For many genres, an ultra-wide angle zoom lens can be quite useful, and while an f/2.8 aperture can be quite helpful, the extra expense and bulk is not always necessary for people like landscape or architectural photographers. For Sony shooters, there is also the FE 12-24mm f/4 G lens, and this fantastic video review takes a look at the kind of performance you can expect from it in practice.
Coming to you from Christopher Frost, this great video review takes a look at the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G lens. The 12-24mm f/4 comes with a variety of useful features, including:
- Four aspherical elements for reduced spherical aberrations and distortion and increased sharpness
- One Super ED and three ED elements for reduced chromatic aberrations and improved clarity
- Nano AR coating for reduced flares and ghosting and increased contrast
- Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave Motor autofocus system system with quick and quiet performance
- Dust- and moisture-sealed design
For Sony shooters who enjoy having access to extremely wide focal lengths but who do not necessarily need the extra stop of the f2.8 version, the 12-24mm f/4 looks like a great option. Check out the video above for Frost's full thoughts.
This reviewer has not used a 12mm!!! First the 1224 f/4 was the widest Sony offered and Voigtlander 12 f/5.6 in a lica before then a Sony and hidden was the 1018 f/4 that could be used in full frame mode from 12mm to 18mm (if light shield removed) but at 12mm the FOV was 19mm. In 2014 when the A7s was the astro king the only ultra wide was a Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 but had barrel and pincushion with no lens correction for a year. Why so wide to get more of the Milky Way across the sky but best for panoramas with fewer shots great at 24mm.12mm is great for a panorama look in 3:2 ratio fast in a landscape shot. For architecture not so good doors/windows wide at sides and lights or fans twist above again a pano is best. Sony sensors with dynamic range allowed greatness at night so f/4 is great yes f/2.8 better but magic at f/4. $1400 Also two lens travel 1224 f/4 and 24-240 (360 in APS-C) and the 1224 Haida Rear Lens ND Filter Kit and Clear-Night Filter no need for big bulky filter adapter, both and camera in a over the shoulder teardrop bag. Just remember for daytime landscapes two stops above f/4 for sharpest foreground and out yonder