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LA-EA2 : why isn't it more promoted ?!?

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Marla2008

Marla2008

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I've been a dedicated NEX shooter for over a year, but coming from high end DSLR bodies I always complained about the AF speed. I did know about the LA-EA2 but was reluctant to buy it due to high retail price and bulk as perceived on pictures.
Well, I finally broke in (upon learning there is no immediate 7 replacement with much improved AF and the Zeiss zoom is only F4) and bought one used, at a very fair price.

The ONLY regret I have now is not to have done it much earlier !! I now have DSLR AF performance on my NEX 7, and the ability to use any quality A mount lens that I fancy. That's amazing ! I won't need anyting else for months, possibly years, Sony can keep their NEX FF and eventual NEX 7 successor and 1000€ F4 Zeiss zoom, lol.

If like me you love your NEX but occasionally need better AF performance, do yourself a favor and get the LA-EA2. It's smaller than I initially thought, well put together, and works flawlessly. I wish I'd been advised to buy one before !
 
I totally agree, Claire. I have had it for a long time and use it mainly with my 70-400G and some great old Minota AF lenses, because it even has a screwdriver af motor built in. The nice thing is that you can even do AF fine tuning with the LA-EA2, a feature that otherwise only the high key SLTs like the A77 have.
 
Last edited:
Dirk W said:
Dirk W wrote:

I totally agree, Claire. I have had it for a long time and use it mainly with my 70-400G and some great old Minota AF lenses, because it even has a screwdriver af motor built in. The nice thing is that you can even do AF fine tuning with the LA-EA2, a feature that otherwise only the high key SLTs like the A77 have.
Click to expand...
Yes Dirk, it's an awesome set-up and I think the only reason it hasn't been heavily marketed by Sony is to protect the SLT line...
 
i think if this adaptor was 50% of its price i would have jumped all over it. As it is i, and i imagine i'm not alone, can't justify the cost for it for just AF speed. Perhaps if i already owned a-mount lenses, but i don't.

I can't get one here for less than about £180 and even then its coming from HK and is liable to get hit by duties.

If it added stabilisation also that would be good. But £200 to adapt a bunch of longer FL (that is what i would use it for) lenses without stabilisation? Hmmmm.
 
Yes LA-EA2 is a remarkable piece of technology, I agree. Turns our nex'es into good A-mount bodies.

I just wonder whether we might see something like an LA-EA(X) one day, that would be like the LA-EA1 but with screw-mount AF and able to use on sensor (PD-)AF of future nex or ILC or whatever they call it. If something like this would come and AF is as fast, I wouldn't be too sad if Sony dumps native A-mount ...
 
Marla2008 said:
Marla2008 wrote:
Marla2008 said:
Dirk W wrote:

I totally agree, Claire. I have had it for a long time and use it mainly with my 70-400G and some great old Minota AF lenses, because it even has a screwdriver af motor built in. The nice thing is that you can even do AF fine tuning with the LA-EA2, a feature that otherwise only the high key SLTs like the A77 have.
Click to expand...
Yes Dirk, it's an awesome set-up and I think the only reason it hasn't been heavily marketed by Sony is to protect the SLT line...
Click to expand...
Or, sell E-mount lenses. :)

I was aware of LA-EA2 since inception, but I originally picked up NEX-3 on clearance prices primarily as legacy/MF body. Eventually, I started using it as a back up to my A55 and using A-mount lenses. That worked well with LA-EA1 for which I paid $90. But, LA-EA1 and Minolta 200/2.8 G APO HS were not a match made in heaven, the latter being an AF-focused lens. With high speed gearing, it is a very difficult lens to work manually. Hence entered LA-EA2 (paid $250 on Amazon), and out went LA-EA1. And now, I will often go out with 16-50/2.8 on A55, 200G on NEX-3 and couple of additional prime lenses (either to fill the 50-200 gap and/or faster lens option). Of course, now I wish NEX-3 had an EVF, since tracking on LCD can be a challenge with a telephoto.

I do still miss LA-EA1, but only for its smaller size/lighter weight, for use with some of my smaller A-mount lenses. But LA-EA2 on E-mount is an excellent option for telephoto/zoom use.
 
