Sony 20-70mm F4: My initial confusion and what I found out

[@RyoHazuki224]

I think its probably good for a travel photographer too. It seems compact and good for street photography and cityscapes.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Suddenly everyone needs optical stabilization with a wide to normal zoom. I have used the Tamron 35-150 f/2-2.8 for months now, and I have been able to handle pretty well with just the IBIS. A lighter and wider 20-70mm f/4 does not need OSS.

[@boostftw123]

yes i do, for video

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

@@boostftw123 Catalyst Browse

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

@@boostftw123 Search for the video "Sony's Secret Weapon! - Catalyst Browse 2022 Update"

[@boostftw123]

@@shang-hsienyang1284 im aware of catalyst browse. nobody wants to spend extra time in post to stabilize footage

[@Nickporter17]

Well actually 🤓 the weight helps smooth it out. This light lens and a light body would be harder to get smooth video with than your Tamron.

[@michaeldimitrov1444]

I've shot about 20 wedding films in the last 2 years using the tamron 28-75, recently ordered a sigma 24-70, just for the extra 4mils, since wedding in my country have sh$t load of rituals, and half the day I am shooting indoors in very small rooms and hallways full of people, and while I own a 17-28 tamron as well, many times I do not have the time to swap lenses, and 28 is far from ideal in those tight spots. a 20-70 would do wonders for this type of filming - it's truly a do it all lens, since both my A7III, and A7IV can handle ISO pretty well, the f4 is workable. Keep in mind people - you can crop 20mm to 24/28/35, you can raise your iso from 1600 to 3200, but you can't stretch a 24/28 to 20, and sometimes taking a step back isn't an option! too bad the price here is about 1700 USD, which is honestly way out of my price range.

[@shrektheogre5430]

What? I’m from Chile and it costs 1000 bucks. I feel like it could cost maybe 800-900 dollars, but a 1000 it’s ok

[@UfukSahinDenmark]

This lens is much sharper than the 24-105 G and at least as sharp as 24-70 GM II. It's actually an f4 version of the 24-70 GM II with wider FL. I combine this with the mini 40mm f2.5 G prime (which only weighs 170 g) and I'm safe.

[@SebastianWorldwide]

Very interesting! 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!

[@mikey7326]

@@SebastianWorldwide From what i have heard it is using their latest focus motor tech so should be silent.

[@veritas932]

not true. This lens is not a min 24 70 GM II. The Sony 24 50mm F2.8 would be the right contender for mini GM.

[@kaywayneflor89]

I love the spotlight portrait, excellent work! The focal range of 20-70 comes across to me as an upscale kit lens which would be perfect as a walk around lens. If used out side the f4 aperture would not be a hindrance, especially considering many modern camera bodies can handle high ISO with little to no noise.

[@johnyoung1606]

If You watch other pros that shoot a lot (for Ad Agencies, Magazines, Etc.) They (such as Lindsey Adler & many many others) use f4 lenses such as the Canon 24-105 F4 , n Nikon 24-120 F4 as their go to studio lens.... The fact that the lens goes to 20mm makes it very interesting..... Good Luck in Your photographic endeavors :) :) (I am always interested in the opinion of others)

[@CiprianOlariu]

For most people I think Sony 24-105 F4 is the better choice (had it myself for a couple of years until I changed it to a Tamron 35-150 F2-2.8). Maybe videographers/vloggers can benefit more from the wider 20mm, but then I think there are other alternatives of wide angle lenses for their usecase.

[@AndreiGrigorean]

Definitely, Sony is now offering two different lower budget standard zooms, the 24-105 F4 for photography first and now the 20-70 F4 for video first.

[@FilmFlab]

@@AndreiGrigorean I would say the opposite. For travel photography, the 20-70mm F4 would be perfect. For video, OSS and a longer reach is preferable imo.

[@amitkrupal1234]

@@AndreiGrigorean Lower budget ?

