I am owner of Sony A7 II and I used to own RX1 for about a month. Reason I switched from RX1 to A7 II was slow autofocus mainly (and also 1/2000s and f2 shooting while sunny day - still put on and of ND filter). Also because A7 II has EVF. After a month with A7 II (only with old manual lenses) I still dont know if to keep that camera or cahnge back for RX1.Yes, AF is slow but its not such a big problem while taking pictures during travell. I wanted to buy 28mm or 55mm lens for A7 ii. But its about twice the price of RX1. RX1 has amazing lens and whole cam costs about the same as 55mm in my country. Please any advices? anaybody there with same problem?
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RX1 or A7 II?
- Thread starter skalsa1
- Start date
The little RX1 is the answer to many problems. Mine has been dealing with image problems for three years now. For general photography it's the doyen of fixed lens cameras.
ISO 3200 - f2 - 1/60s AF took a second but I can wait that long for a good result.
ISO 3200 - f2 - 1/60s AF took a second but I can wait that long for a good result.
biza43
Forum Pro
You need to decide what you want: a camera that allows you to change lenses, or a fixed compact.
Plus, you can add the Loxia 35 to the A7II...
Plus, you can add the Loxia 35 to the A7II...
Mike Fewster
Forum Pro
I have the same issue. My solution, but the solution has problems too. Keep The RX1. I reckon I use it for about 75% of my shots anyway.
Use an A6000 as well for very wa and tele shots. And one day I will probably get a used A7r11. In the mean time of course you can add any good lenses for the A7r11 you come across to the A6000, then have them later for the A7r11. Even with the A7r11, I can't see me getting rid of the RX1. That IQ in that size package is just too good not to have.
If the slow autofocus and external EVF does not bother you, and if you prefer the 28-35mm focal length, I'd revert back to the RX1.
The RX1 is the pound-for-pound IQ champ. It has the flattest field of any 35mm ever made. The images are sharp corner to corner. Then there's the legendary rendering/color/bokeh of the Sonnar. I also think DR and ISO performance is slightly better than the A7ii (not sure though)
With the A7ii you get faster AF, IBIS, built-in EVF, tilting screen, better ergonomics, better video, and built-in WIFI. And there are a few native lenses that matches the IQ of the RX1 (Batis 25, FE 55/1.8, and FE 90/2.8) But you seem to be on a budget, and lens options can get you in trouble... real fast.
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Yes the RX1 is vastly superior to that combo. The FE28/2 suffers from severe barrel distortion and is soft in the corners until about f5.6. The Batis 25 is a much better option.
I purchased my RX1R not too long ago not to replace my A7S but to use with it together mostly...
I use prime lenses mostly for size but don't particularly like having to swap lenses frequently and seeing that 35mm was one of my most used focal lengths, I decided to buy the RX1R as the size really does not take that much more room in my bag than another 35mm lens.
So much more convenient to just swap cameras in my bag than the hassle of swapping lenses, especially when you want only to take 1 or 2 images at that particular location with lens X and then having to swap back to lens Y.
I used to own the FE 35/2.8 and used it on my previous A7 and current A7S but subjectively, the combination never wowed me compared to the RX1R images..
I am waiting for delivery of a FE 28/2 as it was on special offer recently which I will put to the test also
I use prime lenses mostly for size but don't particularly like having to swap lenses frequently and seeing that 35mm was one of my most used focal lengths, I decided to buy the RX1R as the size really does not take that much more room in my bag than another 35mm lens.
So much more convenient to just swap cameras in my bag than the hassle of swapping lenses, especially when you want only to take 1 or 2 images at that particular location with lens X and then having to swap back to lens Y.
I used to own the FE 35/2.8 and used it on my previous A7 and current A7S but subjectively, the combination never wowed me compared to the RX1R images..
I am waiting for delivery of a FE 28/2 as it was on special offer recently which I will put to the test also
I actually got my A7II when the Batis 85 was released. I wanted to carry my RX1R plus the A7II with the Batis as a lightweight but high IQ set. So for me, it's not one or the other.
The only problem is that I am still waiting for the Batis. Since BH Photo is listing availability as Dec 31, 2099, I just hope I can live till January 2100 to be able to take delivery! Luckily, I have other lenses to use with it until then.
I haven't seen any 35mm lens which produces images on the A7 cameras that I like as much as the RX1R's output, with the exception of the 35/1.4 and its too big for me, unfortunately. If the gear gets too big, I just seem to not take it along when I go out. The Loxia 35 looks good, but I want AF.
Rick
The only problem is that I am still waiting for the Batis. Since BH Photo is listing availability as Dec 31, 2099, I just hope I can live till January 2100 to be able to take delivery! Luckily, I have other lenses to use with it until then.