Marla2008 said:
Marla2008 wrote:

I've been a dedicated NEX shooter for over a year, but coming from high end DSLR bodies I always complained about the AF speed. I did know about the LA-EA2 but was reluctant to buy it due to high retail price and bulk as perceived on pictures.
Well, I finally broke in (upon learning there is no immediate 7 replacement with much improved AF and the Zeiss zoom is only F4) and bought one used, at a very fair price.

The ONLY regret I have now is not to have done it much earlier !! I now have DSLR AF performance on my NEX 7, and the ability to use any quality A mount lens that I fancy. That's amazing ! I won't need anyting else for months, possibly years, Sony can keep their NEX FF and eventual NEX 7 successor and 1000€ F4 Zeiss zoom, lol.

If like me you love your NEX but occasionally need better AF performance, do yourself a favor and get the LA-EA2. It's smaller than I initially thought, well put together, and works flawlessly. I wish I'd been advised to buy one before !
Click to expand...
At the moment for a few bucks extra you can get an SLT camera instead, with IBIS, proper user interface and controls.

Then again, you can also get a DSLR + lenses instead.

The LA-EA2 is nice if you already own a Sony Alpha and/or A-Mount lenses and want to use the lenses on your NEX.

But for NEX+LA-EA2 alone I wouldn't invest in A-mount lenses. You still won't get image stabilisation, the body can't really support the weight of fast tele zooms and 3 cross type sensors is also not really top-notch.

Anyway, I'm sure it's a nice option and I would consider getting one if it was cheaper..

 
bryanchicken said:
bryanchicken wrote:
If it added stabilisation also that would be good. But £200 to adapt a bunch of longer FL (that is what i would use it for) lenses without stabilisation? Hmmmm.
Click to expand...
Personally, I don't really care for stabilization with telephoto zooms, especially since my greatest use for them is action/sports photography. For stationary or slow movements where AF/tracking speed is not very important, 55-210 OSS appears to suffice.

I do have a slow zoom, the travel zoom, which (in a way) paid for the LA-EA2. And, being a slow lens, stabilization does come in handy, and fortunately, Sigma was wise enough at the time to have included it for the A-mount. The Sigma 18-250 HSM OS (A-mount) was $450, and I use it on A55. I did consider Sony 18-200 OSS E for NEX-3 and move my A-mount lens collection entirely to FF (except 16-50/2.8 which works like a kit lens on my A55), but the 18-200 was a bit more than the Sigma 18-250+LA-EA2. So, now, I have a travel zoom lens for NEX-3, with DSLR/DSLT AF/tracking AND optical stabilization which has been good for 3-4 stops.
 
wictred said:
wictred wrote:
wictred said:
Marla2008 wrote:

I've been a dedicated NEX shooter for over a year, but coming from high end DSLR bodies I always complained about the AF speed. I did know about the LA-EA2 but was reluctant to buy it due to high retail price and bulk as perceived on pictures.
Well, I finally broke in (upon learning there is no immediate 7 replacement with much improved AF and the Zeiss zoom is only F4) and bought one used, at a very fair price.

The ONLY regret I have now is not to have done it much earlier !! I now have DSLR AF performance on my NEX 7, and the ability to use any quality A mount lens that I fancy. That's amazing ! I won't need anyting else for months, possibly years, Sony can keep their NEX FF and eventual NEX 7 successor and 1000€ F4 Zeiss zoom, lol.

If like me you love your NEX but occasionally need better AF performance, do yourself a favor and get the LA-EA2. It's smaller than I initially thought, well put together, and works flawlessly. I wish I'd been advised to buy one before !
Click to expand...
At the moment for a few bucks extra you can get an SLT camera instead, with IBIS, proper user interface and controls.

