Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G vs Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 10-20mm, the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 40mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G for wide-angle, the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 10-20mm zoom covers what the fixed 40mm can't reframe.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.5 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 40mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G opens to f/2.5 vs the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 10-20mm, Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 40mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
Frequently asked
Is the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G or the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 10-20mm, the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G is 40mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G for wide-angle, the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G?
Choose the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G if you shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 10-20mm zoom covers what the fixed 40mm can't reframe. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Who should choose the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G?
Choose the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G if you want more light and background blur — f/2.5 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 40mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G and the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G?
Aperture: the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G opens to f/2.5 vs the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 10-20mm | 40mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 8 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 110° – 71° | 57° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 15-30mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.23x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $649 | $599 |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 49mm |
| Diameter | 63mm | 68mm |
| Length | 46.9mm | 45.5mm |
| Weight | 143g (5.0 oz) | 173g (6.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
