Sony 20mm f/2.8 A-Mount Wide Angle Lens

2021-10-13T20:00:00

I bought this used about 9 months ago for under £100. It is a testimony to the older Sony lenses in their build quality, that this lens is still performing the way it was intended when new. The petal hood provides good flare protection and is made of very sturdy plastic, so also acts as a first defence against any knocks. As can be expected from an ultra-wide lens, the distortion is pronounced, but easily corrected in camera and in post processing. Colours are very pleasing, having the old Minolta range. At a minimum of f2.8, this lens is good for indoor use, although corner sharpness can be improved by stopping down. This is of course normal with most lenses. When using it for landscapes, stopping down to around f11, provides corner to corner sharpness. I have used this lens on a Sony A850 and a A99, both of which work well with this focal length. I have not tried this on an APSC camera, as it would not be considered ultra-wide with them. If you are still an A-mount camera owner, or indeed a mirrorless owner (with adapter), this lens is well worth considering if you like architectural or landscape photography with a prime lens.

AVLB

Originally posted at

2021-10-13T20:00:00

I bought this used about 9 months ago for under £100. It is a testimony to the older Sony lenses in their build quality, that this lens is still performing the way it was intended when new. The petal hood provides good flare protection and is made of very sturdy plastic, so also acts as a first defence against any knocks. As can be expected from an ultra-wide lens, the distortion is pronounced, but easily corrected in camera and in post processing. Colours are very pleasing, having the old Minolta range. At a minimum of f2.8, this lens is good for indoor use, although corner sharpness can be improved by stopping down. This is of course normal with most lenses. When using it for landscapes, stopping down to around f11, provides corner to corner sharpness. I have used this lens on a Sony A850 and a A99, both of which work well with this focal length. I have not tried this on an APSC camera, as it would not be considered ultra-wide with them. If you are still an A-mount camera owner, or indeed a mirrorless owner (with adapter), this lens is well worth considering if you like architectural or landscape photography with a prime lens.

TonyBk

Originally posted at

2016-06-21T14:21:19

Love this lens, it comes in handy when there is no room to stand except in front of the performer.

Michael L.

2014-07-17T20:00:00

The reason I purchased this lens was for landscape and architectural shoots. I purchased the lens a few days before the 4th of July. I used this lens with my a77 along with the 16-50 kit lens on my a7 for that evening, alternating shots during the fireworks display. The photos turned out pretty good. I really haven't been able to use the lens much since because of my work load. Maybe after 6 months, I'll do another review.

chefemzman

Originally posted at

2013-03-19T20:00:00

I purchased this lens for my a99 body for the purpose of capturing indoor photography of subjects (head to toe). I found my 50mm f1.4 and a CZ 85mm f1.4 lenses are both great in low light, but I find myself really constrained when trying to distance myself from my subject (especially in a 10x10 sized room). With this 20mm, I can stand approx. 3-4 feet and be able to capture the full subject in frame. The issue is with the amount of light indoor shooting provides. I certainly recommend a flash as dropping the ISO (below 800) at full aperture will not help. Additionally, in poor lighting conditions, the AF is a pain and MF will need to be used. However, with optimal lighting, this lens has very crisp images, even at the corners. Very impressive! I would recommend this to users for outdoor photography or indoor flash photography needing a comfortable distance from their subjects while capturing a large focus area.

illy

Originally posted at

2011-10-24T20:00:00

The Sony 20 mm F/2.8 makes a very good and relatively low cost super-wide angle lens. For most people, it's wide enough and fast enough. I would definitely recommend this lens.

psstudio

Originally posted at

2011-05-08T20:00:00

This is a light weight, compact lens. If you are looking for wide angle, fast lens this is the lens for you. Photos come very sharp in low light condition using F/2.8. It is easy to carry around, good to take landscape photos as well as architecture. Comparing with Sony 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Zoom Lens, vignetting at the edges and distortion is almost none. The bokeh is really nice on the background of your main subject. would recommend this lens if you are into architecture or landscape photography.

PhotoNur

Originally posted at

2010-01-03T19:00:00

Sharp, light and bright. Excellent lens.

AlphaUser