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

TGphoto said:
Really stuck between the Samyang 18mm 2.8 and the Tokina Firin 20mm f2 MF :thinking:
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If you don't mind the hood of the tokina it's a good option. At f2.8 it's nearly as sharp as loxia 21mm f2.8.
The hood of the AF version of this lens is a round though.

Also as mentioned above unless you need that f2 consider the tamron 20mm f2.8. it gives some interesting macro capabilities. You can also get to 1:1 magnification with just a 10mm extension tube.

Samyang has mixed reviews I nearly bought it myself but then realised while it's probably ok on a 24mp on my A7RIV I won't like it much.
 
nandbytes said:
Also as mentioned above unless you need that f2 consider the tamron 20mm f2.8. it gives some interesting macro capabilities. You can also get to 1:1 magnification with just a 10mm extension tube.

.
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Would the front element not be almost touching the subject in this case?

Seen a review on the Tamron 35 2.8, and unfortunately there's some bad news [it's a lens I might be interested in on Sony]

The 20mm and 24mm will likely be much the same:

"In use, we found the auto-focusing to be fairly sluggish - and certainly nowhere near instantaneous - with the lens mounted on a Sony Alpha A7 III camera. It's also pretty audible, despite Tamron's assertion that its silent, making this lens less well-suited for video use."

https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/tamron_35mm_f2_8_di_iii_osd_m1_2_review
 
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On a serious note about printing, not that I was intentionally winding anyone up, but it’s great that many here are actually printing their work. Some of what I said is a little flawed in that, for normal lustre prints, I use Loxley for absolute best quality and that’s not a fair comparison against consumer printing as it’s a different process (C type as standard)

I’ve personally found the calibrating a PITA, but even sending off to the printers I’ve had issues, particularly with low key images and so soft proofing is further time/hassle, but is
par for the course. For everyday prints (family etc) DSCL are excellent value for money and with a next day turnaround, why wouldn’t you?

It’s the large wall hanging stuff that I like to pay for the extra quality and longevity that can’t be guaranteed with cheap no brand refills.

I get it that some like the process, the digital dark room, and convenience too. Each to their own. I’ve fallen behind with family photobooks which is a mini project this year. I don’t have a need for ‘00s of 6x4s, photobooks are the best solution for family needs for me. Each to their own though.
 
I had quite a few pictures framed and on the wall especially of cars but when we redecorated I took them down and most of them never went back up as I decided I liked the more minimalist look.
 
Livin The Dream said:
On a serious note about printing, not that I was intentionally winding anyone up, but it’s great that many here are actually printing their work. Some of what I said is a little flawed in that, for normal lustre prints, I use Loxley for absolute best quality and that’s not a fair comparison against consumer printing as it’s a different process (C type as standard)

I’ve personally found the calibrating a PITA, but even sending off to the printers I’ve had issues, particularly with low key images and so soft proofing is further time/hassle, but is
par for the course. For everyday prints (family etc) DSCL are excellent value for money and with a next day turnaround, why wouldn’t you?

It’s the large wall hanging stuff that I like to pay for the extra quality and longevity that can’t be guaranteed with cheap no brand refills.

I get it that some like the process, the digital dark room, and convenience too. Each to their own. I’ve fallen behind with family photobooks which is a mini project this year. I don’t have a need for ‘00s of 6x4s, photobooks are the best solution for family needs for me. Each to their own though.
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As you have identified sending off to printers doesn't guarantee good end results even with softproofing tbh. It's same for family prints.

We don't print thousands either but my missus can easily and quickly tweak and print at home. Costs ~15-20p per print on the canon selphy with really great longevity. Not to mention she enjoys it so why take that away from her lol.

As for my personal larger prints longevity is something to think about. I'll get back to on that in 5 years time ;)
So far since I started printing myself last year I have had no issues.

As for the inks I believe the quality of them from cityinkexpress is excellent with no issues. Many many folks have used it for dog years so I don't think that's an issue.
 