[@AndreiGrigorean]

@@amitkrupal1234 well they're half the price of a GM

[@BoxxyFan]

@@AndreiGrigorean These are not budget lenses lmao. Budget would be 24-105/4 Canon RF at 1/3rd the cost of these overpriced Sony lenses.

[@KEHA14]

I just spent two days filming a martial arts camp. I could see this lens as being really useful for an event like that. It would been awesome to use-not too heavy, sharp focus, WIDE enough to get the action with a decent zoom but not ultra zoom capability. I might rent this or keep my eye out for a good deal on this. Thanks Manny!

[@simongoulding8290]

Interesting that so many commentators stress about F4. Everyone seems to want faster and faster lenses. For me size is an issue. So the 24-70 GM is a non starter because of its size. One of the main advantages of mirrorless was supposed to be a smaller form factor. Then look at the humongous pro Canon RF lenses.

[@zfreek98]

@MannyOrtiz - I think this lens is more a proof of concept, to be completely honest. I believe Sony created this as a flex, and to show that they could take "the norm" and do something different with it. Being honest, given how small and light this is, I'm fairly comfortable that they could create an f/2.8 version that isn't HUGE, but they didn't take that path because, honestly, they're still selling the 24-70 f/2.8 GM II, and odds are good that a GM version of this lens would cannibalize that market. All in all, I'm excited with what this lens represents and I hope to see more innovative releases in the near future.

[@TZWG]

It feels very suitable for my channel content, I should buy one.

[@L3ON360Z]

Hey Manny will you convert your preset packs for Capture One Pro some day? I really want to get them but don't use lightroom myself.

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

20-70 F/4 would be EXCELLENT for car shows. I loved my Nikon 24-70 F/4S and the 20-70 looks like its right there with it (minus the focal length of course!) but yeah, i love using my 24-70 for anything all around. It does it's job.

[@okra3000]

Would you mind doing a video offering tips for shooting couples since valentine day is approaching ❓

[@thekevinhu]

Panda scheme looks SO GOOD on that Golf. Well done!

[@vaskoobscura_]

Loved the video looks like an amazing lens. Really appreciate your videos man.

[@CQBJUNKIE]

Hi, Manny ... what's your opinion on sony lenses for sports photography. I have the GM ii 70-200 and I'm looking for 24-70 but I can't seem to choose one that doens't loses focus on atletes. What would you recommend. it's for indoors like basketball and outdoors.

[@MrChrissk]

Nice review as always. Nice looking Golf too. Nice taste.

[@ALEXESCOBAR215]

My brother doing great thing’s still hope all is well 🤲🏽

[@johnyoung1606]

I shoot Nikon :) ,,, But I watch all of Your videos ,,, I like that You USE the equipment and You ARE TRUTHFUL about the use-ability of equipment !!! THANKYOU :)

[@shrektheogre5430]

I own the 70-200 macro OSS mark II. And I don’t know if I should buy this one (Sony 20-70) or the Sigma 24-70 art II. Help pls!

[@willis0522]

Tamron 20-40 vs Sony 20-70 for video, which one you will pick?

[@SebastianWorldwide]

Great video, thank you very much! I have recently acquired the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G lens. 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!

[@Ru2film]

Hey Manny I got problems with my camera Sony 7ii with 85 mm 1.8 and my light is westcott fj400!!! I don’t know how to used indoor

[@chryseass.5143]

I went with the Tamron 20 -40 f2.8 I would rather have the versatility that the wider aperture gives me in a smaller, lighter and 50% cheaper package than having something that still would be lacking at the long end. I am pairing up my 20-40 with either my Sony 85 f1.8 or my Tamron 28-200. That's it - as Gerald Undone says, "I'm done!"

[@alexmilesg3]

My same setup.

