The Most Versatile Lens You're Probably Overlooking

When choosing a lens, the priorities you might typically have, like sharpness, character, or lens speed, begin to shift dramatically if you have to choose just one. You then start considering versatility above all, searching for a single lens that covers a variety of situations easily.

Coming to you from Jesse Driftwood, this practical video looks closely at the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G lens, positioned as possibly the best all-around lens currently available for Sony or even any system. Driftwood points out an important point: common lens options like the 24-70mm and 24-105mm zooms come close, but unfortunately fall short when the camera is turned back toward yourself, or when shooting landscapes and interiors. As he demonstrates, having those additional 4mm at the wide end (going from 24mm down to 20mm) makes all the difference, allowing a natural, comfortable framing at arm's length while vlogging. If your needs cross from vlogging to landscapes, architecture, or self-filming, this subtle wide angle difference isn't just nice, it changes how usable the lens really is. It's no longer necessary to carry separate ultra-wide lenses for most scenarios, simplifying your kit significantly.

Driftwood also goes into how well-rounded this lens is beyond its focal range. Notably, he compares its convenience and size to other zoom lenses. For instance, though the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 lacks the larger aperture of the popular f/2.8 lenses, its reduced size and weight make it easier to use for extended periods or when traveling. The smaller form factor pairs neatly with compact cameras like the Sony FX3 or even the ZV-E1, creating a lightweight, versatile setup—ideal for travelers or filmmakers working alone. Plus, Driftwood explores one of this lens's more surprising strengths: its close-focusing capabilities. With a maximum magnification of 0.39x and a minimum focus distance of just under 10 inches, it's sufficient for macro-like shots of small details—perfect for product photography or close-up video of nature subjects.

Key Specs

• Focal Length: 20-70mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/4
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• Lens Mount: Sony E (Full-Frame)
• Angle of View: 94°
• Minimum Focus Distance: 9.8" (25 cm)
• Magnification: 0.39x (1:2.56)
• Optical Design: 16 Elements in 13 Groups
• Aperture Blades: 9, Rounded
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Image Stabilization: No
• Front Filter Size: 72 mm
• Dimensions: ø 3.1" × 3.9" (ø 78.7 × 99 mm)
• Weight: 17.2 oz (488 g)

Driftwood points out some practical advantages native Sony lenses have over third-party alternatives. The biggest reason he cites is improved integration with Sony’s electronic stabilization systems, allowing better correction of motion blur and smoother video performance. In-camera lens breathing compensation is also more effective with native lenses. Driftwood notes that this functionality isn't merely theoretical: he actively demonstrates how well this lens fares when these stabilization and breathing control functions are in use versus competitors from brands like Tamron and Sigma. The difference, he insists, is significant.

Finally, he addresses common hesitations surrounding lenses at this price point: namely, skepticism at spending roughly $1,100 on an f/4 zoom. However, he challenges viewers to rethink this valuation, reminding you that at this size, with this range, and high-quality optics, this lens essentially replaces multiple lenses in your camera bag. Whether you're upgrading from something narrower or simply slimming down your setup, Driftwood illustrates wonderfully how struggles like low-light shooting and shallow depth-of-field can often now be easily solved through improvements in modern cameras' higher ISO capabilities or by adding a single specialized prime lens. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Driftwood.