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I just purchased the A7 III, now what?
- Thread starter Neilpowis
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- canon eos 6d sony a7 iii
Paul Barnard
Veteran Member
HP1999
Veteran Member
I am an event and portrait photographer. Lets forgo specific lenses, but I will speak about focal length range and or coverage. I will talk lighting/ flash as well. The sky is the limit.
Not in any order:
Insurance! Protect yourself! More so if this is a paid gig and if you start collecting tax etc. I am in the USA so I have no idea what the rest of the world does in that respect.
Back up camera. If you are an event photographer you have to have a back up camera. $10,000 in lenses do not matter if the only camera has a problem. If this is serious even if you buy a Sony A6500, something ... I would buy two of the same body. Reason is button and menu layout is the same and you dont want to keep retraining muscle memory in the middle of it all.
Be Honest with your skill level with your client. Saying yes is ok to the job but if you are not equipped to do the job shooting it, editing whatever say you are new would like to do this for you even at a reduced rate but wait on the money part offering discounts. you do have to be carful you do not get known as the cheap or free photographer.
Get friends or family to help you build your portfolio. Take your camera to family events and take photos. Look to do free events for local non-profits.
If you start to get paid I advise you do a written contract with a retainer. The terminology deposit vs retainer is different. I use retainer. A deposit may be refundable. However, you block the date and someone cancels on you, you lost twice. Retainers are non refundable but you could always reschedule. If it is your fault for canceling you should refund it and if possible find a replacement but that is all the contract stuff
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Gear wise you have to decide a few things.
For events I need to use fill flash and in Sony land like when I shot Nikon I need a flash with a HV, high voltage connection to use an external battery pack. Batteries alone even rechargeable will deplete in use and that is not the time for the flash to stop or slow recycle. Slow recycle will cause underexposed images if you keep shooting. I use the Bolt Cyclone product from B&H photo.
For headshots this is more involved because of lighting. This is personal style. A headshot and a portrait are two different things framed differently. The use of makeup for women and some for men really light can make a difference.
So you need a Key light, usually a Fill and maybe a back light. If you use a white background and you want it to remain white you Must light the background. IF not it goes grey and depending on the position it can go black. Look up the inverse square law.
For headshots you should use a sturdy tripod and not rely on the center column to get you to eye level. Better center of gravity.
I can go on for sure.
Check out the Creative Live.com site. Look at Gary Fong.com for more training videos on your camera I bought it for $30 it was well worth it coming from Nikon.
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Get the battery grip for your camera!
Look at off camera flash for events. I use the Rogue bender and or gary fong collapsible light sphere.
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I put all my gear in a pelican roller case if I dont have a ramp or elevator get a backpack. I then use a think Tank waist pack for events.
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For events ask the organizer or who ever is in charge what are your must have shots. No way you know who is important.
Buy multiple hard drives for your computer for back up.
If you need editing help, Re-touch up.com is great.
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Ideally you want to use all fast glass if this is a pro business. You need every edge.
Last for now... Shoot RAW! It can save you!
James Stirling
Veteran Member
Same here Paul, I read all the tales of woe about the A7rII and bought it with a couple of spare batteries . Only time I ever needed to use a second battery was when I shoot a lot of video { for meI took umbrage at the inference that many additional batteries were needed. I had four for my A7R2 but the 3 series is a different beast. A spare battery is for sure a good idea but deciding how many, that’s really a consideration for the older cameras.The issue has certainly been reduced greatly but if it is something important better safe than Sorry { though I have never even hit 10% battery use in a day with my sedate shooting}
} and Sony of course threw in a spare . I have a spare FZ battery but there is no way I will ever need it so I just rotate between them when I need to changeI would be thinking a spare not because of how long a battery last but rather as a just in case measure
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WarrenPeas
Veteran Member
Sony 85 1.8
chirkut123
Active member
Welcome to the club!
My infrequent photography is also typically travel and landscape with seldom events. I recently upgraded to Sony A7M3 (from Canon 5D). I initially bought 24-105mm and then added 16-35mm GM. I'm in heaven!
I'd be adding one of the 85mm options and eventually a tele zoom (when I go to Africa).
