NikonGear'23
Gear Talk => Camera Talk => Topic started by: Frank Fremerey on August 23, 2015, 15:42:39
-
Today I sat in mass and .... normally I should have my heart with god .... suddenly lighting strikes me and I know:
I must have a Sony A7Rii ASAP
Now practical questions arise:
1) where can I try before I buy?
2) which is the best Nikon F adapter with full AF support?
3) beside the two BATIS gems and the 2.0/90mm Macro which native lenses do I need?
4) Is there an Alpha-Sinar-plate available?
-
1) Sorry, I can't answer.
2) Unfortunately, there is no F adapter that supports AF. I think Sony E, m4/3 and Canon EOS happened to use the same communication protocoll. There doesn't seem to be any hope for E type Nikkor support either...
3) Zeiss 55/1.8 maybe?
4) Why don't you add an F to FE adapter?
-
In such situation (strong envy but no well defined plan obviously), it pays to take your time.
In my case, it allows me to cool down and realise that new gear is not what I need (not speaking of you here).
Good luck with your search!
-
Hi Frank,
Is there a way for you to rent this camera and a lens or two? I've been using LensRentals (US) this summer to try out the gear I'm interested in. So far this summer I've tried the Fuji X-T1 and an IR modified D800. My next rental will be the A7rII, but the Batis lenses won't be availble via LR until September so I'm going to wait awhile. In the meantime I've been reading about it and checking out some of the user reviews that have been popping up.
Akira is right -- no adapter for Nikon AF (we can always hope).
-
Actually a Nikon F to Sony E autofocus adapter has been in development for a while now:
http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=233.msg1577#msg1577 (http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=233.msg1577#msg1577)
Gems for the Sony a7 series are the Sony Zeiss 35/1.4 and 55/1.8, for manual focus have look at the Zeiss Loxia 35/2 and 50/2 which are the modern equivalent of existing Zeiss designs for the Leica M cameras.
Before jumping into the Zeiss Batis 85/1.8 please realise a Sony 85/1.4G is rumoured to be on the horizon.
Btw you mentioned an other camera in your post (a7 MKII) vs the title (a7R MKII), please note a MKII version of the a7S is also eminent which will probably have all the extra features of the R model combined with a low res and insane ISO sensor.
-
Jan-Anne: just corrected it.
-
current reviews (I will add to list as long as modification is open):
http://briansmith.com/field-test-sony-a7rii/ and http://briansmith.com/sony-a7rii-field-test-2/
http://resourcemagonline.com/2015/08/review-the-a7r-ii-is-the-best-camera-sony-has-ever-made/
as a comment to that review: http://store.waitbutwhy.com/collections/front-page-new/products/happiness-reality-expectations (and from the coolest blog in the world anyway)
http://briansmith.com/sony-a-mount-lens-sony-a7rii-guide/
possibly second hand smoke, but hope is not suppressed so easily: http://briansmith.com/is-there-finally-nikon-sony-e-mount-af-adapter/
-
What do you need this new camera for? I'm curious.
Does the A7RII have 14bit RAW?
Also, have a look at this, it may or may not be relevant for you
http://diglloyd.com/blog/2015/20150819_1136-SonyA7R_II-posterization-BlueLake.html (http://diglloyd.com/blog/2015/20150819_1136-SonyA7R_II-posterization-BlueLake.html)
Personally, I would wait a little bit, I don't trust Sony enough to jump at this :). But I don't need any new camera currently, so the situation is different.
YMMV
-
Sony is working on 14bits RAWs and yes they should have had it on day one :)
-
Jan, I missed your previous thread on the development of F to E adapter. Interesting.
I didn't like the fact that Sony had been reluctant to offer 14bit RAW files, either. RX1(R) I used yielded 14bit RAW, but, for some unknown reason, the bit depth was reduced to 12 when long exposure noise subtraction was applied.
I don't like Nikon's concept of reducing the RAW file quality to lossy compressed only (though still 14bit) on D5X00 models and lossy 12bit only on D3X00 models. Canon enables 14bit RAWs for all the way down to the entry model DSLRs and M series models.
-
It's good to hear that Sony is working on this. There must be some sort of hardware difficulty, because people have been criticizing the "lossy compressed" RAW format since the first cameras were introduced and now the 5th camera in the series still has no other options, while Nikons in the same price range offer Uncompressed, lossless compressed and lossy compressed in both 12 and 14 bit.
