10fps AF-C on LA-EA3 and A7R IV

[marcus-k]

I just checked the compatibility information on the LA-EA3 adapter on the A7R IV with a-mount SSM lenses and it says:

"When you perform continuous shooting in the Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode while the focus mode is set to AF-C, the focus does not track a subject. To enable AF continuous shooting by setting continuous shooting to Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode, the system software must be upgraded to Ver. 1.20 or later and the Mount Adaptor software must be upgraded to Ver. 02 or later."

As I read this you can now, after software version 1.20, shoot up to 10 fps with AF-C. If so, I can not see any benefit of using the LA-EA5 over the LA-EA3 with SSM lenses on the A7R IV.

Can anyone with an A7R IV, LA-EA3 and SSM-lens confirm this?

 

[cormierphoto]

Since the LA-EA5 isn't out yet for regular users, all you can do is speculate based off the spec sheets. The main benefit of the LA-EA5 is the added AF functionality on screw drive lenses.

If you don't have an adapter yet or switched from A mount to E mount and have multiple screw drive lens like myself along with SSM lenses, the LA-EA5 is a no brainer. If you already have the LA-EA3 for your SSM lenses and don't have any of the legendary Zeiss lenses (85 or 135), you are better off sticking to LA-EA3 as the benefits may be negligible, until proven otherwise by testing.

I bought my A7RIV and have a pre order for the LA-EA5.

 

[Alan_S]

I just checked the compatibility information on the LA-EA3 adapter on the A7R IV with a-mount SSM lenses and it says:

"When you perform continuous shooting in the Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode while the focus mode is set to AF-C, the focus does not track a subject. To enable AF continuous shooting by setting continuous shooting to Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode, the system software must be upgraded to Ver. 1.20 or later and the Mount Adaptor software must be upgraded to Ver. 02 or later."

As I read this you can now, after software version 1.20, shoot up to 10 fps with AF-C. If so, I can not see any benefit of using the LA-EA5 over the LA-EA3 with SSM lenses on the A7R IV.

Can anyone with an A7R IV, LA-EA3 and SSM-lens confirm this?

Happy to find your month-old post, as I was wondering the same. I am an A-mount shooter since it's inception in 1985, currently in the process of my first step toward partial transition to E-mount. Have acquired an a7Riv to replace one of my two a99ii bodies, and have an LA-EA3 from a brief dabbling with an a6100 years ago. This morning I unpacked the a7Riv, updated firmware on the body to 1.20, then attached the LA-EA3 and updated the firmware on the adapter (to ver .02). For reference, here is a link to that FW update.

My first concern was whether I could even update the EA3 with the a7Riv, because the Sony website page with the update (linked above) indicates the only applicable model is a9, and states to only update attached to the model stated. It further indicates the FW update provides 10 fps "when attached to the ILCE-9 camera." So wasn't sure how/if it would work with a7Riv. However, I proceeded with the adapter attached to the a7Riv and the update process was seamless.

Now, it has been less than an hour since I've done the update but I am quite pleased with the results. My initial tests were with the Zeiss 24-70 SSM (ver 1) and Sony 70-400G SSMii. I checked for availability of Eye AF (which works!) and for continuous AF tracking in Hi+ fps.

Keep in mind I've only just set up the camera and adapter this morning, so have not thoroughly tested, but my initial reaction is very favorable. I'm getting Eye AF and it does indeed shoot at 10 fps and track the subject to the near-edge of the frame during those high speed bursts. So, time will tell but at this point I'm not seeing any need for the LA-EA5, as I no longer own any screw drive lenses (my last of that breed was the Minolta 600, which I just sold and will be replacing with the SEL 200-600).

Anyone have similar or different experience with the combo of a7Riv/LA-EA3 & Sony/Zeiss SSM lenses?

--
- AlanS

 

[QuietOC]

I just checked the compatibility information on the LA-EA3 adapter on the A7R IV with a-mount SSM lenses and it says:

"When you perform continuous shooting in the Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode while the focus mode is set to AF-C, the focus does not track a subject. To enable AF continuous shooting by setting continuous shooting to Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode, the system software must be upgraded to Ver. 1.20 or later and the Mount Adaptor software must be upgraded to Ver. 02 or later."

As I read this you can now, after software version 1.20, shoot up to 10 fps with AF-C. If so, I can not see any benefit of using the LA-EA5 over the LA-EA3 with SSM lenses on the A7R IV.

