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

dancook said:
Minor annoyances...

The cards.. slot 1 is the bottom, slot 2 is the top
The card bay requires a switch to open
The battery bay requires a switch to open AND close

Both insertion of the battery and cards feel unnatural in their difficulty :)

(on the SL you slide the card cover and it opens, and you press a lever and the battery ejects like a magazine from a gun)

I wanted to turn off the "AF Assist Lamp"

Ok so I went to the "Focus Assist Menu" pages 11/13 and 12/13 - no options...
I had to go to menu 4/13 for "AF1" and it was called "AF Illuminator" - I wasn't even convinced this was the right setting at first, I thought it might just enable illumination of the AF points....

Really minor.. but hey :D
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You’ll get used to the Sony oddities and quirks, once you’ve setup your custom buttons, Fn and Fav menu life gets much simpler.
I still think Nikon & Fuji GUI’s are better looking and arranged but it’s not end of the world.
 
shoshone said:
Is there some kind of plan to troll this forum by people that really are happy with their Nikon/Olympus gear and can't find anything better to do than whinge in here?

I took a look at Snerkier's website and his/her landscapes and portraits were great (IMO except the last 3 portraits just not my cup of tea)
Really if you can do so well with your present gear as you obviously can what do you gain whinging in here except wasting your time when you could be out with the gear you have?
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Its called having a bit of fun ,it involves all of us,your welcome to join in if you wish.most of what your reffering to is just tongue in cheek.we are all friends here.
 
Amazon UK have the Sony FE 50mm f1.8 on for a lowish £205.11 :)
The Sony FE 85mm f1.8 is on for £512.05
 
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Sony has Canon and Nikon on the ropes now. They both seriously need to respond and quick with something providing a leap forward, because later this year Sony will release their A7R3 and A9 replacements.
 
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SDK^ said:
Sony has Canon and Nikon on the ropes now. They both seriously need to respond and quick with something providing a leap forward, because later this year Sony will release their A7R3 and A9 replacements.
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Wouldn't Sony need to be outselling them to have them on the ropes? It was 2 years between the A7R II and III, why would they release an update in half the time?
 
simonbarker said:
Wouldn't Sony need to be outselling them to have them on the ropes? It was 2 years between the A7R II and III, why would they release an update in half the time?
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Last April Sony were the 2nd best selling changeable lens camera brand and that was based on sales in 2016. They are probably doing okay now too :)
 
simonbarker said:
Fair enough, not my experience at all but whatever works right?
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Indeed but I'd love to hear your alternative if you have any suggestions

I really hate the new subscription model. So I will need to inevitably move to using something else...
 
SDK^ said:
Sony has Canon and Nikon on the ropes now. They both seriously need to respond and quick with something providing a leap forward, because later this year Sony will release their A7R3 and A9 replacements.
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Sony are nowhere near Canon, and Nikon aren't doing too bad having the best selling FF camera at the end of last year. Nikon do have a mirrorless camera in the pipelines and I do think this might be pivotal for Nikon.
 
SDK^ said:
Sony has Canon and Nikon on the ropes now. They both seriously need to respond and quick with something providing a leap forward, because later this year Sony will release their A7R3 and A9 replacements.
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I doubt there'll be replacements for those two this year. We'll probably see a A7SIII and A6300/6500 replacements before that.
 
SDK^ said:
Sony has Canon and Nikon on the ropes now. They both seriously need to respond and quick with something providing a leap forward, because later this year Sony will release their A7R3 and A9 replacements.
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I very much doubt Sony will release a A7R III replacement this year or even next year, however the A7S III will be coming this year.

As for a A9 replacement, this won’t be coming for another 2 years as Sony has said their pro body will have a greater life-span than their usual body cycle.
They also say that they will be improving the A9 via firmware upgrades.

I agree Nikon & Canon are on the ropes but only technology wise, sales are still in their favour including their massive customer base.

