Sony 20mm f/1.8 G Astrophotography Review (SHARPER than 24mm GM?!)
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- Опубликовано: 4 июл 2020
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Just to clarify... I've compared my copy of the 20mm to two versions of the 24mm GM and I've also conferred with 2 other people who own both. They both agreed that the 20mm was sharper than the 24mm. So even if there is sample variation, the results of the comparisons I did above are consistent.
Even sharper? .... Wth XD ... Amazing. Still Love my trusty 24 ;)
It shouldn't break. as long as you don't shake it about to much
Nice clarification, I had a nagging question that maybe a breeze could have been present that would have made the two shots look different. I love the 24mm GMaster, and had been looking for an excuse to not play with the 20mm :)
How long before we see you with the 12-24 2.8? RUclips has just exploded with it!
To be honest I had no idea you can go all the way to A. I was kind of annoyed I had to do it myself all the time but got used to it and thought it was cool. I'm always in aperture mode anyway but this will matter when I start doing video in P-mode.
Great news that it's actually 19.3 ish mm, instead of 20mm, for such a lens, being a bit wider is an advantage.
The team that created the 24mm f1.4 GM and the 20mm f1.8 deserves a lot of praise, they've created the best lenses ever in their focal lengths. Note: it being called G means that a GM version can come in the future, probably f1.4.
who would by the gm 20mm f1.4 not sure a 1/3 of a stop would make people rush to buy it now a 14mm f1.4 gm if they could make such a lens would have people in numbers waiting for it
Thanks for another great video Alyn. It's come at the right time as I've been on the lookout for a lens like this :)
Thanks, Allyn. Great content, as usual. I own the SEL 24, in large part based on your early reviews. I couldn’t be happier with it for Astro as well as Street photography.
Now I now why people rave watching Alyn's channel! incredible review!
Huge thanks for this detailed review!!
Unbelievable review man thank you, your skills are on point! You dont even skip a beat in these videos. I know they are alot of hard work though and take alot of time so thanks for doing all the hard work with empirical proof!
Great review, Thankyou! I was in two minds about the 20 f1.8 & the 24gm, but now with the 12-24gm about to be released, I’m holding back again to see what that lens will offer! 😀👍🙏🤗
Excellent review, thank you for making my decision easier.
Fabulous work in comparing these two lenses. Thank you, Alyn! Have been reading reviews and looked at a few other videos, but yours was the most specific and helpful. Was also considering the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 RXD, but some noted weaknesses sent me back to Sony lenses. Based on your observations, I see no reason to spend 55% more for the 24mm f/1.4 GM input for my hobbyist needs. So, I have decided to invest in the 20mm f/1.8 G for my initial foray into astrophotography this year! I upgraded my camera to the Sony a9 two years ago but have only the kit 24-105mm f/4.0 G, so far. The inherent sharpness of the 20mm G also should be great for some expansive landscape shots, especially in the lower light of blue and golden hours. I'm excited! Heading to Big Bend National Park in remote southwest Texas in late March -- high, dry, and virtually no light pollution. Should be inspiring! Thanks again.
You’re going to love the 20mm! I’ve used the 14mm GM, Tamron 17-28mm, 20mm G, and am going to use the 24mm GM next clear night.
I often times find myself going to the 20mm, even though I have the 14mm in my camera bag. For the relatively cheap price, the Sony 20mm performs just as well as the more expensive GM lenses.
The only reason I miss the Tamron 17-28 after selling it, is for the flexibility of it being a zoom lens. I did still love it for Astrophotography too.
Great review! Making my Christmas list right now!
Really superb video, you offered loads of info and did it in an enjoyable way. Thank you buddy! Liked and subbed.
Great video...I have the Sony 24gm and LOVE it!!! I use it over the 16-35...I love the Sigma 14mm as well!! I am relying more on primes for astro work..when I can get to dark skies.....THANK YOU!!!!
