A7RV, Thoughts About Using APS-C Mode 26MP

[Dultimate]

I'm under the impression that the non APS-C 26 mpx file is not read by lightroom. I think that's the medium compression mode.

Is that correct?

 

[jhunna]

I'm under the impression that the non APS-C 26 mpx file is not read by lightroom. I think that's the medium compression mode.

Is that correct?

That's not correct. LR can read the all the lossless compression files (L61,M26,S15) other programs can not.

 

[120 to 35]

Some APS-C lenses cover the 1:1 square crop of the A7RIV. This test shot (JPEG OoC) is with the PZ 16-50 at 20mm focal length but the zoom doesn't quite cover the square crop at 16mm or beyond 25mm. I don't find this zoom very useful but better lenses could be.

 

[aSevenArr]

A number of times I have used lightweight lenses in APS-C Mode 26MP and satisfied with results. Generally, my use of these combos is to reduce weight, size and restrain from using my larger more expensive lenses.

What do others think about using A7RV in APS-C Mode 26MP?

What's the point?

The camera is simply cropping the middle (APS-C size section) from the full frame .. IMHO this is much better done in post processing where you can control what exactly what parts get cropped.

Unless you have space issues there's no real advantages.

 

[dmanthree]

A number of times I have used lightweight lenses in APS-C Mode 26MP and satisfied with results. Generally, my use of these combos is to reduce weight, size and restrain from using my larger more expensive lenses.

What do others think about using A7RV in APS-C Mode 26MP?

What's the point?

The camera is simply cropping the middle (APS-C size section) from the full frame .. IMHO this is much better done in post processing where you can control what exactly what parts get cropped.

Unless you have space issues there's no real advantages.

The point is that you can use a much smaller and lighter lens and still get a nice image. Sometimes 26MP is more than enough. Example: the Sony 70-350 vs the Tamron 150-500. Both are close in range, but the Sony is much lighter.

 

[Jacques Cornell]

A number of times I have used lightweight lenses in APS-C Mode 26MP and satisfied with results. Generally, my use of these combos is to reduce weight, size and restrain from using my larger more expensive lenses.

What do others think about using A7RV in APS-C Mode 26MP?

I brought this up a while ago for my A7Cr and got a bit roasted. But I do it when I want a lightweight solution, like using the 70-350 for tele instead of a lens weighing three times as much.

Tamron's FE 70-300 has the same max aperture, covers the full 35mm-format sensor, is just 6mm longer, weighs 80g less, and costs just $500 vs. $900.

Bottom line: if it works for you have at it and ignore the critics. A 26MP image is still more than adequate for most purposes.

IMO the Sony is a much better lens.

I know it gets great reviews, but I sincerely doubt that it can resolve more detail in a 26MP image than the 70-300 in a 61MP image.

Yeah, but the whole point was to use it in crop mode.

The whole point was to save bulk & weight, and using Crop Mode was just a way to achieve that. Except it doesn't.

See bold underlined text above.

If you use the Tamron in crop mode and compare it to the Sony....then what?

--
Event professional for 20+ years, travel & landscape enthusiast for 30+, stills-only.
http://jacquescornell.photography
http://happening.photos

 

[Willy81]

A number of times I have used lightweight lenses in APS-C Mode 26MP and satisfied with results. Generally, my use of these combos is to reduce weight, size and restrain from using my larger more expensive lenses.

What do others think about using A7RV in APS-C Mode 26MP?

What's the point?

The camera is simply cropping the middle (APS-C size section) from the full frame .. IMHO this is much better done in post processing where you can control what exactly what parts get cropped.

Unless you have space issues there's no real advantages.

Thanks, I understand and that's what I do when shooting with heaver / larger FF lenses.

 

[aSevenArr]

A number of times I have used lightweight lenses in APS-C Mode 26MP and satisfied with results. Generally, my use of these combos is to reduce weight, size and restrain from using my larger more expensive lenses.

What do others think about using A7RV in APS-C Mode 26MP?

What's the point?