I wouldn't shoot a 14 bit uncompressed 42MP RAW file all the time, but I find the 14 bit lossless compressed option in my D800 to be an excellent compromise between file size and image quality. Maybe people are just used to having options. 10 years ago my D70 only offered a compressed RAW format and I didn't feel limited by that. I'm sure the Sony RAW is also perfectly fine most of the time. But these days most of the cameras (especially cameras in this price range) allow us to select the level of compromise we're willing to accept.
-
Rick, it seems to me that Sony replaces a model rather than using firmware to correct issues or add functions. I've actually paid little to no attention to Sony cameras so maybe Jan Anne can chime in. Of course I am not talking about hardware such as IBIS/ new sensors?4K vids ;) . It appears that the a7rII may have a few issues that could be sorted with Firmware but that could just be Net Noise or, as in the case of the D800, many newbies and user error ;D
Tom
-
Try before I buy is my point one on the questions list.
The new Sony comes at a price and if it is only good on paper I will not fall for it in the end.
Example. If the AF performance is stellar compared to previous Sony offerings it does not mean it is stellar in absolute
terms. And stellar with wich lenses?
Other example 24MP seemed tooo much for me when the D3X came out
but I was tempted to try the D600 vs the D800 when these came.
Result was that I can gain a clearly visible advantage with the new generation if I do practice good shooting technique.
After acquiring the D600 in 2013 I needed one year to actually realize this advantage in.praczical shootinh.
so 42MP?
I guess part of the equation to profit from HighRes in real life is to
have stabilisation. But tripods are impractical or not permitted
in many a situation.
Last point for me is the smaller size and silent operation.
My X100T is a good example for great results in both respects.
Sony a7ii I had in my hands with the 2/90mm and I did not like it
to be so front heavy. But it was great with the batis and the Sony 55mm
-
Frank, I think if God had told me to buy the a7rII I would have quietly asked God Why?
I'm actually tempted to pick up a cheap a6000 with the 35 2.8 and 55 1.8 just to see how I like it. The price of the a7rII will come down and at the moment I am not going to be an 'early adopter' at the price.
I'm not interested in the 90mm but interesting what Jan Anne said about an 85 1.4 coming down the pike. Size, weight , price?
I am interested in the silent operation. Size and weight of the a7II/a7rII doesn't give ma much in relation to the Df and some of the primes. The Olympus EM1 is pretty darned quiet and it has features that I really like just small sensor. My wife's new printer will be with us next week and she plans to print a lot of images, most at A3 size so the EM1 is more than adequate .
You said the Batis 85, Sony 55 were a good fit on the a7II, is that what you meant or a7rII ? One of the other reasons for trying the Sony is to get away from fine tuning but the Df has not needed fine tuning but the D7100/D750 do :(
I've just put out a 'feeler' for someone wanting to sell/trade a7II.
All the best in finding a place to try an a7rII :)
Tom
ps India is not the place to try and pick up great , old Leica lenses >:(
-
Frank, when I (not as my personal preferred choice) attend mass my mind starts drifting too ;) and cameras are a nice topic to dwell on.
I am sure the A7RII will mature (via firmware updates) to a fine camera but the recent shortcommings are preventing me from lusting (which by church-standards is something one ought to refrain from). On the other hand, the more early adopters the more is to be revealed - keeping the manufacturers on their toes - to the benefit of photographers.
-
For those interested, there is a lot of technical stuff w.r.t. the A7rII at blog.kasson.com.
-
The link does not work
http://kasson.com
click on blogs
click on last word
Be warned.
1) some awe inspiring shots on the way
2) rather special rather technical info, relevant
only in very special cases of usage
Conclusio
A7R2 too early to judge
Sony sure has a big heap of Firmware homework there
and that seems to be true with many a7 series cameras.
Any hint appreciated.
thank you.
