Sony Lounge Thread MKIII (All Sony cameras welcome)

One from the wedding a couple weeks back...it is his birthday today...was glad Carlo found this pool table in the bar area...it was a pretty cool hotel to shoot pictures in.

bobbyz wrote in post #19001956
Alan, I not weddings but I do use it in the studio which is dark. No windows and only got two small tube lights above. Yesterday I tried AF-S and it seemed to be slower to focus. Yes I am now using BBF. Then a person on FM mentioned that on AF-S camera will confirm focus using contrast detect. The week before I used AF-C and it had worked better. Since these cameras can focus to -3EV (with f2 or faster glass), why even need a hot shot flash on the camera? Another thing is this mysterious 'Aperture Drive'. Now on A7rIV you can set it to 'focus'. What I hear is that it means camera focusses wide open. I didn't know Sony did not do this before. Even now there is not any detailed information as to how this works. I can see that even using my tamron 28-75mm f2.8, this menu option is available. Maybe I need to test it out to see if camera really is opening up for focusing or not.

Why don't you share the settings you use? Sony 85mm f1.8 focuses fast. For focusing, I would have picked Sony 35mm f1.8 instead of Sigma 35mm f1.2.

BTW - Sony has changed hot shoe again. My Plus IIs don't work at all on A7rIV. I thought it was my settings but I confirmed same settings and same Plus IIs work on A7rIII and A9 but not on A7rIV and A9II. Wish various review sites mentioned these important things. Now a days most reviewers are either in bed with the companies or for the click bait kind of stuff.

Bobby,

I agree it takes a bunch of research as many companies seem to let the customer dig deep inot features. Detailed explanation of their features do exist but we must hunt hard for them or learn from forums.

Even using my Tamron 28-75mm or Gm16-35 f/2.8 wideopen at f/2.8 the bouncing flash AF hunt is present in poorly low lit restaurant situations. Primes are really the only way to go. The big issue is that if you're trying to take photos of a small group during a reception/party you cannot rely on "no flash" fast aperture. Using f/1.2-f/2.8 settings you'll cause a blurry person in the group shot. During reception documentation shooting primes wideopen will start to miss the small aperture "more in focus" story telling images. This is where I've appreciate the "pop" factor subject separation of a FF system. At f/2.8 creating nice bokeh and then shoot smaller aperture to get more in focus for story telling.

Using a new generation Sony fast prime with external flash with a newer Sony body with "aperture drive" sounds like it'll open up wideopen and then revert to a smaller desired aperture setting taking the photo. This is what mirrored bodies do!!!!!!!!!

Canon AF-S aka "one shot" during receptions have never missed a beat for me. Flash stops action and shutter speeds in super low light I'll set the shutter speeds to max flash sync if people are moving faster. However typically with normal standing/sitting 1/125 or 1/160 is plenty fast SS when bouncing flash. This is where the mirrored Canon system with red focus assist does NOT blind subjects and it provides no focus hunt in the worst of times. I will resort to deactivating the flash head or lower the FEC but utilize the red assist beam.

If I was in a reasonably lit restaurant I'd happily use the Sony gear. This is where I really choose the tools that make my life easier.

With my Canon Remote flash work I'll have flash set to non TTL/manual flash. In low light I'll just set the camera setting in manual. I typically have a ETTL flash setup on camera shoe and then the remote flash I have it remotely controlled and adjust to taste. Using a Sony zoom I HATE low light venues and AF hunt. Canon on a dark dance floor works 99.9999% of the time with no stomach turning for me.

I did not buy the Sony 35 f/1.8 because I wanted a Sigma f35 f/1.2 for superior bokeh and my arms needs a workout The Sigma 35 f/1.2 AF speed is not fast like the Sony 85mm f/1.8 but it's just fast enough to never miss a beat in fast run/gun. I actually do not care much for the 35mm FL as I appreciate 24mm primes more. I've mentioned earlier the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 ART - 6mth ago received a newer firmware that ramped up the AF speed!!

If the Sony mirrorless operated like a mirrored body with red focus assist in poor light conditions..........So​ny for me would be ideal.

