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Buy A7ii deal or an APS-C?

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Emberly

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I’m a hobbyist photographer that hasn’t owned a camera in about a year or so. I photograph the kids (The ones I photograph most often are less than 7 years old) in the family, family outings, and things that I’ve crafted (flat lays of sewn outfits, baked goods, etc.) primarily. I also take photos at street fairs and farmers markets occasionally.

I’m interested in growing my skills in family documentary photography, but not as a business.

I also have a soft box that I won years ago but haven’t bought a stand or flash for yet. I may want to try using it in the future.

I owned a Nikon D70 with 50mm 1.8 for about 7 years before the camera died (I still have both camera and lens), then an Olympus em10 mark ii with Panasonic 20mm 1.7 for a bit, then a Nikon D5500 with kit lens and the aforementioned 50mm 1.8 for about a year. I’m not a gear head and don’t have a huge budget, so I don’t expect to buy more than 1-3 lenses over the course of my ownership of a new camera.

Over the years I’ve rented a Nikon D7000 with 35mm lens (I really liked that focal length on it), a Fujifilm xt10 with kit lens (I loved it other than the way the noise reduction behaved in low light and a few other small things), and most recently a Sony A6500 with Sigma 16mm 1.4 (my favorite with it other than the size and weight) and Sony FE 50mm 1.8.

I’ve also rented the Canon 5D Mark iii with the Canon 24-70 2.8L and the Nikon D610 with the Sigma 24-35 f2. I found editing to be easier on the photos (I assume partially due to the lenses which I can’t afford but love!) I took with those two cameras and felt a lot more inspired, so I had a lot more keepers. I think that I also like a wider field of view, which those lenses offered on a FF camera.

I have been considering the a7ii and Canon RP and got some good answers and information to look into in another forum, but I’d like you all’s input as well.

Would I be better served by buying a newer ASP-C camera than the a7ii? Is the a7ii a good buy if someone can’t afford the a7iii?
 
Emberly said:
I’m a hobbyist photographer that hasn’t owned a camera in about a year or so. I photograph the kids (The ones I photograph most often are less than 7 years old) in the family, family outings, and things that I’ve crafted (flat lays of sewn outfits, baked goods, etc.) primarily. I also take photos at street fairs and farmers markets occasionally.

I’m interested in growing my skills in family documentary photography, but not as a business.

I also have a soft box that I won years ago but haven’t bought a stand or flash for yet. I may want to try using it in the future.

I owned a Nikon D70 with 50mm 1.8 for about 7 years before the camera died (I still have both camera and lens), then an Olympus em10 mark ii with Panasonic 20mm 1.7 for a bit, then a Nikon D5500 with kit lens and the aforementioned 50mm 1.8 for about a year. I’m not a gear head and don’t have a huge budget, so I don’t expect to buy more than 1-3 lenses over the course of my ownership of a new camera.

Over the years I’ve rented a Nikon D7000 with 35mm lens (I really liked that focal length on it), a Fujifilm xt10 with kit lens (I loved it other than the way the noise reduction behaved in low light and a few other small things), and most recently a Sony A6500 with Sigma 16mm 1.4 (my favorite with it other than the size and weight) and Sony FE 50mm 1.8.

I’ve also rented the Canon 5D Mark iii with the Canon 24-70 2.8L and the Nikon D610 with the Sigma 24-35 f2. I found editing to be easier on the photos (I assume partially due to the lenses which I can’t afford but love!) I took with those two cameras and felt a lot more inspired, so I had a lot more keepers. I think that I also like a wider field of view, which those lenses offered on a FF camera.

I have been considering the a7ii and Canon RP and got some good answers and information to look into in another forum, but I’d like you all’s input as well.

Would I be better served by buying a newer ASP-C camera than the a7ii? Is the a7ii a good buy if someone can’t afford the a7iii?
Click to expand...
I bought the A7II in November when it was selling for $998 with the kit lens. It had gone up in price, but now it's back down to the same price ($998 with kit lens):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PX8CNCM/ref=twister_B079YFLJ6S?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

It's a very good deal. However, it doesn't get Sony's latest AF system, which I am salivating for. If I were to do it all over, I would get the Sony A6400 which has Sony's amazing new Real Time AF system. Then I would get the A7III in a year or so when the price came down a bit. If you are shooting kids, definitely go for Sony's latest AF system (which is in the A6400). That AF system is insanely good:


On the other hand, if you are shooting at a slower pace, and don't need to chase kids, the A7II is fine.

