Swap from Pentax to Sony A7(II/s)

Sliver-Surfer · 07-13-2015, 12:31 PM

Originally posted by infoomatic

I don't know what this is telling about me but when I saw the grooms beer bottle I knew the pic was probably taken in Styria/Austria :-)

I am also JUST ABOUT to buy the A7-II ... however could somebody post some experience about focus peaking/manual focus with the A7?

I plan to use the A7-II for daily stuff, portraits but also weddings and concerts (I wonder how fast the focus peaking/EVF is with low light when e.g. a singer moves fast). I have some f/1.4 lenses to use with the A7-II.

I shoot low light shows with nothing but manual focus on my a7 I usually shoot at f2.8-4 even when I use Super fast lenses and I have no problems.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/22931121@N07/sets/72157652185876818

infoomatic · 07-13-2015, 03:32 PM

Originally posted by Sliver-Surfer

I shoot low light shows with nothing but manual focus on my a7 I usually shoot at f2.8-4 even when I use Super fast lenses and I have no problems.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/22931121@N07/sets/72157652185876818

aaah, nice pics; quite similar to what I do sometimes. And to add: I never thought that getting the pics right would be easy, even with focus peaking.

Winder · 07-13-2015, 05:44 PM

Originally posted by infoomatic

I am also JUST ABOUT to buy the A7-II ... however could somebody post some experience about focus peaking/manual focus with the A7?

I plan to use the A7-II for daily stuff, portraits but also weddings and concerts (I wonder how fast the focus peaking/EVF is with low light when e.g. a singer moves fast). I have some f/1.4 lenses to use with the A7-II.

I received your PM in regards to focus peaking. I primarily use my 31mm LTD on my A7II since it has an aperture ring. I don't have too much of an issue with peaking at 1.8 on that lens. My Sigma 85mm relies on an adapter for aperture adjustment and wide open I think peaking is not quite as accurate as I would like. The zoom feature more than compensates though. I played with the Loxia 50mm F/2 and really loved the lens for MF work, but it automatically zooms in when you turn the focus ring.

The image quality of the A7II is very, very good for portrait and wedding work. If you need really high ISO it still lags behind cameras like the D750, but its better than a Canon 5DII and thousands of wedding photographers use that camera.

osv · 07-13-2015, 07:02 PM

focus peaking is based on the contrast that the lens has, some people call it microcontrast, but that's not a measurable quantity.

so experiences will vary, based on the lens that was used, and how the evf is setup.

with sony, you should be shooting b&w jpegs, because that's what the evf display is based on, with peaking at it's lowest level... that way the peaking only shows up at the peak focus time, with sharp onset and sharp dropoff.

the fa35 on my a7r is good in that respect, probably better than any other wide lens that i've put on the camera.

Sliver-Surfer · 07-13-2015, 08:17 PM

Originally posted by osv

focus peaking is based on the contrast that the lens has, some people call it microcontrast, but that's not a measurable quantity.

so experiences will vary, based on the lens that was used, and how the evf is setup.

with sony, you should be shooting b&w jpegs, because that's what the evf display is based on, with peaking at it's lowest level... that way the peaking only shows up at the peak focus time, with sharp onset and sharp dropoff.

the fa35 on my a7r is good in that respect, probably better than any other wide lens that i've put on the camera.

Ha i never hear or tried this before..works awesome even with my Pentax-A 1.2/50. I made sure to set my jpeg size to 6mpx so I don't have to take up too much xtra space. Thanks for the tip

Winder · 07-14-2015, 05:28 AM

Originally posted by infoomatic

I plan to use the A7-II for daily stuff, portraits but also weddings and concerts (I wonder how fast the focus peaking/EVF is with low light when e.g. a singer moves fast). I have some f/1.4 lenses to use with the A7-II.

