A camera enthusiast myself, getting hold and following cameras of different brands excites me a lot, in terms of how each camera brand develops their niche segment, whether DSLRs, M4/3 or Micro 4/3. I would read and follow their releases, trying to stay in touch with all the different camera brands and systems currently in the market.
Sony recently announced their new 20mm Pancake lens, for their Sony Alpha interchangeable lens E-Mount System. The E 20mm F2.8 ‘pancake’ wide angle lens is ultra-slim yet tough lens for E-mount cameras is perfect for everyday shooting. The lens will be available in Asia Pacific from March 2013. At 20mm wide and aperture at f/2.8, the pancake lens would be highly suitable for street photography, landscape and casual shoot photography!
I personally feel that the Pancake lens would make a value for money investment for each of the respective brand’s systems and it might be the new lens to have it in your photography setup, just like the 50mm f/1.8 lens. For Sony Alpha E-Mount users, this is definitely worth a consideration!
Here’s the technical specifications for the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 Pancake lens
| Lens Specifications | Product name | E 20mm F2.8 |
| Model name | SEL20F28 | |
| Format *1 | APS-C | |
| 35mm equivalent focal-length (APS-C) (mm) *2 | 30 | |
| Lens construction (groups-elements) | 6-6 | |
| Angle of view (APS-C) *2 | 70° | |
| Angle of view (35mm) | – | |
| Maximum aperture (F) | 2.8 | |
| Minimum aperture (F) | 16 | |
| Number of aperture blade | 7 | |
| Circular aperture | Yes | |
| Minimum focus distance (m) | 0.2 | |
| Minimum focus distance (ft) | 0.66 | |
| Maximum magnification ratio (x) | 0.12 x | |
| Filter diameter (mm) | 49 | |
| ADI metering / Distance encoder | – | |
| Image stabilization (SteadyShot) | – | |
| Compensation effect | – | |
| Teleconverter compatibility (x1.4) | – | |
| Teleconverter compatibility (x2.0) | – | |
| Hood type | Cap type | |
| Dimensions dia. x length (mm) | 62.6 x 20.4 | |
| Dimensions dia. x length (in.) | 2-1/2 x 13/16 | |
| Weight (approx.) (g) | 69 | |
| Weight (approx.) (oz.) | 2.4 | |
| Internal motor | Yes | |
| AF for movie record | Yes | |
| Direct Manual Focus | Yes | |
| Exterior finish | Aluminium alloy |
