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

[TGphoto]

I'm as cautious as it's possible to be with single slot cameras, lots of coverage on both cameras then within an hour of the ceremony I already had a full backup on my laptop. Then a final backup of the reception/dance etc before heading home at midnight.

By far the biggest risk was probably getting mugged walking back to my car in the early hours as it's the only time all my eggs are in one basket as it were, not even dual card slots would help there!

Lovely images. I wouldn't go by what's said on here so much, plenty of very good to excellent reviews on the Samyang primes out there, I don't see why nay-sayers on here should over-rule any of that.


Photographers were shooting weddings for decades with one card slot up until a few years ago - I'd rather a back up body over a second slot, just as likely that the problem will be with the camera rather than the card

I don’t disagree with either of you

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

Had a chance to play with my 200-600mm today in between showers. Still very windy though....

Song Thrush at Powburn, Prestwick by robert shearer, on Flickr

Herons at Troon.... by robert shearer, on Flickr

Gull at Ardeer by robert shearer, on Flickr

Gull at Ardeer by robert shearer, on Flickr

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

Mute Swan portrait.
A7ii and 200-600mm

Mute Swan at Ardeer by robert shearer, on Flickr

 

[Riz_Guru]

Sony A9 technology is now available in Sony's new Xperia 1 Mark II
A Xperia Pro is on the way too......
https://pressroom.pixelshift.studio/xperia-assets

Official Press text:
Sony’s New Flagship Xperia 1 II Smartphone Delivers the Complete Creative Entertainment Experience
Flagship Model Offers World’s First Smartphone with up to 20 fps Continuous Shooting Capability

• Triple camera array and 3D iTof sensor incorporating industry-leading Sony Alpha technology and ZEISS optics with T* coating calibrated specifically for Xperia
• Advanced autofocus camera technology enables the world’s first smartphone camera capable of up to 20 fps2continuous shooting with 60 times per second[1] AF/AE3 calculations
• Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals[2]
• Photography Pro and Cinematography Pro functions offer more user control over photo, video and movie creation
• 21:9 CinemaWide 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display[3] delivers unprecedented color accuracy
• True front stereo speakers, a 3.5mm audio jack, and new 360 Reality Audio[4] with unique hardware decoding to optimize sound quality
• Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 865 Mobile Platform, with high-capacity 4000mAh battery with wireless charging for optimal speed and performance

SAN DIEGO — Feb. 24, 2020 — Sony today announced its new flagship smartphone, the Xperia 1 II (Mark two). The new phone leverages even more of Sony’s most innovative technologies, breaking new ground in smartphone camera capabilities and elevating the entertainment experience in a mobile device.

Capture the Decisive Moment with High-speed Shooting
Designed with Sony’s Alpha industry-leading AF technology, the newly developed triple camera array with focal lengths of 16mm, 24mm and 70mm supports advanced photo technologies with outstanding ZEISS optics calibrated specifically for Xperia 1 II, as well as ZEISS T* coating, which contributes to exquisite rendering and contrast by reducing reflections.
Utilizing technology developed for Alpha interchangeable lens cameras, Xperia 1 II offers continuous autofocus and auto-exposure that performs AF/AE3 calculations at 60 times per second4.
This enables the world’s first1 AF / AE continuous tracking for high-speed shooting at a maximum of 20 fps[1] which is especially useful for shooting moving subjects such as children or animals and fast-moving sports. Focus and follow the subject with high precision and capture decisive moments that you do not want to miss.
Furthermore, “Real-time Eye AF[2],” which locks focus on the subject’s eye for stunning portrait shots, is now available for both humans and animals.
Xperia 1 II fast focus also works in low light conditions, delivering quality images in challenging circumstances thanks to four technologies working together:

• dual-photo diode sensor[5]
• an autofocus system that covers approximately 70 percent of the sensor[6]
• the 3D iToF sensor[7]
• a new large 1/1.7” Exmor RS™ for mobile sensor, which is 1.5x more sensitive than the previous model, resulting in faster and more accurate AF in low light shooting.