I was waiting for this review
Great Vid as usual, the 20mm is definitely a choice for the upcoming trips
Excellent review bro! Thanks
Great review! I just sold my 24 GM and replace it with 20 G. I wish Sony release 20 /1.4 Gmaster instead of 20 / 1.8.
Hi Alyn. Great video. Just got myself a Sony A7III and have been deciding between the 24mm 1.4 and 20mm 1.8, so this was interesting and think I will go with the 20mm for the wider field of view. Can I please ask, the time lapse video at the end with the milky way in view, as a beginner I would love to learn how to do this type of shot with my new gear. Do you have any videos posted on achieving this or could recommend any other good links? Many thanks, Shaz.
The timelapse at the end. Dope
Hey Alyn very good review and just what I was looking for, thank you. I noticed the Sony 20mm was not compared to the Laowa 15mm f2. You have both of these lenses, which one would you grab first for astro/milky way?
I have the Sony 20mm f1.8. Haven't shot much because of the shutdown but the images I've taken are excellent. No side by side but I was pretty sure it was sharper than the adapted Sigma 20mm Art I had before. Thanks for the video.
I bought the 20mm recently and absolutely love it...price is great too :)
excellent review. Thanks!
Thank you for the interesting review Alyn ! Did you have issues with the field curvature and corner sharpness with the Tokina 20mm at f2 ? I just received the Tokina and after few quick tests I see that when I'm focusing on the center of the image at f2 all corners are not in the focus. And when I'm focusing on a corner the center is not in the focus. Is focusing somewhere on a midframe can help to get reasonably sharp center and corners ?
Currently we are under a curfew and I cannot make a test with a night sky. I can test the lens only during the day.
Thanks for great video. Looks like you can't go wrong with neither of them.
For me the 24mm was the better choice as it teams up better with the 14 1.8. also the 24 is a pretty nice portrait lens.
Thanks for the review. I'm torn between purchasing this or the sigma 12-24 f2.8 which i'm leaning towards because of the versatility. Id there really much advantage with the 1.8 when it comes to image quality? Thanks for any input. Love your channel!
Great review, thank you
High Alyn, thanks for your video you are right , the 20mm 1,8f is wider than is says. I compared it with the 16-35mm 2,8f GM at 20mm. I like the 20mm because it is very sharp and not so heavy as the 16-35mm GM.!
excellent review, tank you.
Great Video... I'm using this lens for 1-2 mounts and this is one of the best lens I ever used.. brilliant for night photography and for landscape ... a lens to stay on the camera most times.
It's a real winner!
@@AlynWallace Very good lens... I did some MW shots in Celtic Manor down the golf club.... I was very impressed from the results even so the place is suffering from light pollution.
Awesome review Alyn, from what I've seen this 20mm f1.8 lens is perfect for nightscapes as per your great video.
It's a real beauty! I'll have to head down under and compare it to your Nikon version ;)
@@AlynWallace Both excellent lenses mate. I have a friend with that Sony on his A7S
@@AlynWallace a Richard / Alyn colab down under, that would be spectacular!
@@Lexxo777 yes that would be absolutely awesome!
Thanks for the review!! I’ve had the Sony 20mm F1.8 since it first hit. Seriously it’s the best astro lens I’ve used. My findings are the same as yours. I’ll be following you on IG shortly!
Great analysis Alyn.. I have both the 24GM and the 20G , and the only factor that’s effects my choice in the field is the foreground composition elements. If for example you plan to do a significant amount of focus stacking, with some light painting of a foreground object that is close to center of the frame, I’ll use the 20mm since the .4 stop light gathering advantage of the 24GM is not as apparent and the additional field width of the 20mm can provide a larger sense of scale. If the location does not afford, close foreground elements of interest. I’ll reach for the 24GM as the additional .4 stop of light gathering and edge to edge sharpness with low distortion is where the 24Gm shines. If I could only have one lens however, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy the 20mm and then spend the additional savings on better night camping gear or to pay for travel costs to a dark sky location where you won’t care so much (or at all) about the .4 stop advantage.
