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

woof woof said:
Oh while I'm here.

I need a new lap top, 15", as the case is cracking but I think I'll need a better spec. as this one is struggling and slowing down when I load a days raws for processing. I have my A7CII and I'm using Photoshop 25-12-4. Can anyone guess at the spec I should be going for because I have no idea :D
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As a general rule of thumb the best spec you can afford. Software gets more CPU, GPU and RAM intensive with every update so the better the spec you get now the longer it will last.
 
Thanks guys. All PC spec info will be noted and retained :D

Should I be looking for particular graphics spec?

I've had this one four years now which is I suppose good going these days. It's a PC Specialist bought during lockdown when lots of places seemed to be out of stock. I don't know if I'll buy from them again though as the case has cracked despite careful use and the letters have worn off lots of the keys.

Ah, and it's 17" not 15" and it seems to have cost a whopping £852. I suppose better ones are cheaper these days looking at linked one on Amazon?
 
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woof woof said:
I suppose better ones are cheaper these days looking at linked one on Amazon?
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Probably not cheaper for better.



TBH Dells offerings don't seem very inspiring.
 
woof woof said:
Thanks guys. All PC spec info will be noted and retained :D

Should I be looking for particular graphics spec?

I've had this one four years now which is I suppose good going these days. It's a PC Specialist bought during lockdown when lots of places seemed to be out of stock. I don't know if I'll buy from them again though as the case has cracked despite careful use and the letters have worn off lots of the keys.

Ah, and it's 17" not 15" and it seems to have cost a whopping £852. I suppose better ones are cheaper these days looking at linked one on Amazon?
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I can't help on PC's I'm afraid, I use Mac :)
 
Review and sample available in comparison tool for 20-200mm
www.the-digital-picture.com

Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary Lens Review

Is the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary Lens right for you? Learn all you need to know in The-Digital-Picture.com's review!
www.the-digital-picture.com www.the-digital-picture.com

Range is more impressive than the performance.... leaves me in two minds....
 
The new OM System 50-200mm f2.8 looks a compelling lens, a 100-400mm equivalent lens with f2.8 aperture and internal zoom, weighing only 1075g (without tripod collar) is impressive. I'd love Sony to make a Mark II version of the 100-400mm with internal zoom but there's been no chatter whatsoever about a new 100-400mm despite the current lens being 8 years old.
 
snerkler said:
The new OM System 50-200mm f2.8 looks a compelling lens, a 100-400mm equivalent lens with f2.8 aperture and internal zoom, weighing only 1075g (without tripod collar) is impressive. I'd love Sony to make a Mark II version of the 100-400mm with internal zoom but there's been no chatter whatsoever about a new 100-400mm despite the current lens being 8 years old.
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A 100-400mm with internal zoom will be massive a bit like 200-600mm (of course a bit shorter)
I think most people buying 100-400 type lens are probably looking for the smaller package.

Having said that feels like it is due an upgrade especially make it smaller and/or optically better.
 
snerkler said:
The new OM System 50-200mm f2.8 looks a compelling lens, a 100-400mm equivalent lens with f2.8 aperture and internal zoom, weighing only 1075g (without tripod collar) is impressive. I'd love Sony to make a Mark II version of the 100-400mm with internal zoom but there's been no chatter whatsoever about a new 100-400mm despite the current lens being 8 years old.
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I had the original Zuiko 50-200mm for 4/3 and found it a useful lens range as I did with the same 100-400mm range on FF. Maybe Sony aren't seeing demand for a new version of the lens? I think it's a good balance of range and size because it's a lens I can easily carry with me whereas large telephoto lenses are too much but still gives a good amount of reach.
 
snerkler said:
I've had a less than great experience with WEX recently. They gave over £100 less for me A7RV because it was an import which I'll take on the chin, however they sent a lens back saying it had mould. This lens was under a year old and had only been used twice, and a few days earlier I'd had it assessed at another shop (didn't sell it to them as Wex offered more).