Sony are making the right steps though and chipping away. :)
 
Riz_Guru said:
As for a A9 replacement, this won’t be coming for another 2 years as Sony has said their pro body will have a greater life-span than their usual body cycle.
They also say that they will be improving the A9 via firmware upgrades.
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I didn't know that, but it's nice to know
 
Ladies and Gents - can any of you Sony experts give me some guidance please. I am a Fuji shooter but am considering swapping to Sony FF (or maybe just upgrade Fuji body - not sure yet). I shoot mainly landscapes, some macro and some occasional stuff - just a mid level enthusiast. Some questions:

1. What body - thought of an A7R but am worried about 'shutter shock'... is this a valid worry in the real world? A7Rii doesn't have it I believe (?) but would really push the budget - or should I just stick to an A7/A72 ?
2. Lenses (1) - Landscapes - 16-35 F4 looks good? (f2.8 out of budget)
3. Lenses (2) - Macro - 90mm or 100mm available so should be ok there I think?
4. Lenses (3) - Walkabout - I read I can mount E lenses... but is the field of view maintained? ie would an 18-135 work as a walkabout? (appreciate I would get fewer pixels but it has plenty!!)

Any other suggestions or guidance appreciated!

Thanks in advance, Mike :)
 
dancook said:
I didn't know that, but it's nice to know
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This came from two different Sony rep’s and from Harrison’s so take it with a pinch of salt but I think it’s a correct.
Their Sony A9 bodies are used by quite a few professionals and their feedback goes straight back to Sony for investigation etc
The recent firmware upgrades for the Sony A9 and FE 70-200mm f2.8 was via this feedback.
 
Riz_Guru said:
This came from two different Sony rep’s and from Harrison’s so take it with a pinch of salt but I think it’s a correct.
Their Sony A9 bodies are used by quite a few professionals and their feedback goes straight back to Sony for investigation etc
The recent firmware upgrades for the Sony A9 and FE 70-200mm f2.8 was via this feedback.
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It's pretty obvious Sony is extending its release periods. Just look at the previous models, they aren't doing the every year new camera thing anymore, it devalues their product and pushes up r&d costs... and p***es off the consumer.
 
dibbly dobbler said:
Ladies and Gents - can any of you Sony experts give me some guidance please. I am a Fuji shooter but am considering swapping to Sony FF (or maybe just upgrade Fuji body - not sure yet). I shoot mainly landscapes, some macro and some occasional stuff - just a mid level enthusiast. Some questions:

1. What body - thought of an A7R but am worried about 'shutter shock'... is this a valid worry in the real world? A7Rii doesn't have it I believe (?) but would really push the budget - or should I just stick to an A7/A72 ?
2. Lenses (1) - Landscapes - 16-35 F4 looks good? (f2.8 out of budget)
3. Lenses (2) - Macro - 90mm or 100mm available so should be ok there I think?
4. Lenses (3) - Walkabout - I read I can mount E lenses... but is the field of view maintained? ie would an 18-135 work as a walkabout? (appreciate I would get fewer pixels but it has plenty!!)

Any other suggestions or guidance appreciated!

Thanks in advance, Mike :)
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Hi Mike.

1. Perhaps go for a used A7rii. Can find for about £1,300 now and we’ll worth it. The A7r is IMO disgusting to use.

2. I’ve had a couple of 16-35 f4 lenses and the Sony Zeiss is excellent.

3. Save some money and adapt a sigma 105mm f2.8 and go manual.

4. Sony 28mm f2 and samyang 35mm f2.8 are both pocketable. The money you save on the macro above get the 55mm f1.8 too.

Enjoy!
 
twist said:
It's pretty obvious Sony is extending its release periods. Just look at the previous models, they aren't doing the every year new camera thing anymore, it devalues their product and pushes up r&d costs... and p***es off the consumer.
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Agreed, if Sony can start investing more in firmware improvements like Fuji it’ll add additional value add. :)
 
addicknchips said:
Hi Mike.