Advanced Capture Modes for Photos, Videos and Movie Creation
The new Photography Pro function with technology from Alpha brings a user interface that is familiar to Alpha cameras, with manual controls to set ISO, shutter speed, burst mode, autofocus area, exposure control and more.
Cinematography Pro, powered by CineAlta, newly supports 2K 120fps 10-bit HDR cinematic high frame rate shooting[8]and 21:9 4K HDR recording at 24/25/30/60fps[9] to create cinematographic shooting experiences. Touch AF, Metered Manual controls for setting exposure, level meter and improved white balance settings offer more manual control, while the unique Intelligent wind filter technology from Sony reduces noise and wind interference for clear audio recording.
Immersive Entertainment
Whether users are listening to music or watching movies, the Xperia 1 II is finely tuned for an immaculate entertainment experience. Motion blur reduction technology is equivalent to that of a 90Hz display and reduces frame lag for a clearer image quality. It also features Dolby Atmos® sound, tuned in collaboration with Sony Pictures Entertainment, to deliver a multi-dimensional surround sound experience.
Drawing on Sony’s expertise both in audio hardware and music entertainment, the Xperia 1 II has been engineered to deliver a truly authentic listening experience with the audio tuned in collaboration with Sony Music Entertainment.
The aural experience is taken even further with the world’s first[10] smartphone featuring 360 Reality Audio hardware decoding to optimize sound quality when listening to music on the global music and entertainment platform TIDAL[11].
High-quality music can be enjoyed through true front stereo speakers using either wired headphones connected to the 3.5mm jack, or wireless headphones via Bluetooth. Significant audio tuning has reduced crosstalk to an imperceptible 20dB, which is over 90 percent lower than USB-C headphone connections.
In addition to featuring High-resolution Audio and High-resolution Wireless Audio[12], Xperia 1 II introduces DSEE Ultimate. This new technology utilizes artificial intelligence to automatically improve audio frequency and bit rate in real-time, taking each track close to high-resolution audio. It works with wired or wireless headphones, and with local or streaming music.
Built for Exceptional Gaming
The expansive 6.5-inch 21:9 4K HDR OLED screen takes mobile gaming to the next level by offering a wider field-of-view for user gameplay. True front stereo speakers, enhanced touch sensitivity, direct connection to PlayStation®4’s DUALSHOCK®4[13] Wireless Controller, and motion blur reduction technology for smoother action, make gaming on Xperia more immersive than ever.
Supporting the gaming experience further, the Game Enhancer mode, which optimizes the game’s processing performance on the device, has been improved with additional functionality on Xperia 1 II, such as “Competition Set,” which pins a game to the screen and turns Xperia into a dedicated gaming device, making it ideal for competitive matches and Esports.
Enhanced Performance and Power Management
With the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 865 Mobile Platform, Xperia 1 II empowers you to game, capture, cross-task and connect like never before with improved performance and 25 percent faster CPU and GPU performance than the previous model.
Smart and Powerful
Xperia 1 II is powered by a high-capacity 4,000mAh battery with fast charge that charges up to 50 percent in just 30 minutes[14] and features Qi fast wireless charging for a fast battery boost while on the move. Sony continues to develop battery technologies to improve the lifespan and keep the battery healthier for longer, including AI-powered ‘Battery Care’ that adapts to your personal routine.
The Xperia 1 II comes with IP65/68 water resistance[15] and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 6 on both sides, making it sturdy as well as beautifully designed.
Xperia 1 II comes with Android™ 10 and will be available in the U.S. market in 2020. Xperia 1 II will be available for purchase unlocked from Sony authorized retailers and will be compatible with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Cricket and MetroPCS networks.

Development Announcement
Sony Announces 5G mmWave Compatible Device “Xperia PRO”
Sony also today announced plans to develop a 5G mmWave compatible Xperia PRO device designed for professional solutions, such as broadcast video production (footnote 1). The device will include camera and display capabilities from Xperia 1 II, ensuring high-quality video viewing and photography.
Additionally, it will include Sony’s unique 4-way antenna technology and low-permittivity materials, increasing the sensitivity of 360-degree omnidirectional communication in the 5G mmWave band, where it is difficult to maintain stable communication, and realizes data transmission and reception at ultra-high speed. In addition, Xperia PRO has a unique monitor function that displays the connection direction of 5G mmWave and data transmission/reception speed on the screen. Xperia PRO supports professional broadcast video transmission workflows by visualizing and confirming communication status.
Xperia PRO will also support an HDMI (footnote 2) connection, which allows the device to be connected to virtually any camera with an HDMI output. While using the camera as a monitor for interchangeable lens DSLR cameras or professional camcorders, it is possible to transmit broadcast video data during shooting to a server or cloud via 5G connection.
Please follow #SonyXperiaUS on Twitter and visit @SonyXperiaUS on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for all of the latest news on Xperia.
About Sony CorporationSony Corporation is a creative entertainment company with a solid foundation of technology. From game and network services to music, pictures, electronics, semiconductors and financial services – Sony’s purpose is to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology. For more information, visit http://www.sony.net
Footnotes
[1] Effective with 24mm lens. This function can be taken with “Photography Pro”. Effective when shutter speed is 1/60 second or faster. It may vary depending on the shooting environment.