Using Sony A7II + Mitakon 50mm F0.95 For Wedding Photography - DIY Photography

infoomatic · 07-15-2015, 08:07 AM

thanks Winder and the other owners for your opinions. I just could not resist and ordered an A7-II ... being proud owner of a K50mm f/1.2 and a Pentax LX for about 3 weeks I found that this is actually a really awesome combo, probably the one missing thing I have ever wanted, but since I prefer shooting digital most of the time I guess that I will enjoy the A7-II a lot. So looking forward to next week when the toy arrives ;-)

Sliver-Surfer · 07-15-2015, 08:35 AM

Originally posted by infoomatic

thanks Winder and the other owners for your opinions. I just could not resist and ordered an A7-II ... being proud owner of a K50mm f/1.2 and a Pentax LX for about 3 weeks I found that this is actually a really awesome combo, probably the one missing thing I have ever wanted, but since I prefer shooting digital most of the time I guess that I will enjoy the A7-II a lot. So looking forward to next week when the toy arrives ;-)

Order a new pk adapter right away. My 50 1.2 is on my a7 most of the time ,they were made for each other

infoomatic · 07-15-2015, 08:50 AM

Originally posted by Sliver-Surfer

Order a new pk adapter right away. My 50 1.2 is on my a7 most of the time ,they were made for each other

yep, I heard various opinions about cheap adapters so I ordered a novoflex adapter, so my DFA100mm WR can be used not only wide open ;-) I am so excited, about a year ago I started thinking about getting the A7 (see https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/76-non-pentax-cameras-canon-nikon-etc/268...derations.html ) but wasn't sure so I did not decide

Sliver-Surfer · 07-15-2015, 09:03 AM

Originally posted by infoomatic

yep, I heard various opinions about cheap adapters so I ordered a novoflex adapter, so my DFA100mm WR can be used not only wide open ;-) I am so excited, about a year ago I started thinking about getting the A7 (see https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/76-non-pentax-cameras-canon-nikon-etc/268...derations.html ) but wasn't sure so I did not decide

I like fotga adapters

jcdoss · 07-15-2015, 09:28 AM

I've been watching the A7 series closely for a long time, and lately prices on the new and old models are really starting to become a threat to my bank account. I've seen A7's in great condition going for $800 or less, A7Rs in great condition going for $1100-1200, and new A7IIs in the $1300-1400 range. I think my strategy is to wait until the A7IIs are closer to $1k before I jump in (because I really want a stabilized FF sensor), but man it's hard to hold off. By the time Pentax releases their FF camera, I think it'll probably be too expensive and too late for me. In my case, I'm using a K-x and NEX-6, so I could easily imagine dual-wielding an A7II and K-3.

infoomatic · 07-15-2015, 10:44 AM

Originally posted by jcdoss

...By the time Pentax releases their FF camera, I think it'll probably be too expensive and too late for me. ...

Yes, and I am also tempted by the EVF for manual focus ... I don't think Pentax is that innovative and does what I hope (https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/16-pentax-news-rumors/297084-everything-c...ml#post3279177), I think Canon does this first.

audiobomber · 07-15-2015, 10:56 AM

Most of the people who have been howling for a Pentax FF will find some reason or other not to actually buy one.

osv · 07-15-2015, 12:05 PM

Originally posted by Sliver-Surfer

Ha i never hear or tried this before..works awesome even with my Pentax-A 1.2/50. I made sure to set my jpeg size to 6mpx so I don't have to take up too much xtra space. Thanks for the tip

like that idea for saving space on the sd card... have you been able to see a difference with the lower-rez jpegs, when focusing at full magnification?

the sensor resolution determines how much magnification the evf has, it's pretty interesting.

---------- Post added 07-15-15 at 12:10 PM ----------

Originally posted by audiobomber

Most of the people who have been howling for a Pentax FF will find some reason or other not to actually buy one.

lol... first thing that comes to mind is the anti-equivalence mob, as i think that you put it

ff haters that'll go to their deaths convinced that aps-c has more dof than ff

but seriously, pentax ff is way too late to the game, too many people have already jumped ship... even if it brings 42mp, there won't be an evf.

infoomatic · 07-15-2015, 12:16 PM

Originally posted by osv

but seriously, pentax ff is way too late to the game, too many people have already jumped ship... even if it brings 42mp, there won't be an evf.

... yes, especially now that the entry level FF are similar priced to the top level aps-c.