The camera is simply cropping the middle (APS-C size section) from the full frame .. IMHO this is much better done in post processing where you can control what exactly what parts get cropped.

Unless you have space issues there's no real advantages.

The point is that you can use a much smaller and lighter lens and still get a nice image. Sometimes 26MP is more than enough. Example: the Sony 70-350 vs the Tamron 150-500. Both are close in range, but the Sony is much lighter.

Why not crop in post? It's been my experience that supposed APS-C lenses shoot far more of the FF sensor area than you think - in fact I used a Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS to shoot full frame before a super wide angle FF Sony lens was available.

Mid-range between about 14-16mm it actually shot FF with excellent quality!

 

[Geekapoo]

A number of times I have used lightweight lenses in APS-C Mode 26MP and satisfied with results. Generally, my use of these combos is to reduce weight, size and restrain from using my larger more expensive lenses.

What do others think about using A7RV in APS-C Mode 26MP?

 

[Willy81]

A number of times I have used lightweight lenses in APS-C Mode 26MP and satisfied with results. Generally, my use of these combos is to reduce weight, size and restrain from using my larger more expensive lenses.

What do others think about using A7RV in APS-C Mode 26MP?

Although I also own the A6700, I love shooting my A7RV using my APS-C lenses in crop mode.Why? The treat of using the A7RV EVF when composing or reviewing shots. My A6700 is used when wanting the lightest kit possible (biking, long hikes).

Thanks for comments and I completely agree (A7RV EVF is great).

 

[Drmarcus]

I also completely agree, I love the A6700 but the A7RV is very special due to its advanced physical and sensor features when using it in cropped mode or with APS-C lenses.
I can understand where some full frame “purists believe that cropping in post is the “holy grail”. However, the ability to extend full frame glass by cropping while shooting for me is an important attribute of this camera. In addition, the added value of using APS-C lenses on this body cannot be overstated.

 

[Silat Shooter]

I probably wouldn't buy an A7Rv or A7CR just to use aps-c lenses.

Agree 100%. It's just nice to have the ability to shoot in aps-c when you want to go lighter, smaller and less 'serious'.

an example of that is I like to take the 15mm f1.4 G out instead of the 24mm f1.4GM. It's at least a third the size of the GM, and results are great. No doubt when I go to shoot something special with intent, I grab my FF glass. But it's nice to have a smaller option too and one that's very capable as well.

 

[Craig Gillette]

Aside from the tunnel vision, aps-c dslrs were often large and full featured, external controls and performance at similar levels to the ff bodies. There's always been some hope for a super aps-c from Sony that could be the larger configuration. That could have the larger, higher resolution finders.

 

[Dave Oddie]

A number of times I have used lightweight lenses in APS-C Mode 26MP and satisfied with results. Generally, my use of these combos is to reduce weight, size and restrain from using my larger more expensive lenses.

What do others think about using A7RV in APS-C Mode 26MP?

I sometimes switch my A7 IV to APS-C mode to capture a shot I would otherwise miss and that is only circa 15mp in APC-C mode. Yes I know I could do that in post-processing but it is not how I like shoot and I suspect that is the same for a lot of people. They want to frame the shot in the viewfinder as do I.

That said I would never buy an aps-c lens to shoot permanently in aps-mode even if I had the A7RV with its 61mp sensor because they can only ever be used in aps-c mode and contrary to popular belief there are plenty of full frame lenses that are lightweight if that is what you need.

The laws of physics say lenses of the same focal length and similar specification are going to be about the same size and weight regardless of the format they cover (well for aps-c and FF anyway).

For example the APS-C only Sony 70-350 is only 30g lighter than the full frame Tamron 50-300mm. You can never take full advantage of all 61mp with the 70-350 whereas with the Tamron you can use it in FF mode or APS-C mode so in my opinion specifically buying the Sony is a really dumb idea.

If you own the 70-350 already and have moved up to full frame, that is different but buying that lens specifically for a FF camera is bonkers in my opinion.

