The Amazing Sony A1/A7/A9/APS-C & Anything else welcome Mega Thread!

Just in case he hasn't mentioned it and people haven't noticed... Simon, Trick01, is selling an A1 at what looks to be a reasonable price.
 
GLWTS.

It's not a camera I'm interested in, a bit too upmarket for me. I'm more an entry level day out happy snapper. Someone here could well be interested though.
 
I'm keeping them both.

I think flare divides opinion. I think there are people who'll avoid it at just about all costs but I think that it can be beautiful and can give a more realistic look especially in video. Most of the pictures with flare that I've posted were taken with film era lenses and of course with modern lenses it can be harder to provoke. I do like it when we see flare in animations.
 
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Wide angle help.

Currently using a Samyang 18mm.
Which gets decent results when stepped down abit and is very very small and light so great for travel.
we are away to China for the first time in 6 years and have been looking to replace it with the Tamron 17-28( nearly bought it last year) for a bit more versatility and ease.
But as I’m searching so much is popping up about the Sony 20/1.8 being so great.

Is it worth changing to that or sticking to the 17-28.

Currently using a7iii, Samyang18/2.8, tamron28-75/2.8, Viltrox 50/2( very surprised by this lens), Sony 85/1.8.

So if I went 17-28 would take- 17-28/28-75/50
I I went 20 would take 20/50/85
 
I have the Sony 20mm f1.8 and I do think it's a nice lens, nice IQ, nicely made but it's not a zoom so that's a decision for you. I see you have a mix of primes and zooms so you are in a good place to make a decision. With a prime/s you could always crop and there's stitching but zooms offer flexibility.

In you place, ideally. I'd take two cameras. A main one and one with what I'd think would be a prime which won't get as much use. 20 or 24 and 35mm would do me.
 
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pmac said:
Wide angle help.

Currently using a Samyang 18mm.
Which gets decent results when stepped down abit and is very very small and light so great for travel.
we are away to China for the first time in 6 years and have been looking to replace it with the Tamron 17-28( nearly bought it last year) for a bit more versatility and ease.
But as I’m searching so much is popping up about the Sony 20/1.8 being so great.

Is it worth changing to that or sticking to the 17-28.

Currently using a7iii, Samyang18/2.8, tamron28-75/2.8, Viltrox 50/2( very surprised by this lens), Sony 85/1.8.

So if I went 17-28 would take- 17-28/28-75/50
I I went 20 would take 20/50/85
Click to expand...
I’d personally stick with the zoom, 20mm is too limiting for travel imo plus you’ll most likely be stopping down so most of the benefit of sharpness will be negated.
 
pmac said:
Wide angle help.

Currently using a Samyang 18mm.
Which gets decent results when stepped down abit and is very very small and light so great for travel.
we are away to China for the first time in 6 years and have been looking to replace it with the Tamron 17-28( nearly bought it last year) for a bit more versatility and ease.
But as I’m searching so much is popping up about the Sony 20/1.8 being so great.

Is it worth changing to that or sticking to the 17-28.

Currently using a7iii, Samyang18/2.8, tamron28-75/2.8, Viltrox 50/2( very surprised by this lens), Sony 85/1.8.

So if I went 17-28 would take- 17-28/28-75/50
I I went 20 would take 20/50/85
Click to expand...

I had the Tamron 17-28 for a good while its a decent lens, certainly a better lens than the Samyang 18mm which I still have.

As you have already been to China you would know better than me what focal lengths you will need. If it was me I would probably want something wider than 17mm. There is a much bigger difference between 16mm and 17mm than you might think and 14mm is much much wider again.

If it was me I would probably take a punt on the new Samyang / Schneider 14-24 along with a 50 and an 85.
 
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f/2.8 said:
I had the Tamron 17-28 for a good while its a decent lens, certainly a better lens than the Samyang 18mm which I still have.

As you have already been to China you would know better than me what focal lengths you will need. If it was me I would probably want something wider than 17mm. There is a much bigger difference between 16mm and 17mm than you might think and 14mm is much much wider again.

If it was me I would probably take a punt on the new Samyang / Schneider 14-24 along with a 50 and an 85.
Click to expand...
My choice would be the 16-35mm GM II, but I’ve never used anything wider.
 
f/2.8 said:
I had the Tamron 17-28 for a good while its a decent lens, certainly a better lens than the Samyang 18mm which I still have.

As you have already been to China you would know better than me what focal lengths you will need. If it was me I would probably want something wider than 17mm. There is a much bigger difference between 16mm and 17mm than you might think and 14mm is much much wider again.