07-15-2015, 10:44 AM	#57
infoomatic Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austria Photos: Gallery Posts: 255	Originally posted by jcdoss ...By the time Pentax releases their FF camera, I think it'll probably be too expensive and too late for me. ... Yes, and I am also tempted by the EVF for manual focus ... I don't think Pentax is that innovative and does what I hope (https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/16-pentax-news-rumors/297084-everything-c...ml#post3279177), I think Canon does this first. Last edited by infoomatic; 07-15-2015 at 10:55 AM. Reason: wrong link

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07-13-2015, 12:31 PM	#46
Sliver-Surfer Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,558	Originally posted by infoomatic I don't know what this is telling about me but when I saw the grooms beer bottle I knew the pic was probably taken in Styria/Austria :-) I am also JUST ABOUT to buy the A7-II ... however could somebody post some experience about focus peaking/manual focus with the A7? I plan to use the A7-II for daily stuff, portraits but also weddings and concerts (I wonder how fast the focus peaking/EVF is with low light when e.g. a singer moves fast). I have some f/1.4 lenses to use with the A7-II. I shoot low light shows with nothing but manual focus on my a7 I usually shoot at f2.8-4 even when I use Super fast lenses and I have no problems. https://www.flickr.com/photos/22931121@N07/sets/72157652185876818

07-13-2015, 03:32 PM	#47
infoomatic Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austria Photos: Gallery Posts: 255	Originally posted by Sliver-Surfer I shoot low light shows with nothing but manual focus on my a7 I usually shoot at f2.8-4 even when I use Super fast lenses and I have no problems. https://www.flickr.com/photos/22931121@N07/sets/72157652185876818 aaah, nice pics; quite similar to what I do sometimes. And to add: I never thought that getting the pics right would be easy, even with focus peaking.

07-13-2015, 05:44 PM	#48
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	Originally posted by infoomatic I am also JUST ABOUT to buy the A7-II ... however could somebody post some experience about focus peaking/manual focus with the A7? I plan to use the A7-II for daily stuff, portraits but also weddings and concerts (I wonder how fast the focus peaking/EVF is with low light when e.g. a singer moves fast). I have some f/1.4 lenses to use with the A7-II. I received your PM in regards to focus peaking. I primarily use my 31mm LTD on my A7II since it has an aperture ring. I don't have too much of an issue with peaking at 1.8 on that lens. My Sigma 85mm relies on an adapter for aperture adjustment and wide open I think peaking is not quite as accurate as I would like. The zoom feature more than compensates though. I played with the Loxia 50mm F/2 and really loved the lens for MF work, but it automatically zooms in when you turn the focus ring. The image quality of the A7II is very, very good for portrait and wedding work. If you need really high ISO it still lags behind cameras like the D750, but its better than a Canon 5DII and thousands of wedding photographers use that camera.

07-13-2015, 07:02 PM	#49
osv Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: So Cal Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,080	focus peaking is based on the contrast that the lens has, some people call it microcontrast, but that's not a measurable quantity. so experiences will vary, based on the lens that was used, and how the evf is setup. with sony, you should be shooting b&w jpegs, because that's what the evf display is based on, with peaking at it's lowest level... that way the peaking only shows up at the peak focus time, with sharp onset and sharp dropoff. the fa35 on my a7r is good in that respect, probably better than any other wide lens that i've put on the camera.

07-13-2015, 08:17 PM	#50
Sliver-Surfer Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,558	Originally posted by osv focus peaking is based on the contrast that the lens has, some people call it microcontrast, but that's not a measurable quantity. so experiences will vary, based on the lens that was used, and how the evf is setup. with sony, you should be shooting b&w jpegs, because that's what the evf display is based on, with peaking at it's lowest level... that way the peaking only shows up at the peak focus time, with sharp onset and sharp dropoff. the fa35 on my a7r is good in that respect, probably better than any other wide lens that i've put on the camera. Ha i never hear or tried this before..works awesome even with my Pentax-A 1.2/50. I made sure to set my jpeg size to 6mpx so I don't have to take up too much xtra space. Thanks for the tip

07-14-2015, 05:28 AM	#51
Winder Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Tennessee Posts: 6,617	Originally posted by infoomatic I plan to use the A7-II for daily stuff, portraits but also weddings and concerts (I wonder how fast the focus peaking/EVF is with low light when e.g. a singer moves fast). I have some f/1.4 lenses to use with the A7-II. Using Sony A7II + Mitakon 50mm F0.95 For Wedding Photography - DIY Photography

