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sony A7rii for event work

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Hi,

Have the Sony A7rii (firmware updated) with metabone adapter (latest version) +50mm f1.8 canon lens. Tried using it for event work, but I am finding the autofocus is too slow with my setup. Often I need to turn around and instantly capture the shot. Have been missing a few shot because of slow autofocus. I can do this with my Nikon D750 and Nikon lenses, but struggling with the speed of autofocus on the Sony. Was wondering any event photographer out there that use the Sony A7rii, what lenses do you use? And ideally any real life experiences when you compared the Sony native lenses to one say metabone adapter and canon lenses? I do however like the JPEG colours from my Sony compared to my Nikon, for event work, has a more cinematic pastel looking look straight out of the camera.

Cheers in advance
 
Don't have Metabones but do have LA-EA3 and 4.

My adapted A-mount lenses are just a tad slower to focus than the native. It's quite noticeable.

The native lenses that I have, that seem to focus fast are the 70-200 f4, 35 1.4, 55 1.8. The only lens that proves problematic is the macro 90 when used for general photography, sometimes its autofocus just freezes.
 
I was at our local theatre for the Chines New Year celebrations, I had the A7r.2 with the Sony 28-135 F4 plus the Sony 70-400 g2 + LA3, under good stage lighting both struggled to acquire focus quickly enough when the subject was moving. The Sony A99 with the 70-400 and the Zeiss 24-70 was rather better, but neither were as good as my friends N. 750. I think you have to work within the limitations of your gear, perhaps if I had an ultra fast prime it would have been better, but the lens would not have had the length, in the circumstances we found ourselves in 300mm was the f.l. of choice. Just to add that when the A7r2 got it right the colours and overall quality of the photograph were stunning.
 
amateurphotographer said:
Hi,

Have the Sony A7rii (firmware updated) with metabone adapter (latest version) +50mm f1.8 canon lens. Tried using it for event work, but I am finding the autofocus is too slow with my setup. Often I need to turn around and instantly capture the shot. Have been missing a few shot because of slow autofocus. I can do this with my Nikon D750 and Nikon lenses, but struggling with the speed of autofocus on the Sony. Was wondering any event photographer out there that use the Sony A7rii, what lenses do you use? And ideally any real life experiences when you compared the Sony native lenses to one say metabone adapter and canon lenses? I do however like the JPEG colours from my Sony compared to my Nikon, for event work, has a more cinematic pastel looking look straight out of the camera.

Cheers in advance
Click to expand...
I doubt it's the sony, the canon 50/1.8 is not the fastest of autofocus to begin with even on canon bodies... you can't expect that banging on a $100 plastic fantastic canon with an ancient non USM lens motor onto a $3K body from another brand is going to bring out the best in lens or body.

Many other canon lenses with USM (plus the Metabones IV adaptor) will provide much snappier performance on the A7rii... I use the 135L and it's almost as fast on the Sony as it was on my 5Diii... same the 24-105L...
 
robonrome said:
amateurphotographer said:
Hi,

Have the Sony A7rii (firmware updated) with metabone adapter (latest version) +50mm f1.8 canon lens. Tried using it for event work, but I am finding the autofocus is too slow with my setup. Often I need to turn around and instantly capture the shot. Have been missing a few shot because of slow autofocus. I can do this with my Nikon D750 and Nikon lenses, but struggling with the speed of autofocus on the Sony. Was wondering any event photographer out there that use the Sony A7rii, what lenses do you use? And ideally any real life experiences when you compared the Sony native lenses to one say metabone adapter and canon lenses? I do however like the JPEG colours from my Sony compared to my Nikon, for event work, has a more cinematic pastel looking look straight out of the camera.

Cheers in advance
Click to expand...
I doubt it's the sony, the canon 50/1.8 is not the fastest of autofocus to begin with even on canon bodies... you can't expect that banging on a $100 plastic fantastic canon with an ancient non USM lens motor onto a $3K body from another brand is going to bring out the best in lens or body.

Many other canon lenses with USM (plus the Metabones IV adaptor) will provide much snappier performance on the A7rii... I use the 135L and it's almost as fast on the Sony as it was on my 5Diii... same the 24-105L...
Click to expand...
 