If it was me I would probably take a punt on the new Samyang / Schneider 14-24 along with a 50 and an 85.
Click to expand...
widest ive had there was 24mm and while it was okay it just ment a lot more stitching multiple images at times or just being stuck at that.
the samyang is okay for everyday use but distortion is a bit much with architecture
the samyang 14-24 is sadly well over budget, I had thought about the Viltrox 16mm as I've been so impressed by the 50mm
 
pmac said:
sadly well over budget, looking at 500ish max and will likely be buying used.
Click to expand...
Out of my budget too, but we can dream ;) That being said, I'm very happy with my 16-35mm f4 (y)
 
snerkler said:
My choice would be the 16-35mm GM II, but I’ve never used anything wider
Click to expand...
I suggested the Samyang because its very small and light weight. I have the 12-24 G.M it is great but I wouldn't want to take it travelling.


pmac said:
widest ive had there was 24mm and while it was okay it just ment a lot more stitching multiple images at times or just being stuck at that.
the samyang is okay for everyday use but distortion is a bit much with architecture
the samyang 14-24 is sadly well over budget, I had thought about the Viltrox 16mm as I've been so impressed by the 50mm
Click to expand...

The Viltrox 16mm is excellent to be fair.
 
pmac said:
Wide angle help.

Currently using a Samyang 18mm.
Which gets decent results when stepped down abit and is very very small and light so great for travel.
we are away to China for the first time in 6 years and have been looking to replace it with the Tamron 17-28( nearly bought it last year) for a bit more versatility and ease.
But as I’m searching so much is popping up about the Sony 20/1.8 being so great.

Is it worth changing to that or sticking to the 17-28.

Currently using a7iii, Samyang18/2.8, tamron28-75/2.8, Viltrox 50/2( very surprised by this lens), Sony 85/1.8.

So if I went 17-28 would take- 17-28/28-75/50
I I went 20 would take 20/50/85
Click to expand...
I’ve got the 20mm 1.8 in the classified section if you’re interested.
 
The rumor site had a bit on the new 7Artisans 24mm f1.8 AF a couple of days ago with reviews...

New 7Artisans 24mm f/1.8 AF Lens | sonyalpharumors

The new 7Artisans 24mm f/1.8 AF lens has been announced and is available for preorder at BHphoto, Amazon, 7artisans, Pergear. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3o8tVPj2Po https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zC1v_cPxJs
www.sonyalpharumors.com www.sonyalpharumors.com

I've just got around to looking at the reviews and although Christopher Frost finds some niggles it seems to be a reasonable effort. It's disappointing that he spots that the aperture doesn't seem quite right at f11 and f16. I wonder why these Chinese manufacturers have so many problems getting the apertures right? Having seen this with that dreadful Artralab 35mm f1.4 abomination (optically IMO a good lens but with fantasy apertures) and also to a much lesser extent the Pergear 35mm f1.4 I am glad that CF spots this and mentions it as most reviewers don't seem to spot it or at least they don't mention it.

As 24mm isn't one of my most used I'm happy enough with the Sony f2.8 especially as it's small.

Just to save people looking for it...

Chris says...


Dustin says...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zC1v_cPxJs&t=1363s
 
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With the release of the FX2 it's got me curious as to what the difference is between this line of cameras and cameras like the A7 series. I understand that the FX are more video focussed and the A7 more stills focussed but obviously they can both shoot video and stills, so what exactly is it that makes the FX series more video focussed?
 
snerkler said:
With the release of the FX2 it's got me curious as to what the difference is between this line of cameras and cameras like the A7 series. I understand that the FX are more video focussed and the A7 more stills focussed but obviously they can both shoot video and stills, so what exactly is it that makes the FX series more video focussed?
Click to expand...
I think there's some differences in the software side in terms of codec support but the primary difference is the body and controls, like other video focused cameras and unlike the A7 cameras it seems more designed to be part of a modular system you build up with parts. One of the improvements of the FX3 over the A7SIII was a fan allowing it to record for longer, there's a mention of a fan for an FX2 so it may also have better recording times. Clearly there's a lot of crossover between both series of cameras but there must be enough of a market to make dedicated versions for stills and video.
 