1. Perhaps go for a used A7rii. Can find for about £1,300 now and we’ll worth it. The A7r is IMO disgusting to use.

2. I’ve had a couple of 16-35 f4 lenses and the Sony Zeiss is excellent.

3. Save some money and adapt a sigma 105mm f2.8 and go manual.

4. Sony 28mm f2 and samyang 35mm f2.8 are both pocketable. The money you save on the macro above get the 55mm f1.8 too.

Enjoy!
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Thanks Jonathan - the A7Rii does seem to be the daddy for landscapes. Need to have a rake around in the piggy bank though!

Ref my field of view question on the E mounts lenses... an 18-105 would still be an 18-105 mounted on an A7x rather an a A6xxx wouldn't it? (I am lazy and prefer zooms )

Cheers
 
dibbly dobbler said:
Ladies and Gents - can any of you Sony experts give me some guidance please. I am a Fuji shooter but am considering swapping to Sony FF (or maybe just upgrade Fuji body - not sure yet). I shoot mainly landscapes, some macro and some occasional stuff - just a mid level enthusiast. Some questions:

1. What body - thought of an A7R but am worried about 'shutter shock'... is this a valid worry in the real world? A7Rii doesn't have it I believe (?) but would really push the budget - or should I just stick to an A7/A72 ?
2. Lenses (1) - Landscapes - 16-35 F4 looks good? (f2.8 out of budget)
3. Lenses (2) - Macro - 90mm or 100mm available so should be ok there I think?
4. Lenses (3) - Walkabout - I read I can mount E lenses... but is the field of view maintained? ie would an 18-135 work as a walkabout? (appreciate I would get fewer pixels but it has plenty!!)

Any other suggestions or guidance appreciated!

Thanks in advance, Mike :)
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In order:
1 - shutter shock is a real issue but you'll seldom experience it unless you go looking for it. A7RII is pretty cheap these days for used one. Shutter shock is caused due lack of electronic first shutter in A7R which A7RII has including fully electronic shutter also.
2 - 16-35mm f4 is an excellent lens. Had one and it was brilliant.
3 - for macro if you use manual focus you can basically adapt any lens. If you want native there are Sony 50mm and 90mm macro. Sigma will soon release 70mm macro and voigtlander announced a 110mm macro (but MF only like all voigtlander lenses but with electronic contacts)
4 - yes APS-C lenses work in crop mode. You get 18mp with A7RII and 16mp with A7R. I prefer the 18-105mm f4 for its constant aperture or 16-70mm f4 for its size.
 
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dibbly dobbler said:
Thanks Jonathan - the A7Rii does seem to be the daddy for landscapes. Need to have a rake around in the piggy bank though!

Ref my field of view question on the E mounts lenses... an 18-105 would still be an 18-105 mounted on an A7x rather an a A6xxx wouldn't it? (I am lazy and prefer zooms )

Cheers
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No the field of view would be 27-160mm regardless of the body you mount it on.
 
nandbytes said:
In order:
1 - shutter shock is a real issue but you'll seldom experience it unless you go looking for it. A7RII is pretty cheap these days for used one. Shutter shock is caused due lack of electronic first shutter in A7R which A7RII has including fully electronic shutter also.
2 - 16-35mm f4 is an excellent lens. Had one and it was brilliant.
3 - for macro if you use manual focus you can basically adapt any lens. If you want native there are Sony 50mm and 90mm macro. Sigma will soon release 70mm macro and voigtlander announced a 110mm macro (but MF only like all voigtlander lenses but with electronic contacts)
4 - yes APS-C lenses work in crop mode. You get 18mp with A7RII and 16mp with A7R. I prefer the 18-105mm f4 for its constant aperture or 16-70mm f4 for its size.
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Great reply - thanks a lot :)
 
dibbly dobbler said:
ah right... that's not what I thought but good to know in advance! Thanks.

So I would get 1.5x the focal length + about half the pixels but other than that they work fine?
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Yes other than that they work like any other native lens. Even the EVF will show you the automatically cropped field of view so it'll all look natural to you.
 
nandbytes said:
Yes other than that they work like any other native lens. Even the EVF will show you the automatically cropped field of view so it'll all look natural to you.
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Great, thanks. I'm getting my knickers in a knot about nothing actually as a 18-105 on an A7x would be basically the same as an 18-105 on a A6300 wouldn't it (ie a sensible walkabout).