-
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7450523388/sony-alpha-7r-ii-real-world-iso-invariance-study
very interesting also for D810 shooters
not good when it comes to missing feature lossless RAW in the Sony
-
https://luminous-landscape.com/sony-a7rii-review-and-hands-on-report/
-
Frank, in my personal opinion, it is a wise move to wait and see on the a7RII :) . I am following the a7 series on Fred Miranda, a touch more civilized than Dpr ;) . I will continue to watch and wait. My GAS is for the two Batis lenses :) . I am really enjoying the Sigma 24 1.4 Art so the Batis 25 f2 looks good. My choice for a pocket camera came down to the RX100 series or the Pany LX100 but Pany is a non-starter here so I may get the RX100III.
I did order the AW1 and FT-1 so my GAS has subsided but the thought of using different lenses on a smallish mirrorless certainly has appeal. I've been researching adapters ;) . If you get off the Sony forums the 4K video implementation is not getting a lot of respect (not that I was interested) .
Seems to be a strong feeling that an a7sII is on its' way. Bigger with IBIS, larger sensor? I'm wondering if Sony will bump it to 4K vid :(
All the best, keep shooting and having fun.
Tom
edit: I read that review a couple of days ago but there are quite a few reviews starting to pop up, not all glowing.
-
Frank, the proper clickable link is http://blog.kasson.com
There is a rather active Sony subforum with lots of A7rII fans (and not so fans) at http://www.getdpi.com/forum/sony/
-
Frank, this is a rather crackable link to the review of A7RII:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHtT6DE7fVI
-
I remember the time when AMD CPUs went into Intel boards and vice versa.
I feel we are now destined to arrive at a time I can use any lens with any camera except for some bodies with the insane registration distance of 37.5 and above...
I keep my lenses and upgrade when I feel like it, but I can use a7 with my Nikkors. That is the idea:
https://www.google.de/search?q=a7+adapters&num=100&safe=off&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CDAQsARqFQoTCOiyhq3iw8cCFaOEcgodpx0L9g&biw=1920&bih=1091
With Canon it is working already, so we see and wait if someone designs a Custom ASIC to translate Nikkorish to Alphaesque. Metabones anyone?
-
Frank, sorry I also still fail to see any logic in comparing these two cameras, not only does D5 not exist but also they are definitely more like supplements for each other.
Or the new Sony as a supplement to your D3!
-
Exactly, I like the a7S because I can fool around with almost any lens I want broadening my scope considerably as I was running out of Nikon lenses to try.
But I can definitely see myself getting a D4/4s/5 in future when I add a long exotic lens to my camera bag again, in that case I want a big body, beefy all weather build, top notch fps and AF performance in low light.
-
What Frank really wants is a MF camera ... he just doesn't want to admit it.
-
Then there is only the Leica M ;)
-
Not sure. Camera will be my trophy not before I finish my current projects due to add money and fame to my
life. Until then my lust can wander around as it pleases.
I might even buy the A7R2 with one lens just because I want it not because I need it.
Currently my photographic playthings are phone and X100T.
If I feel I can do things with the little Sony and say the 90mm macro I cannot do with all the other stuff I might well do it.
The Nikons are for work and I can do nearly anything with them: portraits products food events macro
In the studio the Sinars give me everything with Tilt and Shift too.
Technically I do not need another camera.
-
Not sure. Camera will be my trophy not before I finish my current projects due to add money and fame to my
life. Until then my lust can wander around as it pleases.
I might even buy the A7R2 with one lens just because I want it not because I need it.
Currently my photographic playthings are phone and X100T.
If I feel I can do things with the little Sony and say the 90mm macro I cannot do with all the other stuff I might well do it.
The Nikons are for work and I can do nearly anything with them: portraits products food events macro
In the studio the Sinars give me everything with Tilt and Shift too.
Technically I do not need another camera.
How about a film MF with a very good scanner?
(https://nikongear.net/revival/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.garyayala.com%2FOther%2FStuff%2Fi-kFgBtKL%2F0%2FX3%2FIMG_0575-X3.jpg&hash=0a1963728972fe1b0164f91e37a02f59272e7941)
iPhone image
A recent purchase.
-
No. I want small /highres/highiso and a real T/S solution for food. No bulk, no chemistry, no scanners..
-
No. I want small /highres/highiso and a real T/S solution for food. No bulk, no chemistry, no scanners..
No fun ;D
-
Not true. Your kids are outta house. I have 2.
And I have alottoff other construction sites
some quite literally.
-
PS I always hated the wet lab
although I love Chemistry as a theoretical discipline
-
What I hated most about the photo chemicals was the disposal....into the public waste water system....where it doesn't belong.
