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

[woof woof]

Can't you be happy with a smaller Samyang or the Sony 55mm f1.8 Toby?

Every lens has its issues but maybe only a small % will be spoilt by focus issues or cats eyes whereas carrying a bazooka could be an issue every time you pick it up. Also, how many pictures do you really want with that little depth?

Just a thought

 

[snerkler]

Thanks for giving me GAS again.

Not a problem, any time

Honestly Toby. I’m not at all sure you’ll send it back.

Well this one will have to go back as it’s a hire

Can't you be happy with a smaller Samyang or the Sony 55mm f1.8 Toby?

Every lens has its issues but maybe only a small % will be spoilt by focus issues or cats eyes whereas carrying a bazooka could be an issue every time you pick it up. Also, how many pictures do you really want with that little depth?

Just a thought

That’s exactly why I’m procrastinating so much The 55mm’s a no go, I don’t like the rendering. My current Samyang I love the rendering, it’s just for certain things the AF isn’t at the top level. It’s not always about shallow depth, some shots yesterday were even shot at f2

I’m not going to rush into anything, I’m happy with what I have. It’s just a case of chronic GAS and also curiosity I might hire the f1.4 GM at some point and see how much the cats eyes bug me

 

[woof woof]

Not a problem, any time

Well this one will have to go back as it’s a hire

That’s exactly why I’m procrastinating so much The 55mm’s a no go, I don’t like the rendering. My current Samyang I love the rendering, it’s just for certain things the AF isn’t at the top level. It’s not always about shallow depth, some shots yesterday were even shot at f2

I’m not going to rush into anything, I’m happy with what I have. It’s just a case of chronic GAS and also curiosity I might hire the f1.4 GM at some point and see how much the cats eyes bug me

The Sony 55mm f1.8 seems to get a lot of criticism but most of the reviews I've seen seem to think the rendering is pretty good and pretty smooth but I suppose it's a personal taste thing. I don't tend to take an awful lot of pictures at f1.x as often there's little enough depth at f4 never mind wider but this'll depend on distance to the subject and background as well how much you want way out of depth at the taking aperture. I haven't used mine a lot as in recent years I've tended to go more for 35mm and my ocd does have issues with 55 as it isn't 50

 

[ancient_mariner]

The Sony 55mm f1.8 seems to get a lot of criticism but most of the reviews I've seen seem to think the rendering is pretty good and pretty smooth

It's a very neutral lens, and what I choose to shoot events where I need a good likeness but where creativity is not required. It renders a bit crunchy, but gives highly detailed, sharp and contrasty pictures. It's not inspiring and the pictures themselves don't draw me in. The Sammy 50 seems to be the poor man's GM F1.2

 

[nandbytes]

I have been through like 4 or 5 copies of FE55 lenses and I was recently considering another one for travel.
IMO it is a wonderful lens, with tons of microcontrast.

I just don't normally shoot with 50mm lenses.

So decided to just downsize my 85mm f1.4 to a samyang version and carry that.

 

[snerkler]

Here's some bokeh ball tests, here's my take aways.

• Firstly, despite being on a tripod set in the same place it was interesting to see the difference in FOV at close focus distance, I have heard that the GM has bad focus breathing.
• On the whole the GM appears to have larger bokeh balls but this is likely influenced by the difference in FOV
• At f1.2 (vs f1.4) and f1.4 I prefer the shape of the bokeh balls of the Samyang, from f1.6 onwards I prefer the shape of the GM and you can see the effects of the aperture blades more on the Samyang.
• The Samyang has noticeable bokeh fringing and ghosting, the GM has none. I remember shooting yesterday I could not get CA's from the GM either.