Lately I've been actively using my Sony for majority of my photography. I've dig my Canon out for situations where it's advantageous.

digital_AM wrote in post #19001799
"Solitude"

I shot various compositions from this lake and ultimately settled on a bit tighter shot to frame the mountain range with these large pine trees. Again the clouds were just wonderful the morning I captured this. I stood once again on the frozen lake to get this shot.

FE 16-35 GM

IMAGE LINK: https://www.alfredomor​aphoto.com …oads/n-mNp4Hr/i-gtNnP2V/A

Interesting couple of images that you have posted, I like them very much, they have a bit of an ethereal look to them which I assume is due to the atmospheric conditions at the time and not lens rendering from the 16-35 GM.

Miranda1 wrote in post #19002165
Interesting couple of images that you have posted, I like them very much, they have a bit of an ethereal look to them which I assume is due to the atmospheric conditions at the time and not lens rendering from the 16-35 GM.

Thank you Jose. It's a combination of in the field winter conditions and targeted adjustments in LR with targeted orton effect. I think the neutral rendering of the GM lens helps too. Thanks for your feedback. My editing style continues to evolve as I expand my skills and perhaps my tastes change over time. For each image that I edit, I always ask what story, mood, emotion do I want to express in this image. It's never one all preset that I apply. Editing winter images I have found to be tricky. Part of me wants to go much cooler tones (ie darker blues) but then I catch myself and think it's taking it too far.

Dlee13 wrote in post #19001789
As long as you’re happy with the 24mm Art is what counts! I didn’t really consider buying it purely because of the size and weight. The 24GM is one of the mode unique lenses considering the quality it offers for the size/weight. It also shows how far Sony have come in their lens technology.

I looked at it but for zooms I prefer Tamron so would go for the 17-28 if anything. I also use front filters so the 14-24 would mean I need rear filters too. The 24GM will be my all purpose travel lens so the Sigma 14-24 wouldn’t work for me.

The MC-11 isn’t perfect but does well for what it is. I originally wanted to stick with all Canon glass but decided to go all native for the better performance. Hopefully you enjoy the Sigma 24-70 when you get it!

Just picked up the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 ART zoom. Possibly premature to say but with my preliminary testing of the Sigma 24-70mm ART Zoom........ Sharp at 70mm at close distances. This was a complaint I've read. IQ across the range is extremely impressive.

The limited time I've viewed the A73 files from the Sigma 24-70mm ART I'm beyond pleased!! The sharpness at f/2.8 wide open is excellent. It has a certain different "look" compared to the Tammy 28-75mm. The image looks less "crunchy/harder" SOOC looking at the jpgs.

I'll have more to compare later. However I'm actually more impressed now as I was not expecting the image to be identical to the Tammy. I actually like the render more than my GM16-35mm. Files have this slight warmth that I would automatically have added in post work.

So far the "ruler" test is spot on and it exhibits no front/back focus or chromatic aberration one reviewer was complaining about.

The render seems very similar to my Canon 24-70L f/2.8mk2 with my 5dmk4. That is a first..........the colours seems more pleasant straight out of camera.

Got my tripod fixed with my new Markins base plate. The new base is on the left. The crappy Gitzo one is on the right.

Miranda1 wrote in post #19002165
Interesting couple of images that you have posted, I like them very much, they have a bit of an ethereal look to them which I assume is due to the atmospheric conditions at the time and not lens rendering from the 16-35 GM.

Since I made the original 16-35GM rendering comment I’ll respond.

My meaning was that these ethereal snowy scenes wouldn’t be visually improved (imo) by the additional microcontrast provided by the Loxia 21mm rendering. It was not meant to suggest that the 16-35GM produces an ethereal rendering.

digital_AM wrote in post #19002195
Got my tripod fixed with my new Markins base plate. The new base is on the left. The crappy Gitzo one is on the right.

Hosted photo: posted by alfredomora in
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forum: Sony Digital Cameras

New base plus leveling base plus ballhead. I won’t use the leveling base all the time.

