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

Sorry to hear that.
We lost our dog Ben last April.
We weren't planning another dog for a while but someone we know's dog had puppies and you know the rest.....

There is a lot of difference between an email every day and having the puppy sitting in front of you. Just hope the wife doesn't read this (or someone tell her I wrote it) ;)
 
Just discovered I can export frames from iMovie. It's only jpeg but is a fairly decent size.


C0046-Edit by TDG-77, on Flickr
 
A new FF MF 35mm f2.8 in Sony mount.




It looks lovely but is quite expensive and may be in striking distance of the Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 and 35mm f2 APO plus I don't know if there'd be any great advantage for this lens over my Voigtlander 35mm f1.4 at f2.8.
 
We lost our spaniel Alfie last year as well and it's always hard but it seemed more so as it was quite sudden this time and he'd been a little star through my dad's death and the grim times of lockdown, always happy and keen to get out for a walk. It makes me appreciate the value of photos as it's so good to have many different photos of him from meeting him for the very first time right up until the end. It was our first spaniel Jake that got me into photography in the first place when I purchased a 1.3MP Fuji Finepix 1400z

Bertie has arrived and giving the A9 a good run for its money which has meant taking more photos the last few months than I've done in a while.
 
I probably missed the discussion on this but is that a frame from video?!
Yep exactly, in iMovie you can stop it on any frame and then export it as a jpeg (y) I've only just discovered this :rolleyes:
 
Yep exactly, in iMovie you can stop it on any frame and then export it as a jpeg (y) I've only just discovered this :rolleyes:

That's incredible, to be honest I don't know enough about video to get my head around this, but considering this looks exactly like a panning shot at around 1/30th, is that the sort of shutter speed you'd be using?
 
That's incredible, to be honest I don't know enough about video to get my head around this, but considering this looks exactly like a panning shot at around 1/30th, is that the sort of shutter speed you'd be using?
I don’t tend to shoot video but I remembered I’d had a play about with it at this event. IIRC I shot the video at 1/50 shutter speed as I think it needs to be in multiples of 50 for UK.

Edit: I’ve just read that’s wrong, shutter speed should be double the frame rate so I’d imagine I shot at 1/60 to get 30fps. I’ll see if it tells me when I’m back on the computer.
 
Last edited:
After a year or more away (using an RX10 iii for no-lens-swap mooching), I'm about to return to a FF Sony, in this case an old A7S. A nice low-res return to the system. :)

I will look at primes later, but to start, I am looking for an everyday/walkabout zoom lens. I wonder just how high up the ££/quality ladder it's worth going for such a low megapixel sensor?

My heart says Sigma Art 24-70, but would it be wasted? Same for the 24-105 - but more practical? And if I won't miss the 4mm at the wide end, there's the 28-70 kit (not so good on the A7ii I used to have), the Tamron 28-75/2.8 and the I see that in recent months there's a new and tiny 28-60 lens from the A7C kit. (There's also a Samyang, which I don't think has hit the shops yet.)

The A7S lacks IBIS, of course, so OSS may be another nice-to-have feature, as I rarely use a tripod out and about. Partly hoping to use the A7S' famed sensitivity to compensate.

So for you folks who have bought and sold and kept lenses in this range, please let me know what you rated/didn't. :)
 
After a year or more away (using an RX10 iii for no-lens-swap mooching), I'm about to return to a FF Sony, in this case an old A7S. A nice low-res return to the system. :)

I will look at primes later, but to start, I am looking for an everyday/walkabout zoom lens. I wonder just how high up the ££/quality ladder it's worth going for such a low megapixel sensor?

My heart says Sigma Art 24-70, but would it be wasted? Same for the 24-105 - but more practical? And if I won't miss the 4mm at the wide end, there's the 28-70 kit (not so good on the A7ii I used to have), the Tamron 28-75/2.8 and the I see that in recent months there's a new and tiny 28-60 lens from the A7C kit. (There's also a Samyang, which I don't think has hit the shops yet.)

The A7S lacks IBIS, of course, so OSS may be another nice-to-have feature, as I rarely use a tripod out and about. Partly hoping to use the A7S' famed sensitivity to compensate.