A7RII, 35L, Viltrox, fast enough to turn and shoot in any usuable light. Faster than the native FE35/1.4 in AF-C by some way. More accurate than a D750 and 35mm Sigma Art by a longer way.
Metabones, far more compatible with more lenses, fraction too slow with the 35L, can be far too slow with others (at least it works). 55mm in AF-S too slow, that damn contrast detect precision flutter, please let me turn that off! 55mm in AF-C, Eye AF, excellent.

Andrew
 
I do not have an a7RII. Yesterday I finally thought I knew enough about my a7II (been using for months) with latest firmware to use it as one of the cameras for India Bike Week.

I was very disappointed and only used it for approx. 35 shots before I put it back in the bag and only used the D750 (465 images) and Df (108 images) . Shooting at all 360 degrees in good mid-afternoon sun light.

I do not think it was anything do with the AF speed of the 24-70 f4 since I was using the 24-120 f4vr on the D750. I'm just too old to stand in the sun for 3 hours using the 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8vr :( .

I will try some simple experiments tomorrow, mid-morning, by taking the a7II , 55 1.8 up to the main road and try shifting from target to target quickly. Slow, fast moving, static, similar distance/light and 90 degrees/180 degrees off orig. target. My feeling is it is the EVF.

My wife's EM1 did a much better job. Image review turned off on both the EM1 and Sony.

I had not planned on using the camera for fast paced events but thought I could get the job done :(
 
amateurphotographer said:
Hi,

Have the Sony A7rii (firmware updated) with metabone adapter (latest version) +50mm f1.8 canon lens. Tried using it for event work, but I am finding the autofocus is too slow with my setup. Often I need to turn around and instantly capture the shot. Have been missing a few shot because of slow autofocus. I can do this with my Nikon D750 and Nikon lenses, but struggling with the speed of autofocus on the Sony. Was wondering any event photographer out there that use the Sony A7rii, what lenses do you use? And ideally any real life experiences when you compared the Sony native lenses to one say metabone adapter and canon lenses? I do however like the JPEG colours from my Sony compared to my Nikon, for event work, has a more cinematic pastel looking look straight out of the camera.

Cheers in advance
Click to expand...
I've used the A7rII to shoot events since its release, try any native lens and you'll get much better results. You'll also get better results with other Canon lenses. The Canon 50/1.8 is awful adapted, probably one of the worst. Adapted lens AF for the most part is really good in good light, once things get more challenging I've found E-mount lenses perform better. Most of what I shoot is with the 35/1.4 and Batis 85, and I use the 16-35 and 70-200 when I need to go wider or get more reach. Though I'm looking at rearranging my lineup a bit with the new GM 24-70/2.8.
 
It is the initial focus acquisition with the A7x series causing trouble in my experience, if you start from a defocused initial state (e.g. having shot s.o. close then switching to s.o. further away and vice versa). Doesn't matter which lens I use. As soon as I am close to the focus plane, however, focus acquisition is very fast and of course reliable. In dim light I switch effect off, to let the camera focus wide open and stop down for the final image later. Meanwhile, whenever I get the feeling that s.th. interesting happens at a wedding, I prefocus; this works nicely.

As long as this is not remedied, I still use the Nikons as main cameras (including Nikon's excellent flashes and AF assist light). The A7rii is already improved a lot in AFC compared to the A7ii. But I wished it would be quicker to react. For non-event stuff, I really like the performance of the A7rii.
 
I did take the a7II,55 1.8 out today and did some testing. After a few shots it registered in my brain that the image stayed in the VF as I tried to move to the next target. So I had not turned off image review :( . After I dived into the menu and did turn off all went pretty well except with fast bikes too close when I tried to focus.

So, still not as fast as the Nikons but very usable. Sorry all :) . I'll have to see what action event is next on the Calendar ;) . I'll also give it a real go in some indoor events such as Art Exhibitions with lower light. I'll also need to try some slower lenses.

Feel free to have a go for my stupidity.

