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

[woof woof]

This is always worth a watch (especially from around 8:57) for those that doubt the quality of m4/3.

As you may know I've been with MFT since the GF1 but it's been a love hate thing but the hate has mostly gone away with the later cameras. I do have a lot of pictures taken with MFT that I'm very happy with and I'll look at them for years to come but for me it's mostly about taking pictures of people and places and moments that mean something to me. Others have different priorities and expectations and a living to make.

I think that guy used a 5DII? Our wedding pictures were taken with one and I ended up processing the raws and for me my GX80 and GX9 gave better IQ. I've taken MFT kit to Europe, central Asia and the far east but these days my A7cII is definitely pushing MFT out, it's not as compact but it's getting there and I'm really only keeping the GX80 for the 14mm f2.5, the long zooms I have and the built in flash.

 

[f/1.2]

Compared to some on here including you, and this is not an insult to you or anyone here, stocking up on a few packets of rice and pasta seems a lot more normal to me than obsessing over which f1.2 or f1.4 is the lens you must have otherwise you lose all credibility in a thread on the net.

Apparently you are only allowed to discuss cheap lenses from China that cost £80. If you discuss higher end equipment you are only doing that so that you have "credibility in a thread on the net." It doesn't matter that you might need that stuff for work or not. Maybe the thread title should be changed too "Old Sony bodies and cheap lenses" so as to avoid the risk of offending anyone.

 

[jonneymendoza]

 

[snerkler]

Yeah im not a video guy but may give it a go.
Not going to swap the 28-75 for the 24-70
Definitely getting a new 50.
As I said my hearts set on the 1.2 not sure how much of a difference there actually is but after days of looking at images for both there does seem to be a slightly difference.
I just now I will regret it if I don’t. but 1/4 of the cost saving on the 1.4 is a fair amount..
If I buy the 1.4 I can buy a 35 or a used 200-600 straight away with the 1.2 I will need to wait 3-6months.. or can sell the 28-75

The only time I can tell f1.2 vs f1.4 is comparing images side by side, on their own I don’t know if it’s f1.2 or f1.4.

With the 50mm f1.2 and f1.4 GM’s the rendering of the f1.2 oof areas is a bit softer and to my eyes it has a little more ‘pop’, but again just reviewing a stand alone image I doubt I’d know which one it’s taken with.

Due to this I’ve often considered swapping the f1.2 for the f1.4 as the form factor of the f1.4 is much better, however I can’t bring myself to do it

 

[woof woof]

Apparently you are only allowed to discuss cheap lenses from China that cost £80. If you discuss higher end equipment you are only doing that so that you have "credibility in a thread on the net." It doesn't matter that you might need that stuff for work or not. Maybe the thread title should be changed too "Old Sony bodies and cheap lenses" so as to avoid the risk of offending anyone.

I don't think this should be continued in this or any other thread.

Of course you can talk about any gear you want, or just about any subject you want (we've has just about everything in here) but what you should avoid is the temptation to belittle or insult others for making different choices in gear, photography or life or carry on stuff that's got another thread locked. Live and learn or the mods will take an interest and threads can be locked and people banned and I hope no one really wants that.

Now can we please get on with talking about stuff we normally talk about In This Thread with at least some pretence of acceptance and friendliness before you get this thread locked too.

I can't say I have any great brand loyalty but I like compact kit

 

[snerkler]

I can't say I have any great brand loyalty but I like compact kit

I don’t have any brand loyalty either, but the FE mount system definitely ticks more boxes than any other system for me.

I really fancy trying the Canon system as I’ve never used it but the lenses are either too big, too heavy and/or too expensive.

 

[woof woof]

I don’t have any brand loyalty either, but the FE mount system definitely ticks more boxes than any other system for me.

I really fancy trying the Canon system as I’ve never used it but the lenses are either too big, too heavy and/or too expensive.