JohnMcL7 said:
I think there's some differences in the software side in terms of codec support but the primary difference is the body and controls, like other video focused cameras and unlike the A7 cameras it seems more designed to be part of a modular system you build up with parts. One of the improvements of the FX3 over the A7SIII was a fan allowing it to record for longer, there's a mention of a fan for an FX2 so it may also have better recording times. Clearly there's a lot of crossover between both series of cameras but there must be enough of a market to make dedicated versions for stills and video.
Click to expand...
Thanks, interesting stuff. Not being a videoographer I wasn't aware that it's more of a modular system (y)
 
snerkler said:
Thanks, interesting stuff. Not being a videoographer I wasn't aware that it's more of a modular system (y)
Click to expand...
I'm obviously not a videographer either however I was watching a review of a Blackmagic Pocket a while back and I was quite surprised when they showed it in use how much equipment they built up around it. This is the camera itself which looks a normal-ish interchangeable lens camera:


However this seems a more typical use with the camera on a rig with a monitor on it:


Similarly the Sigma FP is an absolutely tiny little FF interchangeable lens camera but when you look at in use it's almost hilarious how small it is once the rigs have been built up around it. The Sony FX cameras have a more block like design which seems to favour being mounted with additional parts and the press shots show the attachment on the top of the camera to connect mics, monitors etc. Although some of the buttons are similar to A7 cameras, the FX cameras have different labels in some cases and different layouts on others. Of course you can find similar rigs built up around A7 camera but it seems it's more expected the FX cameras are intended for it while the A7 cameras are meant to be used handheld.

It does make you wonder what the point in the A7S series now is though.
 
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JohnMcL7 said:
I'm obviously not a videographer either however I was watching a review of a Blackmagic Pocket a while back and I was quite surprised when they showed it in use how much equipment they built up around it. This is the camera itself which looks a normal-ish interchangeable lens camera:


However this seems a more typical use with the camera on a rig with a monitor on it:


Similarly the Sigma FP is an absolutely tiny little FF interchangeable lens camera but when you look at in use it's almost hilarious how small it is once the rigs have been built up around it. The Sony FX cameras have a more block like design which seems to favour being mounted with additional parts and the press shots show the attachment on the top of the camera to connect mics, monitors etc. Although some of the buttons are similar to A7 cameras, the FX cameras have different labels in some cases and different layouts on others. Of course you can find similar rigs built up around A7 camera but it seems it's more expected the FX cameras are intended for it while the A7 cameras are meant to be used handheld.

It does make you wonder what the point in the A7S series now is though.
Click to expand...
This reminds me of the filming of 28 years later. There was a big song and dance how it had been filmed entirely on an iPhone, and whilst technically correct it's not quite as it seems when you see the rig :lol:

Screenshot 2025-05-29 at 18.47.57.jpg
 
Hi Sony Chums.

You may recall the focussing issues I had with my A6700 (real or imagined I could not get consistent results when using subject detection). The camera was bought through Cotswolds and when I reported the issue they put me straight through to their repair representatives (Johnstone and Co in Glasgow as I'm in Scotland) - no quibbling and good service from Cotswolds I have to say.

Johnstone's had it for a couple of weeks and have returned it today with the following carried out - 'Dismantle to reset image sensor and giro. Full AF recalibration and reporgram to standard. Check clean and reset' Goodness only knows whether this will have done anything!

I sold the 70-350 as I thought it was the issue (a mistake I now think) so I'll test it with the sigma 105 on some insects when I get the chance.

I'm also considering a move to M43 - OM1 + 100-400 maybe (to cover birds + insects as you can get a pretty decent macro with that lens) or maybe a 300mm f4 if I go mad but that would break the budget completely! Not made up my mind yet though and another option would be to stick with what I have and pick up a Tamron 50-400. (as a matter of interest are there any 400mm Sony lenses that can do a decent macro at 400mm? I know the Tamron does but only at very close range/50mm)

Thanks again for all the advice and well done if you read this far :)
 
dibbly dobbler said:
Hi Sony Chums.

You may recall the focussing issues I had with my A6700 (real or imagined I could not get consistent results when using subject detection). The camera was bought through Cotswolds and when I reported the issue they put me straight through to their repair representatives (Johnstone and Co in Glasgow as I'm in Scotland) - no quibbling and good service from Cotswolds I have to say.

Johnstone's had it for a couple of weeks and have returned it today with the following carried out - 'Dismantle to reset image sensor and giro. Full AF recalibration and reporgram to standard. Check clean and reset' Goodness only knows whether this will have done anything!

I sold the 70-350 as I thought it was the issue (a mistake I now think) so I'll test it with the sigma 105 on some insects when I get the chance.

I'm also considering a move to M43 - OM1 + 100-400 maybe (to cover birds + insects as you can get a pretty decent macro with that lens) or maybe a 300mm f4 if I go mad but that would break the budget completely! Not made up my mind yet though and another option would be to stick with what I have and pick up a Tamron 50-400. (as a matter of interest are there any 400mm Sony lenses that can do a decent macro at 400mm? I know the Tamron does but only at very close range/50mm)

Thanks again for all the advice and well done if you read this far :)
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Sounds like some extensive work carried out, I assume you were out of your return/exchange period?