Steve Huff on the Hasselblad X1D2 and against the Sony A7rIV...

https://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2019/07/19/the-hasselblad-x1d2-review-small-medium-format-matures/

It's interesting to see the significant price cut.

One thing that caught my eye compared to the Sony...

"The X1DII is simpler. Less clutter and only offers what a photographer needs."

So the Sony is full of stuff no photographer needs?

I can see the appeal of a clean and uncluttered design but I think there's a danger that usability, practicality and flexibility can arguably be compromised to make a thing initially and superficially aesthetically pleasing.

Anyway.

After the big price drop, anyone interested?
 
I think I may have suggested an A7x and 35mm f2.8 some time ago :D

It'll be about the same size as any APS-C or even MFT SLR sized camera or at least wont be significantly bigger but you'll be limited to that one lens but as you're looking at fixed lens Fuji's that shouldn't be a problem.
 
woof woof said:
I think I may have suggested an A7x and 35mm f2.8 some time ago :D

It'll be about the same size as any APS-C or even MFT SLR sized camera or at least wont be significantly bigger but you'll be limited to that one lens but as you're looking at fixed lens Fuji's that shouldn't be a problem.
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Yeah you have done and it is a very good setup, however I don't think buying any Sony will make me feel any different....... it's not so much the size / weight which is the problem, its the whole engagement and feeling when taking photos... the process and involvement etc. I am just not feeling the vibe with Sony and have felt like that for a very long time. Technically its the best out there and I have probably held onto it longer to make sure I am not making a massive mistake.

I want to simply things as much as possible... so less menu diving, less or no post-processing and no lens changing etc.
Fuji OOC JPEG's rule and their film simulations are great... with a Fuji I would just send to my iPhone / iPad Pro, quick edit and share with family & friends.... done.

I have already achieved my goal of reducing the value invested in my Sony gear by over half, so it still leaves me a considerable amount to gain (£) from selling the remaining Sony gear and re-investing in a high end compact.
 
woof woof said:
Steve Huff on the Hasselblad X1D2 and against the Sony A7rIV...

https://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2019/07/19/the-hasselblad-x1d2-review-small-medium-format-matures/

It's interesting to see the significant price cut.

One thing that caught my eye compared to the Sony...

"The X1DII is simpler. Less clutter and only offers what a photographer needs."

So the Sony is full of stuff no photographer needs?

I can see the appeal of a clean and uncluttered design but I think there's a danger that usability, practicality and flexibility can arguably be compromised to make a thing initially and superficially aesthetically pleasing.

Anyway.

After the big price drop, anyone interested?
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I do wish SH had an editor. His reviews have so many contradictions in them that it's hard to make sense of what's balanced and what's over-excited hyperbole.

As lovely as that H looks (yes, please!), until it gets dials for shutter, ISO, EV comp and aperture-ring lenses, it's not even close to being a definitive example of "what a photographer needs".
 
Riz_Guru said:
Yeah you have done and it is a very good setup, however I don't think buying any Sony will make me feel any different....... it's not so much the size / weight which is the problem, its the whole engagement and feeling when taking photos... the process and involvement etc. I am just not feeling the vibe with Sony and have felt like that for a very long time. Technically its the best out there and I have probably held onto it longer to make sure I am not making a massive mistake.

I want to simply things as much as possible... so less menu diving, less or no post-processing and no lens changing etc.
Fuji OOC JPEG's rule and their film simulations are great... with a Fuji I would just send to my iPhone / iPad Pro, quick edit and share with family & friends.... done.