Hosted photo: posted by alfredomora in
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forum: Sony Digital Cameras

Your FrankensteinPod looks good!

digital_AM wrote in post #19002195
Got my tripod fixed with my new Markins base plate. The new base is on the left. The crappy Gitzo one is on the right.

Hosted photo: posted by alfredomora in
./showthread.php?p=190​02195&i=i67001815
forum: Sony Digital Cameras

New base plus leveling base plus ballhead. I won’t use the leveling base all the time.

Hosted photo: posted by alfredomora in
./showthread.php?p=190​02195&i=i227990840
forum: Sony Digital Cameras

Nice!

So you have Gitzo legs, Markins base, FLM ballhead and an RRS plate. That's a serious hybrid!

David Arbogast wrote in post #19002214
Your FrankensteinPod looks good!

Thanks David.

Timphoto wrote in post #19002215
Nice!

So you have Gitzo legs, Markins base, FLM ballhead and an RRS plate. That's a serious hybrid!

Thanks Tim. . Oh yeah man. I have all sorts of pieces with this setup. Markins is know for their quality and reducing vibrations. That base is a beautifully machined piece. FLM makes an excellent ballhead that is German engineered. I should replace the RRS plate with an FLM plate though. My RRS one is older and I had a tough time with it in the snow and cold.

David Arbogast wrote in post #19002212
Since I made the original 16-35GM rendering comment I’ll respond.

My meaning was that these ethereal snowy scenes wouldn’t be visually improved (imo) by the additional microcontrast provided by the Loxia 21mm rendering. It was not meant to suggest that the 16-35GM produces an ethereal rendering.

I agree David. I was going for an ethereal look and feel to my winter images to convey a sense of cold, solitude, but beauty too.

A few from yesterday, one of the England's white horses, this one in Cherhill near Calne. We nearly got blown away at the top but all seem to enjoy none the less!

All with the 16-35 GM, the first being a fairly major crop!

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2io3​T8o

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2io3​RSH

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2io3​TQq

Monkey moss wrote in post #19002364
A few from yesterday, one of the England's white horses, this one in Cherhill near Calne. We nearly got blown away at the top but all seem to enjoy none the less!

All with the 16-35 GM, the first being a fairly major crop!

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2io3​T8o Top of the hill by Jonathan Millard, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2io3​RSH Cherhill White Horse by Jonathan Millard, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2io3​TQq Sun shines on the righteous by Jonathan Millard, on Flickr

Low light in rolling hills is beautiful

AlanU wrote in post #19002194
Just picked up the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 ART zoom. Possibly premature to say but with my preliminary testing of the Sigma 24-70mm ART Zoom........ Sharp at 70mm at close distances. This was a complaint I've read. IQ across the range is extremely impressive.

The limited time I've viewed the A73 files from the Sigma 24-70mm ART I'm beyond pleased!! The sharpness at f/2.8 wide open is excellent. It has a certain different "look" compared to the Tammy 28-75mm. The image looks less "crunchy/harder" SOOC looking at the jpgs.

I'll have more to compare later. However I'm actually more impressed now as I was not expecting the image to be identical to the Tammy. I actually like the render more than my GM16-35mm. Files have this slight warmth that I would automatically have added in post work.

So far the "ruler" test is spot on and it exhibits no front/back focus or chromatic aberration one reviewer was complaining about.

The render seems very similar to my Canon 24-70L f/2.8mk2 with my 5dmk4. That is a first..........the colours seems more pleasant straight out of camera.

That’s good to hear you got a strong performing copy! If others are complaining about it there may be some copy variation.

Hopefully you get to use it more then so you can put it through thorough testing as sometimes impressions can change after the honeymoon period! Haha

digital_AM wrote in post #19002195
Got my tripod fixed with my new Markins base plate. The new base is on the left. The crappy Gitzo one is on the right.

Hosted photo: posted by alfredomora in
./showthread.php?p=190​02195&i=i67001815
forum: Sony Digital Cameras

New base plus leveling base plus ballhead. I won’t use the leveling base all the time.

Hosted photo: posted by alfredomora in
./showthread.php?p=190​02195&i=i227990840
forum: Sony Digital Cameras

Did you fix it yourself or through a 3rd party repairer?