What would make you consider switching to E/FE mount?

[Jeadm]

We know why we're here. We've probably been with A-mount for years, accumulated a significant amount of quality glass over the years that makes starting over seem like needless pain and expense for those of us who have hung on this long.

So I was curious, for those who haven't switched or who aren't dipping their toes in the water with both mounts already, what if anything would make you consider switching to the "dark side" of Sony's lineup? Even hardened A-mount users have to admit that the product development on that side is at least somewhat compelling.

Anyway, please read them all and give it some thought before you answer. And of course, tell us more about your thoughts on this.

 

[tqlla]

I think a mirrorless LA-EA5 with screw drive would probably move the needle the furthest.

But I just bought an A7Rii with 5000 shutter actuation's for $950. The adapted AF is slower, but still good. The A7Rii doesnt have eye-AF with adapted glass. I just couldnt resist the price.

 

[toughluck]

We know why we're here. We've probably been with A-mount for years, accumulated a significant amount of quality glass over the years that makes starting over seem like needless pain and expense for those of us who have hung on this long.

So I was curious, for those who haven't switched or who aren't dipping their toes in the water with both mounts already, what if anything would make you consider switching to the "dark side" of Sony's lineup? Even hardened A-mount users have to admit that the product development on that side is at least somewhat compelling.

Anyway, please read them all and give it some thought before you answer. And of course, tell us more about your thoughts on this.

In my case, Sony can only sell me an E/FE mount body if they provide a sensible migration path. I can accept adapters, and I don't mind third party glass, but I can't accept inferior focusing with screw drive lenses. If they provide a new mirrorless adapter with screw drive AF or if they replace my screw drive 35, 85 and 135 with FE mount equivalents, I would be convinced to switch.
Otherwise, I am going to be looking at Nikon and Canon alternatives (Panasonic only if it comes down in price) as soon as a third party adapter comes for screw drive lenses for L, Z or RF mount.

 

[Kalin]

I think a mirrorless LA-EA5 with screw drive would probably move the needle the furthest.

This. And make it at least a tiny bit smaller...

 

[Lensmate]

We know why we're here. We've probably been with A-mount for years, accumulated a significant amount of quality glass over the years that makes starting over seem like needless pain and expense for those of us who have hung on this long.

So I was curious, for those who haven't switched or who aren't dipping their toes in the water with both mounts already, what if anything would make you consider switching to the "dark side" of Sony's lineup? Even hardened A-mount users have to admit that the product development on that side is at least somewhat compelling.

Anyway, please read them all and give it some thought before you answer. And of course, tell us more about your thoughts on this.

No line for 'GAS' folks?

-Martin P

Martin Passchier

Explore Martin Passchier’s 973 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[Jeadm]

They just announced a Sony 135 f1.8 for FE.

 

[lhkjacky]

1. Ergonomic, A77/A99 style tilt swivel LCD, vertical grip with full control.
2. Full compatibility of current A-mount lenses

Almost all E-mount cameras can only support 2.5fps/3fps AF-C when using A-mount lens are unacceptable.

Only "A9 + LA-EA3 + Sony lens" can support 8fps/10 fps AF-C.
Third party lenses (Tamron/Sigma) is not supported at all.

A few A9 users reported that third party lenses (with motor) can't AF when using LA-EA3 adapter. Some reported that their third party lenses suddenly stop working after they update new firmware (A9 & LA-EA 3).

I have contacted Sony customer service in Japan.
They tell me third party lenses not working is normal, because they are not tested.
Third party lenses works 100% fine on A-mount camera are not guarantee to work with E-mount camera + adapter.

 

[Jeadm]

I guess that would be "something else", or "just keep innovating, I'll get there eventually". I tried hard to be thorough and think of every possibility. I've been considering this kind of poll for some time.

 

[Ralf B]

No line for 'GAS' folks?

-Martin P

Not everyone has the specific flatulence needed for the kind of gas you hint at ;-)

Cheers,
Ralf

 

[Jeadm]

I always assume with adapters there's some tradeoffs since technology does advance, but I hope that a modern adapter upgrade would address most of those things. I do see your point.

 

[QuietOC]

The A7Rii doesnt have eye-AF with adapted glass.

I am sure the A7RII has Eye AF with adapted lenses. The A7II and A6000 do. Set AF System (for adapted lenses) to Contrast Detect. Then Eye AF works with adapted lenses in AF-S.

Sony keeps improving the implementation. A7RII added AF-C Eye AF and that might not work with adapted lenses on that camera. The A6400 has Real-Time Eye AF with adapted lenses and completely eliminates the AF System/Contrast Detect menu option.

 

[Lensmate]

I guess that would be "something else", or "just keep innovating, I'll get there eventually". I tried hard to be thorough and think of every possibility. I've been considering this kind of poll for some time.

There is always room for that taboo line about whether switching over would really turn peoples photography around.

I can't say that I have seen other peoples photography [with mirrorless] that would make me jump ship.

-Martin P

Martin Passchier

Explore Martin Passchier’s 973 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[sybersitizen]

I checked 'Nothing' just because I couldn't find a better match.

