Sony 20-70mm f4 G REVIEW: best lens for Sony creators?

[@cameralabs]

My Sony FE 20-70mm f4 G review - the best all-round zoom for Sony creators? Sony FE 20-70mm f4 G at B&H: bhpho.to/3QKAlKC // WEX UK: tidd.ly/3GQ1k37 Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Gordon’s retro gear channel: kzbin.info Check MPB to buy and sell used gear: bit.ly/3ULU9yL Check eBay to find vintage gear: rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=1&pub=5574908462&toolid=10001&campid=5338329149&customid=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg Lost photos? I recover mine with: www.dpbolvw.net/click-100568658-13808570?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stellarinfo.com%2Fphoto-recovery-software.php Equipment used for producing my videos Sony A6400: prf.hn/l/pRO0wp5 Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF MacBook Pro 14in (16GB / 1TB): amzn.to/3PrKbPV 00:00 - Introduction and alternatives 01:14 - Sony FE 20-70mm f4G coverage 01:55 - Sony FE 20-70mm f4G design and controls 03:33 - Sony FE 20-70mm f4G optical design 04:59 - Sony FE 20-70mm f4G profiles and correction 06:08 - Sony FE 20-70mm f4G landscape quality 07:46 - Sony FE 20-70mm f4G portrait quality 08:09 - Sony FE 20-70mm f4G bokeh quality 09:05 - Sony FE 20-70mm f4G sunstar diffraction spikes 09:18 - Sony FE 20-70mm f4G autofocus 10:46 - Sony FE 20-70mm f4G vlogging tests 13:47 - Sony FE 20-70mm f4G focus breathing 15:11 - Sony FE 20-70mm f4G verdict and sample images Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@Deejaydanny]

I changed my sigma 24-70 f2.8 for this 20-70 f4 G and I’m happy, I lost a step of light but I gained a lot in Sharpness and Autofocus. I love him ❤

[@benharveyphotography]

This is a great all-rounder, that would replace my 24-105. Where has this lens been all my life! Haha

[@Lucamitm]

Thank you, I watched several videos about this lens but none have the info i was looking for which you provided with the portrait session of you and the christmas tree and the comparison to the prime 20mm, thanks again for the great review

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome, I aim to be as thorough as possible!

[@AgnostosGnostos]

Horrible barrel distortion. During the film era or event the early digital era of dSLR camera such a lens would be totally unacceptable. Nowadays most optical issues are fixed digitally and instantly inside the digital cameras but that doesn't mean that the full frame Sony 20-70mm f/4 is a really good lens. I appreciate digital lens correction inside the camera only with kit zoom lenses which have to be small, light and above all very cheap.

[@cameralabs]

In the old days you'd correct for, say, geometry with another physical element or group. Now they can do it digitally for a lighter and smaller - and sometimes cheaper - lens, without any visible impact to the image. Both are corrections to achieve the same end goal, and the end goal is what counts really.

[@limagepicture9023]

I received my G 20-70 mm last week and I find its autofocus ultra fast and precise..👍

[@pavelsuprun8113]

Thank you, Gordon! I love aperture ring on Sony lenses, my 20/1.8 has it

[@markymarkreviews]

This lens finally puts to bed the old 24-70/f4 Sony Zeiss which was below par (my copy was huge disappointment back in 2014!). And I would prefer this over the otherwise excellent 24-105/f4 OSS as on the latest high MP bodies a small crop in post will make up the short tele deficit. Small, and lighter to boot and that 20mm will always come in handy. Another Sony hit. Excellent and fully comprehensive review. Again.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, and I agree with your analysis!

[@__Mr.White__]

does it put the old 24-70f2.8GM to bed?

[@cameralabs]

@@__Mr.White__ hmmm, that's a trickier one. I'd say the rendering is much nicer on the 24-70 GM, plus it's a stop faster too. I probably wouldn't buy it now BUT if I already had it, I probably wouldn't switch to the 20-70, I'd instead be saving up for the Mark II GM and maybe complementing with a 20 1.8 prime if I needed 20mm.

[@pgy8863]

Great review. One thing that Sony users should truly be grateful for... is choice. Not just the standards but also some novel formulas. This imagination is terrific. Sony's diminutive 16-35 G, their new 24-70 GM, the Tamron 20-40 (and all of Tamron's zooms in fact) are other examples of choice for Sony users. If you told me 12 months ago that Sony was going to really innovate in lenses, I'm not sure I'd believe it. I like where this is going... If only Sony bought Olympus and copied their build and ergonomics for cameras... camera life would be pretty excellent!

