Here's Why the Sony 20mm F1.8 G is Worth $900

[@jefersonmarcos]

After 4 years, this review still stands out as one of the best. First of all, no one covers this lens with as many pictures of people as you do. Many talk about distortion, and I almost gave up on this 20mm because I thought it would be too bad on a full-frame camera when photographing subjects that are not too far away, but you just proved me wrong. I have decided to purchase this lens to pair with the Sony 85mm 1.8. I believe it's a great combination. Regarding portraiture, with a Sony A7R V or a similar high-resolution sensor, you are able to use the Super 35mm mode (also called APS-C crop mode) to effectively zoom in and transform the 20mm into around 30mm, which offers more versatility without switching lenses. This feature is a great tool to make the 20mm feel like a more flexible focal length when needed.

[@inquisitvem6723]

Check out Mark Galer’s review of this lens. superb.

[@inquisitvem6723]

I’m still thinking of getting a used 24mm f1.4 though more expensive.

[@DK_427]

Watching this video after I just purchased the lens to justify ...

[@StanDaFan]

Same

[@claudiap2714]

Just bought mines now and same!!!! Hope it's great!

[@MattBeardsley]

Ha. Me too 😂

[@marcoboyantonio]

😂same here 😂❤

[@Int3rimo]

Same here hahahaha

[@N0rdman]

Hey Arthur, you talk about sharpness but looking at the images, side by side @00:08:28 it immediately jumps out at you the incredible and immense difference in contrast and saturation of the Sony 20mm compared to the Sigma 16mm! I'd go so far as to say even if the Sigma had been a little sharper, that difference alone is well worth the Sony; it just looks gorgeous while the Sigma looks washed out, but that's maybe me? I love punchy colour and I hate flares and images that look like they are taken through nylons.

[@rreonarudo]

Your video presentation are getting so much detailed and better, love it!

[@ArthurR]

Thanks so much!

[@serkan117]

Another great video. Thank you very much. I'm glad that Sony has started sending you lenses. I would love to see you compare Sony FE 70-200 F4 G and Sony E 70-350 mm F4.5-6.3 G.

[@harryhole4427]

You're my first stop when it comes to lens revues, a tonne of info, great content and a gorgeous wife! You have helped me step into the world of Sony digital, so thank you Mr & Mrs R :)

[@CosasdelJardin]

excelent video! thank you

[@jebeq2007]

Nice review. I would still buy this lens for an APCS. I have an A6600 and have been having the most difficult time finding an adequate lens for street photography and this seems to fit the bill. I did just order the Sigma 30mm f1.4 but I may be returning it for the Sony 20mm as it is better fit for street and more equivalent to 30mm full frame. Sadly there is no Sony 18mm, 20mm or even 23mm APC lens other wise I would buy it.

[@harryhole4427]

stunning lens and images. Excellent review as always. Good job Arthur and Mrs R !

[@InfinityNieR]

When did you get your A7III?

[@naimxibalba]

yeah, full frame since when ?

[@Ashleyapples]

he got eveything

[@NickL0VIN]

I hope he does full frame reviews now!

[@andgainingspeed]

Maybe the same folks who sent him the lens sent him the FF camera to test it on. Both going back. Then Arthur pucks up a first gen A7 in his next video?

[@-mdro6741]

Good review😀

[@annareutov2445]

Great video like always👍

[@TVe200]

I agree with you. If Sony release a nice 12 or 13 mm for APS-C I will buy it emmidiately and sell my 10-18.

[@photogl]

Great review. I’m going to buy this for my Sony A1. Your model is adorable. Good job you guys !!!!

[@jaycarlton2010]

Excellent, to the point video without the long intro and loud distractive music. Also, you covered all the bases. This will be my next lens. Thanks!

[@Kornholeeoo]

Some of the clearest pics I’ve seen on your channel so far. Especially with the A6100.

[@1209jayt]

I like that you point out that internal lens shaking till you turn on the camera. Good! Thanks!

[@TW-iu9zy]

.. well, in deed: I use the 20/1.8 also on my a6600 - it is a perfect combo for street photography! 👍🏻

[@a--b]

Great to know. So, the focal length goes to around 35mm on a6000?