I guess you're only talking about astro scenes here? But what about other scenes? Would you still use both lenses? I already have the 24gm and considering a wide zoom vs this 20 (19)mm.
@@CedricRachmad yes and yes! My comment was more to a Astro use case especially if one were choosing one lens over another. In fact having both in your bag is ideal for lighted landscape photography and the 20mm is probably better for selfie and vlog style compositions where more of the background is visible especially for travel videography and photography. Although any modern Sony body is capable of amazing autofocus, the maximum aperture of the 20mm @1.8 does give a slightly deeper field of focus than the 1.4 of the 24mm GM. On a few occasions, in low light, and at f1.4 the 24mm has missed focus or lost focus (in my experience) with lots of motion in the scene, but the 20mm’s deeper field of focus at f1.8 is less critical and holds focus at similar available light and background motion.
First of all: very nice review.
second: I own the 20mm also since the lockdown started and used it for landscape photography mainly because of bad weather conditions at the days I want to do astro. But I totally love this lens and it is an absolute keeper. So if anyone searching for an astrolens for the e-mount. Take the 20mm be happy forever. Great Video Alyn, can't wait for more :)
Thanks for the feedback and thanks for sharing your experience too!
@Kevin do you feel like you miss out on the range that 16-35 gives for landscape photography when using this lens? Or does it compensate for it in other ways?
sajjad yousuf sorry didn‘t saw your post. As I have never owned the 16-35 it‘s hard to compare. But after a few weeks i don‘t miss the 16mm or the zoom capabilities. But I think it depends on your style of shooting. Under 70mm i switched every lens from zoom to prime because of the aperture of 1.8
@@kevinkada5368 Thanks for your reply. i just got the 20mm 1.8 in the mail today. it is sharp affff. i love it already
I didn't give this lens any thought because it wasn't a 16mm and it was a G, but now after your video I am definitely interested. Thanks for going over the stars in the corner.
Already have the 24, might have to get the 20 as well.
The 20mm looks very good! By the way what kind of program do you use to screen capture
Alyn, what do YOU use the focus hold button for? I use it for eye af during portrait sessions, but still trying to sort it for astro shooting.
One more question Alyn, I have read on blogs and forums that focussing to infinity is difficult on the Sony 24mm or 20mm, which is obviously critical for AP. Thoughts on this? Many thanks.
Hi Alyn, love your videos! In the focusing section you talk about "snapping into infinity". I don't really notice this snapping, but moreover, for my 20mm it is not in focus on the stars when on infinity. Is yours? Curious if yours is actually in focus on infinity, and whether you have tips to focus this lens. Cheers!
My 20mm 1.8 is arriving today!
Great review man! Gotta upgrade the lowa 15mm f2 so much fringe moir and lack of sharpness overall
The focus element wasn't loose, that was how it was designed... to be a free floating thing when not connected. I got panicked when I first found that moving but apparently it's not anything to worry about.
Thank you for compare videos, I was thinking about 20 1.8 or 24 1.4, now I know I need 1.4 version. It's huge difference. I was looking for that video, thanks again!
Thanks for the comparison. The 24 1.4 was out of my list, however, I am struggling with 14 1.8 GM and 20 1.8.
I have both and they are so close in performance. Now the 12-24GM has arrived with very little coma, but of course more than a stop less light.
Can’t wait to try it out I just bought the lens 🥳🥳
Thanks for comparing it with the Tokina as well, that doesn't get enough love around and for astro on a budget, is definitely a fair consideration but not enough info out there on it.
I own the 24mm GM 1.4.
I love it 😍
I want a 12mm or 14mm 1.4 or 1.8 GM lens
Great video ....thanks 👍
do yourself a favour and get the laowa 15mm f2
Or go for the Samyang XP 14mm f2.4. The sharpest UWA lens out there. :)
@@thatpedro8844 wish samyang would release the xp in e mount
Will you be doing an astrovlog on the comet?
hi Alyn, i have two questions: is focusing on fe 20 / f1.8G really easy? my experience with "by wire" lenses is not good. As if I can't hit the right sharpness ... and second: do you use a heating sleeve at night to take a timelapse? Aren't you afraid your lens will overheat?
