Get an A7ii or Hold off for K-1?

reivax · 08-01-2016, 01:04 PM

I recently found a decent deal on a Sony A7ii w/kit lens and am seriously considering it. I'm really partial to both Pentax and Sony. I currently own a K-3 and a6000 and love both, but the full frame bug keeps trying to bite. I've really been holding off until I find a good/great deal on a K-1 or one of the A7 series cameras (the A7ii seems to pretty close to the K-1) .

My only issue with the K-1 is that I keep reading that the autofocus still lags behind other full frame cameras, but everything else on it looks pretty incredible. The fact that I am already invested in some quality K-Mount full frame lenses is also something I'm considering.

The A7ii looks great except that I don't have any FE lenses, so the 24-70 kit lens would have to do for a while.

Not really sure what to do, so I'm hoping someone can provide me their thoughts. Should I just hold off and wait for a K-1? Or should I get the A7ii and hope the kit lens is good enough until I can get some better glass?

KDD · 08-01-2016, 02:15 PM

That's your decision and your money!

surfar · 08-01-2016, 02:47 PM

More than likely some of your K mount glass will jump straight onto the K1 and work ok.

However,on a Sony, the Techart Pro adapter will turn all your present lenses to useable on a Sony(selected models) with AF.

K1 is a great camera for most things I do(4kvideo excepted)But Sony really is the big mover of all the brands AND big prices!

richmondthefish · 08-01-2016, 03:45 PM

I think a lot of it comes down to how well K mount glass works on the Sony compared to the K1. Thats not something i've researched. The main reason I got the K1 is because I had K mount glass. If I was building a kit from scratch without any existing glass the Sony would be my #1 choice most likely. The K1 is a very nice camera though.

C_Jones · 08-01-2016, 04:02 PM

If I was choosing, I would want the 36 mp full frame (K-1). I find Pentax AF to be efficient, and prefer DSLR (mirror utilizing) type camera bodies. Pentax also has the pixel-shift resolution feature.

surfar · 08-01-2016, 04:23 PM

Pentax K-1 vs Sony 7 II - Our Analysis

reivax · 08-01-2016, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by surfar

More than likely some of your K mount glass will jump straight onto the K1 and work ok.

However,on a Sony, the Techart Pro adapter will turn all your present lenses to useable on a Sony(selected models) with AF.

K1 is a great camera for most things I do(4kvideo excepted)But Sony really is the big mover of all the brands AND big prices!

I had no idea anyone had made an adapter that allowed for autofocus. This makes the decision even tougher. Does anyone know how the K-1 and A7ii compare with low light performance? I couldn't really find any info on that anywhere. Thanks!

rawr · 08-01-2016, 05:02 PM

Originally posted by surfar

the Techart Pro adapter will turn all your present lenses to useable on a Sony(selected models) with AF

The Techart adapter is directly for Leica M lenses, not K-mount lenses. Although it seems it may work if you pile on another adapter (LM to PK) on top of the Techart adapter, I guess.

Originally posted by reivax

Does anyone know how the K-1 and A7ii compare with low light performance? I couldn't really find any info on that anywhere.

I presume you are interested in low-light AF and metering performance?

Here the K-1 is better than A7II -

K-1 AF sensitivity: -3 to 18 EV
A7II AF sensitivity: -1 to 20 EV.

K-1 metering: -3 to 20 EV
A7II metering: -1 to 20 EV

The A7II AF specs are the same as the K-x for low-light, which is to say the AF may be usable in poor light, but not great.

Last edited by rawr; 08-01-2016 at 05:36 PM.

reivax · 08-01-2016, 05:33 PM

Originally posted by rawr

The Techart adapter is directly for Leica M lenses, not K-mount lenses.

I presume you are interested in low-light AF and metering performance?

Here the K-1 is better than A7II -

K-1 AF sensitivity: -3 to 18 EV
A7II AF sensitivity: -1 to 20 EV.

K-1 metering: -3 to 20 EV
A7II metering: -1 to 20 EV

The A7II AF specs are the same as the K-x for low-light, which is to say the AF may be usable in poor light, but not great.

Thanks for the info. I think I misspoke, or just didn't know how to phrase the question. I was actually wondering about which camera produces less noise. But wow, the info you provided is great too.

surfar · 08-01-2016, 05:48 PM

Originally posted by rawr

I guess

Stop guessing, Mr Google can help you.And Yes,the adapter is for Leica M and another will adapt many different mounts including K and M42.Its only for Sonys at this stage but maybe for other camera brands in the future???

rawr · 08-01-2016, 05:49 PM

Originally posted by reivax

I was actually wondering about which camera produces less noise.

Unfortunately DxOMark hasn't tested the K-1 yet for low-light/'sports' image quality. But the DxOMark score for the A7II is 2449, showing (according to their metrics) that you can get good IQ at least up to ISO 2449. If the K-1 scores similarly to the D810, it's worth noting that the D810 has a DxO 'low-light' score of 2853. So K-1 and A7II probably won't be far apart in IQ if low-light forces you to run-up the camera ISO.