I bought the A7 as it was the first FF mirrorless changeable lens camera but if it'd been Canikon I'd still have bought it. These days for me Sony is the clear leader with their smaller bodies and lenses and that's what seems to mean the most to me. I'm happier with the A7cII than I've been for a long time and really should have listened more to nandbytes and others earlier but I let the gripes I had put me off.

We're walking to the shops today and I usually take a camera but the light is awful today, there's complete cloud cover, no sky and everything just looks meh. When will it end? We've had the odd hour or half days improvement but this has gone on for ages now. So I wont take a camera today

 

[snerkler]

I bought the A7 as it was the first FF mirrorless changeable lens camera but if it'd been Canikon I'd still have bought it. These days for me Sony is the clear leader with their smaller bodies and lenses and that's what seems to mean the most to me. I'm happier with the A7cII than I've been for a long time and really should have listened more to nandbytes and others earlier but I let the gripes I had put me off.

We're walking to the shops today and I usually take a camera but the light is awful today, there's complete cloud cover, no sky and everything just looks meh. When will it end? We've had the odd hour or half days improvement but this has gone on for ages now. So I wont take a camera today

I think we’ve had 3 none rain days since the start of the year, been a real crappy start to the year weather wise.

Because I’ve not been going out for photo specific days I’ve been grabbing the RX1R II rather than my A1.

 

[woof woof]

I think we’ve had 3 none rain days since the start of the year, been a real crappy start to the year weather wise.

Because I’ve not been going out for photo specific days I’ve been grabbing the RX1R II rather than my A1.

The light here at the moment makes me remember the first time I want to Kazakhstan and the quality of the light astounded me. Even indoors. I've still never seen light like it anywhere else. Oh well...

 

[snerkler]

Don’t know if it’s been mentioned already but Sigma have officially confirmed development of the 85mm f1.2 DG DN and it’s going to be available from September.

 

[f/1.2]

I don't think this should be continued in this or any other thread.

Of course you can talk about any gear you want, or just about any subject you want (we've has just about everything in here) but what you should avoid is the temptation to belittle or insult others for making different choices in gear, photography or life or carry on stuff that's got another thread locked. Live and learn or the mods will take an interest and threads can be locked and people banned and I hope no one really wants that.

Now can we please get on with talking about stuff we normally talk about In This Thread with at least some pretence of acceptance and friendliness before you get this thread locked too.



I can't say I have any great brand loyalty but I like compact kit

I have literally said here many times that I have basic stuff for things I shoot for myself like my A7CII and the small cheap Chinese lenses. You seem to have a real issue with people that use higher end stuff though and it’s weird and has been going on for years.

I was trying to be genuinely helpful in the other thread as what you said was concerning. That’s not good enough for you though, you have to resort to your childish nonsense again. You were the only person that made insulting personal comments in the other thread.

I couldn’t care less if I get a ban or not, it’s only an Internet forum.

 

[f/1.2]

Don’t know if it’s been mentioned already but Sigma have officially confirmed development of the 85mm f1.2 DG DN and it’s going to be available from September.

I already mentioned it but because I did it was apparently offensive to those who prefer cheaper gear.

 

[snerkler]

I already mentioned it but because I did it was apparently offensive to those who prefer cheaper gear.

Ahh sorry, missed that. I know that it was mentioned a while back from SAR, but I hadn’t seen about the official announcement

 

[f/1.2]

Ahh sorry, missed that. I know that it was mentioned a while back from SAR, but I hadn’t seen about the official announcement

I had just said that previously I would have been all over that as I have wanted an 85 f/1.2 for a long time. However now that it looks like one will be coming at last I think I would now prefer the 50-150 f/2 as it would give me a 50/85 and 135 all in one, which would allow me to only carry the one lens which might be more useful for me than the larger aperture of the other lenses.

The large size of the 50-150 puts me off a bit, although I would expect the 85 f/1.2 to be a fairly large lens as well.

The 50-150 is huge but would have such a useful range for me.