Alyn would you consider the 20mm an upgrade to the Laowa 15mm f2? I have the Laowa and it's great but I am considering replacing it with the 20mm Sony.
I just bought the sigma art 50 mm . My first camera lens. Considering I have 3 Telescope. William optics Z 73 . William optics black cat. Celestron HD Edge. 800
@Alyn Wallace
At 7:00 you were saying that Sony is closer to 19mm than 20mm.
I wonder what settings did you have for "Distortion Compensation" in the camera. Was it AUTO or OFF?
My assumption is that with OFF it could be closer to 19mm, with AUTO it could be closer (or equal) to 20mm.
Hey Alyn or other people with Sony 20mm / Laowa 15mm experience. I lost my A7RIII with a IRIX 15mm F2.4 and a Sigma MC-11 in a river / Waterfall. Its gone. It hurts. Loved that lens. But I am now on the lookout for a new wide prime for astro and sharp landscapes. Would you go Laowa 15mm F2 or Sony 20mm F1.8 ? Any thoughts?
Hey Alyn!
Thanks for the very informative video (as always 😉 )
I would be very thankful if you could answer two questions that really torture me since I started doing some milky way photography with my 16-35 2.8.
What is the difference in ISO setting that you have to dial in to equalize the exposure of the 20 1.8 vs. 24 1.4?
Is it worth buying one of those two lenses if you already own the 16-35 2.8 and only shot milky way a few times a year?
it's a 2/3 of a stop difference so it would be like 3200 to 2000.
As for the second question, only you can answer that.
@@AlynWallace thanks for the answers!
On paper it should be 2/3 of a stop difference but sometimes light transmition isn't the same difference like f stop 🤷♂️
...so as you have both on hand to test it out... 🤔😅
Alyn, great videos! Always love your work. Canon user here. Wonder if you have had a chance to test out the Rokinon/Samyang 20m 1.8, I’ve used the Sigma 20mm and have experienced the star curves on the sides. Thanks!
The Samyang is not as sharp as the Sigma but at f/2.8 there is pretty minimal aberrations on stars in the corner
Alyn Wallace Thank you!
Excellent video again Alyn. Now, I am looking for a 2nd Sony body as a companion to my A9II and with the current promotion from Sony that the cashback is doubled on selected lenses when one of the selected bodies is bought. I am thinking on a A7rIV actually,. That means the lens will drop from €1.529 (list price) to €1.329 (along with some extra discount from my regular supplier). Compare this to the €1.100 list price and will I lean to purchase that 24mm 1.4 GM.
But man, you do not make it easy in my decision by singing praises to that 20mm :)
I did bit the bullet yesterday and went today to pickup my new goodies and one of those goodies was indeed the 24mm f/1.4 GM. Why? Due to a cashback action and an additional effort from both my camera shop and Sony Belgium was the difference between the 24 and 20mm truly not all that much anymore.
Just bought one today!
Gotta remember that some of those slight differences in sharpness may just be copy variation.
Both are awesome lens's. I have the GM so no use in my buying the G, IMO.
Thanks for posting this review.
I've compared my copy of the 20mm to two versions of the 24mm GM and I've also conferred with 2 other people who own both as I was shocked at my results. The sharpness differences are consistent.
Alyn, any thoughts comparing the Sigma 14mm f1.8 to this Sony 20?
Hi Alyn, what is the magnification at 14:00 min on your video where you compare Vega between the 20G and 24GM. I see wings on my 20mm at 100% crop and dont know if I should be alarmed
I just shelled out on the 14mm for this year's season...last year I started my MW journey with my 18mm f2.8 Zeiss Batis which is a brilliant lens but it really could do with an extra stop or more. So I'm really, REALLY deliberating over whether to ditch the Zeiss and get the 20mm Sony. Great review as always Alyn.
