Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G

Reviewers found it sharp in the centre from f/4 at every focal length, with strong corners at 20mm and a slight dip at the long end that closes up by f/5.6. AF is fast and silent, and focus breathing is low for video.

The main criticisms are that the barrel extends when zooming, distortion at 20mm leans on profile correction, and f/4 makes it a weak choice for low light or shallow depth of field. Most reviewers still call it one of the most useful everyday zooms on the system.

Owners describe it as the lens that stays on the camera for travel, since 20mm removes the need to pack a separate wide. The weight, close focus and aperture ring come up often in praise.

Common complaints are the extending barrel, a soft 70mm end at long distances, and the price compared with the Tamron 20-40mm or Sony's older 24-105mm. Some wish it had stabilisation for older bodies.