-
What I hated most about the photo chemicals was the disposal....into the public waste water system....where it doesn't belong.
Agree. But I also hate it to work with 'chemicals' especially in the dark.
-
I did not like the smell and the feeling of being in a moist prison for many hours.
-
http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2015/09/15/sony-announces-14-bit-uncompressed-raw-image-capture-for-new-a7-series-8-ne
-
HURRAY !!! At last !!!
-
Sony Professional Service is still unannounced.
The rest looks very promising and gets me excited.
-
I wonder if they will provide lossless compressed RAW?
-
I wonder if they will provide lossless compressed RAW?
Possibly...or even beyond that...
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/7665355870/sony-brings-uncompressed-raw-to-a7s-ii-and-a7r-ii
-
Compressed and uncompressed 14bits RAW plus 8 new lenses in the coming 6 months, a great day indeed :)
-
DPReview tested the uncompressed 14bits RAW files and confirmed they are proper 14bits files:
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/6144418951/what-difference-does-it-make-sony-uncompressed-raw (http://www.dpreview.com/articles/6144418951/what-difference-does-it-make-sony-uncompressed-raw)
Sadly the upgrade for the a7S isn't available for the upcoming NG event, would have been a nice opportunity the test it out.
-
I'm curious if Sony is going to offer the firmware upgrade for the existing models like A7II and older.
One strange behaviour (or the feature) I noticed when I had RX1R was that the 14bit (now I suppose that was "compressed") quality was lowered to 12 bit when the long exposure noise reduction was applied. I don't know much about the mechanism or the reason. I hope this behavior is also addressed.
-
I'm curious if Sony is going to offer the firmware upgrade for the existing models like A7II and older.
Yes, they introduced it with the a7SII and will update a selection of cameras:
Additionally, they have announced plans to add user selectable compressed or uncompressed 14-Bit RAW still image capture via firmware update to additional cameras beginning with the recently introduced α7R II full-frame mirrorless model.
So after the a7RII probably the a7II and hopefully my a7S is next in line.
At 12MP is don't care about the increased file size btw, bring it on :)
-
Yup, your 12MP sensor becomes a + :) . Interesting comment by Sony that they will see if the demand is there for compressed. Maybe they are betting that the family shooters will not like the large files and do not try and pull as much from the images so were happy as was. I really cannot afford to take a flier on the a7RII and do not care about 4K Vids. I'll see if the Firmware filters down and prices to drop. No rush.
Tom
-
The prices for the new Sony's are a bit insane indeed, the a7R used to be €2100 at launch day but the MKII is €3500 which is more in line with the Nikon and Canon offerings but compared to the MKI model the price went up 67% :-\ :o
-
Definitely getting into the same price range as the higher end DSLRs but also starting to close the gap size-wise . Compared to the D750 , a gripped a7RII is right there on weight , then lens dependent. Big deal is that no matter what anyone says , take away 4K vids, The D3S and D750 will shoot anything I want to shoot. At this point the Sony cannot. No one is fooled into thinking the Sony a7xx series can compete for fast action (or even medium fast with no change of direction) . For sure, no camera is perfect for all types of shooting.
There are several very attractive/interesting features , opening up a world of lenses being the most attractive to me. IBIS for all lenses, cool :) . Adapters seem to be getting better and will probably continue to do so.
I am also sure the a7xx can replace my EM1 but, by how much improvement (obviously high iso and resolution) ? There are a few things about the controls and menu that need to be worked out. I had/have similar problems with Olympus menu but at least I can move the focus point/pts quickly in one step ;) .
I will continue to watch closely :) I'm still thinking an A7RIII and a7III will be out in less than a year ;) . Really depends on what Sony can or cannot do with Firmware and a perceived marketing choice to replace rather than correct/improve. I will get one but comes down to a cost benefit analysis and doesn't work yet :(
Tom
-
Tom
The A7II is pretty cheap in Aus right now as there is a $300 refund. I think I'm going to bite the bullet this weekend.
The big problem in Australia is expense of hiring to find out if it works - to that end, I spent a couple of hours in the store and really annoyed the salesman - but I could not get any feel of how the focus peaking was going to work for me. I brought in my noct and 25-50 but there weren't any adapters available without me buying one as well so I played with focus peaking on the Zeiss 55 1.8.