I have already achieved my goal of reducing the value invested in my Sony gear by over half, so it still leaves me a considerable amount to gain (£) from selling the remaining Sony gear and re-investing in a high end compact.
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As I've said before in this thread and others I try to quantify things rather than rely on a vibe. If the handling or menu systems drive you mad then fair enough but Fuji's have their quirks too and from what I've read the lens on the fixed lens cameras isn't exactly the best and according to some the focusing system is leisurely so there's all that to think about. Plus the marketing claims really do put me off. I linked this in another thread...

https://petapixel.com/2017/03/03/x-trans-vs-bayer-sensors-fantastic-claims-test/

From the outside looking in I don't really know what to think. Maybe the kit isn't really the issue for you or maybe it is. It's up to you to have a think and decide which way you want to go with this little hobby.

I'd not want to deal with the constant buying and selling and switching that some (not necessarily you) do but some seem to actually like chopping and changing.
 
goldtop said:
I do wish SH had an editor. His reviews have so many contradictions in them that it's hard to make sense of what's balanced and what's over-excited hyperbole.

As lovely as that H looks (yes, please!), until it gets dials for shutter, ISO, EV comp and aperture-ring lenses, it's not even close to being a definitive example of "what a photographer needs".
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Yes but all those are messy and unnecessary things that photographers don't need :D
 
woof woof said:
As I've said before in this thread and others I try to quantify things rather than rely on a vibe. If the handling or menu systems drive you mad then fair enough but Fuji's have their quirks too and from what I've read the lens on the fixed lens cameras isn't exactly the best and according to some the focusing system is leisurely so there's all that to think about. Plus the marketing claims really do put me off. I linked this in another thread...

https://petapixel.com/2017/03/03/x-trans-vs-bayer-sensors-fantastic-claims-test/

From the outside looking in I don't really know what to think. Maybe the kit isn't really the issue for you or maybe it is. It's up to you to have a think and decide which way you want to go with this little hobby.

I'd not want to deal with the constant buying and selling and switching that some (not necessarily you) do but some seem to actually like chopping and changing.
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I completely understand where your coming from..... I am just trying to find my mojo again which I feel involves a change in camera, I've had the A9 more or less since it came out and had it long enough now.
I also understand it will be a downgrade from what I currently have, but I am looking forward to using some of the cash released towards other things like holidays and a small mortgage over payment etc.
Me being me, this doesn't rule out me going for some crazy priced compact, after all I do drive a Tesla and brand sometimes influences choices well make sometimes :D lol
 
Riz_Guru said:
I completely understand where your coming from..... I am just trying to find my mojo again which I feel involves a change in camera, I've had the A9 more or less since it came out and had it long enough now.
I also understand it will be a downgrade from what I currently have, but I am looking forward to using some of the cash released towards other things like holidays and a small mortgage over payment etc.
Me being me, this doesn't rule out me going for some crazy priced compact, after all I do drive a Tesla and brand sometimes influences choices well make sometimes :D lol
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Dude why can't you just be honest and say you just fancy a new toy, there is no need to justify it, least of all to a load of strangers on the internet.

Anything you buy will be a good bit of a downgrade on the A9 but you don't always need the best available to grab a few photos of your kids. Just get rid of it and buy the new shiney thing and stop agonising over it so much.

I don't think you will have much left over money wise after switching though. A9 has dropped in value pretty hard as will the lenses you have.

You have mentioned Fuji X100 series quite a lot, I have had a couple of these and they aren't good enough for anything that moves so probably best to forget that if you want to still be able to grab photos of your kids, the lens is also pretty poor.

If you want to go fuji etc maybe look at the XT-4 etc. when it comes out.

If you are thinking of selling up though the longer you leave it the less you will get for your existing gear so prob best just to bang it all up for sale while you consider what you get next.
 
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f/2.8 said:
Dude why can't you just be honest and say you just fancy a new toy, there is no need to justify it, least of all to a load of strangers on the internet.

Anything you buy will be a good bit of a downgrade on the A9 but you don't always need the best available to grab a few photos of your kids. Just get rid of it and buy the new shiney thing and stop agonising over it so much.

I don't think you will have much left over money wise after switching though. A9 has dropped in value pretty hard as will the lenses you have.