Then again, you can also get a DSLR + lenses instead.
Click to expand...
But, LA-EA2 adds the option to use a NEX body (and now, A3000 as well), to cover ground that has been DSLR/DSLT territory, where you might miss not having the AF speed/tracking capabilities in the mirror-less form. This, without compromising the native form factor that is extremely adaptable, and can also be the portable solution. If you picked DSLR/DSLT over it, then you address the former, miss the latter.
wictred said:
The LA-EA2 is nice if you already own a Sony Alpha and/or A-Mount lenses and want to use the lenses on your NEX.
Click to expand...
Not necessarily. Besides the advantage of mirror-based AF added (and AF micro adjust feature to go with it), yet another way to look at it is, that you can expand your choices for lens options that are either not available on E-mount or may not be offered at least any time soon. For example, if I am heading out to a family dinner, I might want to go light. Taking 20mm f/2.8 or 35/1.8 on NEX may suffice. If you choose to go shoot at a indoor sports arena with a zoom lens later, you may find the need for a f/2.8 zoom or a tele prime. These zooms/fast tele aren't going to be small and light. With size not being a critical issue, as you'd be compromising on it anyway, LA-EA2 provides that flexibility and then some (the fast AF) opening the door to greater number of lenses to choose from. In my case, I use Minolta 200/2.8 G APO HS for sports/action. This lens goes very well on a NEX body, because it is small and light.
 
Well my whole point is : I do NOT want a DLSR/SLT at all !!

I've become addicted to the NEX form factor, the fantastic TriNavi interface, the solid IQ, the full time exposure preview, and the last thing I want is to ever carry a bulk DSLR again.

Now my NEX is a totally versatile system :

1) digital back for all my lovely manual lenses

2) compact decent AF system with the 2 E lenses I find acceptable, teh SEL 35 and SEL18-55

3) fast and accurate AF from quality A lenses when I need performance or reach.

I'm a happy shooter and it's Sony missed a great opportunity to sell me an expensive set-up as I bought every single thing used at a very attractive price.

The camera is dumb.
itsnotthecamera.wordpress.com

itsnotthecamera

Photography, horses and female rant.
itsnotthecamera.wordpress.com itsnotthecamera.wordpress.com
 
Totally agree, Marla. I'm usually manual-focus, but when I do want AF, I don't willingly reach for an E-mount lens. Nex AF isn't awful, but when I bought the LA-EA2 and used it with my SAL1650, it was really hard to go back to native AF. The built-in tripod mount is really handy when mounting larger glass.

I really also like that it (or the camera) actually memorizes any fine tuning that you've dialled in for any given lens, so that when you swap one A-mount for another, the setup automatically dials in the offsets you set for it specifically. The light loss because of the SLT doesn't bother me, but I do wish the LA-EA2 doesn't limit max aperture to F3.5 during video capture....
 
neonexxer said:
neonexxer wrote:
but I do wish the LA-EA2 doesn't limit max aperture to F3.5 during video capture....
Click to expand...
I've often assumed the limitation to be to improve AF speed and accuracy, that f/3.5 may offer the best compromise between larger aperture (inaccuracy) and smaller (lower light), which may also explain that in burst mode, to maintain AF-C, f/3.5 seems to play a role. In that case, you can still choose larger aperture, if you are willing to either focus manually or select a slower burst rate). For example, if I go full auto for 10 fps burst rate with AF-C in my A55, f/3.5 is the "default" aperture. If I choose AF-S or MF, I can choose any aperture. I can combine AF-C and selection of any aperture, however, if I choose 6 fps burst rate.
 
Marla2008 said:
Marla2008 wrote:
Marla2008 said:
Dirk W wrote:

I totally agree, Claire. I have had it for a long time and use it mainly with my 70-400G and some great old Minota AF lenses, because it even has a screwdriver af motor built in. The nice thing is that you can even do AF fine tuning with the LA-EA2, a feature that otherwise only the high key SLTs like the A77 have.
Click to expand...
Yes Dirk, it's an awesome set-up and I think the only reason it hasn't been heavily marketed by Sony is to protect the SLT line...
Click to expand...
 
Marla2008 said:
Marla2008 wrote:

I've been a dedicated NEX shooter for over a year, but coming from high end DSLR bodies I always complained about the AF speed. I did know about the LA-EA2 but was reluctant to buy it due to high retail price and bulk as perceived on pictures.
Well, I finally broke in (upon learning there is no immediate 7 replacement with much improved AF and the Zeiss zoom is only F4) and bought one used, at a very fair price.

