Sony FE 20-70mm f/4G: Should Arrive in a Few Days for Testing

2023-03-01 • SEND FEEDBACK |
Related: field curvature, Sony, Sony FE, Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G, Sony Lenses

See previous post for details and my early take: Sony FE 20-70mm f/4G: Appealing Zoom Range, How Good Will It Be?.

If it arrives on time (early next week), I should be able to quickly determine its appropriateness for demanding subjects eg landscape photography.

My requirements are relatively low distortion along with minimal field curvature and edge-to-edge sharpness (corner to corner even better). These requirements often fail, for example the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, which suffers excessive field curvature making across-the-frame sharpness at the same distance a non-thing.

I suspect that these two issues will be troublesome with the 20-70mm because they are always necessary compromises in a zoom, especially a 3.5X zoom of this range. Even the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM is compromised with pronounced field curvature. I find it acceptable given the extreme focal lengths involved. But not for a 20-70mm or 24-70mm.

I hope to be pleasantly surprised.

Get Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G at B&H Photo...

Mid-range zooms for Sony mirrorless

Sony Mirrorless wish list • Deals on Sony

$3448 SAVE $450 = 11.0% Sony a7R V Mirrorless Camera IN STOCK in Cameras: Mirrorless

$2848 SAVE $150 = 5.0% Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 FE GM IN STOCK in Lenses: Mirrorless

$798 SAVE $100 = 11.0% Sony 20mm f/1.8 FE G IN STOCK in Lenses: Mirrorless

$1048 Sony 20-70mm f/4 FE G Lens (Sony E) IN STOCK in Lenses: Mirrorless

$2248 Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 FE GM II Lens (Sony E) IN STOCK in Lenses: Mirrorless