Wide angle it is a slightly different question. People who shoot video where we are talking 4k resolution can probably get away with an aps-c lens (I would not know the details as I do not do videos) for things like vlogging. However as a stills photographer I would never buy an APS-C lens like the Sony APS-C 10-20MM. I'd go for the 16-35 FF instead. Hardly a heavy lens.

 

[Willy81]

A number of times I have used lightweight lenses in APS-C Mode 26MP and satisfied with results. Generally, my use of these combos is to reduce weight, size and restrain from using my larger more expensive lenses.

What do others think about using A7RV in APS-C Mode 26MP?

I sometimes switch my A7 IV to APS-C mode to capture a shot I would otherwise miss and that is only circa 15mp in APC-C mode. Yes I know I could do that in post-processing but it is not how I like shoot and I suspect that is the same for a lot of people. They want to frame the shot in the viewfinder as do I.

That said I would never buy an aps-c lens to shoot permanently in aps-mode even if I had the A7RV with its 61mp sensor because they can only ever be used in aps-c mode and contrary to popular belief there are plenty of full frame lenses that are lightweight if that is what you need.

The laws of physics say lenses of the same focal length and similar specification are going to be about the same size and weight regardless of the format they cover (well for aps-c and FF anyway).

For example the APS-C only Sony 70-350 is only 30g lighter than the full frame Tamron 50-300mm. You can never take full advantage of all 61mp with the 70-350 whereas with the Tamron you can use it in FF mode or APS-C mode so in my opinion specifically buying the Sony is a really dumb idea.

If you own the 70-350 already and have moved up to full frame, that is different but buying that lens specifically for a FF camera is bonkers in my opinion.

Wide angle it is a slightly different question. People who shoot video where we are talking 4k resolution can probably get away with an aps-c lens (I would not know the details as I do not do videos) for things like vlogging. However as a stills photographer I would never buy an APS-C lens like the Sony APS-C 10-20MM. I'd go for the 16-35 FF instead. Hardly a heavy lens.

Thanks for your comments and great points which I totally agree.

 

[Jefenator]

Aside from the tunnel vision, aps-c dslrs were often large and full featured, external controls and performance at similar levels to the ff bodies. There's always been some hope for a super aps-c from Sony that could be the larger configuration. That could have the larger, higher resolution finders.

This thread got me thinking about the potential market for a more full-size / full-featured APS-C body for e-mount.

It wouldn't be for me; my lower end FE gear covers that res / ergonomic / price point pretty well. I suspect therein lies the problem. (There is an understandable limit to which any camera company will compete with itself.)

For my part, going forward I hope they keep the IBIS-less, NP-FW50 concept alive. I'd love to get something the same size as the NEX-7, but with good AF. (I might get an A6400 eventually. But, imagine that form factor with the very latest AF!)

Another fun fact: the original A7 actually weighs less than the A7c! (I think about these things a little when I'm on the bicycle.)

 

[jhunna]

A number of times I have used lightweight lenses in APS-C Mode 26MP and satisfied with results. Generally, my use of these combos is to reduce weight, size and restrain from using my larger more expensive lenses.

What do others think about using A7RV in APS-C Mode 26MP?

I sometimes switch my A7 IV to APS-C mode to capture a shot I would otherwise miss and that is only circa 15mp in APC-C mode. Yes I know I could do that in post-processing but it is not how I like shoot and I suspect that is the same for a lot of people. They want to frame the shot in the viewfinder as do I.

That said I would never buy an aps-c lens to shoot permanently in aps-mode even if I had the A7RV with its 61mp sensor because they can only ever be used in aps-c mode and contrary to popular belief there are plenty of full frame lenses that are lightweight if that is what you need.

The laws of physics say lenses of the same focal length and similar specification are going to be about the same size and weight regardless of the format they cover (well for aps-c and FF anyway).

For example the APS-C only Sony 70-350 is only 30g lighter than the full frame Tamron 50-300mm. You can never take full advantage of all 61mp with the 70-350 whereas with the Tamron you can use it in FF mode or APS-C mode so in my opinion specifically buying the Sony is a really dumb idea.

