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

[JohnBradbury]

Just traded in all my Canon kit and joined the Sony club:

A9 Body
85 f1.4
16-35 f2.8

I also have the following on order:

A7RIII
24-70 f2.8
70-200 f2.8
90 f2.8 Macro

 

[Raymond Lin]

I think I know the answer but want to make sure...

 

[SsSsSsSsSnake]

Just traded in all my Canon kit and joined the Sony club:

A9 Body
85 f1.4
16-35 f2.8

I also have the following on order:

A7RIII
24-70 f2.8
70-200 f2.8
90 f2.8 Macro


View attachment 129034

 

[trevorbray]

Just traded in all my Canon kit and joined the Sony club:

A9 Body
85 f1.4
16-35 f2.8

I also have the following on order:

A7RIII
24-70 f2.8
70-200 f2.8
90 f2.8 Macro


View attachment 129034

Wow. Hope it’s all you expect.

 

[decigallen]

4 ?

Me and my wife, two each. We both shoot on 35 and 85 mainly and share the other lenses as needed.

 

[JohnBradbury]

Wow. Hope it’s all you expect.

I'm impressed so far.

I have to give a shout out to Wilkinson Cameras in Liverpool, fantastic staff. They bent over backwards on the trade-in price and threw in some nice extras.

I also caught a deal Sony are having with Rotolight, so I go two NEOII LED lights for free.

 

[Raymond Lin]

Me and my wife, two each. We both shoot on 35 and 85 mainly and share the other lenses as needed.

Just as I thought.

 

[chrism_scotland]

Could do with a cheap option for a long zoom/large range lens. My initial thought is these.

Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD MACRO 1:2 lens for Sony/Minolta A-Mount at £92.

or

Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 Macro DG Lens For Sony Digital SLR Cameras at £154.

Also the Tamron 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 Di II Lens - Sony A Mount, more expensive at £197 not sure if i would miss the long end.

Plus the Sony LAEA3 adapter at £129.

Does the Tamron have a motor or would it require the more expensive LAEA4 adapter.

This might be an option as well.

Sony SEL55210 E Mount APS-C 55-210 mm F4.5-6.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens in APS mode should be similar to a 70-300m. No adapter required.

The Tamron 70-300 USD in Sony A Mount wiht the LAEA3 would be my shout if your looking at a cheap option, used around £200 but night a day better than the other options there.

 

[nandbytes]

Got my tamron 28-75 today. Focus is very fast and accurate and really silent. That RXD motor is awesome.
Still need to do more tests to see if there are AF issues but it's pretty good so far.
The lens is pretty sharp with decent bokeh. Apart from the 24mm end don't think I'll miss GM.

 

[twist]

@chrism_scotland so much for downsizing

 

[chrism_scotland]

@chrism_scotland so much for downsizing

I tried..... ach makes sense to get the 24-105 and then see what I want to do, fantastic lens for most things I do

 

[PauBass]

SmallRig L-bracket arrived.

Pros

Very very well machined, this will out live the camera, easily.
Cheap, I got it with 50% off pre-order for £25.
Keeps tripod mount centred to camera
Comes with tools.
It is Arca Swiss plate compatible, both horizontal and vertical.
Access to battery door

Cons

It needs tools to use, the Allan Key is held on by magnets but I feel it'll most likely be lost day to day shooting.
It's heavy, it adds a noticeable weigh to the camera.
The pinky "section" seems to stick out front he contour of the body a bit more.
More slippery than the leather case.

How do I compare it to the Lim's Leather case? fantastic L-bracket, it is much better than those £20 L-bracket you find on Amazon solely on the tripod mount alone without mentioning the build quality. It is machined accurately, to the point it allows for the little strap triangle to stick out.

Although right now I prefer Lim's leather case as I am used to it's texture.

I'm looking for an l-plate/bracket for Sony a7iii so I can use it portrait mode too when doing panos. There don't seem to be many options at the moment and I have just seen your Smallrig.
Do you know if when fitted you can still open the flap and connect an intervalometer?

 

[RPhotos]

16-35f4

Anyone using it/ experience of it, any fe d back would be great, what’s the good bad and ugly ....

 

[Raymond Lin]

I'm looking for an l-plate/bracket for Sony a7iii so I can use it portrait mode too when doing panos. There don't seem to be many options at the moment and I have just seen your Smallrig.
Do you know if when fitted you can still open the flap and connect an intervalometer?

Should be okay…..depends on the cable?