I'm pretty sure it won't replace the Df or D800E for me but may give new IBIS full frame liife to Takumars, Helios and old fast Nikon glass....
-
Hi JJ, sounds a good deal. My dealer keeps saying that he will give me a better price but will not tell me exactly the price until I tell him what lenses I will be getting with the camera. My wife flies to the UK next month and used a7IIs are starting to pop up with very low shutter counts ( many selling to fund their GAS, a7RII ;) ) .
A couple of Df shooters that I keep in touch with tell me the a7RII is better in several important ways and to wait until the price drops. My Nikons are not going anywhere but the Df/a7xx could be a very nice combo using the MF Nikons on the Df and others on the a7xx,
Let me (us) know what you think of the camera when you start using it. My wife will be in UK 20-28 Oct so if a great deal popped up.... ;)
Cheers,
-
My good friend Howard allowed me to handle and play with his A7RII. All I can say is that your lust and desires are somewhat justified ....
It is a much nicer camera than his ancient (two year old) A7R which is uncomfortable for me to hold without the battery grip. The A7RII is a much more natural fit for me.
Pictures with the 55mm f/1.8 are simply stunning on both as are images with his new Zeiss 25mm f/2 Batis lens.
It was a pleasure to handle these wonderful technical Tour De Force cameras and lenses. I will have to do with my lowly Nikons until I come into some money that I don't know about.
Now if they could only fix their Sony Digital Video Recorder menus and buttons that are baffling to just about everyone.
-
Thank you Bill.
We all are capable to take pictures with any cam.
But we tend to take cameras personally.
Your impression caters to our desire.
-
Bill, I'm in the same boat ;) , :( , Just a hefty buy-in for yet another system and a new system will certainly not improve my skills ;D .
I found this interesting:
http://blog.mingthein.com/2015/09/12/a-visit-to-zeiss-and-thoughts-on-the-milvus-line/
Not just the article about Zeiss but reading through the comments. Ming seems to have the same concerns about Sony's commitment to their camera division .
I'm now thinking about a cheaper 'buy-in' with a body(a7II most likely) and one or two native lenses and a Nikon F adapter . Then wait and see. Funny, the 55 1.8 and Batis 25 f2 are the most probable. The 90 2.8 is tempting but one of my internet friends went through 3 copies before being satisfied. I do not have the luxury of trying several copies of lenses. I have a raft of portrait lenses for Nikon.
Cheers,
Tom
-
Tom - I did exactly that.
My A7II finally turned up but I did manage to get a pretty good deal - about US$1050 in the end after rebates and extra $100 off eBay. I also splashed out and got the Sony 28mm f2 and 90mmf2.8 also well discounted. I use the Novoflex adapter.
It has taken a few days to get used to the myriad of settings but in a nutshell:- it is a lovely camera to hold and use echoing Bill's experience with the A7RII. More importantly for me, the focus peaking and magnification means that it is EXCEPTIONALLY easy to use manual focus lenses and even f1.2 is accurate and very sharp. The IBIS is crazy even 1/5sec seem pretty sharp on 58mm lens! I'm wishing for weekends to get out there and shoot.
A handful of early issues: I still haven't got a hang of processing the files. Nikon files still look crisper and cleaner using Capture NX2. I'm rapidly learning Capture One Express (comes free with Sony) as Lightroom files look dull. There are many many settings - some incomprehensible eg FEL hold vs FEL toggle (what's FEL? Whats hold vs toggle?) It also really chews through the battery.
Overall, I'm rather glad to have got it. I would certainly give it a go. The buy in with the A7II was not too bad, but being able to use all Nikon MF lenses with rapid and very accurate focus is a massive advantage that I really was not aware of. Most of my Nikon glass is MF and it has really brought new life to them.
Cheers JJ
-
JJChan: Thank you very much. Yes it might be a great idea to enter a system via a cheap deal & package. That way you do not loose a lot if you leave later.
But this does not seem to be the case with you anytime soon.
"New life to your MF Nikkors" for 1050 US$ that is the real deal.