Can anyone with an A7R IV, LA-EA3 and SSM-lens confirm this?

It says this for the A6600 and LA-EA3 too.

 

[Alan_S]

I just checked the compatibility information on the LA-EA3 adapter on the A7R IV with a-mount SSM lenses and it says:

"When you perform continuous shooting in the Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode while the focus mode is set to AF-C, the focus does not track a subject. To enable AF continuous shooting by setting continuous shooting to Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode, the system software must be upgraded to Ver. 1.20 or later and the Mount Adaptor software must be upgraded to Ver. 02 or later."

As I read this you can now, after software version 1.20, shoot up to 10 fps with AF-C. If so, I can not see any benefit of using the LA-EA5 over the LA-EA3 with SSM lenses on the A7R IV.

Can anyone with an A7R IV, LA-EA3 and SSM-lens confirm this?

It says this for the A6600 and LA-EA3 too.

At the download page here, at the very top, "+ Applicable Models" ... when clicking the "+" to expand the list, it says "IMPORTANT:This file is only for use with the models identified." Then lists these two

• ILCE-9
• LA-EA3

Regardless, the a7Riv is not listed but I installed the update to the LA-EA3 attached to an a7Riv and it now shows Ver. 02 and indeed does work with all AF modes tested, including continuous tracking at 10 fps.

 

[QuietOC]

I just checked the compatibility information on the LA-EA3 adapter on the A7R IV with a-mount SSM lenses and it says:

"When you perform continuous shooting in the Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode while the focus mode is set to AF-C, the focus does not track a subject. To enable AF continuous shooting by setting continuous shooting to Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode, the system software must be upgraded to Ver. 1.20 or later and the Mount Adaptor software must be upgraded to Ver. 02 or later."

As I read this you can now, after software version 1.20, shoot up to 10 fps with AF-C. If so, I can not see any benefit of using the LA-EA5 over the LA-EA3 with SSM lenses on the A7R IV.

Can anyone with an A7R IV, LA-EA3 and SSM-lens confirm this?

It says this for the A6600 and LA-EA3 too.

At the download page here, at the very top, "+ Applicable Models" ... when clicking the "+" to expand the list, it says "IMPORTANT:This file is only for use with the models identified." Then lists these two

• ILCE-9
• LA-EA3

Regardless, the a7Riv is not listed but I installed the update to the LA-EA3 attached to an a7Riv and it now shows Ver. 02 and indeed does work with all AF modes tested, including continuous tracking at 10 fps.

 

[marcus-k]

I just checked the compatibility information on the LA-EA3 adapter on the A7R IV with a-mount SSM lenses and it says:

"When you perform continuous shooting in the Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode while the focus mode is set to AF-C, the focus does not track a subject. To enable AF continuous shooting by setting continuous shooting to Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode, the system software must be upgraded to Ver. 1.20 or later and the Mount Adaptor software must be upgraded to Ver. 02 or later."

As I read this you can now, after software version 1.20, shoot up to 10 fps with AF-C. If so, I can not see any benefit of using the LA-EA5 over the LA-EA3 with SSM lenses on the A7R IV.

Can anyone with an A7R IV, LA-EA3 and SSM-lens confirm this?

It says this for the A6600 and LA-EA3 too.

At the download page here, at the very top, "+ Applicable Models" ... when clicking the "+" to expand the list, it says "IMPORTANT:This file is only for use with the models identified." Then lists these two

• ILCE-9
• LA-EA3

Regardless, the a7Riv is not listed but I installed the update to the LA-EA3 attached to an a7Riv and it now shows Ver. 02 and indeed does work with all AF modes tested, including continuous tracking at 10 fps.

The LA-EA3 would always work at whatever frame rate, but the focus would lock on the first frame. Few people were aware of this and thought it worked at faster frame rates. The camera didn't give any indication the focus was locking. It is fairly easy to test properly. Use center point focus and point at a few objects at very different distances while firing off a burst. It is pretty obvious then if the focus locks on the first frame of the burst.

So what you are saying is that the A7R IV with firmware 1.2, LA-EA3/5 and SSM-a-mount lenses only do 10 fps with focus locked on the first frame? That's very disappointing.

I have the a9, LA-EA3 and 500/4 SSM and find the C-AF very good at 10 fps. However I miss the possiblility to use it with the converters and was hoping i could use the A7R IV in crop mode to get more reach. But only being able to shoot 2.5 fps with C-AF is a bit slow for wildlife.