 

[ChrisHeathcote]

16-35f4

Anyone using it/ experience of it, any fe d back would be great, what’s the good bad and ugly ....

I have it and it is probably my most used lens, I like the 35mm for a walkabout focal length and also have the wider end for landscape if needed. In addition it is nice and compact. I pair it with a 55mm or 85mm for a family day out kit

As to the bad, not really found any in a year of ownership

 

[PauBass]

Should be okay…..depends on the cable?

Thanks Raymond....It's the flap that can be the problem, in the bottom connection on the camera you need to completely get it out of the way to connect the micro usb.
The cable I use is this one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/SHOOT-Phot...529604475&sr=8-1&keywords=sony+shutter+remote

 

[jonneymendoza]

Hiya. How's it going all? What have I missed?

 

[twist]

Hiya. How's it going all? What have I missed?

Nothing mate.

 

[woof woof]

Hiya. How's it going all? What have I missed?

I haven't taken a picture outside of the house and garden for weeks, just too busy, and by the shortage of pictures in this thread it looks like a few others have been busy too. As this is a kit thread but everyone also likes pretty pictures peeps could always post pictures taken with new kit or just pretty pictures whenever they have time to take them and post them

I have bought some old lenses though for when I can eventually use them Nikon pre ai 35mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4 and f2 and a Miranda 24mm f2.8 in Canon FD fit, breechlock.

 

[Simes123]

I'm looking for an l-plate/bracket for Sony a7iii so I can use it portrait mode too when doing panos. There don't seem to be many options at the moment and I have just seen your Smallrig.
Do you know if when fitted you can still open the flap and connect an intervalometer?

As an alternative to the smallrig (whose base was a little too chunky for my taste), the Gabale L plate (see EBay) has a slide adjustable vertical plate that allows clearance for cables when in portrait. I’m very impressed by it - well made, nicely dimensioned and finished and essentially a clone of the RRS bracket at a fraction of the price.

 

[jj_glos]

As an alternative to the smallrig (whose base was a little too chunky for my taste), the Gabale L plate (see EBay) has a slide adjustable vertical plate that allows clearance for cables when in portrait. I’m very impressed by it - well made, nicely dimensioned and finished and essentially a clone of the RRS bracket at a fraction of the price.

I've got the Gabale and Smallrig, the build and fit of the Gabale I find much nicer. I only got the Smallrig as well as it has a deeper base for grip, I just wish it was styled and built more like the Gabale.

 

[Simes123]

I've got the Gabale and Smallrig, the build and fit of the Gabale I find much nicer. I only got the Smallrig as well as it has a deeper base for grip, I just wish it was styled and built more like the Gabale.

It’s well thought out (well probably RRS did the thinking). I find the depth increase about perfect for my average size hands, though I was content with the dangling pinky too so perhaps I’m not too demanding in these regards. I like that the width of the vertical plate is quite elegant in that its generous width allows access to the port covers and almost perfectly protects that end of the camera from damage. Also and completely irrelevant, I like the cold metallic feeling it adds to the camera

 

[RPhotos]

I've got the Gabale and Smallrig, the build and fit of the Gabale I find much nicer. I only got the Smallrig as well as it has a deeper base for grip, I just wish it was styled and built more like the Gabale.

It’s well thought out (well probably RRS did the thinking). I find the depth increase about perfect for my average size hands, though I was content with the dangling pinky too so perhaps I’m not too demanding in these regards. I like that the width of the vertical plate is quite elegant in that its generous width allows access to the port covers and almost perfectly protects that end of the camera from damage. Also and completely irrelevant, I like the cold metallic feeling it adds to the camera

How do you find it with the battery door on the l bracket I am debating between these two at the moment, also how far does the bracket extend out, it’s important to me find a solution that allows me to mount it in portrait mode and use a cable release

Thanks

 

[Simes123]

How do you find it with the battery door on the l bracket I am debating between these two at the moment, also how far does the bracket extend out, it’s important to me find a solution that allows me to mount it in portrait mode and use a cable release

Thanks

Battery door just fine. There is a little quick release on the battery door to allow for removal with a battery grip. Slide the little quick release and relocate to the L bracket. Takes 2 seconds. I was stressed about this aspect befire I bought it, but it works perfectly. Vertical bit extends out by up to about an inch from the camera. Personally, I’ll never move it and will just use the ball at 90 degrees if I need the remote and need a vertical orientation. I did try it though and it’s fine but I’d trust my approach to give me greater rigidity on those rare occasions as extending a QR plate out like that gives potential for vibration induced movement and I trust my expensive head and tripod to offer greater rigidity than an L bracket, but I’m a professional engineer so I’m probably overly conscious of things like this.