FWIW, this is borne out by Bill Claff's charts of both K-1 and A7II dynamic range performance. Right across the curve the K-1 is better, but not by much.

---------- Post added 2016-08-02 at 11:01 AM ----------

Originally posted by surfar

And Yes,the adapter is for Leica M and another will adapt many different mounts including K and M42. Its only for Sonys at this stage but maybe for other camera brands in the future???

More power to them. I admire the ingenuity and energy of these emergent Chinese photo gear makers (for flashes, radio triggers, lenses, lens adapters, etc etc).

But the design of this adapter (ie push-pull the mounted lens back and forth up to 4.5mm in-out until focus is achieved) makes it seem rather limited in operation, unless the lens you are using has very limited focus throw.

bobmaxja · 08-01-2016, 06:45 PM

Originally posted by surfar

Pentax K-1 vs Sony 7 II - Our Analysis

Price of K-1 is wrong $4551

C_Jones · 08-01-2016, 07:06 PM

Article lists price as $1796.95.

surfar · 08-01-2016, 07:37 PM

Its not my review,I didn't
put those prices in there...its for the benefit of the op who I'm sure knows the price difference between K1 and the deal he's seen on A7.
$2799
Aussie dollars is our retail

zeljko_pentax · 08-01-2016, 08:47 PM

Originally posted by reivax

I recently found a decent deal on a Sony A7ii w/kit lens and am seriously considering it. I'm really partial to both Pentax and Sony. I currently own a K-3 and a6000 and love both, but the full frame bug keeps trying to bite. I've really been holding off until I find a good/great deal on a K-1 or one of the A7 series cameras (the A7ii seems to pretty close to the K-1) .

My only issue with the K-1 is that I keep reading that the autofocus still lags behind other full frame cameras, but everything else on it looks pretty incredible. The fact that I am already invested in some quality K-Mount full frame lenses is also something I'm considering.

The A7ii looks great except that I don't have any FE lenses, so the 24-70 kit lens would have to do for a while.

Not really sure what to do, so I'm hoping someone can provide me their thoughts. Should I just hold off and wait for a K-1? Or should I get the A7ii and hope the kit lens is good enough until I can get some better glass?

Kit lens is 28-70, not 24-70. 24-70 is a bit better and more expensive

08-01-2016, 05:49 PM	#11
rawr Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by reivax I was actually wondering about which camera produces less noise. Unfortunately DxOMark hasn't tested the K-1 yet for low-light/'sports' image quality. But the DxOMark score for the A7II is 2449, showing (according to their metrics) that you can get good IQ at least up to ISO 2449. If the K-1 scores similarly to the D810, it's worth noting that the D810 has a DxO 'low-light' score of 2853. So K-1 and A7II probably won't be far apart in IQ if low-light forces you to run-up the camera ISO. FWIW, this is borne out by Bill Claff's charts of both K-1 and A7II dynamic range performance. Right across the curve the K-1 is better, but not by much. ---------- Post added 2016-08-02 at 11:01 AM ---------- Originally posted by surfar And Yes,the adapter is for Leica M and another will adapt many different mounts including K and M42. Its only for Sonys at this stage but maybe for other camera brands in the future??? More power to them. I admire the ingenuity and energy of these emergent Chinese photo gear makers (for flashes, radio triggers, lenses, lens adapters, etc etc). But the design of this adapter (ie push-pull the mounted lens back and forth up to 4.5mm in-out until focus is achieved) makes it seem rather limited in operation, unless the lens you are using has very limited focus throw. Last edited by rawr; 08-01-2016 at 06:03 PM.

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08-01-2016, 01:04 PM	#1
reivax Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 824	Get an A7ii or Hold off for K-1? I recently found a decent deal on a Sony A7ii w/kit lens and am seriously considering it. I'm really partial to both Pentax and Sony. I currently own a K-3 and a6000 and love both, but the full frame bug keeps trying to bite. I've really been holding off until I find a good/great deal on a K-1 or one of the A7 series cameras (the A7ii seems to pretty close to the K-1) . My only issue with the K-1 is that I keep reading that the autofocus still lags behind other full frame cameras, but everything else on it looks pretty incredible. The fact that I am already invested in some quality K-Mount full frame lenses is also something I'm considering. The A7ii looks great except that I don't have any FE lenses, so the 24-70 kit lens would have to do for a while. Not really sure what to do, so I'm hoping someone can provide me their thoughts. Should I just hold off and wait for a K-1? Or should I get the A7ii and hope the kit lens is good enough until I can get some better glass?

08-01-2016, 02:15 PM	#2
KDD Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 403	That's your decision and your money!

08-01-2016, 02:47 PM	#3
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,529	More than likely some of your K mount glass will jump straight onto the K1 and work ok. However,on a Sony, the Techart Pro adapter will turn all your present lenses to useable on a Sony(selected models) with AF. K1 is a great camera for most things I do(4kvideo excepted)But Sony really is the big mover of all the brands AND big prices!