[1] Accurate focus may not be achieved with certain subjects in certain situations and this does not work with all types of animals.

[1] Display ratios may vary based on content formatting.

[1] 360 Reality Audio requires a subscription to a compatible online music service, and third-party terms, conditions, account, and fees may apply.

[1] Dual Photo Diode available for 16mm and 24mm cameras.

[1] Available on 24mm camera

[1] Up to 5m distance. For videos 3D iToF sensor works for 70mm.

[1] Video clip shot in 120fps high frame rate will be recorded and played back in slow motion. Slow motion effect varies depending on project FPS rate such as x2 x4 x4.8 x5.

[1] Recording time restrictions apply. Quality of playback subject to platform and device screen capabilities.

[1] Xperia 1 II features on-device 360 Reality Audio hardware decoding. Hardware decoding works with TIDAL. Third party terms, conditions, account, and fees may apply. Service availability may vary by market. Verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX Service against the current audio specifications for over 16,000 smartphones. Correct as of the 23rd February 2020.

†360 Reality Audio requires a subscription to a compatible online music service, and third party terms, conditions, account, and fees may apply.
††360 Reality Audio hardware decoding works with TIDAL. Third party terms, conditions, account, and fees may apply. Service availability may vary by market.
[1] Third party terms, conditions, account, and fees may apply. Service availability may vary by market.

[1] High-resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless require compatible headset.

[1] DUALSHOCK®4 and XD mount sold separately. Compatibility with game titles may vary.

[1] Charges up to 50% in just 30 minutes (using 21W USB PD charger, accessory sold separately)

[1] XPERIA 1 II is water resistant and protected against dust, so don’t worry if you get caught in the rain or want to wash off dirt under a tap, but remember all ports and attached covers should be firmly closed. You should not put the device completely underwater; or expose it to seawater, salt water, chlorinated water or liquids such as drinks. Abuse and improper use of device will invalidate warranty. The device has been tested under Ingress Protection rating IP65/68. For more info, see https://support.sonymobile.com/global-en/dm/waterresistant/. Note the XPERIA 1 II has a capless USB port to connect and charge. The USB port needs to be completely dry before charging.

Development Announcement Sony Announces 5G mmWave Compatible Device “Xperia PRO” footnotes
(1) Supports multiple high frequency bands such as 28GHz. Also supports Sub6 (frequency bands below 6GHz).
(2) Micro HDMI (Type D)
“SONY” and “Xperia” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
“PlayStation” is a registered trademark or trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
“DUALSHOCK” is a registered trademark or trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. Snapdragon Elite Gaming is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Qualcomm Snapdragon and Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite Gaming are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
Dolby, Dolby Atmos, and the double-D symbol are among the registered and unregistered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. in the Unites States and/or other countries.
© 2020 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION and CALL OF DUTY are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. Tencent is a trademark of Tencent Games Co., Ltd
© 1998 – 2020 Tencent. All Rights Reserved.
Tencent and Tencent Games are trademarks of Tencent Holdings Limited.
Android is a trademark of Google Inc.
ZEISS is a registered trademark of Carl Zeiss AG used under license of Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH.

 

[jonneymendoza]

Yup, more or less all gone.
Got a few more bits n bobs to shift now, that’s all.

Noooo!

 

[jonneymendoza]

So barring some unforeseen event I’m selling all of my Olly and Nikon gear and buying an A7R IV so I have a few questions.

1. Do lexar UHS-II cards play nice with Sony?

2. When reviewing images is there a quick way to zoom 1:1 at the focus point?

3. Are there any good third party battery grips or would you recommend buying Sony?

4. Any issues with third party batteries such as Ex-Pro?

Noooo way!

