Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G
Announced May 17, 2017
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is a lightweight and compact ultra-wide zoom that delivers impressive sharpness for full-frame E-mount cameras. Although its bulbous front element prevents the use of standard screw-in filters and can be susceptible to flare, it remains a highly functional tool for dramatic wide-angle photography.
Weighted from 18 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast, quiet, and reliable autofocus
- Excellent sharpness and image quality
- Well-controlled distortion and chromatic aberration
- Compact and lightweight design
- Durable build with weather sealing
Cons
- Inability to use standard screw-in filters
- Softness or vignetting in corners
- Susceptibility to lens flare and ghosting
- High retail price
- Lack of internal image stabilization
- Launch price $1,698 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 12-24mm f/4
- Mount & coverage Sony E Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 28 cm (0.14x)
- Autofocus motor Direct Drive SSM
- Weight & size 565g · 87 x 117.4 mm (3.43 x 4.62 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 18 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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Sony's FE 12-24mm f4G is an ultra-wide zoom for its e-mount mirrorless cameras, and corrected for use on full-frame bodies.
- OpticalLimits 7/10
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is a bit of a surprising lens in a couple of ways. Upon first contact, you will notice how small it is compared to similar (DSLR-)offerings.
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What the Sony 12-24 offers to full-frame DSLR owners is a stand-out range of ultra-wide-angle of views, a range that nicely and efficiently complements that found in most standard zoom lenses.
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It's small, lightweight, nice and sharp, and it has no serious image quality problems at all.
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The Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is expensive, but also excellent, which is always a dilemma.
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The Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G is a very good, if pricey, ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for Sony A9/A7/A7R II/A7S full-frame cameras.
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It might not be one of Sony's G Master lenses, but the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is a high-performance lens that enables extreme wide-angle shooting, adding fresh potential to Sony’s full-frame E-mount cameras.
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The Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G captures images with an incredibly wide field of view, and is much smaller and lighter than lenses for full-frame SLR systems.
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If you're looking for something wide for your Sony, then I'd highly recommend looking at this lens. It focuses quick, all those ED elements keep the color fringing at bay, plenty sharp.
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Sony's big emphasis on this lens was really wide, and it is a very little distortion for lens being this wide, and on top of that was that really lightweight compact design.
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[T]he FE 12-24mm f/4 G makes for a convenient zoom for photographers looking for a sharp, light, wide lens to complete their Sony collection.
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Like I said, if you need the native lens mount because you're doing video or you want the fastest tracking for action things like that, then this is a really good option to choose from in my opinion.
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This is a very impressive lens. Its ultra-wide perspective adds a lot of drama and packs a lot of scene into the frame, but it manages to do it without the distracting parts that you often get at such extreme focal lengths.
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[T]he 12-24mm is a keeper, and it's one of three lenses I keep in my Sony bag now.
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This is the one and only ultra-ultrawide for full-frame Sony cameras, and it's fantastic. If you shoot interiors or need a lens for extreme special effects, this is an optically superb lens at a bargain price.
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[I] was extremely happy with the results I was getting. Especially for its size and specifications.
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If you buy this Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G, you will not be disappointed in the performance. This lens is just so fun to shoot with.
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While I have always been impressed with Sony’s cameras and sensors, it is Sony glass that I have been most impressed with lately.