 

[nandbytes]

The is no indication of the size apart from the 82mm filter thread. It's certainly seems to be fatter than f1.4 version.

I'm still somewhat interested. I have liked the new 35mm f1.2ii, if the size is about the same it's not too bad...

 

[f/1.2]

The is no indication of the size apart from the 82mm filter thread. It's certainly seems to be fatter than f1.4 version.

I'm still somewhat interested. I have liked the new 35mm f1.2ii, if the size is about the same it's not too bad...

Yeah I noticed that myself although that is only a mock up so maybe will not reflect the size of the actual lens when it becomes available. There was another lens I can't remember which one, that had a mock up with an 87mm filter thread I think it was ,but on release the lens had a 105mm filter thread.

The other 85 f/1.2's that are available are pretty big lenses but maybe Sigma can do something with this that has not been done before they do seem to be focusing on bringing down the size and weight of their lenses.

 

[nog]

I don’t have any brand loyalty either, but the FE mount system definitely ticks more boxes than any other system for me.

I really fancy trying the Canon system as I’ve never used it but the lenses are either too big, too heavy and/or too expensive.

Canon offer free trials, have to pay a decent deposit but use a credit card and time it right to try for a few days. If you find you prefer Canon it might will be expensive though

 

[nandbytes]

Yeah I noticed that myself although that is only a mock up so maybe will not reflect the size of the actual lens when it becomes available. There was another lens I can't remember which one, that had a mock up with an 87mm filter thread I think it was ,but on release the lens had a 105mm filter thread.

The other 85 f/1.2's that are available are pretty big lenses but maybe Sigma can do something with this that has not been done before they do seem to be focusing on bringing down the size and weight of their lenses.

Well Nikon camera/lenses are all much larger for whatever reason. So I wouldn't compare against those. Feel to me like they are making big things for sake of it or compensating for something else

Canon version is like 7 years old now.

So hoping it'll be smaller and doesn't end up with massive 105mm thread

 

[nandbytes]

I don’t have any brand loyalty either, but the FE mount system definitely ticks more boxes than any other system for me.

I really fancy trying the Canon system as I’ve never used it but the lenses are either too big, too heavy and/or too expensive.

The Canon bodies are really nice. I have only used the original R5 but it was already fantastic then. I'm sure r5ii will be better.

I'm not impressed with the RF lenses. At least Nikon has some good light PF teles. With Canon you have to buy slow teles which doesn't work for UK weather or massive huge expensive ones.

Tbh now I'm mostly shooting sigma glass, so if they removed the 3rd party ban it probably doesn't matter.

 

[pmac]

The only time I can tell f1.2 vs f1.4 is comparing images side by side, on their own I don’t know if it’s f1.2 or f1.4.

With the 50mm f1.2 and f1.4 GM’s the rendering of the f1.2 oof areas is a bit softer and to my eyes it has a little more ‘pop’, but again just reviewing a stand alone image I doubt I’d know which one it’s taken with.

Due to this I’ve often considered swapping the f1.2 for the f1.4 as the form factor of the f1.4 is much better, however I can’t bring myself to do it

Yeah I’ve spent a week or so now looking at every comparison or thread available and while it does seem minute ,in some images I do feel a slight noticeable difference.
I’m still back and forward with which to buy. Money being the only real factor.
I’ve got about 3.5k saved for a body and len’s. Without selling more kit first
The 1.2 wouldn’t leave me with much extra left, after a body.
the 1.4 would allow me to buy a second lens straight away or there about.
Sadly second hand 1.2’s seems to be very few around and often at or above grey.

I don’t have any brand loyalty either, but the FE mount system definitely ticks more boxes than any other system for me.

I really fancy trying the Canon system as I’ve never used it but the lenses are either too big, too heavy and/or too expensive.

I had considered moving to canon as a change but feel like the equivalent Sony lenses are smaller and cheaper.

 

[woof woof]

Apparently you are only allowed to discuss cheap lenses from China that cost £80.