[@Lucamitm]

Is f4 at 70mm enough for a portrait ? Thanks

[@Z_EOS]

i think this lens is more or less for landscape photographers. the thing is that wide angle zooms are getting wider and wider, but the standard zooms aren't. You go 12-24, 20-70 and 70-300. Its fine when you cover 12mm to 300 in 3 lenses only. Sigma just made 60-600...so you can go basicaly 12mm to 600mm in just 3 lenses ;)

[@stephond.photography9867]

This is funny, I shoot Lumix and I have the 20-105 f4 and I feel it's perfect for video as it has IBS but the F4 struggles if I'm doing street photography. I like it in the studio though as the flash or constant lighting nullify the F4. I know you're not a penny guy but I would love to get your opinion on the S5ii and it's new AF

[@barrylyons8102]

What camera should I get starting off into photography. Budget of like $2200 including lenses

[@OneLifeTwoLive]

I trust Mannys unbiased ,practical and fair review- I never went wrong thus far

[@Princeton_James]

He's like Tony- they've been bought out. Everything is a "game changer." Camera conspiracies is the most honest.

[@leojiang2946]

Hello, my fuselage is Fuji xs10. Should I choose sigma 1850 or xf1855?

[@chrisbrockhurst]

great vid Manny, such a solid budget lens

[@terencemorrissey4413]

Manny, what lens do you use for family photos? I am looking for multipurpose lens on the Sony FF system to photograph my six and eight year old.

[@stkuj]

I'm looking at a walk around / travel lens for stills & video, but also one that I can use in the studio at 50mm @ 5.6. I think this might be it.

[@tsizzle]

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

[@veritas932]

this lens was made for vloggers. Thus the key parameters were low weight and wide angle (20mm seems to be about right for hand held distance). No one wants hold a 3kg dumbell at arms length for any length of time, the lighter the better. Image quality is average since vloggers don't care much about image quality. Once videos goes through youtube, what image quality does one need ?

[@badshoes]

Watching for the Golf R shots

[@mikni4069]

Incredible how negative people are about it. Sony 16-35G actually sold rather well and I’m sure Sony done their homework on this. Not everyone have a need or desire for 2.8. This isn’t a lens for people doing any sort of portrait and reportage style shooting. This lens is video in good lightening configuration and travel/landscape where 2.8 isn’t much needed, but where seize/weight and performance/price ratio is more important. Every OM has f4 lenses, this just replaces that f4 24-70 and make it a bit more versatile and massively improves on its IQ. It’s like saying 28-70ish are of no use because of their less useful range and that their OoF and bokeh is probably even worse then this. I looked at bokeh on this and it’s better then all those Sigma and Tamron standards that really are meh, it’s just to slow for that use. If you look at landscape, travel the reaction been very different because they can see a use for it.

[@MarcoGarcia-mt9zw]

Thanks for tge review. Please share what you use to atrached go pro to your camera

[@DavidStella]

It looks like the lens is great for travel and casual blogging, and maybe for some client work in a pinch. I may end up getting it eventually so that I don’t have to bring a bunch of prime lenses with me when I go places.

[@narendrawicaksana6412]

if you going to Japan for 2 weeks, and you only bring one lens, what would you pick, sony 20-70mm or the Tamron 20-40mm?

[@rickt.8866]

Sony 20-70 f/4 G on my A7RV all day!

[@narendrawicaksana6412]

@@rickt.8866 im going to Japan end of this month and just buy Tamron 20-40 last week fingercross not to regret and will take some great photos and videos 😀 i do i love 20-70 range, but i need save some money 🙈

[@Tofu1998]

On paper, 40mm/2.8 and 70mm/4.0 should produce somewhat similar depth of field, if I’m willing to accept APS-C level crop. So I don’t see why I should not go for the Tamron, unless there is a noticeable image quality hit at F/4.0

[@megamastah]

That works only if you have high MP count body like A7 R V.

[@Tofu1998]

@@megamastah I do have an A7RV. However, I was seriously mistaken. 40/2.8 does not have the same depth of field look as 70/4.0. Instead, it’s more like a 70mm F8.5. The DoF approximately follows a square rule instead of linear, thus longer focal length is favored. I was wrong.

