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01-06-2019, 12:17 PM #1Registered User
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Sony E-mount/mirrorless/aps-c Lens Discussion
The Best Action Lens for Ski Shots thread got totally overrun by Sony users discussing primes, astro-photography, and a bunch of other random stuff. So I started this thread for discussing Sony APS-C lenses.
"Alpine rock and steep, deep powder are what I seek, and I will always find solace there." - Bean Bowers
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01-06-2019, 12:20 PM #2Registered User
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I'm enough of a JONG that I really shouldn't have any opinion but FWIW DXOmark ranks the Sigma 30mm very highly, especially for sharpness.
https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compa...2_942_1083_942"Alpine rock and steep, deep powder are what I seek, and I will always find solace there." - Bean Bowers
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01-06-2019, 12:40 PM #3
Thanks for the link, helpful.
Curious if anyone has used both and can comment on if the Sigma autofocuses as well/quickly as the Sony?
A bonus to the Sony is built in stabilization. Not a big deal if you have an a6500 where the body is stabilized. Maybe important on the a6300 and a6000 which rely on the lens? Or maybe not, at this focal length.
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01-06-2019, 12:50 PM #4Registered User
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This video review address both of those points: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89NLu539MCU
From what I've read/seen/etc:
- Almost as fast autofocus, but probably not quite as quick as native Sony lens. Much better than most 3rd party, though.
- Obvious points: but stabilization is mostly a factor when shooting video. For stills, you might have to bump up the shutter speed a bit when shooting handheld. My JONG analysis: I would probably just increase the iso auto min ss setting to "faster" and set the min ss to like 1/64 or something higher than usual. And you might have to use a tripod slightly more frequently if you want to use longer exposure to keep the ISO down. My understanding is plenty of people use this lens on a body without IBIS.Last edited by auvgeek; 01-06-2019 at 01:14 PM.
"Alpine rock and steep, deep powder are what I seek, and I will always find solace there." - Bean Bowers
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01-06-2019, 02:29 PM #5Registered User
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I haven't used the sigma but heavily considered it. For what it's worth I have an a6000 and ultimately went with the native Sony 35mm 1.8 because a found a cheap used in like new condition at mpb.com. I don't think stabization is a huge factor given both speed and focal length, but auto focus is a factor. The sigma is fast enough but I use this lens primarily for photos of my 9 month old and our pup which both move a lot so I wanted fast accurate focus.
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01-06-2019, 06:20 PM #6
Who needs Google when you have auvgeek
Good points, and part of my use for this lens would be for mountain biking. Where the action happens is predictable in biking and your shooting position is easy to adjust, so a prime lens can work. But bikes are fast and a good autofocus would be a must.
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01-07-2019, 08:48 AM #7User
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18-105 vs 18-135? The reason I was trying to sell my 18-105 is to try out the new 18-135. Reasons: more reach, lighter, smaller. But I've read some reviews recently that state the 18-135 isn't as sharp. I also really like the fact that the 18-105 doesn't move in and out while zooming, seems like that's better for shooting in wet and dusty environments?
Anyone have real world experience with both?
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01-07-2019, 09:05 AM #8
Thanks for the thread, geek.
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01-07-2019, 10:45 AM #9
Not sure about sharpness, but my guess is that the 18-135mm focuses faster due to not being a PZ lens, right? I had the 16-50mm when I used to have an a6000, and that thing was a total PITA to focus with for anything other than landscape shots.
Looks like it gets pretty solid reviews from the regular websites... although the quality does look a little iffy in some instances from the test shots.
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01-08-2019, 09:02 AM #10User
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01-08-2019, 10:37 AM #11
I'd go with Fred Miranda... and eBay.
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01-09-2019, 09:49 PM #12
Sony E-mount/mirrorless/aps-c Lens Discussion
I have owned both... the Sony 35mm f/1.8 until some beater stole it from a state park picnic table wile I was down at the water with my kid... and the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 currently. The Sony was crazy good on autofocus and very sharp. The aperture was good enough for almost every occasion. Honestly if you need more subject isolation or bokeh get a full frame rig. The Sigma 30 is also excellent, at least as sharp and has acceptable autofocus speeds, but not as quick as the Sony. I definitely have missed the focus on fast moving kids. That being said, the extra f stop is nice to have for shooting low light. The focal plane is so thin at f/1.4 that you have to stop it down just to get both of your kid’s eyes in focus. You will be happy with either and it will be your new favorite lens.