I checked the lens again when I got it back and couldn't see anthing so I sent it to another shop who offered just £5 less than Wex and have agreed it's in mint condition as I'd stated :thinking:
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As you know I had a negative experience with MBP and from reading reviews and comments from other people, I'm suspicious that they make up these excuses or make lowball offers because they don't want the item for some reason perhaps based on stock levels or similar.
nog said:
Hmm
Do Wex sell the used grey kit at a lower price than UK kit?
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Curiously WEX say they don't sell grey imports:


At Wex Photo Video you can buy with confidence in the knowledge that:​

  • We only sell EU-sourced stock*
  • We are proud of our Customer Service
  • You can call our UK Call Centre 7 days a week or visit any Wex/Calumet store across the UK
  • You will always get the full UK Manufacturer's Warranty
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snerkler said:
I'll be interested to see how this compares to the Sony 20-70mm, I can only assume sacrifices have been made but at 550g it's certainly a compelling travel lens.

www.sigma-global.com

20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG | LENSES | Sigma

This page is about Sigma's 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG.
www.sigma-global.com www.sigma-global.com
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I think with the cost, size, weight and substantially increased range there's definitely going to be some IQ sacrifices but it's quite a fascinating zoom range and while I've used a 24-200mm lens I'd say 20mm is a fair bit wider than 24mm. I'd be quite curious to have a play with it.
 
JohnMcL7 said:
As you know I had a negative experience with MBP and from reading reviews and comments from other people, I'm suspicious that they make up these excuses or make lowball offers because they don't want the item for some reason perhaps based on stock levels or similar.

Curiously WEX say they don't sell grey imports:

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I can't remember your MPB experience off the top of my head, sorry. My memory's terrible :runaway:

Interesting that Wex say they don't sell grey, I assumed this only meant new but there is an asterix and at the bottom it says this
Screenshot 2025-09-11 at 07.22.16.jpg

A few porkies there I feel.
 
JohnMcL7 said:
I had the original Zuiko 50-200mm for 4/3 and found it a useful lens range as I did with the same 100-400mm range on FF. Maybe Sony aren't seeing demand for a new version of the lens? I think it's a good balance of range and size because it's a lens I can easily carry with me whereas large telephoto lenses are too much but still gives a good amount of reach.
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In all honesty I don't have many complaints with the 100-400mm GM, even by today's standards it's sharp and has fast AF. However even though it's not exactly a heavy lens if they could make a lighter version I'd be up for that. After all they managed to shave off nearly 500g off the 70-200mm f2.8 GM II, if they could shave 300-350g off the 100-400mm to make it the same weight as the 70-200mm it'd be very welcome.
 
Anyone shoot with a 40mm lens? Was looking at the Viltrox 50mm F2 but then noticed they do a 40mm F2.5. Both get decent reviews.

Basically just been using 70-200 for sports but looking for something nice and compact just for when I want to go out and about. Never been a big fan of 35mm but a 50mm can sometimes be a bit long. Maybe a 40mm is a good balance?
 
JJ! said:
Anyone shoot with a 40mm lens? Was looking at the Viltrox 50mm F2 but then noticed they do a 40mm F2.5. Both get decent reviews.

Basically just been using 70-200 for sports but looking for something nice and compact just for when I want to go out and about. Never been a big fan of 35mm but a 50mm can sometimes be a bit long. Maybe a 40mm is a good balance?
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The 40’s ment to be a great lens, but not used it myself.
I bought the Viltrox a few months ago and apart from my holiday in China it’s been stuck to my camera.
Small, light and very sharp. AF for daily shooting has been fine, not done anything in low light with it but can’t say it’s worse than my 28-75.
I’m considering selling mine only cause I’ve fallen back in love with 50mm so much I want a 1.2.
Keep an eye on prices it’s a lens that seem to go up and down in price a lot.
I paid more than it is currently I’ve seen it at 179 at the lowest and was 260 for a while. I’m not sure why it’s fluctuates so much
 
pmac said:
The 40’s ment to be a great lens, but not used it myself.
I bought the Viltrox a few months ago and apart from my holiday in China it’s been stuck to my camera.
Small, light and very sharp. AF for daily shooting has been fine, not done anything in low light with it but can’t say it’s worse than my 28-75.
I’m considering selling mine only cause I’ve fallen back in love with 50mm so much I want a 1.2.
Keep an eye on prices it’s a lens that seem to go up and down in price a lot.
I paid more than it is currently I’ve seen it at 179 at the lowest and was 260 for a while. I’m not sure why it’s fluctuates so much
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The 50mm seems the sharper of the 2 as well as being F2 over F2.5.

On my old D750 my 50 was my most used lens period. Maybe I should just go with my heart and get a 50 again and not get sucked in to the 40mm middle ground argument!

It’s currently on offer on the Viltrox website and even cheaper on the official Amazon Viltrox EU seller page. Although not sure if that’s actually official!
 