[@megamastah]

@@Tofu1998 Good stuff, thanks. I'll look into that.

[@sKyyyFir3]

it should be the kit lens with the cameras. Every person who just starts out, hat an exceptional allrounder in that case

[@danieletamburini9015]

Hi guys!!! I need a help I wanna do un upgrade and i’m between Sony a7 rV and Sony a9 II . Which one I have to choose for wedding photography ?

[@rickt.8866]

I would go for the A7RV. You can shoot at 26mp in medium lossless if you don’t want the full 61mp file sizes and the Ai autofocus is stellar. The A9II is more a fast action sports camera. Of course, if you have the budget, the A1 is the best of both worlds!

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

Using 24-105 as my travel lens for few years...like the smaller size, lighter weight of this new lens and it suppose to have better IQ Downside it has no OSS.... It makes a difference when I use the 24-105 with OSS turned on paired with the A7R5 latest firmware

[@abk009]

lenses like 24-105, 18-105-18-135 and manyother i think their probable cause is being a lens for studio where you can adjust light with anyshape u want and can use more f. Beyond that, every camera and every lens have possiblity for the sunlight shoots. Now i have a better option for 20-70 and that is, this will be like a kit lens for FF cameras. The empty space of 18-55 in FF world will be filled by this maybe.

[@dubbleA100]

OOOHH!!! NOOO!!! MANNY You hit em with the carbon bits on the Golf!! 😭😍 #beardgang ✊🏿

[@MannyOrtiz]

I had the cf hatch sitting in the garage for 2 years. Finally put it on 👍

[@puckhead1221]

This lense reminds me of the Sony G 16-35 F4. I own that one. I got it to mitigate the 60FPS crop on the A7iv. Plus since its small and light i can use it with a gimbal. Being a newer Sony G lens the AF is insanely good. I can use the 16mm to get great wide angle photos. If I want a better image I switch to my sigma prime F1.4

[@superleeeemon]

Since you have 16-35 G, will you get this 20-70? I struggle to choose between the two

[@puckhead1221]

@@superleeeemon you don’t need both. 20-70 is a greater range than 16-35 but if you want 16mm for it’s slightly wider capability over the 35-70 loss. It’s kind of a toss up If it was your only lense than 20-70 would probably be better

[@colombiasebas]

What gopro arm mount is that?

[@4evermorephotographylandsc17]

I want to know to @manny

[@fmarjanephotography]

I love the range, I think because it's an f4, it's amazing for travel photography. but I don't think it's the best for specialized photography :)

[@DavidZhou]

Yeah… without the OSS, this kind of misses the mark. The reason why the 24-105 f4 was a phenomenal lens was because of the OSS and it’s use for video. For photo, there are better options all around…

[@TW-iu9zy]

… well, it fits indeed the mark for many photographers and videographers - off cause not for all, like the 24-105. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@cloud24z]

What go pro is that , that’s attached to the rig ?

[@superelectic45]

It's a great do it all travel lens. You could just take it and a fast 50mm and travel light

[@Daniel-px8xg]

Do you prefer the 2.8?

[@WolfMediaImaging]

That Golf shhhhheeesshhh! This sounds like a great lens, great review per usual bro!

[@dylandigby1776]

Certified Sony Moment

[@DayumMarq]

I think a lot of people want a 24-70 and don't want to spend the big money. Lens is in that tough spot of people spending $1100 for this lens, but could honestly just get a 24-70 gm used for that price. Idk, I think for me I just like how more and more g lenses are getting the master look to them, I think that's dope. Imagine if the 35 1.8 looked like the 20 1.8 lol what a dream looks wise haha. if people need a wider lens get it, if not 24-105 with oss seems better. Another cool thing is just Sony is in that space now of making cool lenses instead of getting out the must haves, someone will buy it and if not, it will be an option for people, nothing wrong with options haha. there's technically not a Sony 24-70 f/4 so this fills the gap for that in some ways.