Here in Germany the price for body only is between 1.600 and 1.800 Euros and I sure like to have some decent native glass like the 1.8/55mm Sonnar
-
A handful of early issues: I still haven't got a hang of processing the files. Nikon files still look crisper and cleaner using Capture NX2. I'm rapidly learning Capture One Express (comes free with Sony) as Lightroom files look dull.
Nikon RAW files look crisp in CNX2 because they are shown with the secret Nikon JPG sauce the other RAW editors can't read out but only guesstimate. With the Sony RAW files this works the same, when using Sony's Image Data Convertor the RAW files look exactly the same as the baked JPGs and they look flat and dull in other editors.
In the early stage I converted the Sony RAW files with IDC to a TIFF and processed them with CNX2 because CNX2 was the only I knew ;D
Now I'm using a Capture One Pro for Sony which also supports local adjustments (the free version doesn't), I'm not at the same level as with CNX2 yet but I'm learning quickly.
-
Tom - I did exactly that.
My A7II finally turned up but I did manage to get a pretty good deal - about US$1050 in the end after rebates and extra $100 off eBay. I also splashed out and got the Sony 28mm f2 and 90mmf2.8 also well discounted. I use the Novoflex adapter.
JJ , that is a much better price than I have been able to find. I tried to find one while there was a 10% PayPal discount on eBay UK but no luck. Best I can do so far is the a7II for $1500 with 2 year Sony India warranty. I've ordered the Novoflex (the one with the blue stripe that Jan did not like). I will get the grip since the bodies are just too small. I use the grip on the EM1 90% of the time.
It has taken a few days to get used to the myriad of settings but in a nutshell:- it is a lovely camera to hold and use echoing Bill's experience with the A7RII. More importantly for me, the focus peaking and magnification means that it is EXCEPTIONALLY easy to use manual focus lenses and even f1.2 is accurate and very sharp. The IBIS is crazy even 1/5sec seem pretty sharp on 58mm lens! I'm wishing for weekends to get out there and shoot.
The Sony UI scares me to death :(. I even thought about getting an a6000 (super cheap) just to start learning the menu/settings. I am still confused as to lenses since I have a small collection of Nikon Ai-s and Ai lenses. Many are in the 105/135 mm range with a few wides. I did pick up the Loxia 50 f2. For some one that shoots mostly action , I've started using MF more than I ever expected. I may just get one native AF lens to start with. I will not do much about lenses until we see the announcement that is coming. An 85 1.2 would be sweet , hate to pay the money for the Batis 85 1.8 if a 1.2 is on the way.
A handful of early issues: I still haven't got a hang of processing the files. Nikon files still look crisper and cleaner using Capture NX2. I'm rapidly learning Capture One Express (comes free with Sony) as Lightroom files look dull. There are many many settings - some incomprehensible eg FEL hold vs FEL toggle (what's FEL? Whats hold vs toggle?) It also really chews through the battery.
My collection of programs for PP is getting too large. I still use CNX2 for all of the older Nikons but am slowly learning to use ACR/PS for the D750/EM1. I guess I will have to give Capture One Pro a try.
Overall, I'm rather glad to have got it. I would certainly give it a go. The buy in with the A7II was not too bad, but being able to use all Nikon MF lenses with rapid and very accurate focus is a massive advantage that I really was not aware of. Most of my Nikon glass is MF and it has really brought new life to them.
My primary reason for getting a Sony :) IBIS , with good MF lenses , is jut too tempting (the reason I will be going with the a7II vs a7R . Sony needs to come out with a Df version sans Vids ;) or eve better, Nikon brings out a mirrorless Df with 399 focus points and F mount compatible !
Cheers JJ
Congrats and all the best with your adventure, I will be joining you at some point.
Tom
Well, I am getting a little better with 'Quote' ;). I am also getting a couple of Leica adapters and looking at some old lenses, an CV 75 2.5 Color Heliar (LTM) and a 90 f3.5 Lanthar (LTM). The prices drop significantly when not trying to find the lenses in a Nikon Ai-s mount ;)
Tom
-
Nikon RAW files look crisp in CNX2 because they are shown with the secret Nikon JPG sauce the other RAW editors can't read out but only guesstimate. With the Sony RAW files this works the same, when using Sony's Image Data Convertor the RAW files look exactly the same as the baked JPGs and they look flat and dull in other editors.