Here's one photog who did the Canon vs Sony comparison as well as the A7II vs A7III comparison:

Canon v Sony:



A7II v A7III:


The nice thing about Sony is that you can use Canon or Sony lenses. And you get in-body stabilization for steadier shots when using a non-stabilized lens.
 
Last edited:
A used A7II in mint condition is a very good value for money today. Check on Fred Miranda buy/sell forum. You have to factor in the price of FE lenses though and Sony always charges a premium, though you can get gems like FE 85 F1.8 for a good price. Native 35mm options are limited - Sony Zeiss FE 35 is overpriced IMO. Samyang is an option and actually a decent lens despite varying opinions.

These 3 with A7II, 180MM, hand-held with IBIS on. I can't complain, incredible sharpness and very good colors on my 4K monitor.

fc6f8ec3129d4200951d116ce8c8b5b2.jpg

e60346c678b5404584d6e8aac8f090a3.jpg

1a86414df32e4a8894184f0829276d4d.jpg

However, if your goal is casual photography A6000 is an excellent choice - under $300 used and E mount lenses are generally priced lower. I generally don't buy latest and greatest bodies and spend more on lenses (Batis 135mm, Loxias, Leica Elmarit R 180 APO among my collection). Then as latest and greatest becomes old, I buy used at a very nice discount.

I have the A7RII now, had an A7II (now sold) and recently got an old Nex-6(!) for $150 as a backup. I wanted something with fewer MP and good upto ISO 800. In daylight, for documentary use, I am hard pressed to make a case for a camera more than what Nex-6 offers - and this is a really old model, so you will be more than happy with the newer models based on what you wrote.

You also mention Canon. I have used Canon 6D and it remains one of my favorites - 20MP files that are more than enough, wonderful colors, solid build. Canon lenses have more choices, much more reasonably priced and top notch IQ. That is another option you can look at. Used 6Ds can be had for $600 or less in good condition. Some of my best shots of a trip to West Coast were from 6D and 100-400 II:

Canon 6D / 100-400II. Can't go wrong.

400MM Hand-Held, incredible stabilization
400MM Hand-Held, incredible stabilization

6325562aa6884da8b7d6c61610c25c3e.jpg

Very choppy water, but Canon's IS amazing
Very choppy water, but Canon's IS amazing



Just for fun, pictures with a $58 lens: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4383237

Bottom line, pick what you like and make it work for you.

------
instagram.com/photosbyeerajq
https://eerajqaisar.smugmug.com
https://www.facebook.com/ejqtravel
 
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For a little grab and go the Sony 5100, 24mp aps-c and has little secret. On the shutter is a little zoom lever that is very useful. The kit zoom has its zoom slide switch on the side of the lens. It's easier and quicker to use the lever on the shutter. At $399 on sale now it's a great bargain. It will go head to head with the 6500 and any aps-c out there. I don't shove my a7rii in the glovebox cause the 5100's already there. Being an e mount it takes all Sony lenses. A sigma mc11 EF adapter will let you use any Canon lens. That' small and portable, if you want small and slick, the Ricoh GR iii ($900) is out now. Good Luck!
 
Considering you photograph kids who are under 7 years old, and that your budget is limited, I would strongly recommend the a6400, because:

1) it has the 2nd best AF system of all existing cameras, only behind the a9, those kids are surely moving a lot and you don't want to miss most of your shots.

2) you can slowly invest in FE lenses, so, designed for Full Frame, and you have an upgrade path to FF, and whenever you're ready, you will be able to reuse those lenses without any adapter.
 
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As you are already familiar with Nikon and Canon, I highly recommend the a6400 over the a6000.

The a6000 is a bargain and a good performer, but the colours sooc with the a6400 are much better and it handles white balance way better. Your editing time will likely be significantly reduced or not required at all. Focus is much better too since it's the latest and greatest.

The Sigma f/1.4 trio are brilliant and cheap. I highly recommend them, even over all of my zeiss apsc glass due to their price to performance.

The a7iii feels quite heavy and after you get used to how light and portable the a6400 and lenses are, you may find that you don't require FF at all if you are shooting daylight scenes.

I don't regret my upgrade to the a7iii, the files are fantastic btw, but the size and weight increase are definitely noticeable.
 
Emberly said:
I’m a hobbyist photographer that hasn’t owned a camera in about a year or so. I photograph the kids (The ones I photograph most often are less than 7 years old) in the family, family outings, and things that I’ve crafted (flat lays of sewn outfits, baked goods, etc.) primarily. I also take photos at street fairs and farmers markets occasionally.

I’m interested in growing my skills in family documentary photography, but not as a business.

I also have a soft box that I won years ago but haven’t bought a stand or flash for yet. I may want to try using it in the future.