 

[Riz_Guru]

Noooo!

Haha its gone chap.... money in the bank!
Got my new Fuji X100V coming this week hopefully.

 

[twist]

A9 has sold

 

[snerkler]

A9 has sold

 

[footman]

A9 has sold

I hope you can look forward to the day when you can find time for your hobby.

 

[twist]

I hope you can look forward to the day when you can find time for your hobby.

Thanks, hopefully sooner rather than later, I have an old Sony A58 laying around that I hadnt gotten round to selling, its not worth a lot so might use that if I get the chance.

 

[twist]

Good thing I bought a TT350s last month and didnt even use it :banghead:

 

[Riz_Guru]

@jonneymendoza when are you ordering one?

 

[jonneymendoza]

@jonneymendoza when are you ordering one?

Maybe . what's the key highlights of the phone

 

[Riz_Guru]

Maybe . what's the key highlights of the phone

Sony A9 AF performance, 20 fps, 60 fps AF/AE calculations per second, Eye-AF, Animal Eye-AF, Larger sensors than normal, Carl Zeiss T* lenses, 4K video recording, HDR, Dolby Atmos, Mic Port, HDMI Output..............

Sony’s New Flagship Xperia 1 II Smartphone Delivers the Complete Creative Entertainment Experience
Flagship Model Offers World’s First Smartphone with up to 20 fps Continuous Shooting Capability

• Triple camera array and 3D iTof sensor incorporating industry-leading Sony Alpha technology and ZEISS optics with T* coating calibrated specifically for Xperia
• Advanced autofocus camera technology enables the world’s first smartphone camera capable of up to 20 fps2continuous shooting with 60 times per second[1] AF/AE3 calculations
• Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals[2]
• Photography Pro and Cinematography Pro functions offer more user control over photo, video and movie creation
• 21:9 CinemaWide 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display[3] delivers unprecedented color accuracy
• True front stereo speakers, a 3.5mm audio jack, and new 360 Reality Audio[4] with unique hardware decoding to optimize sound quality
• Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 865 Mobile Platform, with high-capacity 4000mAh battery with wireless charging for optimal speed and performance

 

[xibinim]

Maybe . what's the key highlights of the phone

Sounds like they have gone all out; 4K HDR screen, latest SnapDragon SoC, 8GB of RAM, 256GB storage, a moderately sized battery, headphone jack and a balls to the wall camera set up. However one of the biggest let downs with the XP1 was the camera so keen to see some reviews. I am also concerned how a 4,000 mAh battery can handle all of that without crapping out before lunch.

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

The last time I bought a Sony phone for the fantastic camera, it wouldn't work for more than 5 mins without overheating and turning off ...
It was a common issue....

 

[snerkler]

Been to try the A7R IV again today, still thought the ergonomics were very good (although still not as good as Nikon) apart from the mode dial lock, why did they choose a press and hold unlock mechanism and not a press to unlock press again to locks system like the exp comp dial, makes it awkward to change?

Anyway, apart from that niggle I liked it so I will be doing the switch, just trying to negotiate a better price on my stuff.

 

[rookies]

Been to try the A7R IV again today, still thought the ergonomics were very good (although still not as good as Nikon) apart from the mode dial lock, any did they choose a press and hold unlock mechanism and not a press to unlock press again to locks system like the exp comp dial, makes it awkward to change?

Anyway, apart from that niggle I liked it so I will be doing the switch, just trying to negotiate a better price on my stuff.

Hurrray

 

[GreenNinja67]

About bloody time

Fixed it for you

 

[twist]

Fixed it for you

He likes to ponder before finally making the decision he should've made all along.

 

[snerkler]

He likes to ponder before finally making the decision he should've made all along.

Lol, hasn't been right until now The Tamron 70-180mm f2.8's pushed me over the edge

 

[rob-nikon]

@snerkler i saw you mentioned the sony 24-70 f4 the other day. I’d take a look at the 24-105 f4. I can’t see you being happy with the 24-70 and will probably end up with the 24-105 in the future anyway.

 

[Riz_Guru]

@snerkler i saw you mentioned the sony 24-70 f4 the other day. I’d take a look at the 24-105 f4. I can’t see you being happy with the 24-70 and will probably end up with the 24-105 in the future anyway.