The ONLY regret I have now is not to have done it much earlier !! I now have DSLR AF performance on my NEX 7, and the ability to use any quality A mount lens that I fancy. That's amazing ! I won't need anyting else for months, possibly years, Sony can keep their NEX FF and eventual NEX 7 successor and 1000€ F4 Zeiss zoom, lol.

If like me you love your NEX but occasionally need better AF performance, do yourself a favor and get the LA-EA2. It's smaller than I initially thought, well put together, and works flawlessly. I wish I'd been advised to buy one before !
Click to expand...
 
EinsteinsGhost said:
EinsteinsGhost wrote:
EinsteinsGhost said:
neonexxer wrote:

but I do wish the LA-EA2 doesn't limit max aperture to F3.5 during video capture....
Click to expand...
I've often assumed the limitation to be to improve AF speed and accuracy, that f/3.5 may offer the best compromise between larger aperture (inaccuracy) and smaller (lower light), which may also explain that in burst mode, to maintain AF-C, f/3.5 seems to play a role. In that case, you can still choose larger aperture, if you are willing to either focus manually or select a slower burst rate). For example, if I go full auto for 10 fps burst rate with AF-C in my A55, f/3.5 is the "default" aperture. If I choose AF-S or MF, I can choose any aperture. I can combine AF-C and selection of any aperture, however, if I choose 6 fps burst rate.
Click to expand...
Yes, I see and agree with the logic behind F3.5 and do realize its something Sony had to settle on to facilitate AF-C. It also appears you are referring to stills capture? My small gripe is this F3.5 limitation during AF+video. I just wish the user (ie. "me" ...haha) had a choice to attempt wider apertures. I shoot a fair amount of video and regularly forget that my 1.8/2.8 lens wide open is no longer what it is when I hit the record button :) MF is, of course, lets you set any aperture desired... trouble is, when I do have the LA-EA2 mounted first place, its because I'm being lazy and *want* AF...LOL
 
neonexxer said:
neonexxer wrote:
neonexxer said:
EinsteinsGhost wrote:
neonexxer said:
neonexxer wrote:

but I do wish the LA-EA2 doesn't limit max aperture to F3.5 during video capture....
Click to expand...
I've often assumed the limitation to be to improve AF speed and accuracy, that f/3.5 may offer the best compromise between larger aperture (inaccuracy) and smaller (lower light), which may also explain that in burst mode, to maintain AF-C, f/3.5 seems to play a role. In that case, you can still choose larger aperture, if you are willing to either focus manually or select a slower burst rate). For example, if I go full auto for 10 fps burst rate with AF-C in my A55, f/3.5 is the "default" aperture. If I choose AF-S or MF, I can choose any aperture. I can combine AF-C and selection of any aperture, however, if I choose 6 fps burst rate.
Click to expand...
Yes, I see and agree with the logic behind F3.5 and do realize its something Sony had to settle on to facilitate AF-C. It also appears you are referring to stills capture? My small gripe is this F3.5 limitation during AF+video. I just wish the user (ie. "me" ...haha) had a choice to attempt wider apertures. I shoot a fair amount of video and regularly forget that my 1.8/2.8 lens wide open is no longer what it is when I hit the record button :) MF is, of course, lets you set any aperture desired... trouble is, when I do have the LA-EA2 mounted first place, its because I'm being lazy and *want* AF...LOL
Click to expand...
It should apply to both since the idea is to improve AF speed and accuracy, in video as well as in burst modes for stills.
 
EinsteinsGhost said:
EinsteinsGhost wrote:
EinsteinsGhost said:
neonexxer wrote:
EinsteinsGhost said:
EinsteinsGhost wrote:
EinsteinsGhost said:
neonexxer wrote:

