The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G and the Canon 20mm f2.8 USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G is the longer of the two lenses at 85mm. The Canon 20mm f2.8 USM with a length of 71mm, is 14mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon 20mm f2.8 USM has a larger diameter of 78mm compared to the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G's 74mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G weighs 373g, which means it is 32g (7%) lighter than the Canon 20mm f2.8 USM which has a weight of 405g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Canon 20mm f2.8 USM has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 20mm f2.8 USM:
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Canon 20mm f2.8 USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A9 III, Sony A7C Mark II and Sony A7CR for the Sony E Mount and Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
20mm but while Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G has the fastest aperture of
F1.8, the Canon 20mm f2.8 USM's widest aperture value is
F2.8.