[@stefanterbekke8506]

Yes, a bit more than 30.

[@a--b]

@@stefanterbekke8506 Okay, thanks :)

[@JackieSemple]

Some 3 years later....but an excellent, practical and informative review with impressive sample pics. I only use FF so this lens seems the real deal for me. I've not got either a 20 or 24 mm lens. This might be the answer. Thanks.

[@gdchance1914]

Another great review. I purchased one and took some shots yesterday. But, in the night sky shot at 10:07 in your video it has circular bands of color and shading. Mine does too - sometimes very distinct - almost like an eye iris.

[@Walkercolt1]

You are mis-using a terrestrial lens for astronomical purposes. Try a $35,000 (you build-it) telescope kit. At an f8 aperture, it will do what you want. Nothing less will. A $63,000 14 inch Celestron might be of interest to you. It's an f11. Order one today, expect delivery in two years, maybe.

[@rotojo2]

@@Walkercolt1 at least you will have time to save up those $63.000 😅😂

[@tbeiber09]

I'm going to start doing video work next year and I'm looking at this one for that mainly. It just looks super solid for that kind of thing

[@miang62]

Another great video! Any plans to do one on sigma 24mmf2 I series?

[@adikare]

Great lens for vlogging on full frame camera.

[@frankfeng2701]

How about putting Sigma 16 on A7iii?

[@mirrorlessny]

apsc sigma 16 on a7iii? I tried it, hopefully will never do it again 😬 ,,,it works but it feels bad not getting the full benefits of full frame

[@frankfeng2701]

@@mirrorlessny I'd do that for shooting 4k30p.

[@Micah-Woods]

This is the lens I'd actually like to graduate to from my Sigma 16 on my a7III! Appreciate the review!

[@bijosn]

rather get the 24mm 1.4 gm if you can affford it

[@SuperDigitalMe]

I have a A7RIV is it sharp enough for that sensor?

[@greysuit17]

What???

[@NickL0VIN]

greysuit17 Lololol.

[@mirrorlessny]

it's likely to be a great match for high MP sensors, a better question is = do you need 20mm f1.8?

[@Chrisreedbeats]

Title thumbnail got me to watch. Perfect. Video got me to sub. Nice. Info got a like. Kudos.

[@bondgabebond4907]

On my shopping list. I wish all lens had an aperture ring like all my Nikons of old. It is of the size that will satisfy my craving for an ultrawide for my A7R3 and a 30mm for my a6500 camera.

[@BrianTheCameraGuy]

Solid review Arthur. I am glad that you put the lens on you a6100. Images look good but you are right $900 is too much to pay when the Sigma 16mm is there.

[@captainslow4184]

Interesting to see side by side pics of 6100&sigma 16 vs a7III&sony 20. In my opinion the results are super close with basically no noticeable difference. At least at this light conditions..

[@bijosn]

thats because its the jpeg versions

[@JesperRasmussen]

Samyang 12mm f/2 for APS-C is an option, especially for Astro. It is manual focus.

[@GilbertTV]

Arthur have you ever tried your Sigma 16mm F1.4 on your A7iii ?

[@gyhd789]

Can you compare this Sony 20 f1.8 with Sony 24 f1.4 G lens? I feel difficult in choosing between the two for go-to use.

[@daniellara306]

Thank you for the APS-C info

[@ROAMitRALPH]

I'd definitely get this lens if I didn't already have the 24/1.4 📸.. But I agree, I would love it if Sony came out with an ultrawide f1.8 apsc lens 🤞🏻

[@falconform]

I have the Sony 16-35/2.8 G and it’s fantastic. I couldn’t justify buying this 20mm when I have the 20mm focal length covered. I guess there’s advantages to the faster prime but it’s trivial to me. Thanks to you and your wife for these great videos.