[@cameralabs]

I agree, the choice of lenses is a key attraction to the Sony system.

[@sunflowerdeath]

Despite how good this lens is, a kit with a Sony a74 will cost 3600, while the new Panasonic s5ii with 20-60 costs just 2300, in my opinion in this case the decision is pretty obvious.

[@lewcehjitl3282]

Any updates? Sony is the best for a reason.

[@chryseass.5143]

Small , light , excellent macro capability, f2.8 and a 67 mm filter thread - yes, my money went to the 50% cheaper (! ) 20-40 f2.8 Tamron lens. If I want more versatility I will change over to my Tamron 28-200 f2.8- f5.6 and call it a (Happy!) day!

[@SourPlanet]

The Tamron is only cheaper because you spent the money saved on another lens. The Tamron is only small and light because you added another lens to the kit. Sounds like you made a good choice for you, but a choice irrelevant to the topic of the 20-70.

[@chryseass.5143]

@@SourPlanet Oh, terribly sorry aptly named "SourPlanet" that I added another opinion to the conversation. Maybe you didn't watch the entire video to the end where Gordon listed off a few viable alternatives to the Sony 20-70 f.4 including the Tamron 20-40 f2.8. I actually thought I was contributing an interesting real life example as a satisfied owner of the Tamron to potentially help some one else thinking of buying such a lens. Fortunately, I am lucky enough to own quite a few lenses so I can choose what I need to carry in my kit depending on the situation. In Canada, the Sony 20-70 F4 costs $1,499.00 plus tax ( 13% in my province) whilst the smaller Tamron lens costs $949.00 plus tax. Surely price differential does factor into making decisions between similar lenses.

[@wielpaquay1932]

How can you compare a 20-40 with a 20-70?

[@chryseass.5143]

@@wielpaquay1932 Easy- the Tamron suited my needs better.

[@SourPlanet]

@@chryseass.5143 You compared both lenses to your needs... not the lenses to each other. Your needs included supplementing the 20-40 with other kit- further separating the 20-70 from the equation. That's the whole point I made prior that you're still missing. Shrug.

[@borderlands6606]

The 20-60 is rarely off my S5. In addition to it's vlogging, landscape and street photography potential, it focuses to about half macro at 26mm.

[@user-ov6xn5xy7n]

Is this lens sharper then sigma 24-70 art lens 😊

[@cameralabs]

Not sure but you can compare my sample images from both reviews

[@Bigtbone205]

This lens weak spot is the frame edges and corners at 35mm, only f11 provides half decent performance. It’s a shame you only tested at 20 and 70mm. The other thing to note is that until lens profiles become available shooting in raw is not really practical with this lens as the distortion correction required is a moustache shape and not easily corrected. Once again we are at the mercy of adobe.

[@magnusgraham]

I've replaced my 24-105 with the 20-70 as my main documentary workhorse on my FX3, and so far so good. It's lighter, yet still feels solid, and sits better in the hand. As decent as the 24-105 is, I always felt that the rendering was a bit flat, and this new lens has a bit more life and crispness to it. With the dual base ISO on the FX3, I don't often struggle for light, and can always hop onto a fast prime if need be.

[@SebastianWorldwide]

Great. I have recently acquired the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G lens too. However, one thing is bothering me or rather I would like to clarify whether it is a general issue with this lens or whether it is a defect specifically with my lens. The lens makes a noise when focussing (with autofocus). By the way, the volume of the noise varies depending on the aperture setting. At f/4 the noise is very minimal, almost inaudible. From f/4.5, however, it is clearly audible. And the higher the aperture number (for example f/13), the longer it takes to focus and the longer the noise lasts. However, these differences are small. I am not yet familiar with focusing noises from lenses recently released by Sony. For example, the new Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4 G and the new Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS II are 100% completely silent. The older Sony FE 18mm f/1.8 G, on the other hand, also makes the noise described above, if I remember correctly. Does your lens also make this noise? Many thanks in advance!

[@magnusgraham]

@@SebastianWorldwide I'll check this out and let you know. I also own the PZ 16-35 f4 and 70-200 f4 MkII, so I'll see if I can hear a difference.

[@SebastianWorldwide]

@@magnusgraham Thank you so much! This would be fantastic!

[@magnusgraham]

Mine seems to be completely silent at all apertures and focal lengths, so perhaps you have a faulty item?

[@SebastianWorldwide]

@@magnusgraham Great to hear. Yes, apparently mine doesn’t work the way it should. I’ve already returned it. But now I have the confirmation that the noise is not a general issue regarding the lens. I assume I will order a new one 20-70 soon 👍🏻 Thank you!!!