What about the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8, that's a good lens for the money

 

[jonneymendoza]

Lol, hasn't been right until now The Tamron 70-180mm f2.8's pushed me over the edge

When is that lens coming out?

 

[Riz_Guru]

When is that lens coming out?

Soon

 

[snerkler]

@snerkler i saw you mentioned the sony 24-70 f4 the other day. I’d take a look at the 24-105 f4. I can’t see you being happy with the 24-70 and will probably end up with the 24-105 in the future anyway.

Thought about the 24-105mm but fancied something a bit lighter. I've scrapped the idea of the 24-70mm f4, too much edge distortion for my liking.

What about the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8, that's a good lens for the money

It's on the radar.

When is that lens coming out?

We should know tomorrow.

 

[xibinim]

Regarding the Xperia 1 ii..........

The Sony Xperia 1 II will come out in the second quarter of this year in Black and Purple. The full retail price is €1,200. Note that there’s no 4G version, only 5G, and only one memory configuration – 8/256GB (expandable with microSD cards).​

Not saying a definite no but phone prices have got silly now - innovation has been slow but they are still happy to slap on a +£100 each year. Back to keeping tabs on the OP8 which is still pricey compared to what OP phones cost a few years ago but it's still likely to be £300-400 cheaper than the Sony.

 

[Livin The Dream]

Possibly if I look at 1:1, but my output for Flickr is roughly 2000 pixels wide so I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s not a ‘primary’ use lens, it’s a ‘have on me just in case I need something wider’ lens. For dedicated landscape I’m likely to get the 16-35mm f4 or Tamron 17-28mm f2.8.

Apparently the later AF fe mount lenses are better than the older MF Samyangs.

Don't rule out the 28 f2 either which can be picked up for £200. I bought the Sammy 24 on a whim and whilst I thought it was ok on my A73, it is built like a toy so upgraded it.

 

[twist]

Don't rule out the 28 f2 either which can be picked up for £200. I bought the Sammy 24 on a whim and whilst I thought it was ok on my A73, it is built like a toy so upgraded it.

+1, 28 is decent.

 

[snerkler]

Don't rule out the 28 f2 either which can be picked up for £200. I bought the Sammy 24 on a whim and whilst I thought it was ok on my A73, it is built like a toy so upgraded it.

+1, 28 is decent.

The 28 was on the radar but not exactly pocketable.

To let you know my line of thinking. On top of consolidating all my gear into one system I want(ed) a small ish walkabout and really fancied the X100V, and would get the WCL converter with it. I wouldn't plan on using the converter much but would have it 'just in case', but one of the main ideas was to force myself into a single focal length to try and improve my photography 'eye' rather than taking the same old 'holiday' and 'picture postcard' pictures.

However, as I started to look seriously at the A7R IV shortly after I'm really up to my budget with the Sony gear I want, and as I was a bit put off by the price of the X100V anyway it may have to take a back seat for a while until the price is more reasonable so I started to look at alternatives. Those alternatives have become the 35mm f2.8 'pancake' and the 24mm f2.8 pancake, not quite the same as the Fuji setup as that was 28mm and 35mm eq, but I actually prefer 24mm over 28mm as 28mm isn't 'that' much wider than 35mm. So the thoughts are that the 35mm will be on the camera 95% of the time, but I just want something small and pocketable for the odd time I 'need' something wider. So whilst the 24mm f2.8 might not be the worlds best lens, from what I've read it's optically "decent" and it's tiny enough that I'll take it with me. The Tamron primes and the 28mm f/2 are just big enough that I'd find them a pain having them in my pocket (particularly on holiday wearing shorts) that I'd end up not taking them or getting 'annoyed'

I should be able to pick up the Sony Zeiss 35mm f2.8 and Samyang 24mm f2.8 up for around £500 used, 1/3 of the price of the X100V and wide angle converter.

There's some logic in there somewhere I'm sure

On another note A7R IV ordered and on hold, should be picking it on Wednesday at the same time as saying goodbye to my Nikon and Olly, it's a bit bitter sweet. I'll actually have gone full circle too, Sony > Sony + Olympus > Nikon + Olympus > Nikon + Fuji > Nikon + Olympus > Sony

 

[twist]

The 28 was on the radar but not exactly pocketable.

