Questions from a potential convert

[Martin Ocando]

Hello everyone,

After far too long thought, and due to a new job that will get me traveling a lot, I’m starting to consider making an investment in an Alpha body and a couple of lenses. It’ll be mostly for traveling, and maybe portraiture, not commercial, but family and friends.

I’ve been a Micro 4/3s user for over 14 years, and I never felt the need to move to a bigger sensor, but giving that the A7R IV is nowadays in a reachable price point in MPB, I’m thinking that I’d like to capture the cities I’ll be visiting with more image real state than just 20 Mpix.

Besides, I’m sure my travels, being mostly work oriented, will only allow me to shoot at dawn or night, so the more light gathering sensor I can have, the better.

So, this will be my initial kit:

• A7R IV
• Either the Sony FE 40mm f:2.5 G or a Viltrox 40mm f:2.5

This is a starting point, I just got my job, and don’t want to spend too much. Once I have sold some of my MFT kit my plan is to get a:

• Sony FE 24-50mm f:2.8G
• Sigma 20mm f:2.0 DG DN or Viltrox 20mm f:2.8

And that is basically it. I don’t plan to invest in longer lenses (for now), as for that MFT has the edge in reach and compactness. And I already have it.

Maybe a 70-200mm f:4, but that is way long down the line.

My reasoning is small size, low weight, and low cost. I might consider other options in the future, or maybe after I get some feedback from you in this thread, but this is my initial plan.

BTW, I’m considering the A7R IV and not the V for obvious reasons that it costs almost double. I know it gets 8 stops of IBIS and a far better EVF, but the sensor being the same, I think I’ll be good for starters. Can't say about AF performance, but I believe it should be good enough, and far better than anything MFT can provide.

Ideas? Other options? Advice?




This is basically the image that made me doubt the compactness vs performance ratio of my current system



--
Martin
"One of the biggest mistakes a photographer can make is to look at the real world and cling to the vain hope that next time his film will somehow bear a closer resemblance to it" - Galen Rowell

 

[Interceptor121]

Hello everyone,

After far too long thought, and due to a new job that will get me traveling a lot, I’m starting to consider making an investment in an Alpha body and a couple of lenses. It’ll be mostly for traveling, and maybe portraiture, not commercial, but family and friends.

I’ve been a Micro 4/3s user for over 14 years, and I never felt the need to move to a bigger sensor, but giving that the A7R IV is nowadays in a reachable price point in MPB, I’m thinking that I’d like to capture the cities I’ll be visiting with more image real state than just 20 Mpix.

Besides, I’m sure my travels, being mostly work oriented, will only allow me to shoot at dawn or night, so the more light gathering sensor I can have, the better.

So, this will be my initial kit:

• A7R IV
• Either the Sony FE 40mm f:2.5 G or a Viltrox 40mm f:2.5

This is a starting point, I just got my job, and don’t want to spend too much. Once I have sold some of my MFT kit my plan is to get a:

• Sony FE 24-50mm f:2.8G
• Sigma 20mm f:2.0 DG DN or Viltrox 20mm f:2.8

And that is basically it. I don’t plan to invest in longer lenses (for now), as for that MFT has the edge in reach and compactness. And I already have it.

Maybe a 70-200mm f:4, but that is way long down the line.

My reasoning is small size, low weight, and low cost. I might consider other options in the future, or maybe after I get some feedback from you in this thread, but this is my initial plan.

BTW, I’m considering the A7R IV and not the V for obvious reasons that it costs almost double. I know it gets 8 stops of IBIS and a far better EVF, but the sensor being the same, I think I’ll be good for starters. Can't say about AF performance, but I believe it should be good enough, and far better than anything MFT can provide.

Ideas? Other options? Advice?


This is basically the image that made me doubt the compactness vs performance ratio of my current system

I use the A7C II for street and travel when I want a small rig

I own the 24-50 and the 40/2.5. Both are extremely good lenses not sure if worth of 61 megapixels but work very well at 33 Megapixels and good performance for night photography too

The 40mm is a lens with personality it has something special despite the rather simple design and small shape

I use the small sony G primes and the samyang 75/1.8 plus the 28-60 for daytime and very happy with performance considering the small size



--
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If you want to get in touch don't send me a PM rather contact me directly at my website/social media

 

[ahaslett]

I have an OM1 mk i, OM5, A7Riv and A7CR.