[@michaelsandman7179]

Very helpful. I own the 24-105 and 20mm f/1.8 and the 20-70mm f/4 is a possible replacement for both

[@cameralabs]

Thanks for the tip, much appreciated!

[@BrandonShi]

I own both the 24-105 and 20 mm as well! Looking to switch to a 20-70 and 85 mm for more travel video/content creation work!

[@DinuVideo]

i am waiting the tamron 20-40 f2.8 for canon

[@wingcreator]

Maybe 5 years or Never???

[@UfukSahinDenmark]

Thank you Gordon. I couldn't push the order button, before I watched your review! 🙂 I only have primes (24G, 40G, 20G, 35GM , 135GM and Sigma 65mm) they are all amazing lenses and I'm not sure if the 20-70mm can replace any of them. (maybe 24G) I compared the 20-70 sharpness with 24-74 GM II and the results were surprisingly good. Actually I can almost say that, Sony made an F4 version of 24-70 GM II lens with this one. Extremely sharp through almost all focal lengths and very versatile. I just ordered one from e-infinity and I look forward to getting it as my personal Christmas gift to myself. 😅

[@cameralabs]

It's certainly a nice range, and it'll be interesting to see how you feel it compares to your other lenses.

[@UfukSahinDenmark]

I’m planning to try it out combined with the 40G or Sigma 65 f2 to see if it works as a travel set.

[@UfukSahinDenmark]

24-70 GM II is still too big and heavy for my liking and there’s not a huge difference between f4 and f2.8 to tolerate the size/weight and price difference, in my humble opinion. Especially when I saw the sharpness and general IQ similarities between these two brothers.

[@jof1954]

Would the auto focus on this lens be better than on Tamron 28-75? Sony A74

[@rickt.8866]

I owned the Tamron 28-75 G2 VXD and now this Sony 20-70. The Sony is better especially on my A7IV, plus you get the 20mm starting point. It’s a tack sharp lens that’s extremely useful for everyday shooting of a ton of subjects. I own 3 other GM primes as well for portrait photography and this G lens is the same build quality. I love this zoom lens, it won’t leave my A7IV!

[@Schroeder3000]

wonderful review as always :) enjoyed it very much, thanks!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@firpofutbol]

This is the ultimate vlogging lens. f4 is perfect at 20mm in this scenario. I find the 20mm 1.8's background too blurry for vlogging.

[@Raymondey]

As always excellent review!

[@Lucamitm]

Hi, thanks for the great review, do you think the focusing motor is fast enough for a running dog ? Thanks

[@cameralabs]

I'd say it should be ok, especially as 70mm isn't that long

[@Lucamitm]

@@cameralabs do you earn a commission from bhphotovideo or adorama for purchases in the USA ? I might buy this lens and you’re the only one on youtube that has replied to my question. (Confused cause you have the link to bhphoto but the disclaimer is for amazon, but I feel better buying camera equipment from a camera store)

[@enrico97404]

Ottimo video, bravo! mi hanno appena rubato dal baule della macchina la mia Sony 6300 con 18 135 (morale mai lasciare niente in auto) spero di ottenere questo obiettivo oppure 24 105 quando potrò

[@possisvideos]

Thank you Gordon, good review as usual. I would love to see a new and much better small FE 70-300 (maybe a GM with f/4 or f/4.5 at the long end) and a 18mm f/1.4GM with low coma and astigmatism. 18mm would combine a high quality universal zoom beginning at 24mm very well (the existing 20mm G is to close, the 14mm GM to extreme). A 18-300mm range would be my dream in highest quality but low weight for travel.

[@RON_ZHOU]

Hi Gordon, is the vignetting gone when you shooting for video at 20mm? Correct me if I'm wrong. Cheers Ron

[@johnhmaw]

Another no-nonsense and very comprehensive review. Sensible real-world testing. Thanks.

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou, I try to make it as real life as possible!

[@bestintentions6089]

2.8 for or 1.8 for cinematic level pls. 4 is kind of high

[@andrewbristoe1833]

Bit of subject but the new canon fv mode seems to have gone under photo vloggers radar ,it's not m or auto and for action or press photography it's genius .Basically u save your fv settings to custom which then shows up as eg c1 fv .For a fast setting switch eg one shot servo or low light action to sunny action .With a turn of the dial you are in that setting where it differs from most custom is you also have easy full manual control with turn of user dial in custom fv .More an action shooter fast change use worth a look

[@유튜브같이보기]

not yet. distort problem is huge to RAW users.