I owned a Nikon D70 with 50mm 1.8 for about 7 years before the camera died (I still have both camera and lens), then an Olympus em10 mark ii with Panasonic 20mm 1.7 for a bit, then a Nikon D5500 with kit lens and the aforementioned 50mm 1.8 for about a year. I’m not a gear head and don’t have a huge budget, so I don’t expect to buy more than 1-3 lenses over the course of my ownership of a new camera.

Over the years I’ve rented a Nikon D7000 with 35mm lens (I really liked that focal length on it), a Fujifilm xt10 with kit lens (I loved it other than the way the noise reduction behaved in low light and a few other small things), and most recently a Sony A6500 with Sigma 16mm 1.4 (my favorite with it other than the size and weight) and Sony FE 50mm 1.8.

I’ve also rented the Canon 5D Mark iii with the Canon 24-70 2.8L and the Nikon D610 with the Sigma 24-35 f2. I found editing to be easier on the photos (I assume partially due to the lenses which I can’t afford but love!) I took with those two cameras and felt a lot more inspired, so I had a lot more keepers. I think that I also like a wider field of view, which those lenses offered on a FF camera.

I have been considering the a7ii and Canon RP and got some good answers and information to look into in another forum, but I’d like you all’s input as well.

Would I be better served by buying a newer ASP-C camera than the a7ii? Is the a7ii a good buy if someone can’t afford the a7iii?
Click to expand...
I wouldn't buy A7II. It uses the same old sensor as original A7. If you are low on cash, you can buy that instead. Also, AF on A7II is nowhere near A7III level.

So if you can afford, try to get an used A7III. If not, get the original A7. For IQ, no APS-C camera is going to match FF.

You can also consider buying a cheap used Nikon D600 or D610. With a cheap 50mm f/1.4D lens it would be a killer combo.
 
A6400.

1) You'll miss a lot fewer shots of kids than you will with the A7ii's AF system. FF won't matter if you miss the shot ;)

2) If you liked the 35 on the Nikon you had, you'll find the Sony 35 1.8 or Sigma 30 1.4 both excellent. I got the S30 used for under $300 so it was basically a no brainer, but both are good lenses.

3) Get a couple of 3rd party batteries and charger. Won't cost much at all and will be worth it.

4) Look into the Sigma 56 1.4!

:)
 
pollup said:
Considering you photograph kids who are under 7 years old, and that your budget is limited, I would strongly recommend the a6400, because:

1) it has the 2nd best AF system of all existing cameras, only behind the a9, those kids are surely moving a lot and you don't want to miss most of your shots.
Click to expand...
Sure it has a good AF system but only when coupled with a lens with fast AF. 16-50 I doubt will focus very fast on any camera.
 
I might think if your needs are rare keep renting it’s less expensive
 
The A7ii is more than good enough for capturing kids. Is it as fast as the iii or the APSC cameras mentioned. No, but we are really talking overkill to be fair. Now I come from M43 where AF isn't particularly good, but I am more than happy with the A7II for family, kids, landscape and general use. Make the decision on how they feel in your hand, how you like FF vs cropped sensor etc. Image wise all of these cameras will meet your expectations.
 
Emberly said:
Would I be better served by buying a newer ASP-C camera than the a7ii? Is the a7ii a good buy if someone can’t afford the a7iii?
Click to expand...
I also bought the A7II + 28-70 OSS last year. I mainly like the body. The sensor isn't great. The A6000 sensor is better, but I never liked that body.

I just bought a used A77II for my long lens / action photography. Also not a great sensor, but it should work well with the lens I use.

The A7II is nice for the lens collection hobby. Canon lenses work well on it. Minolta AF lenses too. The A7III will be an upgrade whenever. Old Canon EF lenses aren't that great, but they are affordable.
 
I had the basic A7, and now the A7Rii. The problem you will face with the A7ii is the good lenses cost more than the A7ii body and there are very few "enthusiast" options, for example, I been waiting years for an affordable AF 35mm 1.8. So you might end up investing more than originally planned.
 
mferencz said:
The A7ii is more than good enough for capturing kids. Is it as fast as the iii or the APSC cameras mentioned. No, but we are really talking overkill to be fair. Now I come from M43 where AF isn't particularly good, but I am more than happy with the A7II for family, kids, landscape and general use. Make the decision on how they feel in your hand, how you like FF vs cropped sensor etc. Image wise all of these cameras will meet your expectations.
Click to expand...
totally disagree.

for moving kids, AF performance trumps FF vs apsc big time. Does anyone know how well adapted canon FF works on the a6400? at the very least OP can get sony 50 1.8a for portraits and samyang 24 2.8 FE mount. those lens will carry over in eventual upgrade to FF in another 5 years; they will be cheap and amazing.
 