I haven't seen any 35mm lens which produces images on the A7 cameras that I like as much as the RX1R's output, with the exception of the 35/1.4 and its too big for me, unfortunately. If the gear gets too big, I just seem to not take it along when I go out. The Loxia 35 looks good, but I want AF.
Rick
I have both and see them as serving different purposes. Clearly, the A7II is a more versatile tool, and with a good 35mm lens (e.g. Loxia 35 or Sony 35/1.4), the IQ is right up there with the RX1. OTOH, the RX1 is a wonder of miniaturization and a pleasure to use when you want to travel light. If this is to be your one and only camera, then the A7II will give you much more flexibility (in addition to IBIS). If you already have other cameras, then choose based on your own priorities in picture taking.
Rob
Rob
FlavioSA
Well-known member
I really don't understand why people keep coming back to this. The FE28/2 is great lens and the barrel distortion is meant to be corrected by software. My copy is tack sharp and you really need to pixel peep to in order to notice the corner softness. Great value for the money.
mreynolds767
Senior Member
If you can rent a Loxia 35 you could see if that will work for you.
I think that is going to give you the closest to the RX1 with some more modern conveniences.
You lose AF, but you mentioned you did not like the AF of the RX1 anyway.
Rx1 is still smaller than this combo by a good amount, but don't think the Sony 28 lens is going to give you the same enjoyment as either the Rx1 or your current A7II with a Loxia 35
Your cost figures sound a little low, you are saying you can get a used RX1 for the same cost as the FE 55 lens, is that not an $899 lens new in USD? Factor in for the RX1 you really need a viewfinder and then other accessories you may add later which all told are going to bring the cost up I imagine more than what a Loxia 35 lens sells for.
I think that is going to give you the closest to the RX1 with some more modern conveniences.
You lose AF, but you mentioned you did not like the AF of the RX1 anyway.
Rx1 is still smaller than this combo by a good amount, but don't think the Sony 28 lens is going to give you the same enjoyment as either the Rx1 or your current A7II with a Loxia 35
Your cost figures sound a little low, you are saying you can get a used RX1 for the same cost as the FE 55 lens, is that not an $899 lens new in USD? Factor in for the RX1 you really need a viewfinder and then other accessories you may add later which all told are going to bring the cost up I imagine more than what a Loxia 35 lens sells for.
billzilla2000
Veteran Member
I also think that if AF speed (and overall low light shooting performance) isn't a priority that keeping the RX1 is the way to go if the FL is suitable. You can't match that combo for that price point in a package that small with an A7.
I don't see how DR and ISO performance could be any different, it's the same 24MP sensor.
billzilla2000
Veteran Member
My experience with the 28/2 was subpar. I replaced it with the 35/2.8 which has far better performance across the frame, color, contrast - less distortion and better bokeh character. The only area the 28/2 is better is the wider aperture and fairly equal center sharpness (maybe even sharper at f8 or f11). But in every other way, the 35/2.8 is better.
At 28mm, even my 28-70 was better across the frame and center than my 28/2 with both at f10 and f11.
Mike Fewster
Forum Pro
The removal of the aa filter slightly changes the DR. Further, the fixed lens can be positioned relative to the sensor with a precision that can't be done on IC cameras (Sony has made statements on this somewhere but I am not sure where. They probably don't want to talk about this any longer with the release of the newer FF IC models so it may be hard to find.)
Dave Sanders
Senior Member
At least for me. I had an RX1 first and absolutely loved the results. Small camera with a killer lens, quiet leaf shutter with a 1/2000 flash sync. It was well built and I grew to really like the aperture ring and the close focus ability. I loved shooting quietly and carrying a big stick, so to speak. I also loved the 35mm FOV but I generally 'see' in normal or short telephoto and use those focal lengths a lot for landscapes and street photography as well as portraits.
So, I put my RX1 and EVF up for sale when the price was high (I got over $2k) and bought an A7, 35/2.8 and 55/1.8. I was instantly happy with the 55/1.8 but the 35/2.8 always left me wanting. Nothing wrong with the lens, just lacked a bit of the magic of the RX1. I also found that the A7 and 35/2.8 was noiser, especially on blue skies, due to the vignetting correction that had to be done. I wound up having a lot of QC issues with my A7 and I eventually sold it after I bought my A7R. The A7R felt like an upgrade from the RX1, the A7 didn't. I wish had bought the A7R and kept my RX1.
The problem with the RX1 is if you ask it to do things it doesn't excel at. It has some shortcomings, to be sure. It doesn't focus quickly and it won't focus at all in a lot of backlit situations. Focus peaking and magnification can only be done in the center, which is just silly. There is no way to attach a wireless remote and the threaded cable release can easily pop the (poorly designed) shutter release right off...the warranty guys in Vancouver said they see RX1s for that issue very frequently. I learned to put mine back on myself. If the shutter release somehow gets depressed when it's turned off, it will quickly drain its battery.
