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

Not really interested in the smaller sensor drones tbh.
And I am very unlikely to use them around people and buildings.

The without license bit was tempting but I guess I'll just have to wait for the sensor to filter down the order if that's even possible.

Mavic 2 Pro was just too big so I never bought it. Air 2s is a size I can put up with. Of course smaller will be better for me but if I can't take the pictures I'd want to properly there isn't much point in owning one.
You still need a flyer ID and Operator ID for the smaller under 250g drones like the mavic mini. I’m confused by the license which I’m guessing you mean the A2 C of C. That’s worth doing if you have an A2 drone. That allows you to reduce the distances with the A2 models. One of the reason I went with a used mavic mini was because it will stay in the A1 category after 2022 rather than move into A3. Also because a A2 drone without A2 C of C would be minimum of 150m away from people. That would be very restrictive as that’s 150m all directions from any person. 150m is a surprisingly large distance especially when it’s 300m diameter. Fly 200m in a straight line it becomes 500m you’d need.

My idea was to test with the mini to see if I like drone photography before maybe upgrading when the certified versions are out. I doubt any previous models will be back certified as it would cause the manufacturers lost future sales. When A2 drones all move to A3 at the end of 2022 there will be a big rush to buy certified drones.
 
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You still need a flyer ID and Operator ID for the smaller under 250g drones like the mavic mini. I’m confused by the license which I’m guessing you mean the A2 C of C. That’s worth doing if you have an A2 drone. That allows you to reduce the distances with the A2 models. One of the reason I went with a used mavic mini was because it will stay in the A1 category after 2022 rather than move into A3. Also because a A2 drone without A2 C of C would be minimum of 150m away from people. That would be very restrictive as that’s 150m all directions from any person. 150m is a surprisingly large distance especially when it’s 300m diameter. Fly 200m in a straight line it becomes 500m you’d need.

My idea was to test with the mini to see if I like drone photography before maybe upgrading when the certified versions are out. I doubt any previous models will be back certified as it would cause the manufacturers lost future sales. When A2 drones all move to A3 at the end of 2022 there will be a big rush to buy certified drones.

I know and I will get them i.e. the flyer ID and operator ID.
I see what you mean about distances being large. But I plan to fly it mostly in the middle of nowhere rather than crowded places.
I am not getting A2 CoC simply because its useless for my drone (beyond 2022). If I can't make it work in A3 subcategory then I might as well sell in on sooner than later since as you say it won't be worth as much as a legacy drone.

I have two trips planned where I think I can make good use of the drone.... lets see....

Also how strictly are these laws enforced??
I imagine not hugely especially if I am shooting in remote locations like in Scottish highlands....
 
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I know and I will get them i.e. the flyer ID and operator ID.
I see what you mean about distances being large. But I plan to fly it mostly in the middle of nowhere rather than crowded places.
I am not getting A2 CoC simply because its useless for my drone (beyond 2022). If I can't make it work in A3 subcategory then I might as well sell in on sooner than later since as you say it won't be worth as much as a legacy drone.

I have two trips planned where I think I can make good use of the drone.... lets see....

Also how strictly are these laws enforced??
I imagine not hugely especially if I am shooting in remote locations like in Scottish highlands....
The problem isn’t the A2 C of C, it’s the fact any current drone will be legacy at the end of 2022. The A2 C of C will still useful for C2 drones going forward. I personally can’t understand why people are buying new drones that will be legacy in a nearly a years time. If everyone held off the manufacturers would be pushed to release certified drones faster. At the moment with people still buying the legacy drones new they have no reason rush out the certified drones, everyone will have to replace their legacy drone in 2023 or live with bigger restrictions. There are plenty of used drones about to try one out now to see if you like it.

I’ve recently bought the A2 C of C training on UAVHub because it’s on sale for £79. The mini is supposed to be under 250g unless I attach any prop guards or filters which increase the weight. At that point I think I’d be in the next group and need the A2 C of C.
 
The problem isn’t the A2 C of C, it’s the fact any current drone will be legacy at the end of 2022. The A2 C of C will still useful for C2 drones going forward. I personally can’t understand why people are buying new drones that will be legacy in a nearly a years time. If everyone held off the manufacturers would be pushed to release certified drones faster. At the moment with people still buying the legacy drones new they have no reason rush out the certified drones, everyone will have to replace their legacy drone in 2023 or live with bigger restrictions. There are plenty of used drones about to try one out now to see if you like it.

I’ve recently bought the A2 C of C training on UAVHub because it’s on sale for £79. The mini is supposed to be under 250g unless I attach any prop guards or filters which increase the weight. At that point I think I’d be in the next group and need the A2 C of C.
Because my trips are planned for this year in 2 weeks time and 2 months time. No use buying a drone in 2023 regardless of its calcification status.
Also I'd really like a 1" sensor, not interested in the smaller sensors.

