MCTuomey wrote in post #17138856
Well, the assessment of whether the EF-to-FE adapter solution (and more generally all non-native adapters, like Leica M-to-FE) will be an individual thing, based on what and how one shoots. For me, there are numerous issues with using non-native lenses on the A7/r bodies, too many to list, but AF speed deterioration for EF lenses (very real imho) and variation in adapted lens performance (most of my M-glass < 50mm is a non-starter on an A7r) loom large.
The AF speed is comparable to EF lenses on live view mode on Canon bodies, the problem is the EOS platform is not designed for contrast AF.
35mm and 50mm M glass mostly performs well on the a7R, for wide angles you have a huge range of lenses from Canon and Nikon that work on the body great. AF really isn't important for wide angles.
The knock on the alpha series is that, while their sensors kick a$$, you get no native FE glass outside of a modest 35/2.8 and an outstanding 55/1.8. If you're good with live view as a focus mainstay and with adapting non-native lenses, great, lots of glass is available. If you want optimal AF and the security of native glass interfaces, not so good.
The 35mm 2.8 is actually a great lens, it's comparable to the 24-70mm II 2.8 and Sigma 35mm in sharpness. Additionally, given this is full frame we're talking about, the performance in terms of noise, depth of field and angle of view is what a 22mm f/1.7 would provide on the Fuji X-Pro.
I want the security of established platforms like Canon EF and I want to be able to use my EF lenses which I have no intention of selling as their performance is fantastic. I don't consider the FE mount interface to be something that provides much in the way of security or longevity.
MCTuomey wrote in post #17138967
Seems truly a no-brainer for the landscape photographer who shoots relatively slowly and from a tripod and needs to print as large as possible from small format gear: FF Exmor v APS-C X-trans, 36mpx v 16mpx.
Yes, this is the use case for me. Landscape and architecture. Plus a general purpose walk about with best of class image quality (i.e. a Leica killer).
With the Sony a7R you get something that integrates well into your existing EF system and provides a few things that the Canon EF system doesn't do well.
MCTuomey wrote in post #17139170
Fully agree that the A7 + native lenses is not "small" relative to a less bulky dSLR + equivalent focal length/speed lenses.
The Sony a7 is half the weight of any DSLR that offers comparable image quality, including the light 6D. It is also lighter than a Leica body. It is the smallest and most compact full frame body anyone makes. When you need it to be compact, you put on the 35mm. But you very much notice the smaller size even with big DSLR lenses.
And this is advantage of the a7, it's a compact camera that makes no compromises. It's like a medium format that fits in your pocket.