[@Walkercolt1]

If you test your (or my) ultra-wide angle zoom against a fixed focal length wide angle lens, the fixed lens (of similar quality of course) will always exhibit much less barrel/pincushion distortion, higher contrast, less flare, and less chromatic aberrations. Optical law is a cruel thing. As I zoom my lens thru it's focal lengths and focus distances, the barrel or pincushion distortion changes. Aperture affects it too. If it's a hobby, you can "justify" a purchase much easier than me. If it won't make me more money than it costs, I CAN NOT buy it. I would spend $155,000 tomorrow if I had a job were I needed a "widget" to make $220,000. That's a big investment for a "MARGINAL" return (less than 100% mark-up). I don't have to answer to stockholders.

[@switchunboxing]

@@Walkercolt1Interesting. Gives more credibility to my idea. I’m looking into getting this Sony 20mm G and using clear image zoom to get me to 24mm and 28mm instead of picking up a Sigma 16-28. Do you think that would work? Yes I crop on but sounds like it’ll be sharper, faster focus, and have less distortion. And I’m getting a Sony a7iv so I don’t think I’ll be losing image quality. This is for videos. Close up product reviews.

[@LucaBono.Studio]

Thank you for the review! Because I do hiking, I stopped to think about this lens at 3:20... Sometimes I don't understand Sony.

[@datboyfilmz1826]

What about using this lens for music video would you suggest it , pictures looked great .

[@tacotaco7658]

Fantastic review. Sample photos are straight out of the cameras in jpg form for users to look at. That is what the viewers want to see the true form of the lens. Thank you very much and keep up the good work.

[@Pilami_]

I have watched alot of different "photo channels", and i get the most useful information from yours!

[@alfredochannel594]

I bought this lens for my a6400. and the result always amazing.... just like he said. bc of this channel i bought the lens. close up or wide angle all good.

[@GilbertTV]

the new Sony lenses are awesome now .. its as good as a GM lens this one good fair review Arthur

[@christian.kaufmann]

APS-C equivalent would be 13.5mm F1.2 (not "1.8", as wrongly stated in the video)

[@ArthurR]

Christian Kaufmann That’s not true. Aperture is a physical characteristic of the lens. 1.8 is 1.8. If you are talking about equivalent depth of field, that’s another conversation.

[@christian.kaufmann]

@@ArthurR so is the focal lenght. For 'equivalent' calculations you have to take aperture into account also

[@christian.kaufmann]

@@ArthurR awesome video, btw!

[@willmannering]

@@ArthurR Yes but the same can be said for focal length. Focal length is also a physical characteristic of a lens. But to compare different sensor sizes the crop factor has to be applied to both focal length and aperture to get the same result.

[@christian.kaufmann]

@@willmannering Correct! Arthur's 13mm 1.8 dream lens on APS-C would equate to 20mm 2.8 on the A7III in terms of field of view, depth of field as well as ISO performance. Interestingly, Viltrox just announced a 13mm 1.4 AF "APS-C lens". Now, that would more likely fit the bill - at least spec-wise.

[@Caleast]

I bought this lens for ma new fx30. Perfect combo because the fx30 has focus breathing compensation!

[@abdulrahmanazmi7042]

Can you compare Zeiss touit 12mm f2.8 with other wide angle lens?

[@wefhy]

How would you compare it to Viltrox 20mm F/1.8 you reviewed another time? Both are full frame lenses. Viltrox costs only $450 but is manual focus and heavier.

[@MasterVycen]

Goddamn Arthur where do you always get your sick beats? They always got me jamin'.

[@scampifingers]

He Arthur great vid as usual... it would be really good comparing the crop mode on the A7 iii with APSC images of your A6100 when you review full frame lenses.. maybe a crop mode series of vid I think there would be a big demand for that

[@izack9191]

The first one!!!!!! Nice review tho! I appreciate your work my brother from another mother

[@cxsparx]

Hi Arthur, so are you going Fullframe? Why did you downgrade your APSC to the A6100?

[@KJ-ql4nm]

What about the video portion ? What about the low-light capabilities since it’s a 1.8?

[@unusualcomment9731]

Similar to what you're talking about with the 20mm, I have lens elements moving into my 18-105 F4 (only with camera shut down) and I can't remember if it was there just after I bought it, did you have the same thing?

[@bijosn]

its normal on the newer sony fe lenses because of their new magnetic focus system, but i am not sure about the 18-105.