You have mentioned Fuji X100 series quite a lot, I have had a couple of these and they aren't good enough for anything that moves so probably best to forget that if you want to still be able to grab photos of your kids, the lens is also pretty poor.

If you want to go fuji etc maybe look at the XT-4 etc. when it comes out.

If you are thinking of selling up though the longer you leave it the less you will get for your existing gear so prob best just to bang it all up for sale while you consider what you get next.
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Of course I fancy a new toy (who doesn't), after all we can all suffer from GAS sometimes but my original motivation to sell was down to lack of use for various reasons and the total amount of money I had sat in the Sony gear. :) I have manged to recoup around £5k so far which I have banked, still got the A9, Grip, 3 lenses and other bits to sell on so another £3-4k's worth. :)
AF performance is one of the reasons I have been holding out for the new Fuji X100V, the AF needs to be up to XT-3 levels for my liking, hopefully the new lens has increased speeds and Eye-AF is improved enough for it to capture my kids etc.
To be honest, there isn't much out there interest me at the moment I am keeping away from interchangeable lens systems.....

Fuji X100V
Leica Q2
Zeiss ZX1 (if it ever comes out).
Sony RX1R III (if it ever comes out).
 
f/2.8 said:
Dude why can't you just be honest and say you just fancy a new toy, there is no need to justify it, least of all to a load of strangers on the internet.

Anything you buy will be a good bit of a downgrade on the A9 but you don't always need the best available to grab a few photos of your kids. Just get rid of it and buy the new shiney thing and stop agonising over it so much.

I don't think you will have much left over money wise after switching though. A9 has dropped in value pretty hard as will the lenses you have.

You have mentioned Fuji X100 series quite a lot, I have had a couple of these and they aren't good enough for anything that moves so probably best to forget that if you want to still be able to grab photos of your kids, the lens is also pretty poor.

If you want to go fuji etc maybe look at the XT-4 etc. when it comes out.

If you are thinking of selling up though the longer you leave it the less you will get for your existing gear so prob best just to bang it all up for sale while you consider what you get next.
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Totally agree, imo this is a very bad move, moving from possibly the best FF camera on the market to an APSC camera that will devalue to nothing after 2 years. Thats without calculating all the money lost on the Sony stuff.
 
Riz_Guru said:
Of course I fancy a new toy (who doesn't), after all we can all suffer from GAS sometimes but my original motivation to sell was down to lack of use for various reasons and the total amount of money I had sat in the Sony gear. :) I have manged to recoup around £5k so far which I have banked, still got the A9, Grip, 3 lenses and other bits to sell on so another £3-4k's worth. :)
AF performance is one of the reasons I have been holding out for the new Fuji X100V, the AF needs to be up to XT-3 levels for my liking, hopefully the new lens has increased speeds and Eye-AF is improved enough for it to capture my kids etc.
To be honest, there isn't much out there interest me at the moment I am keeping away from interchangeable lens systems.....

Fuji X100V
Leica Q2
Zeiss ZX1 (if it ever comes out).
Sony RX1R III (if it ever comes out).
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It will be closer to 3k than 4k if you sell what you have.

X100V will have the same crap lens as always, a.f will be crap as always, it will look nice as always.

RX1R III should be out soon if rumours are to be believed and will likely have the same sensor as the A7RIV.

Depends where you sell it I guess, but at a rough guess selling privately:

A9 £1700-£1800
Grip £100
35 f/1.8 £350- £400
55 f/1.8 £400 - £450
85 f/1.8 £350 - £375

So about £3125 if you are lucky
 
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f/2.8 said:
Dude why can't you just be honest and say you just fancy a new toy, there is no need to justify it, least of all to a load of strangers on the internet.
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Looong time back when I was a workaholic and earning good money I never had time to spend I decided to buy myself a new toy every month. I worked my way through cars, watches and hifi and eventually camera gear so I can see the need to buy and enjoy stuff it's just that these days I don't like to spend too much doing it as I feel guilty. These days I still treat myself but it's usually to an old film era lens costing just a few £ and I also recently I bought a few cheap Chinese mechanical watches.