For skiing I bring neither of these lenses. Most of the time you are shooting in bright daylight and need the reach rather than the speed. I love the kit 16-50 lens since it is so compact it fits in my jacket pocket. The old saying “the best camera is the one you have with you” applies. I have snapped some great ones with an iPhone. The best lens is the one that is accessible at the right moment and I am not stopping to unload a backpack and set up shots for a long time. Again, if you have an APS-C rig you are not a pro so lugging a whole pack full of gear is ridiculous. I also have the Sony 55-210 which I bring sometimes depending on the day. It is great for longer reach and also compact enough that i can throw it in my pack in case I need it and not really notice it is there.
Also FWIW my other favorite lens is the Rokinon 12mm f/2. No autofocus so it’s cheap, but awesome for landscape, architecture, some sports situations. No need for autofocus at 12mm. And f/2 fast so is good for astrophotography and indoor/low light applications.
First 2 pics are the Sigma 30. Second is Rokinon 12. The truck is with the Sony 55-210. last is iPhone X. All unedited jpg. Ill see if I can dig up shots from the Sony 35.
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01-09-2019, 11:21 PM #13
Good stuff xksrx. Thanks. I think the Sony 35mm may have to be my next lens.
FWIW on the "best camera is the one you have" thing. I'm using a holster style bag attached to the sternum strap of my pack. The Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 5 fits the a6000 and the 16-50mm lens. The Think Tank Digital Holster 5 fits the a6000 with the 55-210 (barely), or any other physically shorter lens no problem. It's a great solution and doesn't bother me skiing or skinning.
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01-10-2019, 07:27 AM #14User
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01-10-2019, 08:20 AM #15
Thread sternum strap through the slot on the back plus clip the d-rings on both sides to some point on the shoulder strap or sternum strap. Where you clip it kinda depends on your pack but usually there's somewhere to do it. I like the Nite Ize S-Biners for this but any accessory biner works.
It definitely bounces too much without clipping the d-rings. Still bounces a little with, but it's acceptable to me. A buddy of mine with a full frame attaches his a bit lower and clips the bottom to his waist belt, which really stabilizes it. But I don't think that's necessary with a smaller bag, and I think the camera is more out of the way being a little higher.
It feels a little higher than it looks in this photo
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01-10-2019, 08:20 AM #16
You won’t be disappointed with the Sony 35. Also nice that it has stabilization since your body does not (I have the a6000 also). Remember the stabilization helps with still subjects in low light but not moving subjects. That f/1.4 on the Sigma let’s in twice as much light so really helps with kids indoors...
Good info about the sternum strap, I hadn’t tried anything like that thinking that it would annoy me. Maybe I’ll try it...
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01-10-2019, 08:27 AM #17User
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01-10-2019, 08:40 AM #18
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01-13-2019, 11:34 AM #19
What autofocus settings are you guys using for skiing? I have a 70-200 f4 on my a6300. I've played around with the focus lock a bit, but haven't gotten it all dialed in yet.
Originally Posted by grrrr
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01-20-2019, 12:05 PM #20
I've got some Sony gear that I'm ready to get rid of.
- A6000
- 35mm F1.8
- 16-70mm F4
- Rokinon 12mm F2
- 55-210mm
- F20M Flash
I loved this camera a lot, but it hasn't seen the light of day since I got an RX100 iv and a full frame. The 35mm was hands down my favourite lens, and the copy of the 16-70 seemed to be very sharp.
Haven't figured out what I might post this stuff for on ebay but if anyone is interested PM me.Last edited by Bronic; 01-22-2019 at 04:43 PM. Reason: Forgot to include rokinon and mislabelled the 35mm F1.8
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01-20-2019, 12:36 PM #21
The new focus tracking update on the A6400 (and A9) seems pretty interesting... although a couple of the reviews I read made it seem hit or miss still. That said, if/when they get it dialed, that will make Sony all that more appealing. If only their lens lineup had more and cheaper options.
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01-20-2019, 09:09 PM #22Registered User
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01-21-2019, 08:23 AM #23
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01-22-2019, 04:47 PM #24
It's the F20M. It's nice for what it is (a very small little flash that is great compared to the in camera option) but I think it's sony's cheapest flash.
https://www.sony.com/electronics/int...ights/hvl-f20m
I bought it new a few years ago and it saw use for one little photo shoot. I can't find the box for that one though, $75?
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01-25-2019, 09:39 PM #25Registered User
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Looks like an improvement over the built in flash but I don't think it will work for my needs. Hard to find a flash for such a small body though without throwing balance way off.
Your gear should make someone really happy though. Great setup, somebody should make an offer if it's still available. Especially on the 16-70 and 55-210 that were just mentioned in this thread. The 55-210 is super affordable too.
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