I was trying to be genuinely helpful...

I already mentioned it but because I did it was apparently offensive to those who prefer cheaper gear.

Ok. For those who care, this is a carry on from a thread about my wife being a low level "prepper" to the point she wants a shelf of long lasting food in the kitchen and an emergency bag which got locked by a mod. The thread got locked, not the emergency bag.

I accept your good intentions and hope you accept I had no intention to offend you. I think we can however safely assume that it was posts by me and you that got that thread locked. Don't put a seconds thought into me or my wife. Neither of us need any mental health treatment. You may not care about bans, I do, I spent about 30 years as a supervisor or manager and in that time no one got so much as a warning. I used to hate to see that happen and I think it's a shame when people get pulled up by the mods on here or banned. I just don't like to see any exclusion or think that people think they can't post in certain threads. I think it's a shame if anyone feels they can't post.

Now. Hopefully this is over or if not maybe it can be continued by PM so we don't inflict this on others or clutter the thread but really I see no need to continue this and I hope you don't either. We both have better things to do. I hope you agree.

Photography...

I think the most I'm willing to spend on a piece of photograph gear is probably going to be under £2k but I have no problem with people spending whatever they want. I might make a joke, we've had the council house primes theme before but that's just joking. I have bought some cheap manual lenses as alternatives to the film era lenses I have. I bought them for two reasons, they don't need an adapter and they're cheap. They're so cheap they can be researched, bought, tested and played with and kept or sold on or even binned for next to no cost. I only have one now the TTA 50mm f2 but I also have my not so cheap Voigtlanders. I have probably posted a bit too much about cheap lenses but if I buy any more I'll probably post about it It's an open thread and we can post what we want.

 

[woof woof]

Yeah I’ve spent a week or so now looking at every comparison or thread available and while it does seem minute ,in some images I do feel a slight noticeable difference.
I’m still back and forward with which to buy. Money being the only real factor.
I’ve got about 3.5k saved for a body and len’s. Without selling more kit first
The 1.2 wouldn’t leave me with much extra left, after a body.
the 1.4 would allow me to buy a second lens straight away or there about.
Sadly second hand 1.2’s seems to be very few around and often at or above grey.

I had considered moving to canon as a change but feel like the equivalent Sony lenses are smaller and cheaper.

I've looked at the differences between f1.2 and stopped down with the same lens but it's difficult looking at different lenses as they can render differently and have other different + and - points. Size and weight matter more than f1.2 or f1.4 to me but if people prefer the f1.2 or if everything else is equal they just like the idea of going to f1.2 then why not?

Good luck choosing.

 

[ancient_mariner]

OK, let's all move on now. Thanks.

 

[addicknchips]

New sigma 85mm looks small

 

[f/1.2]

New sigma 85mm looks small
View attachment 475697

That would be pretty impressive tbf

 

[woof woof]

New sigma 85mm looks small

Even more without the hood.

 

[addicknchips]

Even more without the hood.

It’s been some time size I pre ordered anything, but I think I’ll take this one

 

[pmac]

What sort of price is this going to come in at though?
85’s are generally a fair bit more than a 50 and the 50 1.2 was £1300 on release from what Google said and it’s still currently at that price two year later

 

[trevorbray]

What sort of price is this going to come in at though?
85’s are generally a fair bit more than a 50 and the 50 1.2 was £1300 on release from what Google said and it’s still currently at that price two year later

Release price was actually just over £2K.
Don’t ask me how I know…

 

[snerkler]

Yeah I’ve spent a week or so now looking at every comparison or thread available and while it does seem minute ,in some images I do feel a slight noticeable difference.
I’m still back and forward with which to buy. Money being the only real factor.
I’ve got about 3.5k saved for a body and len’s. Without selling more kit first
The 1.2 wouldn’t leave me with much extra left, after a body.
the 1.4 would allow me to buy a second lens straight away or there about.
Sadly second hand 1.2’s seems to be very few around and often at or above grey.