If you own the 70-350 already and have moved up to full frame, that is different but buying that lens specifically for a FF camera is bonkers in my opinion.

Wide angle it is a slightly different question. People who shoot video where we are talking 4k resolution can probably get away with an aps-c lens (I would not know the details as I do not do videos) for things like vlogging. However as a stills photographer I would never buy an APS-C lens like the Sony APS-C 10-20MM. I'd go for the 16-35 FF instead. Hardly a heavy lens.

I did buy several apsc lenses when I had my A7C because they were noticeably better glass than the full frame options. Sony 70-350 was sharper than Tamron and Sony's 70-300 offerings, and the apsc photos simply looked better than the full frame variant.

Now that Tamron has come out with the 50-300, 50-400, and the ,28-300 the results are a lot closer, the utility of 28mm and 50mm is noticeable, but the Sony still handles better and feels a bit more premium. So I am finally moving on from the 70-350, but it took time for that to be the case. My point being that quality glass matters more to some of us than Megapixels.

 

[TN Args]

...The laws of physics say lenses of the same focal length and similar specification are going to be about the same size and weight regardless of the format they cover (well for aps-c and FF anyway).

But not regardless of the quality they offer. Which becomes the critical point later in this post.

For example the APS-C only Sony 70-350 is only 30g lighter than the full frame Tamron 50-300mm. You can never take full advantage of all 61mp with the 70-350 whereas with the Tamron you can use it in FF mode or APS-C mode so in my opinion specifically buying the Sony is a really dumb idea.

If you own the 70-350 already and have moved up to full frame, that is different but buying that lens specifically for a FF camera is bonkers in my opinion.

I did buy several apsc lenses when I had my A7C because they were noticeably better glass than the full frame options. Sony 70-350 was sharper than Tamron and Sony's 70-300 offerings, and the apsc photos simply looked better than the full frame variant.

Now that Tamron has come out with the 50-300, 50-400, and the ,28-300 the results are a lot closer, the utility of 28mm and 50mm is noticeable, but the Sony still handles better and feels a bit more premium. So I am finally moving on from the 70-350, but it took time for that to be the case. My point being that quality glass matters more to some of us than Megapixels.

Indeed, if the sharpness and maybe some other IQ qualities are better at the long end for the 70-350 E lens, then that becomes the overwhelming factor.

Dave's strong judgements are wandering off the point. This thread is to answer the question: I am constrained for size and weight (eg while travelling) but I really wish I could bring lenses like 400mm or 600mm because I will need those focal lengths for my intended photography. What is the best way I can get those photos without those lenses?

And the answer is: whatever gives the best IQ from the sub-900g lenses of around 300-350mm, when cropped to about 400-600mm equivalent angle of view. That's all. Other aspects, like what they offer at wider angles, are incidental and should not override the primary factor.

So if @jhunna is right and the 70-350 E is clearly better at 300mm than the 70-300mm FE lenses, then it is the top recommendation.

Looking at the newer Tamrons that @jhunna has mentioned.

• The 50-400 FE is too heavy at 1155g, it is more in the weight class of the 100-400 lenses, and if those lenses are in scope then all the 300mm lenses drop out.
• The 28-300 FE requires proof of its image quality at 300mm being a match for the 70-350 E. There is good reason for scepticism: for instance, it is more than 10x zoom and that comes with penalties. And if it is that good at 300mm, then the new Tamron 50-300 FE has no reason to exist, being only ⅓ stop faster is not much of a justification. So I think we will discover that the 28-300 FE won't hold up at 300mm for this thread's purpose. (Happy to be proven wrong with data.)
• That only leaves the new Tamron 50-300 FE. If its IQ at 300mm is no better than Tamron's 70-300, which @jhunna has already said is no match for the Sony 70-350 E, then the 70-350 E is still the top pick. It is quite possible that Tamron focused on adding 50mm to the wide end while not adding weight, but no better at 300mm, which would not favour it for this discussion. (Happy to be proven wrong with data.)