[@maxsr3236]

Probably the OSS elements. They are kept in place with small electro magnets when the camera is turned on, but when you turn off the camera the magnets power down and the elements can move a little bit.

[@LittleMountainLife]

With the focus breathing, would you recommend a different wide angle lens for vlogging on the a7c?

[@olegvorkunov5400]

ARRI video lens.

[@jjyue5524]

I think this lens definitely deserves the price! Compare this with 24GM, this lens is at least $600 cheaper than 24GM but they got the similar effects!

[@jochenkraus7016]

It's also slower than the 24 GM. Unfortunately there's not much between the pancake lenses (16 and 20, both 2.8) and the expensive stuff (Sony Zeiss 24/1.4 (

[@jjyue5524]

Jochen Kraus Ya, if wanna get a (good、sharp、cheap)lens, except the SONY lens, I only recommend the SIMGA lens.

[@JF..]

That price Tag though Great review 👍

[@ExplorerMelanie]

That was so helpful, thank you very much! I've been thinking about getting a wide angle G lens and this one is definitely one of my "finalists"... :)

[@AJ-em2rb]

Awesome! Do you think you can do a video about the new Tamron Prime Trio's performance on APS-C, please? They're full frame lenses, but at crop sensor prices ($300 each) and I can't find anyone testing them out yet! I'm especially interested in the 24mm, but the 20 and 35 seem like they'd do well, too!

[@Newtorin]

Love the watch!

[@gamerat30]

I purchased sigma 24 f1.4 hope it will be good for apsc too

[@adityapabharekar3579]

Amazing.🔥🔥🔥

[@RichardsWorld]

I'd probably buy this lens, but I already bought the Sony 24mm GM, and I have the Batis 18mm. I'd actually like a wider lens. I've been thinking about the Sigma 14-24mm, but that thing is heavy and I'd hate to walk around with that lens on a gimbal all day.

[@prasannanazim8229]

Is batis 18mm worth for photography or do u suggest any other competitors?

[@AgnostosGnostos]

It is hard to make a bright ultra wide lens. The full frame prime autofocus 20mm lenses from canon, Nikon or even Sony a-mount are traditionally f/2.8. The f/1.8 from Sony is a huge step forward. Sigma has a full frame autofocus 20mm f/1.4 lens but this is huge, heavy with a bulbous front element that doesn't accept filters. In the case of e-mount users this lens is designed for dSLR cameras and the autofocus isn't ideal. Additionally the integrated adapter makes this lens even larger and heavier. Tokina indeed has a full frame e-mount autofocus 20mm f/2 but the difference between f/2 and f/1.8 isn't negligible. Tokina is a black horse for most amateurs but it offers many great lenses. With manual focus lenses things are easier and the full frame e-mount Voightländer 21mm f/1.4 is exceptional and accepts filters too. With ultra wide lenses the depth of field even with f/1.4 is deep and manual focusing is really easy.

[@TechTagged]

Can't wait to get this lens

[@NickL0VIN]

I would love to test this against my $300 Samyang 18mm f/2.8! I can’t justify $900 unless the Sony blows the Samyang away...then maybe I’ll splurge.

[@CarlBergsdorf]

Very good point. Tamron have a 20/2.8 and Sigma have the 20/1.4 which both are cheaper than this one.

[@paulfairchild8942]

@@CarlBergsdorf The Tamron 20/2.8 has a very noisy AF motor, so if you're a video shooter that could be a deal breaker. The Sigma 20/1.4 is a great lens but its 950 grams, so double the weight of the Sony 20/1.8, for video shooters using a gimbal, that extra weight can be a deal breaker. I have the Sony 20/1.8 and love it, but whatever works for you, there are lots of options available now which is great.

[@mirrorlessny]

Paul Fairchild Paul you nailed it THANK YOU, I was just about to write something similar... 950grams 😬

[@CarlBergsdorf]

Paul Fairchild those are very important things to consider when getting a lens, no doubt. Lenses, as with cameras, are of course tools with different strenghts and weaknesses. The price is the biggest ”weakness” of the G, compared to the others :P

[@NickL0VIN]

@@paulfairchild8942 That's why Samyang is the winner here, lol!. It's cheap ($300) and the lightest of the 4 of them (only 145 grams!). Heck, my Samyang combos is lighter and smaller than my APSC combos!