Within your budget, if you care about the technology, A6400 is a good contender: impressive AF (super useful for moving objects with eye AF and real time tracking) and improved interface (touch screen for AF selection). The image quality isn't that far behind A7 ii. The full frame A7 ii on the other hand gives you (a bit of) better image quality which can be noted in certain conditions (low light) and IBIS. It's really personal preference and you need to decide of the aforementioned advantages, which one can makes more difference in your photography.
 
T3 said:
Emberly said:
I’m a hobbyist photographer that hasn’t owned a camera in about a year or so. I photograph the kids (The ones I photograph most often are less than 7 years old) in the family, family outings, and things that I’ve crafted (flat lays of sewn outfits, baked goods, etc.) primarily. I also take photos at street fairs and farmers markets occasionally.

I’m interested in growing my skills in family documentary photography, but not as a business.

I also have a soft box that I won years ago but haven’t bought a stand or flash for yet. I may want to try using it in the future.

I owned a Nikon D70 with 50mm 1.8 for about 7 years before the camera died (I still have both camera and lens), then an Olympus em10 mark ii with Panasonic 20mm 1.7 for a bit, then a Nikon D5500 with kit lens and the aforementioned 50mm 1.8 for about a year. I’m not a gear head and don’t have a huge budget, so I don’t expect to buy more than 1-3 lenses over the course of my ownership of a new camera.

Over the years I’ve rented a Nikon D7000 with 35mm lens (I really liked that focal length on it), a Fujifilm xt10 with kit lens (I loved it other than the way the noise reduction behaved in low light and a few other small things), and most recently a Sony A6500 with Sigma 16mm 1.4 (my favorite with it other than the size and weight) and Sony FE 50mm 1.8.

I’ve also rented the Canon 5D Mark iii with the Canon 24-70 2.8L and the Nikon D610 with the Sigma 24-35 f2. I found editing to be easier on the photos (I assume partially due to the lenses which I can’t afford but love!) I took with those two cameras and felt a lot more inspired, so I had a lot more keepers. I think that I also like a wider field of view, which those lenses offered on a FF camera.

I have been considering the a7ii and Canon RP and got some good answers and information to look into in another forum, but I’d like you all’s input as well.

Would I be better served by buying a newer ASP-C camera than the a7ii? Is the a7ii a good buy if someone can’t afford the a7iii?
Click to expand...
I bought the A7II in November when it was selling for $998 with the kit lens. It had gone up in price, but now it's back down to the same price ($998 with kit lens):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PX8CNCM/ref=twister_B079YFLJ6S?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

It's a very good deal. However, it doesn't get Sony's latest AF system, which I am salivating for. If I were to do it all over, I would get the Sony A6400 which has Sony's amazing new Real Time AF system. Then I would get the A7III in a year or so when the price came down a bit. If you are shooting kids, definitely go for Sony's latest AF system (which is in the A6400). That AF system is insanely good:


On the other hand, if you are shooting at a slower pace, and don't need to chase kids, the A7II is fine.

Here's one photog who did the Canon vs Sony comparison as well as the A7II vs A7III comparison:

Canon v Sony:



A7II v A7III:


The nice thing about Sony is that you can use Canon or Sony lenses. And you get in-body stabilization for steadier shots when using a non-stabilized lens.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the links, I’ll watch them in a bit. I had a chance to snap some photos with the a6400 today at a store and the af was really nice.
 
deepiReview said:
A used A7II in mint condition is a very good value for money today. Check on Fred Miranda buy/sell forum. You have to factor in the price of FE lenses though and Sony always charges a premium, though you can get gems like FE 85 F1.8 for a good price. Native 35mm options are limited - Sony Zeiss FE 35 is overpriced IMO. Samyang is an option and actually a decent lens despite varying opinions.

These 3 with A7II, 180MM, hand-held with IBIS on. I can't complain, incredible sharpness and very good colors on my 4K monitor.

fc6f8ec3129d4200951d116ce8c8b5b2.jpg

e60346c678b5404584d6e8aac8f090a3.jpg

1a86414df32e4a8894184f0829276d4d.jpg

However, if your goal is casual photography A6000 is an excellent choice - under $300 used and E mount lenses are generally priced lower. I generally don't buy latest and greatest bodies and spend more on lenses (Batis 135mm, Loxias, Leica Elmarit R 180 APO among my collection). Then as latest and greatest becomes old, I buy used at a very nice discount.