Cheers,
 
tommiejeep said:
I did take the a7II,55 1.8 out today and did some testing. After a few shots it registered in my brain that the image stayed in the VF as I tried to move to the next target. So I had not turned off image review :( . After I dived into the menu and did turn off all went pretty well except with fast bikes too close when I tried to focus.

So, still not as fast as the Nikons but very usable. Sorry all :) . I'll have to see what action event is next on the Calendar ;) . I'll also give it a real go in some indoor events such as Art Exhibitions with lower light. I'll also need to try some slower lenses.

Feel free to have a go for my stupidity.
Click to expand...
Not necessarily stupidity, but it sounds like you need to use your A7II more. Especially if you intend to do some action packed shooting. You must learn the camera and the settings fluently if it's going to be a good experience.
 
Nope, stupid works for me :( . I have had it turned off before and I had the same thing with the EM1 which took the camera back to factory settings after FW2. I made sure the monitor on the a7II was off but did not remember to Gears 2.2 , duh. Things were happening too fast to go through the menu and I had other cameras to shoot.

You are right about using it in more varied situations that require changes, thanks :) .
 
Hello Robonrome,

SO here is help... First off I own Sony A7rII, A7sII. All of the FE Len's and some Batis.. I shoot 25 events a year.. I will tell you this, from a image standpoint if you get the shot the images are amazing to work with. If you have good light. I am restricted to no Flash. I consistently have people ask me during these events if I am shooting. Because I shoot in silent mode. This is what I really love.. In order to be affective with these cameras you must be all etc anticipate the shot. Have all of your settings set up to maximize the response time of camera. However bottom line is they are dog slow compared to a Nikon system. I also own the D5 and D500 with FX lens.. hands down I get the shot overtime.. However the weight and size take a toll on me.. I love battery life of Nikon and Autofocus is truly the one to beat right now. I wish i could design the camera it would be a little of each.. However we know I cannot.. so with that said, if you want the shot go nikon. If you are willing to loose a few and get really good at anticipating the shot and being ready for it knowing your camera settings inside out. Sony wins... Bummer we still do not have the best of all worlds.. I think Sony is headed there.. They just have been slammed by Earthquakes and problems.. Nikon too.. So with time we are headed to a place where mirrorless will rule.. Not there yet.. But is is in sight.. That is my two cents of experience and I feel your pain.. But if someone called me tonight and said get on a red eye grab your gear and get this event covered I would think about my sony as I headed out the door with my trusted Nikon for so many reasons.. Take care I hope this helps..

G~
 
marchand said:
Hello Robonrome,

SO here is help... First off I own Sony A7rII, A7sII. All of the FE Len's and some Batis.. I shoot 25 events a year.. I will tell you this, from a image standpoint if you get the shot the images are amazing to work with. If you have good light. I am restricted to no Flash. I consistently have people ask me during these events if I am shooting. Because I shoot in silent mode. This is what I really love.. In order to be affective with these cameras you must be all etc anticipate the shot. Have all of your settings set up to maximize the response time of camera. However bottom line is they are dog slow compared to a Nikon system. I also own the D5 and D500 with FX lens.. hands down I get the shot overtime.. However the weight and size take a toll on me.. I love battery life of Nikon and Autofocus is truly the one to beat right now. I wish i could design the camera it would be a little of each.. However we know I cannot.. so with that said, if you want the shot go nikon. If you are willing to loose a few and get really good at anticipating the shot and being ready for it knowing your camera settings inside out. Sony wins... Bummer we still do not have the best of all worlds.. I think Sony is headed there.. They just have been slammed by Earthquakes and problems.. Nikon too.. So with time we are headed to a place where mirrorless will rule.. Not there yet.. But is is in sight.. That is my two cents of experience and I feel your pain.. But if someone called me tonight and said get on a red eye grab your gear and get this event covered I would think about my sony as I headed out the door with my trusted Nikon for so many reasons.. Take care I hope this helps..

G~
Click to expand...
Just with what you said, If you were to use the Sonys for an event with no flash, dark lit (like a wedding reception) would you go with either the a7rii or the a7sii?? I'm asking due to wanting to keep with my Sony gear and need something for darker scenes to accompany my a7ii.
 
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