 

[jonneymendoza]

Marseille is beautiful by the way.

 

[RPhotos]

Battery door just fine. There is a little quick release on the battery door to allow for removal with a battery grip. Slide the little quick release and relocate to the L bracket. Takes 2 seconds. I was stressed about this aspect befire I bought it, but it works perfectly. Vertical bit extends out by up to about an inch from the camera. Personally, I’ll never move it and will just use the ball at 90 degrees if I need the remote and need a vertical orientation. I did try it though and it’s fine but I’d trust my approach to give me greater rigidity on those rare occasions as extending a QR plate out like that gives potential for vibration induced movement and I trust my expensive head and tripod to offer greater rigidity than an L bracket, but I’m a professional engineer so I’m probably overly conscious of things like this.

Thanks, how thick is the extension arm that comes out, that’s the appeal of the small rig as in the eBay photos it looks beefier, so reduces the chance of those vibrations, but then the gable comes in sexy red

 

[Simes123]

Thanks, how thick is the extension arm that comes out, that’s the appeal of the small rig as in the eBay photos it looks beefier, so reduces the chance of those vibrations, but then the gable comes in sexy red

It’s well engineered and solid - 5mm plate - smallrig might be stronger still. You may also wish to look at the Sunwayfoto bracket as that’s entirely one piece. I bought mine in black - didn’t want any more bling on it - white lenses are bad enough lol. Smallrig makes the camera 10mm taller than the Gabale - I’d say that was the key difference here. The Gabale is a close, but not identical clone of the Really Right Stuff bracket. https://system.na1.netsuite.com/cor...313&c=3705077&h=5ca5bb5ab873006019f4&_xt=.pdf

 

[PCPhil]

I have it and it is probably my most used lens, I like the 35mm for a walkabout focal length and also have the wider end for landscape if needed. In addition it is nice and compact. I pair it with a 55mm or 85mm for a family day out kit

As to the bad, not really found any in a year of ownership

+1. I had it for a few years before I traded all in as I wanted to experience Leica once in my life. Firmly back in the A7 fold now I have scratched that itch and next to get on the list once the piggy bank full.

 

[PauBass]

As an alternative to the smallrig (whose base was a little too chunky for my taste), the Gabale L plate (see EBay) has a slide adjustable vertical plate that allows clearance for cables when in portrait. I’m very impressed by it - well made, nicely dimensioned and finished and essentially a clone of the RRS bracket at a fraction of the price.

I've got the Gabale and Smallrig, the build and fit of the Gabale I find much nicer. I only got the Smallrig as well as it has a deeper base for grip, I just wish it was styled and built more like the Gabale.

Thanks a lot guys! Seems like what I'm looking for, I'm not too keen on the depth of the Smallrig.
With the Gabale mounted on camera is there still a threaded hole to attach a Blackrapid strap?

Also, where is the allen key kept? Same as on the RRS or Smallrig?

Finally where did you get yours from? The one son eBay take forever for delivery.

 

[Willo]

Well I've given in and joined the gang. A7 iii, 85mm 1.8 and Samyang 35mm 2.8 arrived today, had a quick play and liking it. I had the original A7 but never keen on it, Sony have fixed alot of the issues I had with the original and it seems a much more solid camera. Currently debating which 50 to get, torn between the Sigma 50mm and the Sony 55mm

 

[Deleted member 66768]

Well I've given in and joined the gang. A7 iii, 85mm 1.8 and Samyang 35mm 2.8 arrived today, had a quick play and liking it. I had the original A7 but never keen on it, Sony have fixed alot of the issues I had with the original and it seems a much more solid camera. Currently debating which 50 to get, torn between the Sigma 50mm and the Sony 55mm

Ive owned the 55 Zeiss and currently the native 50 Art

The Zeiss has faster AF, lightweight and AF for video is much better

The Art has that beautiful 50 1.4 look and is razor sharp but is huge in comparison. Focus and accuracy is bang on and I love the pop you get from 1.4 lenses

Cant really go wrong with either tbh

 

[Willo]

Ive owned the 55 Zeiss and currently the native 50 Art

The Zeiss has faster AF, lightweight and AF for video is much better

The Art has that beautiful 50 1.4 look and is razor sharp but is huge in comparison. Focus and accuracy is bang on and I love the pop you get from 1.4 lenses

Cant really go wrong with either tbh

Yeah leaning more towards the 55mm more for size, I had the Sigma 35mm art on a D750 and I loved that lens which is why I'm looking at the 50mm. Decisions, decisions.