I know it’s nice to buy more, but it’s also worth investing in what you really want otherwise you’ll end up buying twice. Been there, done that, bought the-shirt

 

[snerkler]

Canon offer free trials, have to pay a decent deposit but use a credit card and time it right to try for a few days. If you find you prefer Canon it might will be expensive though

The thing is, even if I liked the Canon bodies the lens lineup isn’t as good (for what I need) so there’s no point really

 

[LeeRatters]

Yeah I’ve spent a week or so now looking at every comparison or thread available and while it does seem minute ,in some images I do feel a slight noticeable difference.
I’m still back and forward with which to buy. Money being the only real factor.
I’ve got about 3.5k saved for a body and len’s. Without selling more kit first
The 1.2 wouldn’t leave me with much extra left, after a body.
the 1.4 would allow me to buy a second lens straight away or there about.
Sadly second hand 1.2’s seems to be very few around and often at or above grey.

Personally, I would go for the f/1.4 over the f/1.2

 

[addicknchips]

What sort of price is this going to come in at though?
85’s are generally a fair bit more than a 50 and the 50 1.2 was £1300 on release from what Google said and it’s still currently at that price two year later

Yeah The sigma 50 f1.2 launched at £1300 in the uk which is a Decent saving compared the the gm. I pre ordered but cancelled in the end. I think the 85mm f1.2 sigma might be around £1600

 

[trevorbray]

Release price was actually just over £2K.
Don’t ask me how I know…

D’oh !! Didn’t realise you are talking about Sigma.
Thought you were talking GM. Apologies

 

[pmac]

anyone using the 24mm 1.4g?
I don’t see much around about it, thought it might pair better with 50 than 35.
But are 20/24 to close?

 

[nandbytes]

anyone using the 24mm 1.4g?
I don’t see much around about it, thought it might pair better with 50 than 35.
But are 20/24 to close?

terrific lens, probably the best 24mm prime around
I owned 3 copies of it and miss it from time to time but not enough to buy one again. though i am sure i will eventually break and get one again
@LeeRatters i believe also swapped his 20G for the 24GM

I probably wouldn't look to own both 20G and 24GM but if you can afford it they both can serve different purposes too.

 

[pmac]

terrific lens, probably the best 24mm prime around
I owned 3 copies of it and miss it from time to time but not enough to buy one again. though i am sure i will eventually break and get one again
@LeeRatters i believe also swapped his 20G for the 24GM

I probably wouldn't look to own both 20G and 24GM but if you can afford it they both can serve different purposes too.

I was abit unsure if they would be too close.
I really like my 20 for city travel and Astro so not sure I wouldwant to part with it..

 

[LeeRatters]

I was abit unsure if they would be too close.
I really like my 20 for city travel and Astro so not sure I wouldwant to part with it..

@nandbytes is correct

I swapped the 20G for the 24GM for two reasons. Firstly the extra aperture for night skies & secondly, I found 20mm too wide tbh

 

[f/1.2]

anyone using the 24mm 1.4g?
I don’t see much around about it, thought it might pair better with 50 than 35.
But are 20/24 to close?

I have had the 24mm since it was released.

Have a bit of a love hate relationship with it.

It’s a very good lens but it doesn’t have the same a.f speed of the newer G.M lenses like the 35/50 and 85GMII.

Personally I do use a 35/50 combo most of the time. The 24mm I don’t use much. It has flatter colours than the others and maybe 24mm isn’t just a good focal length for me I occasionally use it for getting ready at weddings.

I think the 20mm might be more useful as 24mm often to me feels not wide enough and not long enough to be useful. A few times I have debated changing the 24 to the 20 but in the end haven’t done it.

It is sharper than the 20mm.

 

[woof woof]

As it's quiet.

The complete cloud cover poor light days are annoying and apart from the feeling that it's not worth bothering taking any more dreary light pictures when I do my cameras seem to be getting the WB very wrong. Is anyone else seeing this?