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
What is a prime lens?

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.