Sony FE 20-70mm F4.0 G

No Compromises in Image Quality, AF Performance or Movie Operability

Standard Zoom Redefined: Ultra-Wide 20mm to 70mm

This versatile, high-performance E-mount lens offers a zoom range that extends from ultra-wide 20 mm to 70 mm in a compact, lightweight model that has been painstakingly designed with no compromises in image quality, AF performance, or movie operability.

Outstanding G Lens Image Quality

Two AA (advanced aspherical) elements and three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements simultaneously correct chromatic and spherical aberration for extremely high optical performance right out to the image edges, from ultra-wide 20 mm to 70 mm. Deep, soft bokeh is enhanced by a 9-blade circular aperture and optimally tuned spherical aberration, supporting the creation of beautiful, memorable imagery.

Peak AF Performance for Stills and Movies

Two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors provide high thrust for fast, quiet, smooth focus drive. Improved thrust efficiency¹ results in up to a 60% increase in AF speed² , and tracking performance has been improved by as much as two times² so tracking is reliable and precise. Moving subjects are reliably tracked when shooting continuous stills at up to 30 fps³ , and high-frame-rate movie capture is smooth.

Refined Movie Imagery

Advanced technology reduces focus breathing as well as focus and axial shift when zooming so that distracting image shifts are minimised. This lens has also been designed for quiet operation when shooting movies, with XD Linear Motors and a newly developed aperture unit that dramatically reduce noise and vibration. The breathing compensation function provided in compatible α series bodies⁴ is also supported.

High-Level Operability and Reliability for any Environment

This lens features a dust and moisture resistant design and a fluorine-coated front element that repels contaminants. All controls, including customisable focus hold buttons and independent rings for focus, zoom, and aperture are designed for smooth, versatile control when shooting stills or movies. A focus mode switch makes it easy to switch between autofocus and manual focus on the fly.

Excellent Close-Up Performance

AA (advanced aspherical) elements help to achieve a minimum focus distance of 0.3 meters (wide) to 0.25 meters (telephoto) when using AF, and 0.25 throughout the zoom range when focusing manually. Maximum magnification is 0.39x for detailed close-ups. Close focus makes it easy to maneuver around small subjects to find the idea angle.

Constant F4 Maximum Aperture

A constant F4 maximum aperture offers greater flexibility in choosing apertures at any focal length. The selected aperture remains constant throughout the zoom range. There is no need to use extreme ISO settings at the telephoto end of the range, and high shutter speeds can be used as needed to achieve the desired effect.

Compact, Lightweight and Mobile Design

This compact, lightweight lens combines state-of-the-art optical design with Sony’s high-thrust XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motor technology. Used with a compact mirrorless body, it can deliver superb image quality in any situation at focal lengths from ultra-wide to short telephoto. A great choice for shooting with minimum gear.

Aperture Ring with Click ON/OFF Switch

An independent aperture ring offers direct, intuitive aperture control. A click ON/OFF switch allows the aperture click stops to be turned off when smooth, seamless operation is required.

Active Mode⁵ Supports Ultra-Wide Images

Active Mode⁵ image stabilisation in α series cameras works effectively at the ultra-wide 20mm end of the zoom range, providing excellent image stabilisation performance while maintaining a wide angle of view. This can be particularly useful for shooting smooth, stable handheld footage while walking.

Focus Hold Buttons and Focus Mode Switch

Customisable focus hold buttons are provided in two locations for easy access and control. Other functions can be assigned to the focus hold button from the body menus to match shooting needs. A focus mode switch makes it possible to switch between autofocus and manual focus on the fly, to quickly adapt to changing shooting conditions.

Dust- and Moisture-Resistant Design⁶

A dust and moisture resistant design⁶ provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.

Fluorine Front Element Coating

The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels fingerprints, dust, water, oil, and other contaminants, while making it easier to wipe off any contaminants that do become attached to the lens surface.

Lens Configuration

Impeccable Sony G Lens design emphasizes a graceful balance between high resolution and gorgeous background bokeh that can enhance the artist's vision.

[1] Advanced Aspherical Lens (AA lens)
[2] Aspherical Lens
[3] ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Aspherical Lens
[4] ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass

MTF Chart

MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) describes how well a lens can reproduce fine details, measured as the degree of contrast achieved between finely spaced lines.

[1] Contrast (%)
[2] Distance from Optical Center of Lens (mm)
[3] At 20mm / Max. Aperture
[4] At 20mm / F8 Aperture
[5] At 70mm / Max. Aperture
[6] At 70mm / F8 Aperture
[7] Spatial Frequency
[8] 10 Lines Pairs / mm
[9] 30 Line Pairs / mm
[10] Radial Values
[11] Tangential Values

Lens Control

1. Focusing Ring
2. Focus Hold Button
3. Zoom Ring
4. Aperture Ring
5. Focus Mode Switch
6. IRIS LOCK Switch
7. Aperture Click Switch

¹ Compared to the SEL2470Z.

² Compared to the SEL2470Z. Sony test conditions.

³ “Hi+” continuous shooting mode. Effective at 1/125 sec. or higher shutter speed. In AF-C mode at shutter speeds of 1/250 sec. or higher the maximum continuous frame rate will depend on the shooting mode.

⁴ Compatibility info at: https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/ Available in movie mode only. Angle of view and image quality may change slightly when this function is used. Compensation may not be able to cover all situations.

⁵ Active Mode causes a slight reduction in angle of view.

⁶ Not guaranteed to be 100% dust- and moisture-proof.