture ring includes a switch that turns its click stops on or off: ON for tactile feedback when shooting stills, or OFF for seamless, silent control when shooting movies.
30mm equivalent on APS-C bodies
This lens also balances well on smaller APS-C format bodies, providing a very useful wide-angle focal length of 30mm (full-frame format equivalent). 30mm is great for taking snapshots around town, shooting the scenery while hiking or mountain climbing, and much more. The SEL20F18G is highly recommended for APS-C as well as full-frame users.
Sony’s movie technology supports advanced moviemaking
Moviemaking advantages include fast, precise AF and tracking provided by the lens’s XD Linear Motors, an ultra-wide 20mm angle of view on full frame bodies (30mm on APS-C bodies or with Super 35 angle of view settings), a bright F1.8 maximum aperture, compact and lightweight design, excellent close-up performance, and more. In addition to the lens’s small size and light weight, its internal focus design makes it convenient for use on compact gimbals or grips for vlogging and other applications.
Accepts a variety of filters
Unlike many other ultra-wide-angle lenses, the lens accepts circular polarizing filters for landscapes, ND filters for movies, and other filter types so the user has full creative control.