07-15-2015, 08:07 AM	#52
infoomatic Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austria Photos: Gallery Posts: 255	thanks Winder and the other owners for your opinions. I just could not resist and ordered an A7-II ... being proud owner of a K50mm f/1.2 and a Pentax LX for about 3 weeks I found that this is actually a really awesome combo, probably the one missing thing I have ever wanted, but since I prefer shooting digital most of the time I guess that I will enjoy the A7-II a lot. So looking forward to next week when the toy arrives ;-)

07-15-2015, 08:35 AM	#53
Sliver-Surfer Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,558	Originally posted by infoomatic thanks Winder and the other owners for your opinions. I just could not resist and ordered an A7-II ... being proud owner of a K50mm f/1.2 and a Pentax LX for about 3 weeks I found that this is actually a really awesome combo, probably the one missing thing I have ever wanted, but since I prefer shooting digital most of the time I guess that I will enjoy the A7-II a lot. So looking forward to next week when the toy arrives ;-) Order a new pk adapter right away. My 50 1.2 is on my a7 most of the time ,they were made for each other

07-15-2015, 08:50 AM	#54
infoomatic Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austria Photos: Gallery Posts: 255	Originally posted by Sliver-Surfer Order a new pk adapter right away. My 50 1.2 is on my a7 most of the time ,they were made for each other yep, I heard various opinions about cheap adapters so I ordered a novoflex adapter, so my DFA100mm WR can be used not only wide open ;-) I am so excited, about a year ago I started thinking about getting the A7 (see https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/76-non-pentax-cameras-canon-nikon-etc/268...derations.html ) but wasn't sure so I did not decide

07-15-2015, 09:03 AM	#55
Sliver-Surfer Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,558	Originally posted by infoomatic yep, I heard various opinions about cheap adapters so I ordered a novoflex adapter, so my DFA100mm WR can be used not only wide open ;-) I am so excited, about a year ago I started thinking about getting the A7 (see https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/76-non-pentax-cameras-canon-nikon-etc/268...derations.html ) but wasn't sure so I did not decide I like fotga adapters

07-15-2015, 09:28 AM	#56
jcdoss Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,769	I've been watching the A7 series closely for a long time, and lately prices on the new and old models are really starting to become a threat to my bank account. I've seen A7's in great condition going for $800 or less, A7Rs in great condition going for $1100-1200, and new A7IIs in the $1300-1400 range. I think my strategy is to wait until the A7IIs are closer to $1k before I jump in (because I really want a stabilized FF sensor), but man it's hard to hold off. By the time Pentax releases their FF camera, I think it'll probably be too expensive and too late for me. In my case, I'm using a K-x and NEX-6, so I could easily imagine dual-wielding an A7II and K-3.

07-15-2015, 10:56 AM	#58
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Most of the people who have been howling for a Pentax FF will find some reason or other not to actually buy one.

07-15-2015, 12:05 PM	#59
osv Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: So Cal Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,080	Originally posted by Sliver-Surfer Ha i never hear or tried this before..works awesome even with my Pentax-A 1.2/50. I made sure to set my jpeg size to 6mpx so I don't have to take up too much xtra space. Thanks for the tip like that idea for saving space on the sd card... have you been able to see a difference with the lower-rez jpegs, when focusing at full magnification? the sensor resolution determines how much magnification the evf has, it's pretty interesting. ---------- Post added 07-15-15 at 12:10 PM ---------- Originally posted by audiobomber Most of the people who have been howling for a Pentax FF will find some reason or other not to actually buy one. lol... first thing that comes to mind is the anti-equivalence mob, as i think that you put it ff haters that'll go to their deaths convinced that aps-c has more dof than ff but seriously, pentax ff is way too late to the game, too many people have already jumped ship... even if it brings 42mp, there won't be an evf.

07-15-2015, 12:16 PM	#60
infoomatic Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austria Photos: Gallery Posts: 255	Originally posted by osv but seriously, pentax ff is way too late to the game, too many people have already jumped ship... even if it brings 42mp, there won't be an evf. ... yes, especially now that the entry level FF are similar priced to the top level aps-c.