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.32.40 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.33.00 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.33.20 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.33.36 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.33.49 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

 

[snerkler]

Here I was surprised how much softer the background is at f1.2 vs f1.4 on the Samyang, also I think the bokeh of the GM at f1.4 looks softer than the Samyang's at f1.4


Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.28.09 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.28.23 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.28.59 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr
Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.29.31 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.29.54 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

 

[trevorbray]

Here I was surprised how much softer the background is at f1.2 vs f1.4 on the Samyang, also I think the bokeh of the GM at f1.4 looks softer than the Samyang's at f1.4


Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.28.09 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.28.23 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.28.59 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr
Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.29.31 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.29.54 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Painting yourself into a corner Toby.

 

[nandbytes]

Here I was surprised how much softer the background is at f1.2 vs f1.4 on the Samyang, also I think the bokeh of the GM at f1.4 looks softer than the Samyang's at f1.4


Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.28.09 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.28.23 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.28.59 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr
Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.29.31 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 13.29.54 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

The bokeh transition on Sony lenses are generally smoother than samyang lenses.

I was comparing 85mm lenses this morning and samyang there also has the same issue versus sigma/Sony.

In the end all depends on your priorities. If IQ is your main priority regardless of size/price then Sony wins out overall.

 

[woof woof]

There looks to be significant contrast differences in some of those comparison shots. I think to make a fair assessment of the bokeh the contrast would need to be similar.

Focus breathing is annoying but maybe much less of an issue for photography as opposed to video focus pulls.

 

[woof woof]

It's a very neutral lens, and what I choose to shoot events where I need a good likeness but where creativity is not required. It renders a bit crunchy, but gives highly detailed, sharp and contrasty pictures. It's not inspiring and the pictures themselves don't draw me in. The Sammy 50 seems to be the poor man's GM F1.2

I haven't used mine a lot but I have taken some pictures I really like with it.

 

[snerkler]

Painting yourself into a corner Toby.

Haha, I've been giving it some thought whilst out on the bike this afternoon and the weight is preventing me from pulling the trigger.

The bokeh transition on Sony lenses are generally smoother than samyang lenses.

I was comparing 85mm lenses this morning and samyang there also has the same issue versus sigma/Sony.

In the end all depends on your priorities. If IQ is your main priority regardless of size/price then Sony wins out overall.

I ought to test the 85mm f1.4 Art DG DN to see what those Bokeh balls are like, I've got nothing to directly compare it too but I'm interested now
There's no doubt the Sony is a better lens, but at 4x the price you'd expect it to be. The Samyang punches well above its price imo.

There looks to be significant contrast differences in some of those comparison shots. I think to make a fair assessment of the bokeh the contrast would need to be similar.

Focus breathing is annoying but maybe much less of an issue for photography as opposed to video focus pulls.

In the shots with the Amazon figure in I agree, the Samyang has much better contrast to my eyes, I've no idea why and can only think it's due to the FOV again and maybe as the GM looks closer the DOF is more shallow adding to it On these shots I prefer the colours from the Samyang, and the outdoor ones I prefer the warmer tones of the Samyang, but this is an easy fix in post. What I would say is though is that the Samyang shots appear to have a but more saturation. Again with the garden shots I would say the softness of the background at f1.4 on the Samyang is somewhere between f1.6 and f1.8 on the GM.

In terms of sharpness here at 1:1 crops of the garden shots above there doesn't look much in it, but when shooting real world shots the GM does look sharper more of the time. My thoughts on this are that it must be hitting critical focus more often as in a controlled setup like this there's very little to choose between them.


Screenshot 2023-05-13 at 15.47.22 by Toby Gunnee, on Flickr

 

[woof woof]

I think there's a lot potentially going on here with lots of things to look at and consider before making a decision. One thing to decide being what aperture you want and I guess this is more for bokeh balls and rendering and depth rather than light or speed.

Good luck choosing

 

[snerkler]

I think there's a lot potentially going on here with lots of things to look at and consider before making a decision. One thing to decide being what aperture you want and I guess this is more for bokeh balls and rendering and depth rather than light or speed.