I had the Olympus EM1-II and Panny-Leica 100-400mm and was always happy with the results. AF was good rather than exceptional though, but I think this was the camera lens combo as the EM1-II AF was excellent on the whole. I’d imagine the OM1 is a big step forward.
 
snerkler said:
Sounds like some extensive work carried out, I assume you were out of your return/exchange period?

I had the Olympus EM1-II and Panny-Leica 100-400mm and was always happy with the results. AF was good rather than exceptional though, but I think this was the camera lens combo as the EM1-II AF was excellent on the whole. I’d imagine the OM1 is a big step forward.
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Thanks for the reply Toby - yes I think you only get 30 days for a return but there's a 3 year warranty with Cotswolds.

I think I've achieved a state of total 'paralysis by analysis' and can't decide how to go forward but I'll go with 'when in doubt, do nowt' for a while and take it from there. Thanks again :)
 
dibbly dobbler said:
Thanks for the reply Toby - yes I think you only get 30 days for a return but there's a 3 year warranty with Cotswolds.

I think I've achieved a state of total 'paralysis by analysis' and can't decide how to go forward but I'll go with 'when in doubt, do nowt' for a while and take it from there. Thanks again :)
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It's tricky as we're all searching for the holy grail that doesn't exist. I"m very lucky as over the years I've managed to build my kit up and now have some extremely nice equipment, but I still wish it was smaller and lighter. My extensive journey has taught me that I'm not willing to sacrifice on image quality though and so am willing to put up with heavier kit (within reason) to get that IQ. Mirrorless has certainly helped with that, and whilst my gear is heavier than I'd ideally like it's a lot lighter than my old FF DSLR gear, to the point that I no longer run a lighter alternative alongside.

Of course I still get the green eyed monster and would love an A1-II, 16-35mm GM2 and 300mm f2.8, but that doens't mean that I'm not happy with and very grateful for what I have already (y)
 
snerkler said:
It's tricky as we're all searching for the holy grail that doesn't exist. I"m very lucky as over the years I've managed to build my kit up and now have some extremely nice equipment, but I still wish it was smaller and lighter. My extensive journey has taught me that I'm not willing to sacrifice on image quality though and so am willing to put up with heavier kit (within reason) to get that IQ. Mirrorless has certainly helped with that, and whilst my gear is heavier than I'd ideally like it's a lot lighter than my old FF DSLR gear, to the point that I no longer run a lighter alternative alongside.

Of course I still get the green eyed monster and would love an A1-II, 16-35mm GM2 and 300mm f2.8, but that doens't mean that I'm not happy with and very grateful for what I have already (y)
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Wise words. I'm a bit like that too for some things - eg for macro shots of bugs I have been looking for a compromise lens that can do bugs and birds but I think I really need a 'proper' 1:1 macro that can get me shots like the below (taken this morning with the A6700 + Sigma 105 - I think we are back in action now after the repairs!)


Plasterer Bee by Mike Smith, on Flickr


Open Wide and say Aaaaargh by Mike Smith, on Flickr

Shot these with natural light at f8 for a change (normally f16 with flash) and it was quite good fun - they are definitely sharp enough for me anyway :)
 
dibbly dobbler said:
Wise words. I'm a bit like that too for some things - eg for macro shots of bugs I have been looking for a compromise lens that can do bugs and birds but I think I really need a 'proper' 1:1 macro that can get me shots like the below (taken this morning with the A6700 + Sigma 105 - I think we are back in action now after the repairs!)


Plasterer Bee by Mike Smith, on Flickr


Open Wide and say Aaaaargh by Mike Smith, on Flickr

Shot these with natural light at f8 for a change (normally f16 with flash) and it was quite good fun - they are definitely sharp enough for me anyway :)
Click to expand...
Wow they're insane. I always got frustrated with Macro as the insect wouldn't sit and pose :lol:
 
A couple of days ago the rumor site mentioned that there are Sigma APS-C and FF lenses coming...

Two Sigma APS-C lenses (including epic f/1.8 zoom) will be announced on June 17…four more FF lenses coming soon after! | sonyalpharumors

https://youtu.be/rlaKh-TG5og Sigma continues to push forward with the release of new lenses, and today I have some exclusive, exciting news to share with you! On June 17, at the BildExpo event (register here) Sigma will announce new lenses: Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 APS-C ART autofocus lens Sigma 12mm...
www.sonyalpharumors.com www.sonyalpharumors.com

Could we see an interesting 35, 50 or even 28mm????

We'll soon know.
 
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