 

[Alan_S]

I just checked the compatibility information on the LA-EA3 adapter on the A7R IV with a-mount SSM lenses and it says:

"When you perform continuous shooting in the Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode while the focus mode is set to AF-C, the focus does not track a subject. To enable AF continuous shooting by setting continuous shooting to Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode, the system software must be upgraded to Ver. 1.20 or later and the Mount Adaptor software must be upgraded to Ver. 02 or later."

As I read this you can now, after software version 1.20, shoot up to 10 fps with AF-C. If so, I can not see any benefit of using the LA-EA5 over the LA-EA3 with SSM lenses on the A7R IV.

Can anyone with an A7R IV, LA-EA3 and SSM-lens confirm this?

It says this for the A6600 and LA-EA3 too.

At the download page here, at the very top, "+ Applicable Models" ... when clicking the "+" to expand the list, it says "IMPORTANT:This file is only for use with the models identified." Then lists these two

• ILCE-9
• LA-EA3

Regardless, the a7Riv is not listed but I installed the update to the LA-EA3 attached to an a7Riv and it now shows Ver. 02 and indeed does work with all AF modes tested, including continuous tracking at 10 fps.

The LA-EA3 would always work at whatever frame rate, but the focus would lock on the first frame. Few people were aware of this and thought it worked at faster frame rates. The camera didn't give any indication the focus was locking. It is fairly easy to test properly. Use center point focus and point at a few objects at very different distances while firing off a burst. It is pretty obvious then if the focus locks on the first frame of the burst.

So what you are saying is that the A7R IV with firmware 1.2, LA-EA3/5 and SSM-a-mount lenses only do 10 fps with focus locked on the first frame? That's very disappointing.

I have the a9, LA-EA3 and 500/4 SSM and find the C-AF very good at 10 fps. However I miss the possiblility to use it with the converters and was hoping i could use the A7R IV in crop mode to get more reach. But only being able to shoot 2.5 fps with C-AF is a bit slow for wildlife.

marcus-k: I intend to verify one way or the other with my new setup (a7Riv updated to FW 1.20) & LA-EA3 (updated to FW .02). I am getting full 10 fps and it appears to track throughout bursts (the focus points continue to track throughout the 10 fps bursts). So I'm hopeful what I'm seeing is what I'm getting but this setup is so new to me... I've tested with stationary object by locking in and moving the camera during bursts -- and it DOES continue to track -- but need to test with a moving object to verify if the on-screen tracking correlates to actual AF tracking with a moving subject. I've read and re-read QuietOC's description (above) of a "fairly easy" test but cannot understand how that confirms AF tracking, using stationary objects, as I want to know if it continues to change/track focus on moving subjects. I guess I could lock onto a stationary object and walk towards it during a burst, would prefer to get a moving object to test. Hope to accomplish this today and will report back.

--
- AlanS

 

[havanna60]

The main benefit of the LA-EA5 is the added AF functionality on screw drive lenses.

If you have multiple screw drive lens, the LA-EA5 is a no brainer.

I bought my A7RIV and have a pre order for the LA-EA5.

Totally agree, I went even further, I loved the LA-EA5 concept so much that I immediately started hunting for old Minolta lenses, in the meantime, coincidentally, my attention turned towards film photography (a second revival/iteration), and I've just bought a decent Dynax 7 -- what a great camera, shooting history panel with brilliant AF -- instead of going for the typical manual-focus-only fully mechanical, or Canon/Nikon (expensive) path. I am a hybrid (film, digital photo, video) shooter, and my set today is Dynax 7, A7 + LA-EA4 with A-mount lenses, mostly Minolta.

When the LA-EA5 is going to be available, then I'm buying an A7RIV for it.

A side note: I have a nice collection of Nikon AF-D lenses, too, but Nikon is totally reluctant to make an adapter to use them on Z7. I absolutely appreciate what Sony is doing with this LA-EA4 and LA-EA5 adapters.

 

[marcus-k]

I just checked the compatibility information on the LA-EA3 adapter on the A7R IV with a-mount SSM lenses and it says:

"When you perform continuous shooting in the Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode while the focus mode is set to AF-C, the focus does not track a subject. To enable AF continuous shooting by setting continuous shooting to Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode, the system software must be upgraded to Ver. 1.20 or later and the Mount Adaptor software must be upgraded to Ver. 02 or later."