[@CharlieVN]

10:13 focus breathing during AF test is very low, was the breathing comp enabled at this portion? sometimes a lens will breath a lot with infinity type movements, however I'm interested how it performs in this regard with close to mid distances rather than full racks. Thanks again for what you do.

[@cameralabs]

Good question: the compensation was ONLY applied in that before and after clip. So what you're seeing in all of the others is uncompensated clips, but do keep an eye on the caption as many were at 70mm and I didn't see much breathing across the full range at that end. Also as you pointed out, shorter distance racks will be less noticeable than one from infinity to macro and back!

[@tsizzle]

This lens or the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8? 🤔

[@cameralabs]

Depends how much you want f2.8 or 70mm.

[@maZec31]

First review about this lens i must get from Gordon!!!!!!

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou, I hope I didn't disappoint!

[@maZec31]

Díky!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@RandumbTech]

Really appreciate your reviews Gordon. I especially liked the vlog comparison with the 20/1.8. I much prefer the look from the prime. I’ve got that 20/1.8 along with 24-105/f4 and see no reason to swap them out for this new lens. The 20-70 should be the same price as the 20/1.8 since there is no OSS.

[@cameralabs]

Yes, the 20 1.8 looks amazing for vlogs. My friend and sometime collaborator @benharveyphotography uses it all the time. In fact it's his lens that I borrowed for the comparison!

[@arnarn4112]

Thanks. It's always a pleasure watching your reviews 👍

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou!

[@__Mr.White__]

very nice

[@herrlehmann6855]

Your lense and camera reviews are allways definitly one of the 3 best ones on the internet in any aspect from the technical and practical view regarding the lenses itself but as well from the aspect of very nice entertainment with your lovely british accent! There are only Christopher Frost's reviews and DPReview on the same great level, these 3 channels are all I need to know about a new lense!

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou, that's good company to be in!

[@robertsaca3512]

Don't compare gordon to that hack frost and those two dell outs from the camera store. Actually Chris isn't bad at photos but Jordan's ego and his abilities are at odds with each other.

[@winstonllamas5163]

Great review as always. I hope an A9III is available by next year. Along with a 500mm f4 (for those who need it). Sony's new lenses are really making the system much more desirable, in many ways. Now, let's refine the A7R5 AI AF, put it in every new Sony camera, and maybe put it in the A1 (or A7IV, which is not likely to happen, but why not dream). This lens, along with the Tamron 50-400, makes for a relatively lightweight walk around lens combination with any Sony full frame body.

[@cameralabs]

I think a 500 f4 will come from Sony, but after the 300 2.8. Maybe Sigma will have one too in the next year or so, as they have a 500mm DSLR lens in the range already.

[@dajusta87]

Hot take: 20mm to 70mm is a boring focal range, because most content creators achieve the look with their phone cameras these days (yes including wide angle on the iphone pro phones). something like macro, 14mm or super zooms are the way to go to get a more artistic and interesting looking photos

[@mralexlex]

No boring focal range, only boring photographers aka millennials and gen z cry babies... :)

[@TechnoBabble]

The problem is not the lens if you're getting boring results from a specific focal length.

[@SourPlanet]

There are no boring focal ranges. Artistry doesn't come from macro or telephoto. Find better people to follow.

[@muleyg]

Does this lens have an infinity marker? And is that the pier in Southsea?

[@cameralabs]

No focus markers on any of those lenses, and the pier is Brighton!

[@photojournalists]

Gordon (cameralabs) has become to my go to place for lens purchasing decisions.

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou, I try my hardest!

[@DirtyBoots999]

It's really valuable information and good reviews. Good reviews . Im new in vlogging fields and planning to buy camera and lens. I have questions which lens is good for video vlogging like city , village etc as sony APS-C Camera 11mm, 15mm, 10-20mm lens. Usually i do traveling vlogging Also I would like to know about 17- 50mm lens of Tamron. I'm doing vlogging with action camera coz I'm moto ridder too. Most of my vlogging as video shoots only can say roughly 95%. So which lens best for me for video shooting . Thanks

[@cameralabs]

If you're going for a Sony APSC camera, the 11mm is an excellent choice, and make sure the body has Active SteadyShot. That said, the stabilisation on a modern action cam like a GoPro will still be better and the camera more robust.

[@lorenzogattaldo3764]

US price (no vat) = 1100 $ EU price (w/vat ~20%) = 1600 Euro FYS.

[@chryseass.5143]

Can't even find a price for it in Canadian dollars but it is going to be steep!

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

It’s now 1350 euros on Amazon.