So for you folks who have bought and sold and kept lenses in this range, please let me know what you rated/didn't. :)
firstly as for the famed sensitivity, perhaps look at this:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAYXFwBsKQ0&t=30s


As for lenses have a look at the Tamron 28-200mm f2.8-5.6 which is really great lens. On a lower res body you won't even notice the difference between 24-105mm and this lens. At 105mm it actually maintains its aperture at f4.5 so you don't even lose much light, in fact you gain a shot at 28mm. Great lens if you are not keen on swapping lenses.
Downside is Tamron lenses do not have OSS but Sony 24-105mm does.

the tiny 28-60mm is actually amazing too having used on briefly. Found the range lacking but for the size and price it was great.
 
After a year or more away (using an RX10 iii for no-lens-swap mooching), I'm about to return to a FF Sony, in this case an old A7S. A nice low-res return to the system. :)

I will look at primes later, but to start, I am looking for an everyday/walkabout zoom lens. I wonder just how high up the ££/quality ladder it's worth going for such a low megapixel sensor?

My heart says Sigma Art 24-70, but would it be wasted? Same for the 24-105 - but more practical? And if I won't miss the 4mm at the wide end, there's the 28-70 kit (not so good on the A7ii I used to have), the Tamron 28-75/2.8 and the I see that in recent months there's a new and tiny 28-60 lens from the A7C kit. (There's also a Samyang, which I don't think has hit the shops yet.)

The A7S lacks IBIS, of course, so OSS may be another nice-to-have feature, as I rarely use a tripod out and about. Partly hoping to use the A7S' famed sensitivity to compensate.

So for you folks who have bought and sold and kept lenses in this range, please let me know what you rated/didn't. :)
I actually hate mid range zooms with a passion, one of the most boring lenses that money can buy. Everyone will have their own opinion.

The kit lenses are actually prettygood for a kit lens but they are still kit lenses.

Sigma 24-70mm art is very popular but isn’t without issues. It’s known for being a bit of a dust magnet and for getting a lot of stripping in backlit situations.

The 24-105mm is a very boring lens I bought some of these when they were on offer a while back to sell on. I was planning on keeping one for myself but after one trip out decided it wasn’t for me so sold it on.

I still have a Tamron 28-75 they can be picked up pretty cheap now, well the first version can anyway. It’s okay for what it is, I keep it mainly as a back up. Just because of price it would probably me my pick from those.
 
After a year or more away (using an RX10 iii for no-lens-swap mooching), I'm about to return to a FF Sony, in this case an old A7S. A nice low-res return to the system. :)

I will look at primes later, but to start, I am looking for an everyday/walkabout zoom lens. I wonder just how high up the ££/quality ladder it's worth going for such a low megapixel sensor?

My heart says Sigma Art 24-70, but would it be wasted? Same for the 24-105 - but more practical? And if I won't miss the 4mm at the wide end, there's the 28-70 kit (not so good on the A7ii I used to have), the Tamron 28-75/2.8 and the I see that in recent months there's a new and tiny 28-60 lens from the A7C kit. (There's also a Samyang, which I don't think has hit the shops yet.)

The A7S lacks IBIS, of course, so OSS may be another nice-to-have feature, as I rarely use a tripod out and about. Partly hoping to use the A7S' famed sensitivity to compensate.

So for you folks who have bought and sold and kept lenses in this range, please let me know what you rated/didn't. :)

Is the 28-60mm collapsible? I think it is. That might be something to think about depending how you feel. I have a collapsing Olympus lens and for some reason fiddling with it irritates me. Is the irritation worth it for a more compact lens? Maybe.

I have the 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 and although I hardly ever use it I do think it's a perfectly good kit lens.
 
Prompted by another thread I did a pano I'd not gotten around to. I did a similar one but not with the trees at the bottom. After doing this one I like this the best.

A7 and 35mm f2.8, 13 picture stitch.

OXax0yR.jpg


It's a shame the sky is blown but there was next to none anyway and the sky was a disappointment for most of our stay as the Indonesians were busy burning forests and it all drifted over to Singapore.
 