[@VeeTravels]

Athur, I think you have done a fantastic job showcasing the low light capabilities of the new Sony 20mm F1.8 GM. I liked the video and subscribed to your channel. Do you think the low light capabilities of the 20mm F1.8 GM outweigh the 16-35mm F2.8 GM for outdoor low light video conditions drastically? I do a lot of low light virtual walk tours with the 16-35mm F2.8 GM right now (Using A7iii body + Zhiyun Crane 2 Stabilizer). I usually set the focal length to around 17mm or 18mm to compensate for the Sony 4K video crop and Adobe Premiere software stabilization crop while still providing a true virtual wide angle experience. Despite being absolutely blown away by the 20mm F1.8, I am concerned it is simply not wide enough for my style of videos. I definitely welcome your opinion if you know any better alternative. Anyway I would greatly appreciate if you could check out my recent videos and provide HONEST feedback. Subscribe if you enjoy :)

[@yoga7788]

Thanks for this informative video, bit disappointed that there are no night shots, street lights etc.

[@JuanMendez-uz8fb]

So the sigma 16 will be a better choice?

[@chiradeepg]

Please do a comparison with Tamron 17-28 f2.8, similar price..

[@jonathanclma]

Nice review, seem Sigma 16 is still hard to beat up and be our best overall apsc lens, I will keep my Sigma 16 and ignore the Sony 20mm then

[@mirrorlessny]

Sigma16 1.4 can produce impressive bokeh, not to mention providing much needed light to apsc sensors

[@johndonaldson5126]

If you set the lens on A for automatic aperture does it lock well in that position?

[@SteelRoninTT]

Doug is the type of person to- wait what

[@quartet111]

SteelRoninTT the video title fits his style perfect!

[@jrdsm]

Doug is not what type of a person you think he is

[@xsoft7]

Would be great if you can compare it to Tamron 17-28 F2.8, as it has same price, variable zoom and even wider FOV. Also, as it's a landscape lens, compare on F4.0,F8. Another interesting lens is Tamron prime 2.8, its almost third of the price, and even lighter. Thanks!

[@CryoftheProphet]

how did you get orange peak design clips?

[@kerryroberts8323]

You stated that this lens would be 13.5mm equivalent on an APS camera? I think you went the wrong direction. I 20mm full frame lens on an APS camera is equivalent to a 30mm.

[@stkuj]

It's comparing apples vs oranges, but what do you think of the Tamron 17-28 instead for the price vs this lens.

[@AdrianayJake]

How about this lens vs. the apsc 35mm f/1.8?

[@switchunboxing]

Not sure if I should get Sigma 16-28 or the Sony 20 G. I don’t need wider than 20 a c I’m wondering if clear image zoom can get me to 28mm with the Sony lens anyway. Unless I’m just cropping in on some distortion. This is for video for close up product reviews. I need best sharpness and fastest autofocus.

[@ariamaseerwatham]

Tamron has a cheaper option at half the price only draw back is f2.8. but still a great lens.

[@DaveKingMusic]

Great match for the A7C.

[@kirokite4694]

I found it used for 500 bucks, is it worth it? I still consider myself a beginner in photography, and idk whether I should go for this or for a zoom like the 20-40mm from tamron

[@rabsme9767]

Great video! I was wondering if it was worth trying on my Sony A6000. I want to shoot inside stuff like online courses or KZbin videos. Do you have any advice on a good lens please ? Thank you very much

[@oukpoly3067]

Looking good Len. I use sony a6300 which Len that good for it?

[@GaryJahman]

Wait when did you switched to full frame? Congrats! :)

[@keystonebrotherb]

He reviews both formats.

[@cuterey90]

hi Arthur! Can you make a comparison between Sony 20mm 1.8F vs the Sony 24mm 1.4F GM. Please.. Thank you

[@yartriesthis]

@arthurr I just bought this lens, is there another lens you recommend thats a MUST BUY? I have Sony a7IV with 28-70mm kit and a6000 with 16-50mm kit.