I understand A2 CoC is good for other drones but I'm hoping the 1" sensor camera will filter down to <250g drones eventually.

I really doubt anyone will "pull you over" because a filter made your drone 10g heavier. I can't see these drone laws being enforced to the word at the moment and probably more based around common sense. There seems to be a fair amount of ambiguity in them too.
Though I could be wrong....
 
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I understand A2 CoC is good for other drones but I'm hoping the 1" sensor camera will filter down to <250g drones eventually.
Highly unlikely. The camera module and gimbal on my Mavic 2 pro weigh about 50grams at least. It's a chunky and solid thing. I can't see how they can shave any more weight off the sub 250g drones apart from massively decreasing the battery size.
 
Highly unlikely. The camera module and gimbal on my Mavic 2 pro weigh about 50grams at least. It's a chunky and solid thing. I can't see how they can shave any more weight off the sub 250g drones apart from massively decreasing the battery size.
perhaps not but one can hope....
if that doesn't happen and I can't make do with A3 then I will look into A2 CoC. for the next two trips I am pretty confident A3 will suffice.
I rather not jump into spending more money over the already pretty expensive drone.
 
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Yesterday I took delivery of an a7R4a
Just a wee question regarding UHS2 cards.
Before I mess things up, can they be read in a normal SD card reader such as the ones installed in laptops etc?
Would it be better getting a UHS2 card reader?
TIA
I’ve always used the ‘normal’ readers, but you can buy specific UHS-ll card readers. Hopefully a link below to one at Amazon, there are quite a few listed.

 
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Yesterday I took delivery of an a7R4a
Just a wee question regarding UHS2 cards.
Before I mess things up, can they be read in a normal SD card reader such as the ones installed in laptops etc?
Would it be better getting a UHS2 card reader?
TIA

A7R4 files are huge will take forever and a day to transfer if you don't have a fast UHS-II card reader.
 
I may be in a minority here but speed of transfer and processing speed aren't all that important to me but I suppose if the faster readers aren't too expensive they're worth a go and that new pc I bought is lightening fast at this stuff compared to the one I'm using now.
 
I may be in a minority here but speed of transfer and processing speed aren't all that important to me but I suppose if the faster readers aren't too expensive they're worth a go and that new pc I bought is lightening fast at this stuff compared to the one I'm using now.
Likewise. I plug in, start transferring then go an make a coffee so transfer speed isn't usually an issue. I could see how it could be be an advantage in a professional setting trying to turn around prints on the same day at events etc.
 
Likewise. I plug in, start transferring then go an make a coffee so transfer speed isn't usually an issue. I could see how it could be be an advantage in a professional setting trying to turn around prints on the same day at events etc.

Yup.

For people who machine gun a wedding or other event for money and are under pressure to get them processed I suppose every minute counts but for me it's just not an issue. I suppose the most time and processing power consuming thing I do is the odd panorama.
 
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I don't think I posted this a few days ago but if I did either ignore or look again :D

Steve Huff looks at the Leica and Voigtlander 50mm apo's. The Leica costs a bit more.


The Voigtlander is a lovely lens and built to last a lifetime but I do mostly prefer the in just about every way optically inferior 35mm f1.4.

He says he's going to look at the Voigtlander 35mm apo soon.
 
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:tumbleweed:

Rumour site reports no information on A7IV coming through and that this could indicate a possible delay with no A7IV coming soon. That's no real surprise I suppose with shortages of components and probably staff too.


Just for fun... TTArtisans 35mm f1.4 in Leica mount.


Ken Rockwell has a page about it too with example pictures.


That does look quite nice but longer and possibly not as well made as the Voigtlander 35mm f1.4.
 
I've never seen, let alone handled, a TTArtisans lens, but I find it hard to conceive anything much with a better build quality and feel as a Voigtlander.
 
I've never seen, let alone handled, a TTArtisans lens, but I find it hard to conceive anything much with a better build quality and feel as a Voigtlander.

Reviewers seem to be saying they're well made but the Voigtlanders are something special.

I probably wont get one of these TT 35mm f1.4's but a nicely made manual 35mm with nice bokeh at wide apertures might be nice as my Minolta Rokkor f1.8 and Voigtlander f1.4 can both give rough bokeh with a complex scene. The Voigtlander 35mm f2 apo may well be better but it's larger than the f1.4 and if I got that I really should sell the 50mm f2 apo as it'd be difficult justifying keeping both. Actually by f2 the f1.4's bokeh is nowhere near as rough.
 
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6 x 90 second exposures at 20mm on the Dorset Coast. I do really enjoy shooting (trying to shoot) decent foregrounds now & for an old A7 it's a pretty clean image!!