JJ! said:
The 50mm seems the sharper of the 2 as well as being F2 over F2.5.

On my old D750 my 50 was my most used lens period. Maybe I should just go with my heart and get a 50 again and not get sucked in to the 40mm middle ground argument!

It’s currently on offer on the Viltrox website and even cheaper on the official Amazon Viltrox EU seller page. Although not sure if that’s actually official!
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There’s always the Samyang 45mm (y)
 
JJ! said:
Anyone shoot with a 40mm lens? Was looking at the Viltrox 50mm F2 but then noticed they do a 40mm F2.5. Both get decent reviews.

Basically just been using 70-200 for sports but looking for something nice and compact just for when I want to go out and about. Never been a big fan of 35mm but a 50mm can sometimes be a bit long. Maybe a 40mm is a good balance?
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Personally, I think 40mm is a lovely focal length :)
 
JJ! said:
Anyone shoot with a 40mm lens? Was looking at the Viltrox 50mm F2 but then noticed they do a 40mm F2.5. Both get decent reviews.

Basically just been using 70-200 for sports but looking for something nice and compact just for when I want to go out and about. Never been a big fan of 35mm but a 50mm can sometimes be a bit long. Maybe a 40mm is a good balance?
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I started with a Kodak Instamatic which had a 43mm and more recently I've had a Minolta Rokkor 45mm f2 and a Voigtlander 40mm f1.2. I now have a Sony 40mm f2.5 and I think it's a very good lens. The only issue I can really point at is vignetting but some reviewers thing the levels are "average", IMO they're quite high. Other than that it's maybe the second best lens I've ever used, maybe 3rd :D and it's compact and has an aperture ring and its actually quite nice to MF with.

LeeRatters said:
Personally, I think 40mm is a lovely focal length :)
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Yup.
 
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Received the Rokinon 50mm 1.4 ii and first impressions are positive, AF is able to keep up with the kids and centre sharpness is good. Some vignetting but it gives a 'look' and is easily correctable.
 
Gold said:
Received the Rokinon 50mm 1.4 ii and first impressions are positive, AF is able to keep up with the kids and centre sharpness is good. Some vignetting but it gives a 'look' and is easily correctable.
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We need pictures!!!

Or it didn't happen :D
 
Any pictures are welcome :D

Yours reminds me of one of mine which wasn't taken with a Sony but don't tell anyone.

P1380709.jpg


Nice bit of flare too :D
 
snerkler said:
I can't remember your MPB experience off the top of my head, sorry. My memory's terrible :runaway:

Interesting that Wex say they don't sell grey, I assumed this only meant new but there is an asterix and at the bottom it says this
View attachment 462788

A few porkies there I feel.
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I wouldn't expect you to remember amongst many other topics. I traded in a Fuji compact camera and they massively lowballed me on it claiming the camera had visible dust significantly impacting the image and they downgraded the condition to 'good' (which seems equivalent to poor' due to significant wear marks to the camera. It didn't have any of this when I sent the camera in and they couldn't provide evidence of either, I was pretty irate over the whole situation so eventually just accepted the offer which perhaps I shouldn't have done. I suspect given it wasn't a popular camera and they had quite a few for sale they didn't want it so they lowballed me to either get a cheap camera or get shot of me.

Based on what WEX are saying I would have expected them to refuse the camera, it seems contradictory they would accept it for a lower cost while claiming they don't sell grey imports and listing the downsides - maybe it is just new as you've said? I had a quick look through second hand cameras for sale but couldn't see any detailed as grey imports.
 
JohnMcL7 said:
I wouldn't expect you to remember amongst many other topics. I traded in a Fuji compact camera and they massively lowballed me on it claiming the camera had visible dust significantly impacting the image and they downgraded the condition to 'good' (which seems equivalent to poor' due to significant wear marks to the camera. It didn't have any of this when I sent the camera in and they couldn't provide evidence of either, I was pretty irate over the whole situation so eventually just accepted the offer which perhaps I shouldn't have done. I suspect given it wasn't a popular camera and they had quite a few for sale they didn't want it so they lowballed me to either get a cheap camera or get shot of me.

Based on what WEX are saying I would have expected them to refuse the camera, it seems contradictory they would accept it for a lower cost while claiming they don't sell grey imports and listing the downsides - maybe it is just new as you've said? I had a quick look through second hand cameras for sale but couldn't see any detailed as grey imports.
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Ahh yes I vaguely remember now, a poor experience indeed.