[@4evermorephotographylandsc17]

What type of arm is that with the go pro

[@andersistbesser]

I shoot my boudoir fotos at 5.6 so a f4 is fine with me

[@thisisbenji90]

Car is looking hot!

[@teewunz]

Found you via Pierre's review with you in it. Glad I did. Love your work.

[@malikwu6444]

I would get the tamron 20 40 f2.8 and Sony 85 1.8 for 100 bucks more than 20 70 f4

[@FilmFlab]

This!

[@kingfisher111]

i see this as a travel lens.

[@jemlang]

It's a bit of a confusing lens. If I was just starting out and had a tight budget, I think this lens would be worth the consideration. Great video Manny!

[@mahamaaminu4162]

🔥 🔥🔥🔥

[@RoyalBurritos]

great car choice. instant classic.

[@MR-si2cd]

I guess you fixed the outro issue 😂🤣😂

[@VishwasRavindran92]

But its not OSS like 24-105 f4 OSS

[@marumaruko6512]

20 is equal to 24, it doesn’t need oss, and it’s smaller

[@robertconrad6802]

the oss on that lens is really wonky. you can find a few smaller channels who have made videos about it. many got better results with all stabilization off.

[@HAlariousInc]

@@robertconrad6802Its much better on the A7RV with the 2.00 update. I own one and have had it since A7III launched

[@robertconrad6802]

@@HAlariousInc that is the only camera with the new stabilization, correct?

[@networm64]

@@HAlariousInc The firmware update had any effect on older cameras?

[@dami4944]

The car is clean ngl

[@danny_osorio]

Not the topic of this video but: I love that Golf R. One of my dream cars

[@jaspervideochannel1899]

20-70 2.8 Gmaster would be perfect

[@HoomanBhr]

I Think a new lighter 24-105 Mark II would make more sense these days. I hope Sony make it in 2024.

[@kiranm25x]

3:21 End of the what matters in the edit with Photoshop. In 2023 95% all lens and camera's do same job for Social media consumption, be it f1.2 or f4, be it APS-C and Full Frame sensor, G or GM lens, spotting the difference over 4K KZbin, Insta, FB is next to impossible. Unless you do real print images with these images where the real difference matters.

[@TheThriftCouple702]

🔥🔥

[@dicekolev5360]

The only f4 I'll ever invest is the 500/600mm, lol

[@umiumi2638]

Why f4 though?? I

[@artmaltman]

Good kit lens. Max aperture does not vary.

[@meynp4337]

If you want just one lens to travel, that is the one.

[@joaquinquesada5254]

Great video

[@HeroShotz]

Now they need a camera like the r7

[@TW-iu9zy]

… who?

[@zampination]

Cool lens... if it would cost 600-700 max 800...

[@g_lantos]

5-6 months and retailers will drop the price due to low sales and we will see it on B&H and Adorama on sale for $899 which is a more fair price for this lens... If you compare this to the Sigma Art 24-70 f2.8 its a no brainer, Sigma is a better pick. I think people who are looking for a mid range zoom they care more about the low light performance and bokeh quality more than taking a step back to get a wider frame. On the other hand, when it comes to VIDEO... I think newer Sony cameras can easily handle F4 with a set ISO 12800 in low light situations (might not be as cinematic with nosier bokeh, but doable). When it comes to PHOTO, it is definitely not a lot of room lowering your shutter and get clean, sharp images, since your shutter should be double your focal length and over ISO 3200 photos get noisy. This lens would be more interesting with an INTERNAL ZOOM for gimbal work like their new G 16-35 F4, but hey... there is an 18-105 F4 G OSS... This is a really unnecessary release from Sony. It is time to give an update for the 16-35 F2.8 GM :)

[@megamastah]

>If you compare this to the Sigma Art 24-70 f2.8 its a no brainer, Sigma is a better pick Disagree, I have the Sigma and it's heavy (front heavy), bulky, the lens hood is massive, and f2.8 is not enough for indoors and near-dark scenarios either, so the f4 changes less than people make of it. > 18-105 F4 G OSS Old, terrible IQ at f4. I find Sony 20-70 f4 pretty perfect for hybrid work with A7 IV - 20 mm is very welcome for 4k60 crop, and you still keep the breathing room to quickly switch between video, wide shots, short tele shots.. The lens is parfocal (Sigma isn't), also has great macro capabilities (0.39x ratio, close focus distance - but Sigma is no slouch with that either).