I tend to use the A7Riv for landscape on a tripod. IBIS really isn’t that good. The other very noticeable thing after using MFT is the frequency of sensor spots. The A7Rv has ultrasonic cleaning, neither of my FE bodies do.

I got a really good deal on the A7CR, so it was an obvious buy. The A7Riv is very attractive at the moment if you know how you will use it. It’s smaller than a G9/G9ii and only 7g heavier. The A7CR beats it on IBIS and subject detection.

Lenses are rather personal and I don’t have any of those. The Tamron 28-200mm is regarded as a general purpose travel zoom by many, but it doesn’t hit my sweet spot.

I have the Sony 20-70/4 as a one lens solution for the A7CR. I’d probably use a Tamron 28-75/2.8 G2 with an A7Riv, a wonderfully flexible lens. For my shooting style, a CV 21/3.5 Colour Skopar and Sony 55/1.8 ZA (used only) would be handy additions.

The A7Riv has better FaceEye AF than an OM1 mk i, and CAF-Tr in non subject detect mode as good as the OM1 mk ii.


GM1 12-32, OM5 12-45/4, OM1 12-40/2.8, A7Riv 28-75/2.8


Same with A7CR 20-70/4

The problem with FE is so many lens options!

I could make an argument that the ultimate travelling kit is A7CR, 20-70/4 G and 35/1.4 GM.

A

Edit - I’d take the OM5 in preference to the A7Riv for shooting at dawn or dusk unless carrying a tripod or shooting something flat.

--
Infinite are the arguments of mages. Truth is a jewel with many facets. Ursula K LeGuin
Please feel free to edit any images that I post

 

[ahaslett]

A dekitted 28-60mm is an excellent suggestion, given its low cost and weight and good IQ. The 40/2.5 G was made for the A7Cii/R but somehow doesn’t inspire me. Maybe it’s because I’m more comfortable at 50mm. How would you compare it to your 55/1.8 ZA?

I also have the CV 50/2 APO, so all bases covered at 50mm apart from minute DoF.

A

 

[Interceptor121]

A dekitted 28-60mm is an excellent suggestion, given its low cost and weight and good IQ. The 40/2.5 G was made for the A7Cii/R but somehow doesn’t inspire me. Maybe it’s because I’m more comfortable at 50mm. How would you compare it to your 55/1.8 ZA?

I also have the CV 50/2 APO, so all bases covered at 50mm apart from minute DoF.

A

 

[rpjallan]

I have a Sigma 16-28 f2.8 zoom for my A7RV. It is a great little lens for travel if you want something more flexible than just a 20mm.

 

[Martin Ocando]

I have a Sigma 16-28 f2.8 zoom for my A7RV. It is a great little lens for travel if you want something more flexible than just a 20mm.

Beautiful. Definitely will be on my list. Thanks for the tip.

 

[rpjallan]

You’re welcome…

 

[Impulses]

Hey Martin, there's quite a few of us here that used to shoot M4/3 and/or still do for some purposes. I've moved over entirely to E mount save for when I wanna use the 75/1.8, 35-100, or fisheye on my GX850 (for certain venues/events where a larger camera attracts too much attention or isn't allowed).

I went for a new A7R IV back in 2020 and haven't regretted it for a moment, I don't even feel like I've made any real sacrifices in portability (outside of teles), but the big caveat is what kinda kit I've ended up with... With M4/3 I had a very even split of primes and zooms, across a dozen or so lenses, on E mount I have two Tamron zooms and the rest is all primes. The extra processing leeway and the better tracking/C-AF sold me, and the amount of wide options (and extra DoF control at that end) is a very nice bonus.

If it wasn't for all 3 of those things I might've not made the jump, well, and if Oly hadn't sold to OM and my E-M5 III didn't have a flawed bottom plate. A used Voigtlander 21/3.5 might be worth a look too, it's manual and pricier than the Viltrox but it is smaller (about the size of a M4/3 12/2) and has better flare handling and sunstars. The Viltrox Air lenses all look like very strong values though. There's a handful of small FF tele primes if you wanted to complement that zoom/normal...

Namely the Sigma 90/2.8 DN, the Samyang 75/1.8, the SY 100mm T2.3 V-AF, and the TTArtisan 75/2. The Sigma has the best MFD, I own the two 75mm, still comparing the TT vs SY.