Good luck choosing

There's lots to consider, rendering, AF, price, size, weight, also with the GM rendering softer backgrounds for the same aperture I 'could' shoot it stopped down and get even sharper results. The other big consideration of course is that this is just a hobby

All this being said I do know though that if the GM wasn't so big and heavy it would be a no brainer

 

[woof woof]

There's lots to consider, rendering, AF, price, size, weight, also with the GM rendering softer backgrounds for the same aperture I 'could' shoot it stopped down and get even sharper results. The other big consideration of course is that this is just a hobby

All this being said I do know though that if the GM wasn't so big and heavy it would be a no brainer

That's the killer for me. The Sony 20/35/55mm f1.8's are about as big a lens as I'm willing to carry about on a day out or holiday.

Ref the money and it being "only" a hobby. If something is affordable and gives enjoyment I say go for it.

For still subjects you could save a lot of money, size and weight by getting the Syoptic f1.1. After all f1.2 is soooo last century. F1.1 or not at all these days

 

[snerkler]

That's the killer for me. The Sony 20/35/55mm f1.8's are about as big a lens as I'm willing to carry about on a day out or holiday.

Ref the money and it being "only" a hobby. If something is affordable and gives enjoyment I say go for it.

For still subjects you could save a lot of money, size and weight by getting the Syoptic f1.1. After all f1.2 is soooo last century. F1.1 or not at all these days

Well I do have bigger and heavier lenses such as the 70-200mm and 100-400mm, but they're not pick up and go lenses. One of the things I like with primes is that I can shoot one handed if needs be. With my Fibro I found my forearm ached after a while using the f1.2 GM. I've just been out in the garden during half time of the Chesterfield game and the Samyang is much nicer to use in terms of weight, just grab it and go so to speak.

 

[nandbytes]

Well I do have bigger and heavier lenses such as the 70-200mm and 100-400mm, but they're not pick up and go lenses. One of the things I like with primes is that I can shoot one handed if needs be. With my Fibro I found my forearm ached after a while using the f1.2 GM. I've just been out in the garden during half time of the Chesterfield game and the Samyang is much nicer to use in terms of weight, just grab it and go so to speak.

while I don't have to deal with fibro, I have to sometimes shoot single handed with a baby in the other hand
Totally appreciate the weight issue.

Samyang lenses are lighter and whle may not be the "best" optically its the difference between being able to carry a f1.4 lens or a f1.8-2 lens. And stopped down to f2 they are generally as sharp as any other lens.
This is also why I don't want to give up on Sony 14GM, 24GM and 35GM primes. They are pretty small for fast primes. On another brand they don't exist or I'd have to get slower lenses.

 

[Mr Perceptive]

All this being said I do know though that if the GM wasn't so big and heavy it would be a no brainer

I spent 2 years talking myself out of GFX on this basis, and what do I own now……

 

[JohnMcL7]

It's by far and away the most expensive camera that I've had, but it does everything I need it to do. The only thing I have found is that dog eye AF isn't as good as bird eye AF, with birds it picks them up more or less every time even when tiny in the frame whereas with dogs I've noticed it doesn't always recognise the eyes. No biggie, it does a lot of the time, but not always.

With the rest of the subject tracking I don't need car, train, plane tracking, if I can't focus on these myself then I think I should give up

I'll not hold my breath.

With the cameras being quite purpose built I don't really expect much in the way of updates as they're not general purpose devices like computers and phones where there's a lot more capability can be exposed in time. Any new features I want on my cameras would need new hardware.

I was amused at a news article claiming specs from another rumour site were fake and made up and only to pay attention to their site despite the fact they were blatantly making stuff up most of the time as well.

 

[Raymond Lin]

I buy things for what they are, not the promise of what they will be, and any updates or improvements is a bonus, not a given.

I think we got used to tech being improved constantly…that expectation will just lead to disappointments.

 

[LeeRatters]

There's lots to consider, rendering, AF, price, size, weight, also with the GM rendering softer backgrounds for the same aperture I 'could' shoot it stopped down and get even sharper results. The other big consideration of course is that this is just a hobby

All this being said I do know though that if the GM wasn't so big and heavy it would be a no brainer

I don't envy you there. It is a lot to keep going over and over in the brain. Usually until it explodes!