As I read this you can now, after software version 1.20, shoot up to 10 fps with AF-C. If so, I can not see any benefit of using the LA-EA5 over the LA-EA3 with SSM lenses on the A7R IV.

Can anyone with an A7R IV, LA-EA3 and SSM-lens confirm this?

It says this for the A6600 and LA-EA3 too.

At the download page here, at the very top, "+ Applicable Models" ... when clicking the "+" to expand the list, it says "IMPORTANT:This file is only for use with the models identified." Then lists these two

• ILCE-9
• LA-EA3

Regardless, the a7Riv is not listed but I installed the update to the LA-EA3 attached to an a7Riv and it now shows Ver. 02 and indeed does work with all AF modes tested, including continuous tracking at 10 fps.

The LA-EA3 would always work at whatever frame rate, but the focus would lock on the first frame. Few people were aware of this and thought it worked at faster frame rates. The camera didn't give any indication the focus was locking. It is fairly easy to test properly. Use center point focus and point at a few objects at very different distances while firing off a burst. It is pretty obvious then if the focus locks on the first frame of the burst.

So what you are saying is that the A7R IV with firmware 1.2, LA-EA3/5 and SSM-a-mount lenses only do 10 fps with focus locked on the first frame? That's very disappointing.

I have the a9, LA-EA3 and 500/4 SSM and find the C-AF very good at 10 fps. However I miss the possiblility to use it with the converters and was hoping i could use the A7R IV in crop mode to get more reach. But only being able to shoot 2.5 fps with C-AF is a bit slow for wildlife.

marcus-k: I intend to verify one way or the other with my new setup (a7Riv updated to FW 1.20) & LA-EA3 (updated to FW .02). I am getting full 10 fps and it appears to track throughout bursts (the focus points continue to track throughout the 10 fps bursts). So I'm hopeful what I'm seeing is what I'm getting but this setup is so new to me... I've tested with stationary object by locking in and moving the camera during bursts -- and it DOES continue to track -- but need to test with a moving object to verify if the on-screen tracking correlates to actual AF tracking with a moving subject. I've read and re-read QuietOC's description (above) of a "fairly easy" test but cannot understand how that confirms AF tracking, using stationary objects, as I want to know if it continues to change/track focus on moving subjects. I guess I could lock onto a stationary object and walk towards it during a burst, would prefer to get a moving object to test. Hope to accomplish this today and will report back.

Thank you. I am looking forward to hear your results. Are you using the 70-400 G SSM II lens? This lens does AF-C tracking with excellent results on the A9. I have used the combo for both sport (track and field) and wildlife.

 

[SQLGuy]

I guess I could lock onto a stationary object and walk towards it during a burst, would prefer to get a moving object to test. Hope to accomplish this today and will report back.

Walking towards a fixed subject during a burst is a fine way to test whether AF is updating or locked on the first frame. Whether it's working or not will be very clear from the results.

 

[Alan_S]

I just checked the compatibility information on the LA-EA3 adapter on the A7R IV with a-mount SSM lenses and it says:

"When you perform continuous shooting in the Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode while the focus mode is set to AF-C, the focus does not track a subject. To enable AF continuous shooting by setting continuous shooting to Hi+, Hi, or Mid mode, the system software must be upgraded to Ver. 1.20 or later and the Mount Adaptor software must be upgraded to Ver. 02 or later."

As I read this you can now, after software version 1.20, shoot up to 10 fps with AF-C. If so, I can not see any benefit of using the LA-EA5 over the LA-EA3 with SSM lenses on the A7R IV.

Can anyone with an A7R IV, LA-EA3 and SSM-lens confirm this?

It says this for the A6600 and LA-EA3 too.

At the download page here, at the very top, "+ Applicable Models" ... when clicking the "+" to expand the list, it says "IMPORTANT:This file is only for use with the models identified." Then lists these two

• ILCE-9
• LA-EA3

Regardless, the a7Riv is not listed but I installed the update to the LA-EA3 attached to an a7Riv and it now shows Ver. 02 and indeed does work with all AF modes tested, including continuous tracking at 10 fps.