Ditch the Zeiss :)
@@AlynWallace Ha! Yeah...need some brownie points after shelling out on the 14 though! Cheers.
@@AlynWallace Well, here I am again, I chopped the Zeiss in for a mint Sony 20mm f1.8 from Harrison's. 24 hours after it arrived I used it for a Milky Way shot down at Carew Castle in Pembs. Just on this first outing it's exceeded my expectations. Thanks for your help, and your enthusiasm, and your constant inspiration. And good luck in your new life.
The noise you can hear when lens is off is completely normal behavior. Many lenses have, not only Sony. Basically it is a floating focus mechanism.
I agree there isnt much disparity in clarity between the two, but it seems like both lenses have something the other doesnt. As much as I want the 20mm just to have it, Id rather spring for the 12-24 gmaster personally, just has more diversity even if it is really expensive.
Thank you a lot! I ordered the 20mm1.8 and while waiting for delivery I'm looking in the interent for reasons to "upgrade" to the 24mm1.4, but it seems I can't find one. The price difference is so crazy and irritating 😅
I’ve recently bought this. I have the 24 and the 14 GMs and use the A7IV. I have an issue with the sharpness on this lens. I think it’s too sharp! Because with tracked images of 3 minutes with focus and PA nailed I got some weird star colours - I think star eater has reduced many stars to strange shaped coloured pixels. Weird. And you’re right about the manual focus ring locking on to infinity. It does seem to settle on perfect focus. Perhaps out of focus would be better to avoid star eater.
As the video loads I'm already clicking LIKE 😂😎
😁
Alyn, The Sony FE 20mm G has plastic filter threads which is of concern, is that the case for the 24mm GM 1.4 ?
Hi. Do you try Tamron 17-28?
Wich is better in distorsion or sharpness?
I'd like to see you compare the Sony 20mm F1.8 G to the Tamron 20mm F2.8.
Oh you are killing me! I had myself talked out of the 20mm until this. My night photography is usually limited to aurora so the f1.4 is important to how I shoot, but more than once I've wanted that extra FOV for a composition. I had the Sigma 14mm f1.8 but was an unwieldy beast so I found myself leaving it behind and eventually sold it. This little 20mm would be great for when I want the extra view and still only give up a little of the light. Sigh....my husband is going to dislike you if I buy this one too. :-)
Tell him to join the back of the queue of angry spouses. Sorry! Haha
Who else is clearing their throat all the way through this vid?
Oh my goodness! I was..
I own the 20mm G lens. Hands down, my favorite night scape and overall lens. Also very easy to travel and pack with due to the lightweight and compact size.
i just ordered the 20mm today, i can only find the coating at guild for it being sharper than the gm , many say the flares on the 20 are not great and it loses contrast, so i guess 24 has a much more heavier coating.
Got mine few days ago, cant wait to see the moon fading a bit. The Price tag on this baby is Insane, and its so cute and tiny !
Ikr! Still gets me every time I pick it up I'm like "awww it's so kewwwt" 😂
I got mine a few days ago too and I tried it last night on that huge NLC. Absolutely perfect, love it!
Thanks for the review. I've got 2 questions:
1. You said the optimal F stop for 20mm is 2.2, what's for the 24mm?
2. Are you excited about the coming 12-24mm 2.8 Sony GM?
1. I think I mentioned in the video, I find f/2.0 to be the sweet spot of the 24mm, but it's perfectly useable at f/1.4.
2. I am excited but I'm not excited about the rumoured price!
Rumoured to be $4000 USD 🙄
SAVED $3999 USD, very sad honestly.
If you had to pick just one, which would it be?
I am wanting to buy a Sony lens just for Milky Way photography on my Sony A7R IV or my A7RIII. If you were going to buy just one, which one would you choose (the 24mm 1.4 or the 20mm 1.8) ?
Keen to see how this lens compares to the new Sigma 20mm 1.4
Would you recommend the Sony 20mm over the batis 18mm for Astro?