In the early stage I converted the Sony RAW files with IDC to a TIFF and processed them with CNX2 because CNX2 was the only I knew ;D
Now I'm using a Capture One Pro for Sony which also supports local adjustments (the free version doesn't), I'm not at the same level as with CNX2 yet but I'm learning quickly.
Jan
Thanks for the tip! I've just downloaded IDC. I will probably go back to CNX2 for TIFF alignment and cropping as it is just familiar and easy.
-
Well, I am getting a little better with 'Quote' ;). I am also getting a couple of Leica adapters and looking at some old lenses, an CV 75 2.5 Color Heliar (LTM) and a 90 f3.5 Lanthar (LTM). The prices drop significantly when not trying to find the lenses in a Nikon Ai-s mount ;)
Tom
Tom
Good luck! It is actually getting very fun! An M42 adapter turned up today and Takumar 50mm 1.4 is really as good as it seemed to be on my dad's Spotmatic II and velvia when I was in Beijing just after Tiananmen in the early 90s.
I've got quite a few lenses in the 105-150 range - very easy to use but processing still needs work and do not look as spectacular as from Df with same lenses. Because of this, I'm off to Brisbane this weekend (it's a 6 hr flight - Australia is BIG) and I'm bringing my Df with Zeiss 28 and Voigt 180mm and leaving the Sony at home.
Good times!
JJ
-
JJ, the Df just produces my very favourite files. So easy to work with :)
I just reclaimed my 180 2.8D from my daughter, Not the same as your Voigt 180. Gave her the 70-200 2.8vrI in exchange.
I think Sony is now pushing High Octane GAS , the Variable Low Pass on the RX1RII probably means another camera by spring ::)
Yup, Oz is very big. Years ago I was staying with friends in Melbourne and another friend said "why don't you pop over to Perth for a couple of days" , right ;)
Tom
-
OK, the Commlite AF adapter is being advertised for sale :
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a312a.7728559.2014082902.1.N2llr2&id=524446063248&fromSite=main&price=372&sourceType=item&sourceType=item&ut_sk=1.VJB6cUjhgfQDABVxKNAN0FVO_12278902_1448092384596.Copy.1&un=ac0b9244d22f50de143b731291a8a715&share_crt_v=1&cpp=1&short_name=h.e1Wwn&sm=254469&app=chrome&_lang=zh_CN:TB-GBK&thwarea=hw&toSite=main
Maybe someone will review it now that it is going into production. I had not planned on using many G Nikons on the a7II but would be interesting to see how they work since Sony is missing some. I'm also wondering if there will be any communication using D lenses .
Edit: What Commlite has to say :)
http://www.commlite.com/en/product_show.php?id=205&title_lm=Lens+Accessories&img_sl_lm1=upimg%2F2015112012350794.jpg&title=CM-ENF-E%281%29
Cheers,
Tom
-
That is really good news, could not see at how fast frame rate it can deliver the aperture stop down at or is this not relevant with the A7 series ...?
-
Cool, I think the time has come to chip my Nikkor 50/1.2 ;D
As mentioned I already use the Commlite Canon EF adapter for the Voigtlander 125/2.5 APO Lanthar and will probably buy this one as well for the Samyang 14/2.8 AE and 50/1.2.
-
Tom
Awesome photos with the 75 Heliar on the Fotozones site. Sensational shots and processing!
JJ
-
My word concerning my fading interest in the alpha 7RII comes after reading through this:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-alpha-7r-ii/16
I feel Sony stays on a very good path towards perfection. Kai-Zen.
Because Ergonomics has always been the final decisive factor for me when buying a camera and I handled the camera at my local dealer who claims to already have sold dozends of these, I must say. Not yet, not for me.
I like to see a much better user interface (better dials & knobs, less menu use) and a possibility to switch off features I do not want or need.
The price? I do not think this camera offers many practical advances for my shooting, privately or professionally, so I will not spent 3400 Euros plus lenses.
-
The buttons of the a7 series are highly customisable, even more so than the Nikons I used to own.
The out of the box configuration made little sense to me as well but after some testing I found a setup that works for me, this is not exclusive to the Sony btw as I used to do exactly the same with my Nikon cameras.
With the current setup no setting can be changed accidentally, things like ISO and AF point selection can only be changed by clicking a button first and then turning a dial. On the old forum I used make a few "how to setup your camera" topics, maybe its time to do one for the a7 series ;D
-
JanA.. super idea. Setup guides!