Last edited:
What's peoples general thoughts on the GM master 24-70 F2.8 and GM 70-200 2.8's?
The sigma art 24-70mm f2.8 DN might be better option and newly updated 70-200mm GMii is best in class.

The original 24-70GM and 70-200GM are some of the first GM lenses and optics have gotten better since but they are no slouch, just that there are better options now
 
The sigma art 24-70mm f2.8 DN might be better option and newly updated 70-200mm GMii is best in class.

The original 24-70GM and 70-200GM are some of the first GM lenses and optics have gotten better since but they are no slouch, just that there are better options now

Good to know and be in the loop about these things ;)

I saw some MFT charts re the 24-70 GM and thought looked fine - but not remarkable. A new lens release there wouldn't go amiss. GMii 70-200 2.8 looks strong.

How effective is the weather sealing on them? Do they keep the dust out effectively?
 
Good to know and be in the loop about these things ;)

I saw some MFT charts re the 24-70 GM and thought looked fine - but not remarkable. A new lens release there wouldn't go amiss. GMii 70-200 2.8 looks strong.

How effective is the weather sealing on them? Do they keep the dust out effectively?
Haven't owned the 24-70mm, the first version of 70-200GM was pretty well sealed.

But I don't think I have come across a lens that will keep dust out forever no matter how well they are sealed. They all eventually end up with some dust inside the lens if you use it long enough.

but GM lenses are pretty well weather sealed I'd say based on my experience
50871242027_55ae3bcfbb_b.jpg
 
Last edited:
After a year or more away (using an RX10 iii for no-lens-swap mooching), I'm about to return to a FF Sony, in this case an old A7S. A nice low-res return to the system. :)

I will look at primes later, but to start, I am looking for an everyday/walkabout zoom lens. I wonder just how high up the ££/quality ladder it's worth going for such a low megapixel sensor?

My heart says Sigma Art 24-70, but would it be wasted? Same for the 24-105 - but more practical? And if I won't miss the 4mm at the wide end, there's the 28-70 kit (not so good on the A7ii I used to have), the Tamron 28-75/2.8 and the I see that in recent months there's a new and tiny 28-60 lens from the A7C kit. (There's also a Samyang, which I don't think has hit the shops yet.)

The A7S lacks IBIS, of course, so OSS may be another nice-to-have feature, as I rarely use a tripod out and about. Partly hoping to use the A7S' famed sensitivity to compensate.

So for you folks who have bought and sold and kept lenses in this range, please let me know what you rated/didn't. :)
Mid range zooms are some of my most used lenses. I've had the Sony 28-70mm and have the 24-70mm f4 zeiss and 24-105mm f4 (picked one up at a bargain price). The 28-70mm is good when stopped down, but 28mm isn't wide enough for me for this type of lens. The 24-70mm f4 I have is very good, and far better than reviews had me believe (maybe I'm lucky and got a particularly good copy). The 24-105mm is the best of the bunch and is certainly sharper in the corners and edges than the 24-70mm when pixel peeping, however at full screen it's not easy to tell them apart.

The Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 is supposedly very good but it's not a lens I've considered due to it only being 28mm.
 
Haven't owned the 24-70mm, the first version of 70-200GM was pretty well sealed.

But I don't think I have come across a lens that will keep dust out forever no matter how well they are sealed. They all eventually end up with some dust inside the lens if you use it long enough.

but GM lenses are pretty well weather sealed I'd say based on my experience
50871242027_55ae3bcfbb_b.jpg

You haven't experienced the 28-45 645z thing - it really seems stronger than any other.

Reason for all the Q's - when all this covid nonsense is over I wanna go to Patagonia/USA NP's etc and a pair of 645z's just ain't gonna be flying friendly.
 
You haven't experienced the 28-45 645z thing - it really seems stronger than any other.