My collection of A-mount stuff, almost all of which was produced many years ago, meets my needs (which are not necessarily typical of the needs of others) for 'the best' work I wish to produce. Combined with the fact that A-mount gear value is continually dropping, I have no sensible reason to switch to anything. It's possible that I might even upgrade within the A-mount system as prices on newer second-hand things I don't own continue to decline. Not too likely, though.

For circumstances when portability is a higher priority than obtaining 'the best' work, I am already using 1" cameras (RX100III and a Nikon 1 system). E-mount will never be that portable, so there's nothing attracting me there.

 

[lhkjacky]

I always assume with adapters there's some tradeoffs since technology does advance, but I hope that a modern adapter upgrade would address most of those things. I do see your point.

Third party lenses (Tamron/Sigma) seem don't work well with LA-EA3 adapter.

According to a few A9 users, using third party lens with adapter may have following situations.

1. Case 1: lens with build in motor but still no AF, Manual focus only.
2. Case 2: AF sometimes response, sometimes not. (50:50)
3. Case 3: AF response but the focus is highly unreliable.
4. Case 4: AF suddenly stop working after camera/adapter firmware update.
5. Case 6: Same lenses may works on one camera but no response on another body.

All of their lenses are working 100% fine on A-mount body, include A99mk2.

 

[Jeadm]

That would have been a good addition. I actually think that answer is not without merit.

I never say never when it comes to the future. I was in the Canon camp for a long time, and before digital, Minolta. I grew impatient waiting for Minolta to get going with digital, I didn't really want to switch other than for that, although that was a big reason why.

In my mind in the years that followed Canon got lazy on innovation. I took a chance when Sony went SLT and found that it was a much better tool for me personally. It actually helped me to enjoy photography again, which in turn made me produce better results.

So changing gear can be of benefit, if it's right for you.

 

[Jeadm]

Third party lenses (Tamron/Sigma) seem don't work well with LA-EA3 adapter...

That's a tough nut to crack, and why I think an improved "LA-EA5" adapter that is not mirrorless would be the best option to bridge the gap between the mounts. Screw drive support is critical for many legacy users, and implementing A-mount focusing guts would be the only way to ensure that compatibility. Because A-mount lenses won't ever be able to do 100% of the things that are by virtue inherently part of E-mount design. A99ii style functionality in an adapter is a bar close enough to push the change while leaving the door open for the user to eventually adopt native glass if they so choose.

 

[tqlla]

The A7Rii doesnt have eye-AF with adapted glass.

I am sure the A7RII has Eye AF with adapted lenses. The A7II and A6000 do. Set AF System (for adapted lenses) to Contrast Detect. Then Eye AF works with adapted lenses in AF-S.

Sony keeps improving the implementation. A7RII added AF-C Eye AF and that might not work with adapted lenses on that camera. The A6400 has Real-Time Eye AF with adapted lenses and completely eliminates the AF System/Contrast Detect menu option.

Yeah, the A7Rii is really limited with PDAF. I thought it would be better. Eye-AF, Expandable flexible spot, lock on and even Zone AF dont work with the A7Rii in PDAF. Really limiting.

Thanks for the tip on CDAF. Eye AF, Zone AF and Expandable flexible spot are selectable.... but I wouldnt consider them working. Wow the CDAF option is horrible. It takes 2-5 seconds to AF with my 50mm F1.4 cz lens. I am going to have nightmares about this.

 

[QuietOC]

I want AF-C at 5+ FPS with the LA-EA3 and LA-EA4 much more than another adapter.

A-mount Lens Compensation on an APS-C body would also be nice, especially for the 16-50 F2.8 SSM and 55-300 SAM.

I'd like to hear that both of these issues were fixed on the A6400.

 

[moedius]

I think a mirrorless LA-EA5 with screw drive would probably move the needle the furthest.

But I just bought an A7Rii with 5000 shutter actuation's for $950. The adapted AF is slower, but still good. The A7Rii doesnt have eye-AF with adapted glass. I just couldnt resist the price.

I got an a7ii myself a couple weeks ago, mainly just for manual vintage lenses, but I did get the laea4 to go with it. Like you said, the AF is passable, but it doesn't come close to native. I'll be keeping the a77ii until it dies, or they release a new one, or they release an adapter that works better.

The only FE lens I have is the kit, and I don't plan on adding any anytime soon.

If course I'm not a long time a-mount user like most here, i just coincidentally I would up with a-mount when I got my first real camera a couple years ago. I don't regret it one bit, even if another SLT is never released.

 

[Silverback46]

You covered a lot of answers in the poll but for me it's a combination of a few:

- a form factor like the A7 series cameras

- IBIS like the a6500

- decent AF through an adapter. I don't need more than 5 fps for my shooting.

If these were to happen then I would seriously consider switching to an E-Mount body but for now I am content to shoot my a77ii which I really enjoy. I have the A7iii adapted with Canon glass and I do enjoy it. My A-mount system is the odd system out but I really like the lenses and would hate to just lose them.

Silver