Happy shooting!
My infrequent photography is also typically travel and landscape with seldom events. I recently upgraded to Sony A7M3 (from Canon 5D). I initially bought 24-105mm and then added 16-35mm GM. I'm in heaven!
I'd be adding one of the 85mm options and eventually a tele zoom (when I go to Africa).
Happy shooting!
Bob Janes
Veteran Member
If you have any legacy glass about, it can be fun to use it with a full-frame 7 - a good quality dumb adapter (K&F Concept are good) can be had for just about any mount for about £15-20.
A flashgun is also something to consider - the Sony options may be expensive, so it might be an idea to check out the third party options..
On the free side - Download yourself a free copy of the basic Capture 1 for Sony (a very good RAW converter, esp for the price) and have a look at Dyxum.com - a good resource for all things Alpha (although they don't do video) - Michael Hohner's Alpha system knowledgebase pages are also very useful (google mhohner).
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Save a life, become a stem-cell donor.
Hello to Jason Isaacs!
https://bobjanes.smugmug.com/PoTB/
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voronspb
Veteran Member
I moved to A7III kit from 6D + 24-105L + Tamron 45/1.8 + 40/2.8STM.
First, there will be a lot higher success ratio, so you can make great shots even on kit lens. You just need to spend several hours mapping the custom buttons (there're lots of them) and adjusting the camera settings to your taste.
I'd recommend mapping the desired settings to "1" and "2" dial positions. In my camera "1" is for people (Av, F/1.8, AF-C, zone, burst-S, no review), "2" is for landscapes and things (Av, F/5.6, AF-S, medium focus point, single-shot, review). So I don't need changing a dozen settings when switching subjects.
Second, for traveling I purchased the FE24-240 lens (my review) as a direct replacement to 24-105L. They have more or less similar quality in 24-105 mm range + 105-240 mm comes for free. Another equivalent to 24-105L is 24-105G. It's a lot better, but expensive though.
Third, there are great sub-1000$ primes. It depends on your taste, which one to pick. They say that FE28/2.0 is really nice for its money. Remember that you may switch the camera to x1.5 APS-C mode (10 MP) with single button click.
Four, try playing with Canon adapters (MC-11 and Metabones). Probably they may be good enough for you. But definitely no as good as a native lens.
sportyaccordy
Veteran Member
Biggest question is what's your budget? If you can live with 28mm at the wide end the Tamron 28-75 2.8 is a no brainer for event work. For portraits I'd grab an MB4 + Tamron 70-200 2.8 USM G1. Optically as good as a GM, still usable with Eye AF-C... just no burst available; single shot only which is probably fine for portraiture.
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Sometimes I take pictures with my gear- https://www.flickr.com/photos/41601371@N00/
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Sometimes I take pictures with my gear- https://www.flickr.com/photos/41601371@N00/
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Luis Gabriel Photography
Veteran Member
Neilpowis
Well-known member
Hi all,
Some fantastic and helpful posts here, thank you.
I see a lot of people mentioning the Tamron 28-70, something I will consider.
I see people mentioning 35mm 50mm and 85mm also, i'm still unsure which?
Whats everybody's thoughts on using my 24-105mm ii and an adaptor? or should I sell that and reinvest?
In my Amazon basket at the moment: SD Cards, Batteries, Screen protector, charger, SD Card case.
I need a new strap and probably a case of some sort to transport when travelling, just an over the shoulder case.
Will I need ND Filters or Polarisers?
Neil
Some fantastic and helpful posts here, thank you.
I see a lot of people mentioning the Tamron 28-70, something I will consider.
I see people mentioning 35mm 50mm and 85mm also, i'm still unsure which?
Whats everybody's thoughts on using my 24-105mm ii and an adaptor? or should I sell that and reinvest?
In my Amazon basket at the moment: SD Cards, Batteries, Screen protector, charger, SD Card case.
I need a new strap and probably a case of some sort to transport when travelling, just an over the shoulder case.
Will I need ND Filters or Polarisers?
Neil
Neilpowis
Well-known member
Additionally I want to 'vlog' /film, I have read on websites about a 16-35mm? thoughts on a vlogging lens?