The LA-EA3 would always work at whatever frame rate, but the focus would lock on the first frame. Few people were aware of this and thought it worked at faster frame rates. The camera didn't give any indication the focus was locking. It is fairly easy to test properly. Use center point focus and point at a few objects at very different distances while firing off a burst. It is pretty obvious then if the focus locks on the first frame of the burst.

So what you are saying is that the A7R IV with firmware 1.2, LA-EA3/5 and SSM-a-mount lenses only do 10 fps with focus locked on the first frame? That's very disappointing.

I have the a9, LA-EA3 and 500/4 SSM and find the C-AF very good at 10 fps. However I miss the possiblility to use it with the converters and was hoping i could use the A7R IV in crop mode to get more reach. But only being able to shoot 2.5 fps with C-AF is a bit slow for wildlife.

marcus-k: I intend to verify one way or the other with my new setup (a7Riv updated to FW 1.20) & LA-EA3 (updated to FW .02). I am getting full 10 fps and it appears to track throughout bursts (the focus points continue to track throughout the 10 fps bursts). So I'm hopeful what I'm seeing is what I'm getting but this setup is so new to me... I've tested with stationary object by locking in and moving the camera during bursts -- and it DOES continue to track -- but need to test with a moving object to verify if the on-screen tracking correlates to actual AF tracking with a moving subject. I've read and re-read QuietOC's description (above) of a "fairly easy" test but cannot understand how that confirms AF tracking, using stationary objects, as I want to know if it continues to change/track focus on moving subjects. I guess I could lock onto a stationary object and walk towards it during a burst, would prefer to get a moving object to test. Hope to accomplish this today and will report back.

Thank you. I am looking forward to hear your results. Are you using the 70-400 G SSM II lens? This lens does AF-C tracking with excellent results on the A9. I have used the combo for both sport (track and field) and wildlife.

Marcus-k: Yes, 70-400G SSMii.

 

[Alan_S]

I'll put 1st 10 of the series here (forum posting limit) and additional 5 as a reply. It was also my first use of "Animal Eye AF," and I was impressed with it instantly locking on to her sad looking eyes.



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I called her and she trotted toward me. Far from super fast movement but I am quite satisfied that it is indeed providing 10 fps and continuously focusing on her eye while tracking closer to me.

--
- AlanS

 

[Alan_S]

next 5, continuing from the 10 above, all 15 from same continuous burst in Hi+ @ 10fps. Shot RAW and exported as jpg from ACR at compression/quality level 5 to reduce file size for upload...

View attachment f631bf7c01614ccd8bcfff700a386265.jpg

View attachment e1f58cf3d782465db7170474511820e8.jpg

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--
- AlanS

 

[SQLGuy]

I'm convinced. Thanks for this.

I wonder if Sony updated any documentation or made any announcements about this, or it's just something they quietly included with maybe the animal Eye AF update.

 

[Alan_S]

I'm convinced. Thanks for this.

I wonder if Sony updated any documentation or made any announcements about this, or it's just something they quietly included with maybe the animal Eye AF update.

You're welcome! I've searched around and haven't seen anything.

 

[SQLGuy]

I'm convinced. Thanks for this.

I wonder if Sony updated any documentation or made any announcements about this, or it's just something they quietly included with maybe the animal Eye AF update.

You're welcome! I've searched around and haven't seen anything.

I searched and found "current" compatibility information that says that continuous AF is only supported in Lo speed continuous shooting. So, it looks like they did it quietly, or by accident.

 

[Alan_S]

I'm convinced. Thanks for this.

I wonder if Sony updated any documentation or made any announcements about this, or it's just something they quietly included with maybe the animal Eye AF update.

You're welcome! I've searched around and haven't seen anything.

I searched and found "current" compatibility information that says that continuous AF is only supported in Lo speed continuous shooting. So, it looks like they did it quietly, or by accident.

 

[SQLGuy]

I'm convinced. Thanks for this.

I wonder if Sony updated any documentation or made any announcements about this, or it's just something they quietly included with maybe the animal Eye AF update.

You're welcome! I've searched around and haven't seen anything.

I searched and found "current" compatibility information that says that continuous AF is only supported in Lo speed continuous shooting. So, it looks like they did it quietly, or by accident.

Any date on that?

Yes, Oct 12th, 2020.

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00059736

 

[marcus-k]

I called her and she trotted toward me. Far from super fast movement but I am quite satisfied that it is indeed providing 10 fps and continuously focusing on her eye while tracking closer to me.

Thats great news. Thank you very much for confirming this.