[@-mdro6741]

Sony 20mm f1.8 good 👏👏👏👏

[@winstonpx]

Can you review old gems like the takumar 50mm f/1.4 and the helios 44-2 (58mm f/2) on your a6000?

[@Jawad.1]

00:47 Correction: APSC equivalent of this lens would be 13.5mm F1.2

[@Jawad.1]

12:35 Again You stand corrected: 1.2, not 1.8!

[@babachhunu]

What about Tamron 17-28 ?

[@mirrorlessny]

very good lens 💪

[@LZXun]

Yes this comparison makes more sense with similar focal length on two sensors. You should do this comparison on a6000+16-55mm vs a7iii+24-70GM too

[@svenasmussen8745]

Thats not really a fair comparison... The sensor has twice the area and the gm lens alone costs more than the other setup

[@svetlanapuro]

Hi Arthur, thank you very much for this video! Does this lens have OSS? Can it be used for making videos on A6300?

[@LiLEFILMS]

Just ordered mines off watching your video 👍🏼

[@massoudz7125]

Hi Arthur, Thank you for you great review. I have a question, I do want to start focus stacking for Marco and landscape photography on my Sony A7RV. Which lens would you suggest for my type of photography. (I am concern about focus breathing). Your feed back is greatly appreciated.

[@lost_places_global9008]

Next: "why the new updated Sony 18-105mm F4 G lens is worth the money"

[@ArthurR]

Lost_Places _Global Please tell me they are updating it for real! Lol

[@lost_places_global9008]

@@ArthurR I think so haha the most recent version is still 04 though(launched on late 2017).. but please Sony, for the sake of all gorgeous G lenses, give the 18-105 a whole new upgrade or even update and make it more expensive! idc! just make it a perfect all-rounder lens and I´m good to go... then you can take my hard earned money:))

[@misreb1]

I upgraded my a6500 to the a7iii but I still love your reviews and watch them all. Well done! Keep up the good work!

[@ArthurR]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jre617]

Totally with you on a fast UWA prime for APS C. I'd love that, Sony. (The wider the better: 10mm would be great.)

[@fabiankoch8930]

would you choose the sony 20mm f1.8g on an apsc body over the sony zeiss 24mm f1.8? i´m quite dissapointed with my zeiss 24mm after i saw the sharpness of the sigma 56mm or the sony 85mm f1.8 and i´m thinking of selling my zeiss and buy something else instead.sigma 24mm is too big and heavy, sony 24mm way too expensive. would u recommend buying the 20mm f1.8g instead?

[@jstmo95]

Doesn't look like it has Optical Steady Shot. Why not?

[@mistermatsuda]

Probably to keep cost and size down since the full frame line all come with IBIS starting with the A7ii.

[@jstmo95]

Solid point

[@mirrorlessny]

most Sony FF Prime lenses don't have OSS, its probably because of all the Sony FF bodies having IBIS as well as to save cost, weight & size

[@KittyEffect]

I was super interested in this lens. Thank you for the informative review! I have been a subscriber to your channel for years and recently bought a6400 watching your review but I found horizontal dark blurry lines at night time when I film bright objects like white walls or a pink couch. I searched a bit and i think it is called banding. I had to lower the shutter speed to 1/25 or 30 (shooting 4K, 24fps) to get rid of the lines. Even 1/50 still shows the lines. Do you think my a6400 is defective? My lumix g85 never has that issue. Please advise me if you have any better solutions. Many thanks!

[@ArthurR]

That happens with low-end LED and fluorescent lights. Shooting at 1/50 for me usually gets rid of it.

[@Walkercolt1]

@@ArthurR Exactly. A 35mm 360lb naked (no lens, no film) Mitchell movie camera does the exact same thing, unless your slow the rotary mirror shutter to the minimum. The Lumix's actual framing rate (12 FPS) was too low to show banding effects. That's the only physically possible answer.

[@spicyyetumami]

Hey bro does 20mm 1.8 focus breath and if it does when?