Lens options

[Michael Batten]

Good afternoon everyone,

I currently have the a7R with the Zeiss 24mm-70mm f4 and I'm struggling to decide whether I should go for the 16mm-35mm f4 or the 70mm-200mm f4, second hand they are about the same price.

I have also been considering the Voightlander 15mm Super Wide Heliar however this has a fixed hood so the use of filters is then prohibited.

I tend to shoot landscapes/seascapes so any of the 3 lenses would be useful.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Michael .

 

[PaulButler]

I don't know either lens specifically as I shoot Nikon but I believe both to be good lenses. Given the A7 range is full frame I can comment on the focal lengths

If possible take a look at the usage of your 24-70 when shooting landscapes and seascapes. You may find you are towards one end or the other, if so then get the lens that continues on from there. So if you shoot mainly towards the 24mm end get the 16-35 and vice versa.

I like shooting certain landscapes with longer lenses, mountains and lakes in the main, though I will still use wider lenses too. For seascapes, I generally prefer wider lenses typically 35mm and lower. I find the ultra wide angles to be less useful though (e.g. the 15mm you mentioned).

Whilst the above may not answer your question I hope it gives food for thought

 

[woof woof]

16-35mm and 70-200mm are so different and the 15mm prime so different again that only you can decide which would suit you the most.

You'll have to put your thinking cap on or maybe buy the 50mm f2.8 macro instead

 

[Michael Batten]

16-35mm and 70-200mm are so different and the 15mm prime so different again that only you can decide which would suit you the most.

You'll have to put your thinking cap on or maybe buy the 50mm f2.8 macro instead

I looked at the 50mm f2.8 macro and decided that I'd much rather have a 90mm or 100mm so stuck with either the G option or a cheeky Samyang option.

I don't know either lens specifically as I shoot Nikon but I believe both to be good lenses. Given the A7 range is full frame I can comment on the focal lengths

If possible take a look at the usage of your 24-70 when shooting landscapes and seascapes. You may find you are towards one end or the other, if so then get the lens that continues on from there. So if you shoot mainly towards the 24mm end get the 16-35 and vice versa.

I like shooting certain landscapes with longer lenses, mountains and lakes in the main, though I will still use wider lenses too. For seascapes, I generally prefer wider lenses typically 35mm and lower. I find the ultra wide angles to be less useful though (e.g. the 15mm you mentioned).

Whilst the above may not answer your question I hope it gives food for thought

Excellent points Paul, I lean heavily towards the wider end of the lens so the 70-200 is now a more unattractive option. This leaves the 16-35 or the 15 UWA. The benefit of the 16-35 is that I can use filters has AF thought that's not really a massive consideration, whereas the 15 has minimial distortion, excellent build quality and is half the price. Ultimately I could buy one and if I don't like it sell it to fund the other.

 

[madsector]

How does the 15mm work on the A7? On Fuji X (APS-C sensor) it shows strong smearing...