 

[ChrisHeathcote]

Yeah leaning more towards the 55mm more for size, I had the Sigma 35mm art on a D750 and I loved that lens which is why I'm looking at the 50mm. Decisions, decisions.

I think it depends on what you are after the lens for. If you are looking for a lens to add as a compact travel option, then you can't go wrong with the 55mm, however if you don't really care about the extra weight and size, then you won't be disappointed by the Sigma. Personally I went with the 55mm due to size and weight, I also have the 35mm Art which although I love it, I find I rarely use it now. I prefer the more compact 15-35mm f4 for a walkabout lens. Thats just what suits my style and use, obviously yours may differ.

In short both are great, another thing to consider is that the 55mm seems to be lens that everyone will probably own at some point, meaning that if you keep your eye out for a second hand lightly used one, you probably won't lose much money if you decide that it isn't for you.

 

[nandbytes]

Yeah leaning more towards the 55mm more for size, I had the Sigma 35mm art on a D750 and I loved that lens which is why I'm looking at the 50mm. Decisions, decisions.

I'd go with 55mm any day. Zeiss rendering is lot better than ART 50. I especially dislike the ART 50's bokeh and not to mention it's huge for very little gain (or in some cases a loss).

 

[Willo]

I think it depends on what you are after the lens for. If you are looking for a lens to add as a compact travel option, then you can't go wrong with the 55mm, however if you don't really care about the extra weight and size, then you won't be disappointed by the Sigma. Personally I went with the 55mm due to size and weight, I also have the 35mm Art which although I love it, I find I rarely use it now. I prefer the more compact 15-35mm f4 for a walkabout lens. Thats just what suits my style and use, obviously yours may differ.

In short both are great, another thing to consider is that the 55mm seems to be lens that everyone will probably own at some point, meaning that if you keep your eye out for a second hand lightly used one, you probably won't lose much money if you decide that it isn't for you.

That's why I brought the 35mm 2.8 as small lens for when I'm out and about, just need a fast lens for low light. Alot of people do say the 55mm is seriously good.

I'd go with 55mm any day. Zeiss rendering is lot better than ART 50. I especially dislike the ART 50's bokeh and not to mention it's huge for very little gain (or in some cases a loss).

I'll have to do some digging around and look at some samples.

 

[chrism_scotland]

Yeah leaning more towards the 55mm more for size, I had the Sigma 35mm art on a D750 and I loved that lens which is why I'm looking at the 50mm. Decisions, decisions.

The Sigma Art 50 is probably the sharpest lens I’ve ever used but it does come at the cost of size, the Sigma 35mm is a little more manageable size wise!!

Can’t go wrong with the 55mm though, personally I’m not a fan but it sharp and has a huge following.

 

[Simes123]

Thanks a lot guys! Seems like what I'm looking for, I'm not too keen on the depth of the Smallrig.
With the Gabale mounted on camera is there still a threaded hole to attach a Blackrapid strap?

Also, where is the allen key kept? Same as on the RRS or Smallrig?

Finally where did you get yours from? The one son eBay take forever for delivery.

I don’t know what thread Black rapid uses but there are 2x 3/8 threaded holes available - one on the base, and one on the vertical. There isn’t an Allen key slot that I can see, so in this respect it differs from the RRS version. However, it is tool-less in that the slide fixing screw has a coin slot. The main fixing screw is Allen only if that’s a factor, ie regularly needing to remove the L bracket entirely in the field.

I got mine from AliExpress. Took less than 2 weeks.

 

[nandbytes]

16-35f4

Anyone using it/ experience of it, any fe d back would be great, what’s the good bad and ugly ....

Very nice lens, sharp from wide open across the range. The colours are very nice too.

 

[twist]

Woo cat pic.... was bored. FE85 1.8

 

[jj_glos]

Well I've given in and joined the gang. A7 iii, 85mm 1.8 and Samyang 35mm 2.8 arrived today, had a quick play and liking it. I had the original A7 but never keen on it, Sony have fixed alot of the issues I had with the original and it seems a much more solid camera. Currently debating which 50 to get, torn between the Sigma 50mm and the Sony 55mm

I spent a lot of time looking at both, I like to use a 50mm a lot even indoors so a 55mm makes that a little more difficult. The kicker for me was the onion bokeh on the 55mm, once seen cannot be unseen... If I do get more Sony gear I might still get the 55mm as well just for the size though.