From ultra-wide 20 mm to 70 mm
With an unprecedented ultra-wide 20 mm to short-telephoto 70 mm zoom range, this versatile lens is an excellent choice for a wide range of movie and still subjects. The ultra-wide 20 mm end of the zoom range maintains a wide angle of view when shooting movies with a 16:9 or 2.35:1 aspect ratio that reduces view angle.
Outstanding G Lens image quality
With two AA (advanced aspherical) elements, one aspherical element, three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, and one ED aspherical element, this state-of-the-art lens design corrects both chromatic and spherical aberration for high optical performance right out to the image edges, from ultra-wide 20 mm to 70 mm.
Excellent close-up performance
AA (advanced aspherical) elements help to achieve a minimum focus distance of 0.3 meters (wide) to 0.25 meters (telephoto) when using AF, and 0.25 throughout the zoom range when focusing manually. Maximum magnification is 0.39x for detailed close-ups. Close focus makes it easy to maneuver around small subjects to find the idea angle.
Constant F4 maximum aperture
A constant F4 maximum aperture offers greater flexibility in choosing apertures at any focal length. The selected aperture remains constant throughout the zoom range. There is no need to use extreme ISO settings at the telephoto end of the range, and high shutter speeds can be used as needed to achieve the desired effect.
Compact, lightweight, mobile design
This compact, lightweight lens combines state-of-the-art optical design with Sony’s high-thrust XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motor technology. Used with a compact mirrorless body, it can deliver superb image quality in any situation at focal lengths from ultra-wide to short telephoto. A great choice for shooting with minimum gear.
Peak AF performance for stills and movies
Two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors achieve fast, quiet, smooth focus drive with up to 60% higher AF speed and up to two times better performance while tracking for reliable, precise tracking. Moving subjects are reliably tracked when shooting continuous stills at up to 30 fps, and high-frame-rate movie capture is smooth.
Refined movie imagery
Advanced technology reduces focus breathing as well as focus and axial shift when zooming so that distracting image shifts are minimised. XD Linear Motors and a newly developed aperture unit dramatically reduce noise and vibration when shooting movies. The breathing compensation function provided in compatible α series bodies is also supported.
Active Mode supports ultra-wide images
Active Mode image stabilisation in α series cameras works effectively at the ultra-wide 20 mm end of the zoom range, providing excellent image stabilisation performance while maintaining a wide angle of view. This can be particularly useful for shooting smooth, stable handheld footage while walking.
Aperture ring with click ON/OFF switch
An independent aperture ring offers direct, intuitive aperture control. A click ON/OFF switch allows the aperture click stops to be turned off when smooth, seamless operation is required.
Focus hold buttons and focus mode switch
Customisable focus hold buttons are provided in two locations for easy access and control. Other functions can be assigned to the focus hold button from the body menus to match shooting needs. A focus mode switch makes it possible to switch between autofocus and manual focus on the fly, to quickly adapt to changing shooting conditions.
Dust and moisture resistant design
A dust and moisture resistant design provides extra reliability for outdoor use in challenging conditions.