Sony welcomed the New Year with a new lens, the 71st model in its E-mount line-up. The FE 20-70mm F4 G lens’ non-traditional zoom range extends the standard 24-70mm’s to a wide-angle field of view that makes this a much more flexible and useful lens.

The FE 20-70mm F4 G: Good for Vlogging and Selfies

In part, Sony designed the FE 20-70mm F4 G lens for vlogging and selfies. As Sony points out, when handholding the camera/lens, vloggers and selfie-takers can hold the lens as far away as their arm length, hence the need for an ultra-wide-angle lens—especially for video. While the lens isn’t stabilized, Active Mode stabilization (available in some cameras) can be used. Because this feature applies a small crop to video the wider angle of view helps offset the crop. At the same time, the versatility of the FE 20-70mm’ extended zoom range can fulfill the needs for street shooting, landscapes, portraits and everything in between.

[Read: Lab Tested: Sony’s ZV-E10 Vlogging Camera is Ready for its Closeup]

Lightweight and Portable

Sony wanted to keep the lens relatively compact and lightweight for portability and cost consideration, hence the F4 aperture. The lens measures 3 1/8 x 4 inches (diameter x length) and weighs a hair more than at pound at 17.3 ounces. Any faster aperture would not only increase the size and weight but cost more than its suggested $1,100 price.

Thanks to its dual XD linear motors, Sony promises excellent AF performance with the FE 20-70mm F4 G. And, the dust- and moisture-resistant lens can focus as close as 9.8 inches.

Of Note: Physical Controls on the FE 20-70mm F4 G

Of note are the physical controls on the lens itself. In addition to a focus ring and click/de-click aperture ring, the lens is equipped with iris lock switches. There are also two focus hold buttons, each positioned separately so you can choose which one feels more comfortable depending on your grip.

There’s a lot to like about this Sony lens and we think that the zoom range of the FE 20-70mm’s versatility will be well worth the investment.

Price and Due Date

Look for the FE 20-70mm F4 G lens in March for $1,100. For more detailed information, please go to: electronics.sony.com.

[Author’s Note: At the same time Sony announced its new FE 20-70mm F4 G lens, the company gave us a sneak peek of what’s coming in early 2024—a new 300mm F2.8 G Master OSS full-frame E mount lens. This lens will add another telephoto lens to its line-up, alongside the FE 400mm f2.8 and FE 600mm F4 G Master OSS lenses. Although favorites among sports and wildlife photographers, not everyone needs a super-telephoto lens. But a fast (relatively lightweight, we hope) one will certainly catch the eye of even more photographers who want “just enough” extra reach. This will be a really nice addition to the line. Personally, it’s one of my favorite telephoto focal lengths.]