Makes me admire the people who just go out and buy instantly!

 

[snerkler]

I don't envy you there. It is a lot to keep going over and over in the brain. Usually until it explodes!

Makes me admire the people who just go out and buy instantly!

Well it's a nice decision to have, and it's not as though I'm stressing about it, I actually enjoy looking into other things and like to quench my curiosity even if it leads to nothing in the end

 

[f/1.2]

I don't envy you there. It is a lot to keep going over and over in the brain. Usually until it explodes!

Makes me admire the people who just go out and buy instantly!

I am having a nightmare with a buying decision over a car rather than anything camera related.

Took a Mercedes CLA45 for a run today heart says I want very bad it’s an absolute best. Head says it makes no sense at all. Been doing my head in all day.

 

[snerkler]

I am having a nightmare with a buying decision over a car rather than anything camera related.

Took a Mercedes CLA45 for a run today heart says I want very bad it’s an absolute best. Head says it makes no sense at all. Been doing my head in all day.

I think I'm done with nice cars, I can never afford to buy cash and APR's are just crazy these days and thanks to the FSA they're now non-negotiable

I've got to say though, I would do it again if I could afford it The CLA45's a nice car, I've always been in the BMW camp but have always envied the sound of he AMG engines

 

[f/1.2]

I think I'm done with nice cars, I can never afford to buy cash and APR's are just crazy these days and thanks for the FSA they're now non-negotiable

I've got to say though, I would do it again if I could afford it The CLA45's a nice car, I've always been in the BMW camp but have always envied the sound of he AMG engines

Yeah it sounds unbelievable tore through Belfast in it today, People stopped to take videos and photos. But its gonna cost me two other cars and about 5k. It is also slightly older and has more miles than my trusty Skoda TSI VRS which is actually also a great car.



Also took a Focus ST for a run as well which is probably more sensible and is pretty much a new car and will only cost me my trusty Skoda plus 5k.

Head says don't change at all the Skoda is awesome but the heart says I need that AMG soundtrack.

Chopped and changed mind about 30 times today. Heart is broke trying to make a decision on it,

 

[snerkler]

Yeah it sounds unbelievable tore through Belfast in it today, People stopped to take videos and photos. But its gonna cost me two other cars and about 5k. It is also slightly older and has more miles than my trusty Skoda TSI VRS which is actually also a great car.

View attachment 389277

Also took a Focus ST for a run as well which is probably more sensible and is pretty much a new car and will only cost me my trusty Skoda plus 5k.

Head says don't change at all the Skoda is awesome but the heart says I need that AMG soundtrack.

Chopped and changed mind about 30 times today. Heart is broke trying to make a decision on it,

I feel your pain when you can’t decide and your head and heart at at loggerheads. Proper first world problem obviously but can be stressful nonetheless.

 

[f/1.2]

I feel your pain when you can’t decide and your head and heart at at loggerheads. Proper first world problem obviously but can be stressful nonetheless.

I must be getting sensible in my old age. A few years ago it would be sitting in the driveway already.

Not sure I am liking being sensible.

 

[ancient_mariner]

I must be getting sensible in my old age. A few years ago it would be sitting in the driveway already.

Not sure I am liking being sensible.

You said it would cost you 2 cars - but you can only drive one car at a time anyway.

Seriously for a moment, if it's a bit older and higher mileage how much will that affect running costs and reliability? Depreciation on something like this won't be the same as for an ordinary car - is it likely to lose faster or slower than your present vehicles?

 

[woof woof]

Yeah it sounds unbelievable tore through Belfast in it today, People stopped to take videos and photos.

That would give me pause for thought as I've had cars which have attracted the wrong sort of attention. I've even had a problem in the Evoque and they're everywhere.