Reason for all the Q's - when all this covid nonsense is over I wanna go to Patagonia/USA NP's etc and a pair of 645z's just ain't gonna be flying friendly.
You have only started using it recently, give a few years ;)

Every lens will have dust in it, if you can't find it you just need a more powerful torch :D

Sony gear can be certainly travel friendly.
I am looking to reduce it to couple lenses myself:
Sony 16-35mm f2.8 & tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8.
But there are other good small/light sharp options:
Tamron 70-180mm f2.8, 70-200GMii is only 1kg and takes TCs, sigma 100-400mm etc

Sony GM primes are as good as it gets I think.
 
firstly as for the famed sensitivity, perhaps look at this:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAYXFwBsKQ0&t=30s


As for lenses have a look at the Tamron 28-200mm f2.8-5.6 which is really great lens. On a lower res body you won't even notice the difference between 24-105mm and this lens. At 105mm it actually maintains its aperture at f4.5 so you don't even lose much light, in fact you gain a shot at 28mm. Great lens if you are not keen on swapping lenses.
Downside is Tamron lenses do not have OSS but Sony 24-105mm does.

the tiny 28-60mm is actually amazing too having used on briefly. Found the range lacking but for the size and price it was great.

Thanks chaps. I have seen that video (and others), and even though 6400 ISO was an easy challenge for both, sensitivity is not the only factor for me. My choice here is largely down to price - the A7S is costing me about £325, and gets me back into the system. The A7R series used is - sadly - significantly more £££ than I want to spend on the body.

Didn't know about that Tamron, so I will have a look. Interesting... and 2x at the long end would mean less need to crop, because there's far less ability to crop with just 12MP!

Is the 28-60mm collapsible? I think it is. That might be something to think about depending how you feel. I have a collapsing Olympus lens and for some reason fiddling with it irritates me. Is the irritation worth it for a more compact lens? Maybe.

I have the 28-70mm f3.5-5.6 and although I hardly ever use it I do think it's a perfectly good kit lens.

There were definitely shots I had from the kit 28-70 on my A7ii that were great, but not many. This new collapsible zoom seems usable enough - with the twist past 28mm technique to stow it. Lightweight, too. But it's only 2.something zoom range, and I don't need to compromise on that so much.

I think I need to decide if f2.8 is a must-have, or just a luxury. That will simplify the choice.
 
Thanks chaps. I have seen that video (and others), and even though 6400 ISO was an easy challenge for both, sensitivity is not the only factor for me. My choice here is largely down to price - the A7S is costing me about £325, and gets me back into the system. The A7R series used is - sadly - significantly more £££ than I want to spend on the body.

Didn't know about that Tamron, so I will have a look. Interesting... and 2x at the long end would mean less need to crop, because there's far less ability to crop with just 12MP!

There were definitely shots I had from the kit 28-70 on my A7ii that were great, but not many. This new collapsible zoom seems usable enough - with the twist past 28mm technique to stow it. Lightweight, too. But it's only 2.something zoom range, and I don't need to compromise on that so much.

I think I need to decide if f2.8 is a must-have, or just a luxury. That will simplify the choice.

Lucky for you I have one in sales :ROFLMAO:
Regardless of where you purchase it from the good thing about the 28-200mm is it gives you f2.8 at the wide end which is useful. So it is like a halfway point between having f2.8 and not having it at all.

£325 is a very good price indeed.
 
Last edited:
Lucky for you I have one in sales :ROFLMAO:
Regardless of where you purchase it from the good thing about the 28-200mm is it gives you f2.8 at the wide end which is useful. So it is like a halfway point between having f2.8 and not having it at all.

£325 is a very good price indeed.
Cool - let me go check some reviews here and there. Would leave me some £££s for a prime.
 
Does anybody know if it's possible to do tethered shooting with the Sony A7ii?
I use on1 Raw and Sony is not supported, (Boo on1)
I have tried the Sony remote app but cant seem to get it to work (Boo Sony)

I'm sure there must be a way?
 
Does anybody know if it's possible to do tethered shooting with the Sony A7ii?
I use on1 Raw and Sony is not supported, (Boo on1)
I have tried the Sony remote app but cant seem to get it to work (Boo Sony)

I'm sure there must be a way?
 
I got it tethered working on A73 but it’s a bit of a work around I recall. It’s almost like you shoot and have it save to a folder and then high point LR sync folder to that folder and it update constantly. It does mean I needed a really long USB-C cable.
 
Just out for a stroll this morning.
A shot of my local church - St. Peters in Kineton.
a7iv with the Samyang 35mm f2.8

DSC00622-Edit.jpg
 
Back
Top