I have the 16-35 f/2.8 GM. I am debating between the Sony 14mm and 20mm f/1.8 lenses. Heard nothing but good about the 20mm.
Can you do another comparison vid with the new Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN? Would love to know your thoughts on that. It's supposed to be designed for astrophotography.
Alyn what about the Laowa 15mm f2 or should I get the 20mm sony??
I have the Batis Zeiss 18mm. Debating if I should replace it with this lens.
how to stay focus in other object even when we do astro photography we focusing the lens focus on the stars? just like in your examples? bc when i did focus the stars but the other object like trees, person i shoot, or other looks blur. thanks hope you anser this.
You can hear the loose rattle too?!? I’m glad I’m not the only one with mine!! I thought I broke it!
Iam about to buy the 20mm 1.8
I think that the “G” designation is because of the f/1.8 and “G Master” is for f/1.4 lenses, but it just marketing here, they are built to the same standards. However the physical size and complexity of the glass accounts for the difference in price between the two. Would love to see both of these up against the new Nikon 24mm & 20mm 1.8S. Especially as all of them can be mounted and work on the new Nikon Z bodies!
Yes I also believe its a mixture of the complexity of the glass and marketting
It's a great comparison. Thank you for it. Only thing I don't understand why you compared the sharpness of the lens at trees at 15 seconds exposure. Maybe when you made the shot with the 20mm 1.8 there were no wind at all, but there were some when you shot with the others. Probably it would be better to compose into the picture a building or similar instead of trees for the sharpness comparison.
It was the pandemic. Wasn't allowed more than a few hundred metres from home.
it's the oss part without force of electricity, so there is a sound when u shake it
The lens does not have oss
@@sic04250f then it's the AF part
i died at 2:05 💀💀💀
Is the Sony 16-35mm a good option (over the Canon 16-35mm) for use with a Canon body for nightscapes and milky-way photography? Or does the Sony 20mm beat the Sony 16-35mm for the same? Again, I'd use it with my Canon body.
I would go for the 20mm f1.8. And save the money in case Sony provides an even wider G/GM prime lens ;)
How to focus to infinity using this lens? I set to manual, and focus on the tree around 30 meters away, but doesn't seem sufficient.
Hello alyn, this lens is prime?
Alyn I currently have the Tokina 20mm f/2.0 FiRIN. In your opinion, would you say that the Sony 20mm is so good that it would be worth replacing my Tokina with it?
If you shoot a lot of astro then yes. But the Tokina is certainly not a bad lens, I've loved it over the past couple of years, but it really struggled to produce good looking timelapses because the strong vignette means noisy images. Sony is sharper and brighter and has less aberrations on the stars
@@AlynWallace just to follow up & close the loop (a year and a half later). I did eventually replace my 20mm Tokina Firin with a pair of lenses, the 21mm f/2.8 Zeiss Loxia and the 14mm f/1.8 GM. Not a low cost replacement, but I love the optics on both of these lenses.
Hi, do you have any suggestion on why my sony 20mm f1,8 gives me comments on stars even at 13 seconds? I have a sony a7III, should I have to ask for a refund?
I'm seeing these lenses going for just over $800 USD used. That's pretty great. I'll get one to replace my 14mm samyang when I can afford it.
any comparison video for sigma 16 mm F1.4 ?
This is the pro level lens comparison that answers all questions! Thank you so much for doing the comparisons in such great depth. I owned the 24GM and was thinking about selling it and make the switch to 20G. Now that I have a much better understanding of the 20G, I’ll have my second thoughts.
Gonna get both
@@arthurgphotography I' m thinking that too cause I already have the 24GM, but still doubting to get the tamron 17-28 instead of 20mm because of versatility. What are your considerations?
@@CedricRachmad I have used both in the field, and both are superior for astro. The 20 might actually be a bit sharper and has less astigmatism but slightly more coma in the corners. I just wanted a wider field of view.