08-01-2016, 03:45 PM	#4
richmondthefish Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 218	I think a lot of it comes down to how well K mount glass works on the Sony compared to the K1. Thats not something i've researched. The main reason I got the K1 is because I had K mount glass. If I was building a kit from scratch without any existing glass the Sony would be my #1 choice most likely. The K1 is a very nice camera though.

08-01-2016, 04:02 PM	#5
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,478	If I was choosing, I would want the 36 mp full frame (K-1). I find Pentax AF to be efficient, and prefer DSLR (mirror utilizing) type camera bodies. Pentax also has the pixel-shift resolution feature.

08-01-2016, 04:23 PM	#6
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,529	Pentax K-1 vs Sony 7 II - Our Analysis

08-01-2016, 04:36 PM	#7
reivax Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 824 Original Poster	Originally posted by surfar More than likely some of your K mount glass will jump straight onto the K1 and work ok. However,on a Sony, the Techart Pro adapter will turn all your present lenses to useable on a Sony(selected models) with AF. K1 is a great camera for most things I do(4kvideo excepted)But Sony really is the big mover of all the brands AND big prices! I had no idea anyone had made an adapter that allowed for autofocus. This makes the decision even tougher. Does anyone know how the K-1 and A7ii compare with low light performance? I couldn't really find any info on that anywhere. Thanks!

08-01-2016, 05:02 PM	#8
rawr Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by surfar the Techart Pro adapter will turn all your present lenses to useable on a Sony(selected models) with AF The Techart adapter is directly for Leica M lenses, not K-mount lenses. Although it seems it may work if you pile on another adapter (LM to PK) on top of the Techart adapter, I guess. Originally posted by reivax Does anyone know how the K-1 and A7ii compare with low light performance? I couldn't really find any info on that anywhere. I presume you are interested in low-light AF and metering performance? Here the K-1 is better than A7II - K-1 AF sensitivity: -3 to 18 EV A7II AF sensitivity: -1 to 20 EV. K-1 metering: -3 to 20 EV A7II metering: -1 to 20 EV The A7II AF specs are the same as the K-x for low-light, which is to say the AF may be usable in poor light, but not great. Last edited by rawr; 08-01-2016 at 05:36 PM.

08-01-2016, 05:33 PM	#9
reivax Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 824 Original Poster	Originally posted by rawr The Techart adapter is directly for Leica M lenses, not K-mount lenses. I presume you are interested in low-light AF and metering performance? Here the K-1 is better than A7II - K-1 AF sensitivity: -3 to 18 EV A7II AF sensitivity: -1 to 20 EV. K-1 metering: -3 to 20 EV A7II metering: -1 to 20 EV The A7II AF specs are the same as the K-x for low-light, which is to say the AF may be usable in poor light, but not great. Thanks for the info. I think I misspoke, or just didn't know how to phrase the question. I was actually wondering about which camera produces less noise. But wow, the info you provided is great too.

08-01-2016, 05:48 PM	#10
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,529	Originally posted by rawr I guess Stop guessing, Mr Google can help you.And Yes,the adapter is for Leica M and another will adapt many different mounts including K and M42.Its only for Sonys at this stage but maybe for other camera brands in the future???

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08-01-2016, 06:45 PM	#12
bobmaxja Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Laval, Quebec Canada Posts: 2,152	Originally posted by surfar Pentax K-1 vs Sony 7 II - Our Analysis Price of K-1 is wrong $4551

08-01-2016, 07:06 PM	#13
C_Jones Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,478	Article lists price as $1796.95.

08-01-2016, 07:37 PM	#14
surfar Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: mid nth coast,nsw Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,529	Its not my review,I didn't put those prices in there...its for the benefit of the op who I'm sure knows the price difference between K1 and the deal he's seen on A7. $2799 Aussie dollars is our retail

08-01-2016, 08:47 PM	#15
zeljko_pentax Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Photos: Gallery Posts: 28	Originally posted by reivax I recently found a decent deal on a Sony A7ii w/kit lens and am seriously considering it. I'm really partial to both Pentax and Sony. I currently own a K-3 and a6000 and love both, but the full frame bug keeps trying to bite. I've really been holding off until I find a good/great deal on a K-1 or one of the A7 series cameras (the A7ii seems to pretty close to the K-1) . My only issue with the K-1 is that I keep reading that the autofocus still lags behind other full frame cameras, but everything else on it looks pretty incredible. The fact that I am already invested in some quality K-Mount full frame lenses is also something I'm considering. The A7ii looks great except that I don't have any FE lenses, so the 24-70 kit lens would have to do for a while. Not really sure what to do, so I'm hoping someone can provide me their thoughts. Should I just hold off and wait for a K-1? Or should I get the A7ii and hope the kit lens is good enough until I can get some better glass? Kit lens is 28-70, not 24-70. 24-70 is a bit better and more expensive