-
" "how to setup your camera" topics "
Excellent idea. I have always looked for these for my cameras and used some as a starting point.
-
See this topic for the Setup Guide for the a7 series:
http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,2118.0.html (http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,2118.0.html)
-
Thanks J.A., I'm still playing with getting the a7II set up the way I like it.
This is the first user report I have seen on the new Commlite AF Nikon adapter. Have you seen others? I had my fingers crossed that it would do more with D lenses but was not surprised .
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57029682
Cheers,
Tom
-
Nope, but on that link the reported performance is seriously disappointing, thanks for that link.
Still haven't seen confirmation that the adapter can be updated by USB or bluetooth, without a $300 adapter is not gonna happen.
-
My opinion after a long investigation into the CAM is that the people most happy with it seem to be those using high end MF-glass with it.
The AF performance seems to be rather bad still even with native glass.
I keep watching the market, possibly the announced D850 will feature the same chip as the A7R2.
What I really want is a system I can completely operate without taking my glasses on and off
-
J.A. , I'm not sure the guy on Dpr received what was meant to be the first shipments of the Commlite. Orig. supposed to be shipped 27 Dec (first Pre-orders) and then delayed until mid-Jan.
He is in Hong Kong and bought directly from the Chinese point of sale. The FW up-dates are a mystery... maybe they'll try to gouge another$100 for a Dock ;) . I'll wait and see. I'm getting very happy with MF but would appreciated the lens communicating with the body :) :)
Frank, I do not use my glasses with the EM1 or the Sony a7II. My wife gave up on her Nikons and is totally happy with the EM1. She can borrow the a7II for some gigs. The focus on the EM1 is first rate and super fast. Sony is close. MF is much easier with all of the MF aids. Not trying to talk you out of Nikon. Nikons are still my primary system and I shoot action. I do hate fine tuning.
Tom
-
Frank, I do not use my glasses with the EM1 or the Sony a7II. My wife gave up on her Nikons and is totally happy with the EM1. She can borrow the a7II for some gigs. The focus on the EM1 is first rate and super fast. Sony is close. MF is much easier with all of the MF aids. Not trying to talk you out of Nikon. Nikons are still my primary system and I shoot action. I do hate fine tuning. Tom
You observe that Sony is on par with Olympus AF-wise?
Whenever I use the EM1 of a friend I get the impression that she outcompetes any Nikon I own, esp. with fast primes where both the D3 and the D600 are slow compared to Pro-Zoom-AF.
-
Frank, sorry, I cut short my last since I had to take my son to his Math Tuition :D .
Short answer no, not on the same level as the EM1. A noticeable difference in speed and positive acquisition. The only slow Olympus lens I use is the 9-18 f4-5.6. Everything else is f2.8 or faster. Of course I am only using the a7II (just was not going to pay the money for the a7RII) . Also, Olympus IBIS is noticeably better than Sony's . ISO -wise I do not find the a7II much better at 3200-6400 than the D700 but have not tested that out. Just from normal shooting. If I could only have one between the D750 and a7II the a7II would go.
The biggest limitation are with the lenses, which is why many are using 3rd party. Canon shooters have it pretty easy since the electronic adapters work well. I have the 55 1.8, as recommended by a NG Supporter, the Two Batis, Loxia 50 f2 and the 90 2.8 Macro. Soon to have the 35 2.8 from J.A. . Not overly happy with the 90 f2.8. Should have bought a very good older macro. Not one zoom that I am interested in at the prices. Bummer, and I sold my Nikon 35-70 2.8 . If Sony doesn't deliver on their promises by the next big show (Feb.) I think they should get out of the lens business and go into another,or more, Zeiss type agreements and concentrate on Sensors and cameras. I was hoping that the Commlite adapter would be good (not given up yet and there is another one being developed) . So I had planned to use a few of my Nikon afs (G) zooms.
The Sony is fun and I've purchased several MF lenses that my wife will bring back next month and a M-to m43 adapter ;) .
Cheers,
Tom
-
The 90 Macro I felt, handling it in the shop, was HUGE. I like a well balanced package.
The Zony 1.8/55mm felt nice, good balance and decent AF.
All the other lenses you mentioned are sooo huge.