Still, you know the risks and we're only here once (maybe...) so if you want it... I say go for it

 

[snerkler]

That would give me pause for thought as I've had cars which have attracted the wrong sort of attention. I've even had a problem in the Evoque and they're everywhere.

Still, you know the risks and we're only here once (maybe...) so if you want it... I say go for it

Touch wood I’ve never had an issue, as a result it’s not something that I’d let put me off

 

[f/1.2]

You said it would cost you 2 cars - but you can only drive one car at a time anyway.

Seriously for a moment, if it's a bit older and higher mileage how much will that affect running costs and reliability? Depreciation on something like this won't be the same as for an ordinary car - is it likely to lose faster or slower than your present vehicles?

It will cost a bomb to run and I will lose mega money on it when I sell it.

That’s part of the head vs heart decision.

 

[gman]

I am having a nightmare with a buying decision over a car rather than anything camera related.

Took a Mercedes CLA45 for a run today heart says I want very bad it’s an absolute best. Head says it makes no sense at all. Been doing my head in all day.

I've been far too conservative with my cars over the years and decided to change that with the latest one and I regret waiting so long.

Everything I do is for my family, but the car, computer and camera are my treats. If it's a car you love then it'll be a smile every time you get in. That's worth it even if just for a bit of positive mental health.

Get it bought! There's plenty of time yet to be sensible.

 

[gman]

It will cost a bomb to run and I will lose mega money on it when I sell it.

That’s part of the head vs heart decision.

So do women, but that doesn't stop us! At least the growl from the car will make you smile lol

 

[LeeRatters]

So do women, but that doesn't stop us! At least the growl from the car will make you smile lol

And you can get any whining fixed!

 

[ancient_mariner]

It will cost a bomb to run and I will lose mega money on it when I sell it.

That’s part of the head vs heart decision.

If that's really the case then I'd walk away - no good trying to cope with a money-pit, even if you love it for a bit. It'll just be an old, expensive car after a couple of years.

 

[snerkler]

If that's really the case then I'd walk away - no good trying to cope with a money-pit, even if you love it for a bit. It'll just be an old, expensive car after a couple of years.

Pretty much all cars are money pits, you either accept it and enjoy them or you buy practical

 

[JohnMcL7]

I was more of a BMW/Audi person until I heard an E63 with 6.3 V8 at a track and converted me to Mercedes ever since, I've always had sensible cars as well and came very close to buying an E43 in 2020 before prices went crazy as it seemed a sensible balance. I couldn't do it though and although prices are way higher for that sort of car now I don't regret it, I think I'd have some fun and then it would end up doing nothing most of its time like the current one does.

I was considering the 200-600mm lens but looking at the stats it appears similar to the Tamron 150-600mm which I find a bit bulky for carrying around and handholding, how do people find this lens from that point of view?

After debating the Z8 for a while I took a break and worked through A9 photos and they're all with the Sigma 100-400mm, I've come to really like the lens as it's a nice balance of size, weight, range and quality but there's not anything like that in Z mount yet with the official Nikon one a lot pricier. So I'd probably end up still using the A9/100-400 which means I won't get the one camera set up I'm wanting.

 

[f/1.2]

Have until Monday afternoon to decide on the CLA45 doing my best not to think about it until then. Going to look at an M4 on Monday morning first thing just to make the decision even more difficult.

 

[snerkler]

Have until Monday afternoon to decide on the CLA45 doing my best not to think about it until then. Going to look at an M4 on Monday morning first thing just to make the decision even more difficult.

I think the M4 is more of a driver's car, but the AMG growl is addictive. The G82 M4 is growing on me but I still don't think it's the prettiest, the F82 was a hit straight away. That being said I didn't like the E92 for the first few years but then had 3 of them

 

[mstphoto]

I've never felt the urge to own one of these "prestige" brands.
Nice to look at but can't help getting the impression of "Look at me - I've got a Merc/Audi/BMW"
Not saying I wouldn't want one though
The last 4 cars I've owned have been KIA and Suzuki and they have been brilliant.