But, when shot to its strengths... The lens is amazing producing sharp landscapes and gorgeous bokeh for portraits or closeups. It's silent in operation with the leaf shutter and 1/2000 sync offers a ton of creative possibilities for outdoor portraits with flash. It's an absolute beast for long exposures requiring no LENR, though the lack a modern release option makes this a bit of a PITA. Of you have the time and the right scene, fwe cameras are as good or as satisfying. I will eventually re-buy the RX1 and pair it with the A7R, something I should've done in the first place.
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Dave Sanders
RX1 cameras are unusual in being hand assembled to - micron - tolerances.
Some key points:
'Dramatically improving sharpness across the entire image was achieved by adjusting the position of the sensor surface to find the exact point at which image sharpness at the periphery increases without affecting sharpness at the center. These adjustments are in microns.'
'We first measure the tilt of the light axis for each lens unit as well as each sensor's surface angle. The position of the lens and the sensor are then adjusted accordingly for each camera by highly skilled workers inside a clean room.'
'..we manufacture the RX1 one-by-one making adjustments to ensure maximum sharpness across the entire image.'
'After consulting with Carl Zeiss we chose a Sonnar T* lens.'
from: 'RX1 Developers Interview (.pdf)'
Some key points:
'Dramatically improving sharpness across the entire image was achieved by adjusting the position of the sensor surface to find the exact point at which image sharpness at the periphery increases without affecting sharpness at the center. These adjustments are in microns.'
'We first measure the tilt of the light axis for each lens unit as well as each sensor's surface angle. The position of the lens and the sensor are then adjusted accordingly for each camera by highly skilled workers inside a clean room.'
'..we manufacture the RX1 one-by-one making adjustments to ensure maximum sharpness across the entire image.'
'After consulting with Carl Zeiss we chose a Sonnar T* lens.'
from: 'RX1 Developers Interview (.pdf)'
Dave Sanders
Senior Member
It feels like the RX1 wasn't built to a price, that Sony wanted a halo product. Every lever and dial is over-built. I'd be shocked if they made money on each RX1 sold, even at $3k. I fear we won't see another like it, though I'd they did, an RX2 would be at the top of my list.
I troll the usual outlets frequently for an RX1 kit that meets requirements...
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Dave Sanders
I troll the usual outlets frequently for an RX1 kit that meets requirements...
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Dave Sanders
Focus peaking and magnification can only be done in the center, which is just silly.
It would be an oversight of Leica-esque proportions if this were true, Dave.
When not in AF mode, turning the lens focus ring invokes focus magnification and shows the red focus box, and the VF provides arrows so the rear spin dial can be used to move the focus spot around, with peaking available. It's fast and effective.
The really neat part of this feature, besides it being so readily available and having peaking built in, is that the area of the frame it can magnify is.....100%.
So you can separate (i) composition refinement, then (ii) focus mag on any part of the frame.
It's even better than the (highly adjustable) flexi spot in AF, which only covers maybe 90% of the frame - still way better than the DSLRs the 'pros' will tell you are so great. ;-)
What I like also is that this feature encourages photographers to not be lazy and rely on the old focus then recompose hack, which works so poorly in modern high res photography at wider apertures.
Pity the poor old DSLR users, who have been systematically dumbed down by their brands.
The Nikon D810 looks like it is up to around 30-35% of frame coverage for the only mode it works OK in - auto focus:
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-d750/2 (scroll half way down to see the pattern)
That is something the RX1 (or a7 series) owner would, of course, find totally unacceptable.
It would be an oversight of Leica-esque proportions if this were true, Dave.
When not in AF mode, turning the lens focus ring invokes focus magnification and shows the red focus box, and the VF provides arrows so the rear spin dial can be used to move the focus spot around, with peaking available. It's fast and effective.
The really neat part of this feature, besides it being so readily available and having peaking built in, is that the area of the frame it can magnify is.....100%.
So you can separate (i) composition refinement, then (ii) focus mag on any part of the frame.
It's even better than the (highly adjustable) flexi spot in AF, which only covers maybe 90% of the frame - still way better than the DSLRs the 'pros' will tell you are so great. ;-)
What I like also is that this feature encourages photographers to not be lazy and rely on the old focus then recompose hack, which works so poorly in modern high res photography at wider apertures.
Pity the poor old DSLR users, who have been systematically dumbed down by their brands.
The Nikon D810 looks like it is up to around 30-35% of frame coverage for the only mode it works OK in - auto focus:
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-d750/2 (scroll half way down to see the pattern)
That is something the RX1 (or a7 series) owner would, of course, find totally unacceptable.
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