[@williebravousa]

Anyone interested in a lightly used Sony a7IV? because I just placed a pre-order for my amazing S5ii.

[@Almendarezwilliam]

Awsome

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

This belongs on a A7CR...

[@k8tv546]

Get tam 20-40 2.8 and save 400 usd.

[@SteveHolstein]

Just sent mine back. It wants to be a jack of all trades but it isn’t.

[@danielbammes8229]

Sigma 24-70 F2.8, which you can find cheaper, is what I'm promoting to anyone that is interested in this lens. If this was a $600 lens it would make more sense.

[@castieldiallo2945]

If you are a portrait shooter, I think 20mm is too wide. I would go for the 24 to 120 instead.

[@TW-iu9zy]

… unfortunately there is no Sony zoom starting at 24 mm and ending at 120 mm. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@m1kel]

sometimes its best to review lens that you are really interested about...

[@shzammpatapon9865]

It's good but Sony lenses like this with no OSS is just plain dumb

[@kiranm25x]

P.S. All modern Sony full frame cameras come with 5 axis IBIS! No point to bump up the lens price by another $500 for a duplicate functionality on entry level lenses.

[@shzammpatapon9865]

@@kiranm25x sony ibis isn't that good and this lens supposed to be sit in line with 24-105 with oss so I don't know what crack you're smoking

[@FilmFlab]

This! This needs to be said more! Why a F4 lens doesn’t have OSS is inexcusable. OSS matters! IBIS alone makes for jittery footage.

[@alexmilesg3]

If my old A7 III can handle the non stabilized 28-200 without issues, you won't have any issues with this 20-70

[@iz5442]

@@alexmilesg3 haha truth, i can get a stabilized footage with post production with a 35mm f1.8. it’s all about hands

[@WEHAVETHISDREAM]

I don’t understand why they bother wasting resources for all these useless lenses. F4?? To “sell it cheaper”… To waste shit!

[@DanSme1]

My theory is that the retired Boomer generation (with adequate disposable income) wanted the consummate "walk-around" lens with less weight to replace the 24-105. Anything more serious, I'll attach a Zeiss Batis lens.

[@lbeetech]

F4 is just one stop...

[@boyantrifonov]

This lens looks like it is in the same space as the Panasonic Full Frame kit lens. The Sony is 20-70mm f/4 The Panasonic is 20-60mm f/3.5-f/5.6 The Sony can be a kit lens and it can be for beginners to test shooting at different focal lengths before deciding on a prime lens to buy. And it will be a good lens for talking head KZbin videos if you invest in good lighting.

[@Diminish12]

You know what's funny about this Lens? Ain't no body Ask for this 💩. Sony stop it! What's next F5.6 but it's Parfocal.😑

[@theblmcgroup]

Would it have been so bad for Sony to make this lens faster than an f4? It's like making one step forward and then taking two steps back. I get it. Video. But at least give us the option to go faster, even if f4 or 5.6 is more suitable for shooting video.

[@VynZography]

Lumix 20-60: I exist!

[@drivethrou]

Why every youtube person put up this lens ar the same time?. Dont like it

[@drivethrou]

Dont campare wrong

[@pop0ful]

F4 isn't for me. I think in 2023 any lens released should be atleast 2.8 because me personally, I want to be able to use my lens anytime during the day and I feel like you might aswell buy a cheap variable aperture kit lens if you gonna buy an F4.