Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Interchangeable Lens Operating Instructions
Model: SEL20F18G
Introduction
This instruction manual explains how to use the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G interchangeable lens. It is designed for Sony E-mount cameras. For precautions common to all lenses, please refer to the separate document titled "Precautions before using". Ensure you read both documents before using the lens.
This lens is compatible with cameras featuring a 35mm format image sensor. Cameras with a 35mm format sensor can also be set to shoot at APS-C size. For details on camera settings, consult your camera's instruction manual.
For compatibility information, visit the Sony website in your region or consult your Sony dealer or authorized service facility.
For Customers in the U.S.A.: For questions regarding your product or for the Sony Service Center nearest you, call 1-800-222-SONY (7669).
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity: Trade Name: SONY, Model: SEL20F18G, Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc., Address: 16535 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A., Telephone Number: 858-942-2230. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Precautions
Notes on Use:
- Do not leave the lens exposed to direct sunlight or bright light sources, as this may cause internal malfunction, smoke, or fire due to light focusing. If the lens must be left in sunlight, attach the lens caps.
- When shooting against the sun, keep the sun completely out of the angle of view. Concentrated solar rays can cause smoke or fire inside the camera. Even a slight exposure of the sun outside the angle of view can pose a risk.
- When carrying a camera with the lens attached, always hold both the camera and the lens firmly.
- This lens is designed with dust-proofness and splash-proofness in mind but is not waterproof. If using in rain, prevent water drops from reaching the lens.
- Internal components of the lens may move when the camera is turned off with the lens attached. This does not indicate a malfunction.
Precautions on using a flash:
- When using a flash, remove the lens hood and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) from the subject.
- With certain lens and flash combinations, the lens may partially block the flash light, casting a shadow at the bottom of the picture. Adjust the shooting distance if this occurs.
Vignetting:
When the lens is used, the corners of the image may appear darker than the center. This phenomenon, called vignetting, can be reduced by closing the aperture by 1 to 2 stops.
Identifying the Parts
[Illustration A: Lens with numbered parts]
The lens components are identified as follows:
- 1: Lens hood index
- 2: Focusing ring
- 3: Aperture ring
- 4: Aperture scale
- 5: Aperture index
- 6: Mounting index
- 7: Focus mode switch (AF/MF)
- 8: Focus hold button
- 9: Lens hood
- 10: Aperture click switch
- 11: Lens contacts
- 12: Lens mount rubber ring
Note: Do not touch the lens contacts (11).
Attaching and Detaching the Lens
To attach the lens:
[Illustration : Shows lens attachment process]
- Remove the rear and front lens caps and the camera body cap. Note: The front lens cap can be attached/detached in two ways, (1) and (2). Method (2) is recommended when the lens hood is attached.
- Align the white index on the lens barrel with the white index on the camera (mounting index). Insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise until it locks. Do not press the lens release button on the camera while mounting. Do not mount the lens at an angle.
To remove the lens:
[Illustration : Shows lens detachment process]
- While holding down the lens release button on the camera, rotate the lens counterclockwise until it stops.
- Detach the lens.
Attaching the Lens Hood
[Illustration : Shows lens hood attachment process]
Using a lens hood is recommended to reduce flare and ensure optimal image quality.
- Align the red line on the lens hood with the red line on the lens (lens hood index).
- Insert the lens hood into the lens mount and rotate it clockwise until it clicks into place, aligning the red dot on the hood with the red line on the lens.
Important: If the lens hood is not clicked into place, its shadow may appear in recorded images. Remove the lens hood when using the camera's built-in flash or an external flash to avoid blocking the light. For storage, the lens hood can be fitted backwards onto the lens.
Focusing
Note: The focus mode switch on this lens may not function with certain camera models. Refer to Sony's website or your dealer for compatibility information.
To switch AF (Auto Focus) / MF (Manual Focus):
The focus mode can be switched between AF and MF on the lens itself. For AF photography, both the camera and lens should be set to AF. For MF photography, either or both the camera and lens should be set to MF.
[Illustration : Shows focus mode switch and focusing ring]
- Set the focus mode switch on the lens to the desired mode (AF or MF).
- In MF mode, turn the focusing ring (2) to adjust focus while looking through the viewfinder.
Using a camera with an AF/MF control button:
- Pressing the AF/MF control button during AF operation temporarily switches to MF.
- Pressing the AF/MF control button during MF operation temporarily switches to AF, provided the lens is set to AF and the camera to MF.
Using the Focus Hold Buttons:
[Illustration : Shows focus hold button]
Note: The focus hold button may not function with certain camera models. Refer to Sony's website or your dealer for compatibility information.
- Press the focus hold button during AF operation to cancel AF. The focus is fixed, allowing you to take a picture at that focus point.
- Release the focus hold button while pressing the shutter button halfway to resume AF operation.
Adjusting the Exposure
When the aperture scale is set to "A" and aligned with the aperture index, the camera controls the exposure. You can manually adjust the amount of light entering the lens (f-stop) between f/1.8 and f/22 by rotating the aperture ring.
Adjust the amount of light manually:
Rotate the aperture ring to the desired f-stop when the camera is set to M (Manual) or A (Aperture Priority) mode.
[Illustration -a: Shows aperture click switch]
Notes: Set the aperture click switch to OFF when shooting movies. This reduces the sound of the aperture ring. If the aperture click switch is set to ON, the sound of the aperture ring will be recorded during movie recording.
Specifications
| Product name (Model name) | FE 20mm F1.8 G (SEL20F18G) |
|---|---|
| Focal length (mm) | 20 |
| 35mm equivalent focal length*¹ (mm) | 30 |
| Lens groups-elements | 12-14 |
| Angle of view 1*¹ | 94° |
| Angle of view 2*¹ | 70° |
| Minimum focus distance*¹ (m (feet)) | Auto focus: 0.19 (0.63) Manual focus: 0.18 (0.59) |
| Maximum magnification (X) | Auto focus: 0.2 Manual focus: 0.22 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 |
| Filter diameter (mm) | 67 |
| Dimensions (maximum diameter × height) (approx., mm (in.)) | 73.5 × 84.7 (3 × 3 3/8) |
| Mass (approx., g (oz)) | 373 (13.2) |
| SteadyShot | No |
*¹ This is the equivalent focal length in 35mm format when mounted on an Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera equipped with an APS-C sized image sensor.
*¹ Angle of view 1 is for 35mm cameras, and angle of view 2 is for Interchangeable Lens Digital Cameras equipped with an APS-C sized image sensor.
*¹ Minimum focus distance is from the image sensor to the subject.
Depending on the lens mechanism, the focal length may change with shooting distance. The focal lengths above assume the lens is focused at infinity.
Included Items
The number in parentheses indicates the quantity:
- Lens (1)
- Front lens cap (1)
- Rear lens cap (1)
- Lens hood (1)
- Lens case (1)
- Set of printed documentation
