Sony E Autofocus OIS

Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS

Focal length: 24–105 mm
Aperture: f/4
Weight: 663 g
Filter diameter: 77 mm
Min. focus distance: 38 cm
Length: 113.3 mm

Overview

The Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS is a constant aperture standard zoom for Sony E-mount full frame cameras. Sony announced it in October 2017 as a versatile all-rounder in its G lens series, covering wide angle to short telephoto in one lens. It suits travel, landscape, portrait, wedding and video work where changing lenses is inconvenient.

Optical design

The lens has 17 elements in 14 groups. According to Sony, the design includes four aspherical elements, two of them advanced aspherical (AA), and three ED elements to reduce chromatic aberration. Sony Nano AR Coating is meant to limit flare and ghosting, and a 9 blade circular aperture supports smooth background rendering. The minimum focus distance is 38 cm with a maximum magnification of 0.31x.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus uses a DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) system, which Sony describes as quick and quiet. The built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilizer, which Sony highlights for sharper handheld shots, is a plus for cameras without in-body stabilization. There is a customizable focus hold button and an AF/MF switch, but no aperture ring. The zoom ring is mechanical (manual zoom).

Build and size

The lens weighs 663 g, measures 83.4 mm in diameter and 113.3 mm in length and takes 77 mm filters. Sony states a dust and moisture resistant design (not guaranteed fully sealed) and a fluorine coating on the front element. At announcement, Sony called it the lightest lens in its class.

Where it fits

It is Sony's F4 answer to the F2.8 zooms such as the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM and its GM II successor, trading a stop of light for reach, stabilization and lower weight. Related alternatives are the Sony FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS with a shorter range, the Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G with a wider start, and the Sony FE PZ 28-135mm F4 G OSS with a power zoom for video.

Pros and cons

Pros

24 to 105 mm range at constant F4
Built-in optical stabilization
Light for its range at 663 g
Weather resistant design with fluorine coating

Cons

F4 is a stop slower than the F2.8 standard zooms
DDSSM autofocus rather than the XD linear motors of newer G Master lenses
No aperture ring

Verdict

The FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS remains a practical one-lens solution for E-mount users who prioritize range and stabilization over maximum light. Based on the data, it is a good fit for travel and event shooting with lighter kits, while photographers who need shallow depth of field or the newest AF motors should look at the F2.8 and GM options.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 24 mm
max focal length: 105 mm
max f (min zoom): f/4
max f (max zoom): f/4
min. aperture: f/22
Elements: 17
Groups: 14
Weight: 663 g (1.46 lb)
Filter diameter: 77 mm
min focus distance: 38 cm (14.96 in)
Length: 113.3 mm (4.46 in)
Diameter: 83.4 mm (3.28 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS fit?

The Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS is a full-frame lens for Sony E-Mount cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Sony E-Mount cameras its field of view equals 36-158 mm in full-frame terms.

Sony E-Mount cameras

Full frame:: Sony A7R VI, Sony A7 V, Sony FX2, Sony A1 II, Sony A9 III, Sony A7C II, Sony A7CR, Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V, Sony A7 IV, Sony A1, Sony FX3, Sony A7S III, Sony A7C, Sony FX6, Sony A7R IV, Sony A9 II, Sony FX9, Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III, Sony A9, Sony A7R II, Sony A7S II, Sony A7 II, Sony A7S, Sony A7, Sony A7R
APS-C:: Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700, Sony FX30, Sony ZV-E10, Sony A6600, Sony A6100, Sony A6400, Sony A6500, Sony A6300, Sony A6000, Sony A5100, Sony A5000, Sony A3000, Sony NEX-5T, Sony NEX-3N, Sony NEX-6, Sony NEX-5R, Sony NEX-F3