Standout wide-angle lenses stun for Sony
Posted on Jun 14, 2022 by Samara Husbands
The most recent standout wide-angle E-Mount APS-C lenses come from Sony. The E PZ 10-20MM F4 G, E 15MM F1.4 G and E 11MM F1 – perfect for vloggers and video creators.
Now boasting a 70-strong line-up, Sony has expanded its E-mount range. These three lenses promise peak portability, flawless bokeh, stability for dynamic movies and stills. The quality of these ultra-wide-angle lenses is hard to beat, as the artist can create dynamic pieces full of self-expression. Varying focal lengths means maximum versatility for all needs, and large aperture truly delivers in the world’s smallest and lightest package.
There is a lot of information about these guys, so let’s jump in.
E PZ 10-20mm F4 G
First up the E PZ 10-20mm F4 G. This one has a focal length of 10-20mm an APS-C or 15-30mm equivalent focal length, and the ultra-wide angle constant F4 APS-C power zoom lens delivers outstanding G Lens imagery, impeccable autofocus (AF) performance, and versatile power zoom creates the most desirable compact. The length remains constant throughout the range and offers refined visual expression and operability for movies as well as stills. Unrivalled mobility and handling while also knocking off 20% of the weight of its predecessor (SEL1018), the F4 G is the smallest in its class with a weight of just 178g. What’s more, it uses internal zoom and focus mechanisms which ensures the length remains constant when zooming or focussing. There have been minimal shifts in the centre of gravity, which makes it a solid choice for stable vlogging and gimbal-mounted movie shooting. It comes with the outstanding image quality and dynamic perspective that only an ultra-wide-angle lens can provide.
Addressing the well-known issues of field curvature and astigmatism that plagues ultra-wide-angle lenses, with three impressive aspherical elements. These are two extra-low dispersion glass elements, an ED aspherical element, and the maximum aperture at a constant F4. Natural G-Lens bokeh is achieved through circular aperture and precision engineered spherical aberration. Refined expression and control for movies are enabled by a new responsive power zoom system, which minimises camera shake across a variety of shooting scenarios. It maintains balance and makes a great choice for stable vlogging and gimbal-mounted movie shooting. Advanced AF performance benefits still and movies by using two linear motors for focus drive, which is helped along by the focus mechanism being internal. This allows you to track subjects when shooting high frame rate movie, and reliably follow fast-moving subjects when shooting still continuously. Mobility, operability, and reliability for any situation are founded in a customisable focus hold button and focus mode which have been carefully incorporated to easily adapt in changing shooting conditions. Screw-on filters increase creative control and dust/moisture resistance make it reliable in outdoor settings.
E 15mm F1.4 G
Next up, the E 15 F1.4 G. This 35mm full-frame equivalent: 22.5mm brings beautiful F1.4 bokeh plus superb G Lens resolution in a versatile APS-C lens with vast creative potential. Dynamic imagery, excellent AF and control are what to expect from this compact and lightweight prime lens. Distortion has been worked on via three aspherical elements – similarly to the F4 G. Impressively, the 15mm view doesn’t affect the corner-to-corner resolution. Artistic bokeh comes from precision-controlled aberration and circular aperture mechanisms – working especially effectively in low-light. Alluring close-ups can be achieved for stills and movies with the minimum focusing distance of 0.17m and maximum magnification of 0.15x when manual focus is used. A mobile solution for fast-moving moments.
The wide-angle view, compact dimensions and feather-light weight make it ideal for shooting starry skies, landscapes, architecture, and indoor scenes, as well as sports. Advanced linear motors maximise speed potential of the camera body to maintain accurate focus, even on moving subjects. Using the latest in lens technology, focus breathing is reduced. Linear response MF ensures that the focus ring responds directly and linearly to subtle control when focusing manually. The focus ring responds directly to a corresponding change in focus, so control feels immediate and precise. A focus hold button and focus mode switch are provided for extra flexibility, and dust and moisture resistance provide reliability for challenging outdoor situations.
E 11mm F1.8
This one, a 35mm equivalent: 16.5mm delivers outstanding corner-to-corner resolution, stunning bokeh and fast, reliable AF for dramatic expression and astonishing selfies. If you are on the lookout for a vlogging camera, this compact and lightweight lens would be perfect – also ideal for interior shots and images due to the ultra-wide angle of view and expressive use of depth of field. The aspherical lens is carefully positioned to compensate for distortion and deliver excellent corner-to-corner resolution even with the aperture wide open. The three aspherical elements, like the previous two lenses, achieve consistently high resolution from the image centre to periphery, despite the lens’s ultra-wide 11mm angle of view. The large F1.8 maximum aperture makes it easy to achieve deep background bokeh, as users can blur the background, so they stand out clearly when vlogging, or create beautiful bokeh in ultra-wide night-time scenes. This aperture is also impressive in a compact lens. It weighs 181g and is only 66mm in diameter and 57.5mm in length.
Two advanced linear motors provide fast, precise, quiet AF and tracking for both stills and video, maximising the speed potential of the camera body used to reliably maintain accurate focus even on moving subjects. Vlogging against a wide background is easier than ever due to its small size and light weight, making it perfect for lengthy walk-around shooting sessions. Despite its compact dimensions, this lens offers flexible, intuitive control with features such as a focus hold button and focus mode switch.
All in all, these lenses provide an excellent choice for those looking for an update in their vlogging or video tech and shoot largely on-the-go. Check out further info on the Sony website.