I have the A7RII now, had an A7II (now sold) and recently got an old Nex-6(!) for $150 as a backup. I wanted something with fewer MP and good upto ISO 800. In daylight, for documentary use, I am hard pressed to make a case for a camera more than what Nex-6 offers - and this is a really old model, so you will be more than happy with the newer models based on what you wrote.

You also mention Canon. I have used Canon 6D and it remains one of my favorites - 20MP files that are more than enough, wonderful colors, solid build. Canon lenses have more choices, much more reasonably priced and top notch IQ. That is another option you can look at. Used 6Ds can be had for $600 or less in good condition. Some of my best shots of a trip to West Coast were from 6D and 100-400 II:

Canon 6D / 100-400II. Can't go wrong.

400MM Hand-Held, incredible stabilization
400MM Hand-Held, incredible stabilization

6325562aa6884da8b7d6c61610c25c3e.jpg

Very choppy water, but Canon's IS amazing
Very choppy water, but Canon's IS amazing

Just for fun, pictures with a $58 lens: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4383237

Bottom line, pick what you like and make it work for you.
Click to expand...
Thank you for sharing your photos with me! Your ending line is perfect. I’m agonizing over the decision, but in a way it doesn’t matter as much. I took photographs I liked on a D70 that I bought when it was already an older camera, I can make a newer camera work for me, too.
 
DeathArrow said:
Emberly said:
I’m a hobbyist photographer that hasn’t owned a camera in about a year or so. I photograph the kids (The ones I photograph most often are less than 7 years old) in the family, family outings, and things that I’ve crafted (flat lays of sewn outfits, baked goods, etc.) primarily. I also take photos at street fairs and farmers markets occasionally.

I’m interested in growing my skills in family documentary photography, but not as a business.

I also have a soft box that I won years ago but haven’t bought a stand or flash for yet. I may want to try using it in the future.

I owned a Nikon D70 with 50mm 1.8 for about 7 years before the camera died (I still have both camera and lens), then an Olympus em10 mark ii with Panasonic 20mm 1.7 for a bit, then a Nikon D5500 with kit lens and the aforementioned 50mm 1.8 for about a year. I’m not a gear head and don’t have a huge budget, so I don’t expect to buy more than 1-3 lenses over the course of my ownership of a new camera.

Over the years I’ve rented a Nikon D7000 with 35mm lens (I really liked that focal length on it), a Fujifilm xt10 with kit lens (I loved it other than the way the noise reduction behaved in low light and a few other small things), and most recently a Sony A6500 with Sigma 16mm 1.4 (my favorite with it other than the size and weight) and Sony FE 50mm 1.8.

I’ve also rented the Canon 5D Mark iii with the Canon 24-70 2.8L and the Nikon D610 with the Sigma 24-35 f2. I found editing to be easier on the photos (I assume partially due to the lenses which I can’t afford but love!) I took with those two cameras and felt a lot more inspired, so I had a lot more keepers. I think that I also like a wider field of view, which those lenses offered on a FF camera.

I have been considering the a7ii and Canon RP and got some good answers and information to look into in another forum, but I’d like you all’s input as well.

Would I be better served by buying a newer ASP-C camera than the a7ii? Is the a7ii a good buy if someone can’t afford the a7iii?
Click to expand...
I wouldn't buy A7II. It uses the same old sensor as original A7. If you are low on cash, you can buy that instead. Also, AF on A7II is nowhere near A7III level.

So if you can afford, try to get an used A7III. If not, get the original A7. For IQ, no APS-C camera is going to match FF.

You can also consider buying a cheap used Nikon D600 or D610. With a cheap 50mm f/1.4D lens it would be a killer combo.
Click to expand...
That is definitely something to consider, a used a7iii (maybe later in the year when prices will hopefully be lower) or d610. I was actually looking at prices for the D610 last night wondering if I wanted to deal with such a chunky camera. When I rented the D610 I hated its jpg files but its raw files were shockingly good. They were sharp and had great color.
 
ThanJeff Style said:
A6400.

1) You'll miss a lot fewer shots of kids than you will with the A7ii's AF system. FF won't matter if you miss the shot ;)

2) If you liked the 35 on the Nikon you had, you'll find the Sony 35 1.8 or Sigma 30 1.4 both excellent. I got the S30 used for under $300 so it was basically a no brainer, but both are good lenses.

3) Get a couple of 3rd party batteries and charger. Won't cost much at all and will be worth it.

4) Look into the Sigma 56 1.4!

:)
Click to expand...
Thanks for the lens recommendations! I’ve yet to own one, but I have really liked the Sigma lenses that I’ve rented. I think the a6400 has become a strong contender. I did like what I was seeing when reviews started coming out about it.
 
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