*** by Lee, on Flickr
Very nice Lee, you have captured quite a bit of details in the milky way too.
Finding a good foreground+composition is certainly a challenge sometimes
 
Very nice Lee, you have captured quite a bit of details in the milky way too.
Finding a good foreground+composition is certainly a challenge sometimes

Cheers (y) I did take standard non tracked shots too as it was pretty breezy and I was worried about tripod movement but luckily the longer tracked shots were okay.

Was with the lighter 3LT Travis and a £20 Neewer ball head on top the tracker too! :ROFLMAO:
 
Yesterday I took delivery of an a7R4a
Just a wee question regarding UHS2 cards.
Before I mess things up, can they be read in a normal SD card reader such as the ones installed in laptops etc?
Would it be better getting a UHS2 card reader?
TIA
I'd buy a specific reader. May as well get the best bang for your buck. I have a Lexar one and it works really well. Have a look on Amazon Warehouse Deals if you are buying cars. I just picked up 2x64gb and a 128gb Sony Tough 300mb/s cards for £210 all in. Not sure if there will be any remaining though
 
I'd buy a specific reader. May as well get the best bang for your buck. I have a Lexar one and it works really well. Have a look on Amazon Warehouse Deals if you are buying cars. I just picked up 2x64gb and a 128gb Sony Tough 300mb/s cards for £210 all in. Not sure if there will be any remaining though

Make sure you check the serial number of those there was quite a big recall on those a while back. I wouldn't be buying cards from Amazon warehouse personally but I need to rely on my cards being perfect.
 
Make sure you check the serial number of those there was quite a big recall on those a while back. I wouldn't be buying cards from Amazon warehouse personally but I need to rely on my cards being perfect.
I'm aware of that recall so will be checking. Amazon is excellent in terms of returns so if they aren't what I expect then they will be returned. The deals aren't just returns though they can be boxes being damaged etc. To be honest I have had some issues with Sandisk cards bought new from a reputable dealer but the images have still been on the card.
 
I'm aware of that recall so will be checking. Amazon is excellent in terms of returns so if they aren't what I expect then they will be returned. The deals aren't just returns though they can be boxes being damaged etc. To be honest I have had some issues with Sandisk cards bought new from a reputable dealer but the images have still been on the card.

Yeah, I know Amazon warehouse works I have ordered lots of other items from there but would never order memory cards.

There is always the chance they have been returned because at some point the first owner had corruption problems and with the recall on these cards as well it wouldn't be something I would risk buying as you may well not find out there is a problem with them to much further on down the line.

But as the old saying goes "you pay your money and take your chance".
 
Yeah, I know Amazon warehouse works I have ordered lots of other items from there but would never order memory cards.

There is always the chance they have been returned because at some point the first owner had corruption problems and with the recall on these cards as well it wouldn't be something I would risk buying as you may well not find out there is a problem with them to much further on down the line.

But as the old saying goes "you pay your money and take your chance".
I'd be happy enough if they needed recalled. I would get nice new cards direct from Sony. I get the point though and will be very careful to put the cards through their paces.
 
Sony Tough cards arrived from Amazon. Cards are not subject to recall so will be thoroughly tested and hopefully be as good as I hope. Never had much faith in Sandisk and not seen many bargains for my preferred brand of Lexar so Sony Tough it is.

Tested the first card and it is miles quicker than the Sandisk 300mb/s in the A9, 20 fps for 5 seconds and the Tough cleared the buffer 12 seconds quicker.
 
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Up at 5am, 5 miles walking over 4 hours… this is my one and only photo… I like it, but not exactly what I was hoping for.
Don’t seem to be having much luck with the wild boar spotting at the moment. Saw one on the road on the way to this location but it was too dark still to get a photo.

TCR08423-Edit.JPG
 
Very nice. I've never seen a red one.

I have quite a few pictures on my cameras now but still waiting for my new pc to come back from repair :D
 
Very nice. I've never seen a red one.

I have quite a few pictures on my cameras now but still waiting for my new pc to come back from repair :D
It’s a grey, just a very red-grey!
 
Really?

Maybe some hanky panky involved in the high branches? :D

This 90mm f2.8 could be interesting...


Doesn't seem to be a macro but that may not matter.

A short article on how Sony changed the Universe forever...

 
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Very nice. I've never seen a red one.

I have quite a few pictures on my cameras now but still waiting for my new pc to come back from repair :D
Definitely a grey that one. Shot enough of them, lol.
Reds so much better, you can see the difference in size and their ears especially.
 
I got a Sony 90mm macro off the Amazon warehouse 30% deal yesterday and it arrived today .... minus box, hood, front and rear caps. By the time I buy that little lot the price won't be far off a new one from E-infinity. I have wanted to try one though to compare with my Canon L 100mm macro but to be honest the difference is so negligable I may as well keep using the Canon lens with a Sigma adapter where I get the best of both worlds using it on the Sony body and the little Canon M5

Will teach me to read the Amazon warehouse description properly next time though :D
 
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