So, I think we need more evidence of IQ for the new 300mm Tamrons, and only if we get it, could they be considered a better choice than the Sony 70-350 E, which currently holds the throne.

--
There’s some sort of something out yonder
Can’t see it; it’s too far to wander.
“Instead,” said his friends
“Use a much longer lens
And then you’ll no longer need ponder.”
© Gregory Simpson

 

[Darwin Solus]

I have had the A7rV for two years and I have all full frame lenses. I mostly shoot wildlife and landscape photos, but I am not a professional, so I photograph just about anything. I realized right away that I didn't need the outstanding resolution of the 61 mpl sensor on most of my photos so I used the custom setup to set button number 2 on the top of the camera for APS-C mode. I have the Sony 100-400 Gm and a 1.4 teleconverter but the later gets used very little because of my setup. I prefer to compose in the shot and to be able to be more accurate with focusing on the subject. I use the APS-C mode with all of my lenses including the 35mm f1.4GM. I simply love the versatility this setup provides and pixel peeping is required to see the difference in resolution between the 26mpl and 61mpl in a photo and I love having both available at the tip of my finger at all times.
Darwin

 

[Dave Oddie]

A number of times I have used lightweight lenses in APS-C Mode 26MP and satisfied with results. Generally, my use of these combos is to reduce weight, size and restrain from using my larger more expensive lenses.

What do others think about using A7RV in APS-C Mode 26MP?

I sometimes switch my A7 IV to APS-C mode to capture a shot I would otherwise miss and that is only circa 15mp in APC-C mode. Yes I know I could do that in post-processing but it is not how I like shoot and I suspect that is the same for a lot of people. They want to frame the shot in the viewfinder as do I.

That said I would never buy an aps-c lens to shoot permanently in aps-mode even if I had the A7RV with its 61mp sensor because they can only ever be used in aps-c mode and contrary to popular belief there are plenty of full frame lenses that are lightweight if that is what you need.

The laws of physics say lenses of the same focal length and similar specification are going to be about the same size and weight regardless of the format they cover (well for aps-c and FF anyway).

For example the APS-C only Sony 70-350 is only 30g lighter than the full frame Tamron 50-300mm. You can never take full advantage of all 61mp with the 70-350 whereas with the Tamron you can use it in FF mode or APS-C mode so in my opinion specifically buying the Sony is a really dumb idea.

If you own the 70-350 already and have moved up to full frame, that is different but buying that lens specifically for a FF camera is bonkers in my opinion.

Wide angle it is a slightly different question. People who shoot video where we are talking 4k resolution can probably get away with an aps-c lens (I would not know the details as I do not do videos) for things like vlogging. However as a stills photographer I would never buy an APS-C lens like the Sony APS-C 10-20MM. I'd go for the 16-35 FF instead. Hardly a heavy lens.

I did buy several apsc lenses when I had my A7C because they were noticeably better glass than the full frame options. Sony 70-350 was sharper than Tamron and Sony's 70-300 offerings, and the apsc photos simply looked better than the full frame variant.

Now that Tamron has come out with the 50-300, 50-400, and the ,28-300 the results are a lot closer, the utility of 28mm and 50mm is noticeable, but the Sony still handles better and feels a bit more premium. So I am finally moving on from the 70-350, but it took time for that to be the case. My point being that quality glass matters more to some of us than Megapixels.

Resolution is a product of lens MTf x Sensor MTF . This means even if you have some ancient and poor lens you put on a 61mp camera then it will still resolve more than on a 26mp camera.

Most modern lenses are not poor. So what this means is it is highly unlikely a modern lens used at 61mp will be out resolved ,by an APS-C lens used at 26mp.

Lens Rentals have a blog article explaining this if you want to seek it out.

But it is not just about resolving power. Like I said an aps-c lens can’t be used as a FF lens so you can never get 61mp out of it. So I really do not see the point of using the 70-350: v a full frame lens of similar focal length.