Sony's FE 28mm f2 is a compact and affordable wide-angle prime lens for Sony mirrorless cameras, that's corrected for use on full-frame bodies. The small size and light-weight make it a perfect companion for Sony's smaller bodies, while a pair of optional adapters transform it into a 21mm ultra-wide or 16mm Fisheye. It may lack the ultimate quality of Sony's higher-end lenses, but the size, weight and price - not to mention the added flexibility of the adapters - are hard to argue with. Indeed along with the FE 50mm f1.8 and FE 85mm f1.8 you can build a compelling triplet of light and low-cost prime lenses.Intro
The Sony FE 28mm f2 is a standard wide-angle lens for Sony’s mirrorless cameras, and corrected for use on full-frame bodies. Also known as the SEL28F20, the FE 28mm f2 was launched in March 2015 alongside the FE 90mm f2.8 Macro and FE 35mm f1.4 prime. Unlike these other two lenses though, the FE 28mm f2 is a much smaller, lighter and more affordable option, aimed at those who want to keep overall size – and costs – down.
The FE 28mm f2 employs nine elements in eight groups, has nine aperture blades and a closet focusing distance of 0.29m when using AF or 0.25m in manual focus. The lens barrel is one of the more compact in the catalogue, measuring 64x60mm and weighing 200g, while the filter thread measures 49mm. The lens may be one of the smaller and more affordable options for the FE mount, but like other models remains weather-sealed. A pair of optional adapters are also available which usefully transform the lens into a 21mm ultra-wide or 16mm Fisheye.
The FE 28mm f2 may not be as exotic nor as well-corrected as its higher-end siblings, but importantly it represents one of the few lower-cost options for owners of Sony’s full-frame mirrorless bodies; indeed only the FE 50mm f1.8 is cheaper. Couple this with the optional adapters for even wider coverage and you have a lens that’s compact, affordable and flexible, a winning combination. I travelled through Western Europe with the lens for a whole Summer and have compiled a gallery of sample images below.