Great responses Gents - thanks again! Will need to examine piggy bank now and ponder :)
 
dibbly dobbler said:
Great, thanks. I'm getting my knickers in a knot about nothing actually as a 18-105 on an A7x would be basically the same as an 18-105 on a A6300 wouldn't it (ie a sensible walkabout).

Great responses Gents - thanks again! Will need to examine piggy bank now and ponder :)
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Bingo
 
OK on train to Waterloo.

I'd rather a small prime for street, got a 35mm 1.4za on way but that's not small.

Any high quality wide primes like Zeiss etc.. Sub £1k, preferably that I can pick up used in London
 
Just on the A7R shutter shock issue... For those who may want one... There was a long discussion about this on a forum I'm now banned from :D and some made or somewhere acquired a weight plate to screw to the bottom of the camera and this they claimed fixed the issue. So they said. So if anyone is interested maybe they could google their way to info or somewhere they can buy a weight.
 
dancook said:
OK on train to Waterloo.

I'd rather a small prime for street, got a 35mm 1.4za on way but that's not small.

Any high quality wide primes like Zeiss etc.. Sub £1k, preferably that I can pick up used in London
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Doubtless you wont be interested in the much maligned Voigtlander 35mm f1.4???? I like mine :D Other than that I have a few legacy 24, 28 and 35mm lenses but they need to be used with an adapter. Adapters don't add a lot of weight but they do add bulk.

PS.
The FE mount Voigtlander 40mm f1.2 is IMO and in that of some others excellent :D But not particularly wide and you'll maybe struggle to find a used one.
 
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Just realised the loxia are manual focus, want to make most of A9 af

Voightlander af??
 
A question purely out of 'interest/curiosity'. What is it that makes Canon lenses more easily adapted to Sony than Nikon? Or is it purely that Canon have the lion's share and no-one's willing to invest time into Nikon adapters?
 
dancook said:
Just realised the loxia are manual focus, want to make most of A9 af

Voightlander af??
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No, it's an old style mechanical metal manual focus lens with end stops and marking etc. You do get electronic comms and exif though.

I have the AF Sony 35mm f2.8, it's very compact and lovely in almost every way and the only real downside is it's "only" f2.8.
 
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dancook said:
OK on train to Waterloo.

I'd rather a small prime for street, got a 35mm 1.4za on way but that's not small.

Any high quality wide primes like Zeiss etc.. Sub £1k, preferably that I can pick up used in London
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Batis 25mm or 35mm samyang 2.8 are a good shout
See if you can visit wex shop down near Shoreditch area ish.new flagship store
 
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I don’t think Nikon and Canon are on the ropes as such. I can’t speak for Canon but the D750/D500/D7500 etc are all selling well.

Sony as of yet doesn’t really have a camera to compete with crop sensors (yet).

But it’s clear that Sony are very strong which will hopefully push Nikon and Canon.

The A7iii is so close to me swapping systems but it’s not quite there yet if the CAF is not up to D750 standard and the A9 A7r cameras are way out of budget. Next year maybe!!!
 
snerkler said:
A question purely out of 'interest/curiosity'. What is it that makes Canon lenses more easily adapted to Sony than Nikon? Or is it purely that Canon have the lion's share and no-one's willing to invest time into Nikon adapters?
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I think the canon protocol is easier to code and translate.
 
JJ! said:
I don’t think Nikon and Canon are on the ropes as such. I can’t speak for Canon but the D750/D500/D7500 etc are all selling well.

Sony as of yet doesn’t really have a camera to compete with crop sensors (yet).

But it’s clear that Sony are very strong which will hopefully push Nikon and Canon.

The A7iii is so close to me swapping systems but it’s not quite there yet if the CAF is not up to D750 standard and the A9 A7r cameras are way out of budget. Next year maybe!!!
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I made a thread over in dp Via canon section and it has blown up
 
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