Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G vs Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II opens to f/3.5 versus the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $598 vs $1,099 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 293g (10.3 oz) it's lighter than the 488g (1.08 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II opens to f/3.5 vs the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G is 20-70mm, Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II is 28-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II is $598, $501 under the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II is 293g (10.3 oz) vs 488g (1.08 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G or the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II opens to f/3.5 versus the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II?
Choose the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II if you're on a budget — $598 vs $1,099 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 293g (10.3 oz) it's lighter than the 488g (1.08 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G and the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II?
Aperture: the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II opens to f/3.5 vs the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 20-70mm | 28-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 16 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 94° – 34° | 75° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.39x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,099 | $598 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 78.7mm | − |
| Length | 99mm | − |
| Weight | 488g (1.08 lb) | 293g (10.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