Depends on the other elements in your kit. If you go for the 28-70, the 35mm f2.8 useless in the perspective of technical specs. However, it would give you super-compact option. 50mm/85mm are reasonable options - the 85 for portraits/head shots, the 50 as general purpose or „environmental“ portraits.
Depends on the further use of the 6D. The native options for Sony would be more compact, I guess. And AF speed is probably also better. But there are better experts on this topic around...
Yep.
I have a DOMKE strap and a ONA Prince Street bag for travelling. I also like the Billingham Hadley Pro for larger kits.
Same answer again... depends
You‘ll need ND filters to reduce the amount of light falling on the sensor. This helps to use fast lenses with the aperture wide open in bright light, e.g. for portraits, or if you want to do long exposures in order to blur the sea, the movement of clouds etc. Polarizer can reduce non-metallic reflections. Makes the sky more blue or also the green of plants more intensive. Some results can be achieved during PP, but I have one with me for landscape shots. Better to have things right during the shot
Bob Janes
Veteran Member
I almost forgot - there are some very good L plates available on ebay - I use one with my a7ii and quite apart from making use on a tripod easier, it also provides a bit of protection to the base and LH side of the camera...
Neilpowis
Well-known member
Thank you Mark, I must say the Sony Forum are a lot kinder than the Canon Forums.Depends on the other elements in your kit. If you go for the 28-70, the 35mm f2.8 useless in the perspective of technical specs. However, it would give you super-compact option. 50mm/85mm are reasonable options - the 85 for portraits/head shots, the 50 as general purpose or „environmental“ portraits.
Depends on the further use of the 6D. The native options for Sony would be more compact, I guess. And AF speed is probably also better. But there are better experts on this topic around...
Yep.
I have a DOMKE strap and a ONA Prince Street bag for travelling. I also like the Billingham Hadley Pro for larger kits.
Same answer again... depends
Polarizer can reduce non-metallic reflections. Makes the sky more blue or also the green of plants more intensive. Some results can be achieved during PP, but I have one with me for landscape shots. Better to have things right during the shot
Neilpowis
Well-known member
Thanks Bob, I have rarely used a tripod before and have had a few off experiences with my Manfrotto tripod, it seems a bit unsteady at full capacity, but I know that tripod helps in so many ways, Im hoping with the A7iii being lighter than the 6D it may be easier to use. I will test first.
voronspb
Veteran Member
That's not only for tripod. Consider a good L-bracket (Smallrig, Reallyrightstuff etc.) or leather-laid half-case to simplify the handling of camera. Both these accessories provide a better grip without pinky finger hanging in air. I personally prefer the half-case.
Neilpowis
Well-known member
I'll see what its like when it hopefully arrives tomorrow
Neilpowis
Well-known member
Hi all,I'll see what its like when it hopefully arrives tomorrow
My camera arrived, however I have been unwell for a few days so I haven't even picked it up yet (can't believe it :-( ) but now im trying to get my head into it.
So I've about to follow some suggestions you guys posted about looking into https://enthusiastphotoblog.com/2018/04/09/customizing-sony-a7iii/ and http://friedmanarchives.com/A73/index.htm
Additionally I'm about to buy a spare back up battery, SD cards, screen protector, the usual, but I'm continuing to think about lenses. I think the Kit 28-70 will be ok for now, but im thinking about the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 as a replacement and maybe a 50mm and/or 85mm prime lens? but not sure which brand primes?
Budget is a little bit of an issue at the moment, until I sell my Canon 6D and 24-105mm ii so any recommendations in line with budget would be great?
Kind regards,
Neil
sportyaccordy
Veteran Member
If you shot with a 24-105 on Canon you'd probably do well to shoot the same on Sony. Choosing primes is a very personal and subjective process. A starting point I'd say is if you want a prime for indoor shooting, the Sony 28/2 or Sigma/Samyang 35/1.4 are good places to start; if you want a prime for walk around outdoor shooting the Sony 50/1.8 or 55/1.8 ZA are worth a look. But I don't think that's a decision we can help with at this point.
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