To let you know my line of thinking. On top of consolidating all my gear into one system I want(ed) a small wish walkabout and really fancied the X100V, and would get the WCL converter with it. I wouldn't plan on using the converter much but would have it 'just in case', but one of the main ideas was to force myself into a single focal length to try and improve my photography 'eye' rather than taking the same old 'holiday' and 'picture postcard' pictures.

However, as I started to look seriously at the A7R IV shortly after I'm really up to my budget with the Sony gear I want, and as I was a bit put off by the price of the X100V anyway it may have to take a back seat for a while until the price is more reasonable so I started to look at alternatives. Those alternatives have become the 35mm f2.8 'pancake' and the 24mm f2.8 pancake, not quite the same as the Fuji setup as that was 28mm and 35mm eq, but I actually prefer 24mm over 28mm as 28mm isn't 'that' much wider than 35mm. So the thoughts are that the 35mm will be on the camera 95% of the time, but I just want something small and pocketable for the odd time I 'need' something wider. So whilst the 24mm f2.8 might not be the worlds best lens, from what I've read it's optically "decent" and it's tiny enough that I'll take it with me. The Tamron primes and the 28mm f/2 are just big enough that I'd find them a pain having them in my pocket (particularly on holiday wearing shorts) that I'd end up not taking them or getting 'annoyed'

I should be able to pick up the Sony Zeiss 35mm f2.8 and Samyang 24mm f2.8 up for around £500 used, 1/3 of the price of the X100V and wide angle converter.

There's some logic in there somewhere I'm sure

On another note, A7R IV ordered and on hold, should be picking it on Wednesday at the same time as saying goodbye to my Nikon and Olly, it's. bit bitter sweet. I'll actually have gone full circle, Sony > Sony + Olympus > Nikon + Olympus > Nikon + Fuji > Nikon + Olympus > Sony

Just get the 24 then, for the purpose Im sure its fine.

 

[snerkler]

Handled the Sony 100-400mm as well today, that's a really nice bit of kit. Feels in a different league to the Tamron 150-600mm and Panny 100-400mm I've owned. Mind you it should when you consider the price

 

[pastyman]

A little advice please peeps....... had to sell my A7R2, GM lenses etc a couple of years ago, couldn't afford to get back into Sony so went the XT3 route.
Now in a position to change should I wish to, but does the the A7R2 still stack up against the Xt3?

 

[twist]

Handled the Sony 100-400mm as well today, that's a really nice bit of kit. Feels in a different league to the Tamron 150-600mm and Panny 100-400mm I've owned. Mind you it should when you consider the price

Yeah, its bloody lovely and even with the 1.4x its such a small and light setup.

 

[snerkler]

Yeah, its bloody lovely and even with the 1.4x its such a small and light setup.

Yeah I might get the TC at some point. Any idea if Sony TC's work with third party (ie the Tamron 70-180mm) or would you need the third part TC for those?

 

[twist]

A little advice please peeps....... had to sell my A7R2, GM lenses etc a couple of years ago, couldn't afford to get back into Sony so went the XT3 route.
Now in a position to change should I wish to, but does the the A7R2 still stack up against the Xt3?

Youve used both, nothings really changed

 

[twist]

Yeah I might get the TC at some point. Any idea if Sony TC's work with third party (ie the Tamron 70-180mm) or would you need the third part TC for those?

Dunno mate, @nandbytes really needs to come back from his holiday. The big question is whether the Tamron will work with (any) TCs. I think Tamron would do well if they launched one alongside.

 

[Cagey75]

A little advice please peeps....... had to sell my A7R2, GM lenses etc a couple of years ago, couldn't afford to get back into Sony so went the XT3 route.
Now in a position to change should I wish to, but does the the A7R2 still stack up against the Xt3?

In what way? The Sony is going to offer you the better overall IQ/DR/Res but if AF is a high priority for you then you may want to stick to the X-T3, or look to some of the faster Sony bodies like the 7III

 

[twist]

In what way? The Sony is going to offer you the better overall IQ/DR/Res but if AF is a high priority for you then you may want to stick to the X-T3, or look to some of the faster Sony bodies like the 7III

The A7rii is pretty quick with native glass, noticeably better than A7 1/2. Even adapted its good.