but I do wish the LA-EA2 doesn't limit max aperture to F3.5 during video capture....
Click to expand...
I've often assumed the limitation to be to improve AF speed and accuracy, that f/3.5 may offer the best compromise between larger aperture (inaccuracy) and smaller (lower light), which may also explain that in burst mode, to maintain AF-C, f/3.5 seems to play a role. In that case, you can still choose larger aperture, if you are willing to either focus manually or select a slower burst rate). For example, if I go full auto for 10 fps burst rate with AF-C in my A55, f/3.5 is the "default" aperture. If I choose AF-S or MF, I can choose any aperture. I can combine AF-C and selection of any aperture, however, if I choose 6 fps burst rate.
Click to expand...
Yes, I see and agree with the logic behind F3.5 and do realize its something Sony had to settle on to facilitate AF-C. It also appears you are referring to stills capture? My small gripe is this F3.5 limitation during AF+video. I just wish the user (ie. "me" ...haha) had a choice to attempt wider apertures. I shoot a fair amount of video and regularly forget that my 1.8/2.8 lens wide open is no longer what it is when I hit the record button :) MF is, of course, lets you set any aperture desired... trouble is, when I do have the LA-EA2 mounted first place, its because I'm being lazy and *want* AF...LOL
Click to expand...
It should apply to both since the idea is to improve AF speed and accuracy, in video as well as in burst modes for stills.
Click to expand...
F3.5 is as wide as you can go for AF video, though? Unless I'm missing something, there's nothing you can do to select a larger aperture during movie capture.
 
My original plans for a telephoto zoom involved Vivitar Series I 70-210mm f/2.8-4, a fantastic legacy lens for the purpose. It also had internal focus/zoom so it did not extend but it was quite big and heavy lens to start with. And that limitation became very apparent from lack of tripod support.

I decided to not worry about tele zoom on NEX, and tele duties were given to travel zoom and Minolta 200G. Until, I discovered a stash of some of the original Minolta Maxxums and a Sigma... for cheap (Sigma 24/2.8, Minolta 50/1.7, Minolta 28-85/3.5-4.5, Minolta 35-70/4, Minolta 70-210/4). These are some tiny lenses 24/2.8, 50/1.7 (would qualify as a pancake if not for recessed front element) and surprisingly sharp and pleasant: 35-70/4 (tiny!). The cheapest of these was Minolta 50/1.7 (at $14) and the beer can (70-210) was the most expensive.

The beer can, like the Vivitar, is an Internal zoom design, hence does not extend. The old Vivitar held its f/2.8 past 100mm, before switching over to f/4 past that, while beer can is f/4 all the way. However, the beer can is slimmer, shorter fractionally, and lighter. But best of all, via LA-EA2, it works better due to the integrated tripod mount on the adapter. So, now the camera mount does not have to support any more than the weight of its body, and certainly not the 650g or so of the beercan.

And, as a bonus, I can use Sony DH1758 (1.7x teleconversion lens) on the beer can as well. It has a filter size of 55mm, effectively giving me a 350mm+ reach at f/4 (negligible light loss via the conversion light lens).
 
Last edited:
Marla2008 said:
Marla2008 wrote:

I've been a dedicated NEX shooter for over a year, but coming from high end DSLR bodies I always complained about the AF speed. I did know about the LA-EA2 but was reluctant to buy it due to high retail price and bulk as perceived on pictures.
Well, I finally broke in (upon learning there is no immediate 7 replacement with much improved AF and the Zeiss zoom is only F4) and bought one used, at a very fair price.

The ONLY regret I have now is not to have done it much earlier !! I now have DSLR AF performance on my NEX 7, and the ability to use any quality A mount lens that I fancy. That's amazing ! I won't need anyting else for months, possibly years, Sony can keep their NEX FF and eventual NEX 7 successor and 1000€ F4 Zeiss zoom, lol.

If like me you love your NEX but occasionally need better AF performance, do yourself a favor and get the LA-EA2. It's smaller than I initially thought, well put together, and works flawlessly. I wish I'd been advised to buy one before !
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
I think lack of stabilization for longer lenses is the biggest issue for most people considering it. It's not much of an issue for shorter lenses and most people that have NEX cams are used to living without it using legacy glass.

The other cool thing about it is that I think you can set lens corrections for your AF lenses using the LEA2. On Alpha cams, you needed an A77 for this. This function is on my Nex 5n (although greyed out since I don't own the adapter). I found a lot of my Minolta lenses tended to backfocus on my Alpha cam
 
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