Yes, based on the online statement Wex should have refused the camera, their statement about grey import definitely includes used as they say "we can not always establish the origin of an item bought in via part exchange and sold as used", in this case they most certainly knew.

All this being said, I've no issue with stores selling grey as the products are no different, it's just the fact they make the claim. Of course it's worked to my advantage this time ;)
 
After whinging about the cripple hammer effect on the A7cII I have to say that I'm happy with the evf, the shutter speed limitations shouldn't be too much of an issue for me although I do wish there was an auto setting for swapping between electronic and mechanical, I've set a button to do it manually, the lack of physical controls is disappointing but I have for what me are the essentials either on a button or in the FN menu.

Overall the size and the IQ are good and these things just about outweigh all the rest and this camera has me wishing the weather and lighting would be ok when I have the time to get out.

It was raining a it here, you can maybe see the shading in the sky.

DSC00352.JPG

All being well I'll take this camera and probably the Sony 40mm f2.5 to Thailand later this year.
 
Yet another interesting lens

First image of the new Laowa 180mm f/4.5 Full Frame autofocus macro lens | sonyalpharumors

Laowa has announced the release of its new AF180mm F4.5 1.5x macro autofocus lens on September 15th. It features a Canon EF SLR mount, and Canon EOS-RF users can use an EF-RF adapter to achieve autofocus. It also supports Sony E/Nikon Z mounts (autofocus) and Canon RF/Leica L mounts (manual...
www.sonyalpharumors.com www.sonyalpharumors.com

Bit disappointed that it's a DSLR design :rolleyes:
 
nandbytes said:
Yet another interesting lens

First image of the new Laowa 180mm f/4.5 Full Frame autofocus macro lens | sonyalpharumors

Laowa has announced the release of its new AF180mm F4.5 1.5x macro autofocus lens on September 15th. It features a Canon EF SLR mount, and Canon EOS-RF users can use an EF-RF adapter to achieve autofocus. It also supports Sony E/Nikon Z mounts (autofocus) and Canon RF/Leica L mounts (manual...
www.sonyalpharumors.com www.sonyalpharumors.com

Bit disappointed that it's a DSLR design :rolleyes:
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Yeah it's a shame it's not smaller, but it's only 400g so that's not bad.
 
At this price if it's half as good as sigma I might buy two :ROFLMAO:

Laowa Shocks the Market: 200mm f/2.0 FE Launches at Just $999! | sonyalpharumors

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PZEwGkrwlg In this interview, the Laowa manager revealed that the upcoming Laowa 200mm f/2.0 FE will cost just $999 — a full $2,300 cheaper than the Sigma 200mm FE! For that price folks...I will buy one and you? UPDATE: A reader named Blair (Thanks!) spotted this...
www.sonyalpharumors.com www.sonyalpharumors.com
 
I wanted to get out today just for the fun of it but time was limited and the weather and light were ho-hum.

A7cII and Sony 40mm and for the first one K&F 10 stop. If you look closely you can just about see a ghost car streak on the road to the right.

Great Ayton scene.

1-DSC00376.jpg

Yogi, that's his name. My framing was decided by parked cars.

1-DSC00379.jpg

A couple sat in a nearby car eyeballed me the whole time. I must just be too gorgeous to ignore.
 
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I'm having a bit of a love/hate relationship with the RX1R II.

What I love is the image quality, including the bokeh, and how small and light it is (although the size is also a negative)

I think a lof of the negatives are becasue we're spoilt now with how good modern cameras are, however here's the list:-

1. The small size means that it's not the most comfortable to use. Without a grip it feels as though I might drop it, but with the grip my knickles scrape the lens.
2. The lack of IBIS means that I have to be really careful. I'm used to not having to worry about camera shake, but I've had the odd shot show camera shake as high as 1/50 :eek:
3. The rear dial is too easy to press and rotate meaning that I've changed settings without realising it. I've now disabled a number of things from the dial and put them in the Fn menu instead, which is not ideal.
4. The shutter limit of 1/2000 at f2 is a pain. I've bought an ND filter but I don't want to me messing with that whilst I'm just out on walks. In good light I can just leave it on, but in dull light it's going to make me run into camera shake issues due to the lack of IBIS as mentioned.
5. The lack of BBF is annoying. There is kind of a workaround, but it's not 100%.


I appreciate these are first wolrd issues, but they do detract from the overall enjoyment. I'm past my window to return it so I'm going to have to just get used to the quirks, and as I said at the start the IQ is top notch.
 
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