If you just want shiny new stuff because you want it Riz, or just think buying it will reinvigorate your interest I'd say do it :D
 
woof woof said:
Looong time back when I was a workaholic and earning good money I never had time to spend I decided to buy myself a new toy every month. I worked my way through cars, watches and hifi and eventually camera gear so I can see the need to buy and enjoy stuff it's just that these days I don't like to spend too much doing it as I feel guilty. These days I still treat myself but it's usually to an old film era lens costing just a few £ and I also recently I bought a few cheap Chinese mechanical watches.

If you just want shiny new stuff because you want it Riz, or just think buying it will reinvigorate your interest I'd say do it :D
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I agree, you are a long time dead.

There is nothing wrong with buying something just because you want it, we all work hard for our money so spend it how you want.

My brother bought a new Mercedes a while back, it was a really nice car and he kept it for just under 2 months and decided he didn't like it, so he traded it in against another car and lost a complete fortune on it but sure why not, it's his money, what does it matter.

I went to Amsterdam a few days ago just for 2 days so I could catch up with a friend of mine I haven't seen in a few years as he moved to Australia a few years ago. Spent about £2500 and came home with absolutely nothing to show for it. I took the wife last year for her birthday just for the night to the Ritz, all in by the time I paid for flights, the room, dinner and a bit of a splurge at the shops I spent just over £5000 which is ridiculous and completely stupid for a birthday present and for one night away but as I said your a long time dead. If you wanna do something and have the money to do it why not, you could get knocked over by a bus heading to the shop tomorrow morning.
 
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The 18 or 20mm f1.8 could interest me but not if they're the size of a bazooka and costs as much as a decent second hand car. Like the Arts.

It'll be interesting to see how the 35mm f1.8 compares to the Sony.
 
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Don’t want to be a cynic but it sounds like spam for fishing email, what is the name of this book?

show us your photos before and after reading?

it sounds perfect...too perfect.
 
Raymond Lin said:
Don’t want to be a cynic but it sounds like spam for fishing email, what is the name of this book?

show us your photos before and after reading?

it sounds perfect...too perfect.
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It is definitely spam, surprised it hasn't been reported a million times the way certain people in this thread love to do and removed by the admins.
 
Time for some A7 pix...

I schlepped my way around London with the A7ii, still trying to decide if it's too big to mooch about with. Just the 28-70 kit on it at the moment, and that package is a bit heftier than the A6500 with 18-135. Anyway, it's definitely a lot more ergonomic for using out and about than the A6500. Food for thought.

And just for fun, a few pix:

Looking Glass Lime Street:
lgls1.jpg

BFI guys:
bfiguys.jpg


Stabby McStabster (as played by Laurence Olivier):
larry.jpg
 
I will try harder and see how I get on over the next few months with my Sony setup. :)
Just started print the photos out, so maybe a change of approach is needed as opposed to new gear fuelled by GAS. :D
 
Riz_Guru said:
I will try harder and see how I get on over the next few months with my Sony setup. :)
Just started print the photos out, so maybe a change of approach is needed as opposed to new gear fuelled by GAS. :D
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Why dont you try the x100f as an addition to the A9, they arent that expensive.
 
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nandbytes said:
Indeed it's good to see some competition. I hope they not only catch up but even improve on Sony's offering. Competition is always good for consumers in the end.

I have pretty much given up on Nikon to do the right thing with their limited resources. The momentum of the l-mount alliance is slow and they all seem dead fixed on CDAF.
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It'll be interesting to see if Canon have a Sony rivaling sensor. As far as I remember they didn't have the tech to make one a while back, and updating the tech costs a lot, and they don't like using other peoples sensors so to be competitive in sensors they'll have to have spent a lot upgrading their manufacturing tooling.
 
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