 

[Impulses]

I have a Sigma 16-28 f2.8 zoom for my A7RV. It is a great little lens for travel if you want something more flexible than just a 20mm.

Beautiful. Definitely will be on my list. Thanks for the tip.

 

[gnPhoto]

Hello everyone,

After far too long thought, and due to a new job that will get me traveling a lot, I’m starting to consider making an investment in an Alpha body and a couple of lenses. It’ll be mostly for traveling, and maybe portraiture, not commercial, but family and friends.

I’ve been a Micro 4/3s user for over 14 years, and I never felt the need to move to a bigger sensor, but giving that the A7R IV is nowadays in a reachable price point in MPB, I’m thinking that I’d like to capture the cities I’ll be visiting with more image real state than just 20 Mpix.

Besides, I’m sure my travels, being mostly work oriented, will only allow me to shoot at dawn or night, so the more light gathering sensor I can have, the better.

So, this will be my initial kit:

• A7R IV
• Either the Sony FE 40mm f:2.5 G or a Viltrox 40mm f:2.5

This is a starting point, I just got my job, and don’t want to spend too much. Once I have sold some of my MFT kit my plan is to get a:

• Sony FE 24-50mm f:2.8G
• Sigma 20mm f:2.0 DG DN or Viltrox 20mm f:2.8

And that is basically it. I don’t plan to invest in longer lenses (for now), as for that MFT has the edge in reach and compactness. And I already have it.

Maybe a 70-200mm f:4, but that is way long down the line.

My reasoning is small size, low weight, and low cost. I might consider other options in the future, or maybe after I get some feedback from you in this thread, but this is my initial plan.

BTW, I’m considering the A7R IV and not the V for obvious reasons that it costs almost double. I know it gets 8 stops of IBIS and a far better EVF, but the sensor being the same, I think I’ll be good for starters. Can't say about AF performance, but I believe it should be good enough, and far better than anything MFT can provide.

Ideas? Other options? Advice?

If you are sticking to R series camera, I highly suggest getting Sony G or GM lenses, OR sigma ART lenses, if you need corner to corner sharpness on such a high res camera (ex: for landscapes)

OR

Consider A7Cii (newer than Riv, smaller, and price might be in the similar range)... as this is low res, any third party lens will also work

https://www.instagram.com/neelagopi/

 

[Impulses]

Hello everyone,

After far too long thought, and due to a new job that will get me traveling a lot, I’m starting to consider making an investment in an Alpha body and a couple of lenses. It’ll be mostly for traveling, and maybe portraiture, not commercial, but family and friends.

I’ve been a Micro 4/3s user for over 14 years, and I never felt the need to move to a bigger sensor, but giving that the A7R IV is nowadays in a reachable price point in MPB, I’m thinking that I’d like to capture the cities I’ll be visiting with more image real state than just 20 Mpix.

Besides, I’m sure my travels, being mostly work oriented, will only allow me to shoot at dawn or night, so the more light gathering sensor I can have, the better.

So, this will be my initial kit:

• A7R IV
• Either the Sony FE 40mm f:2.5 G or a Viltrox 40mm f:2.5

This is a starting point, I just got my job, and don’t want to spend too much. Once I have sold some of my MFT kit my plan is to get a:

• Sony FE 24-50mm f:2.8G
• Sigma 20mm f:2.0 DG DN or Viltrox 20mm f:2.8

And that is basically it. I don’t plan to invest in longer lenses (for now), as for that MFT has the edge in reach and compactness. And I already have it.

Maybe a 70-200mm f:4, but that is way long down the line.

My reasoning is small size, low weight, and low cost. I might consider other options in the future, or maybe after I get some feedback from you in this thread, but this is my initial plan.

BTW, I’m considering the A7R IV and not the V for obvious reasons that it costs almost double. I know it gets 8 stops of IBIS and a far better EVF, but the sensor being the same, I think I’ll be good for starters. Can't say about AF performance, but I believe it should be good enough, and far better than anything MFT can provide.

Ideas? Other options? Advice?

If you are sticking to R series camera, I highly suggest getting Sony G or GM lenses, OR sigma ART lenses, if you need corner to corner sharpness on such a high res camera (ex: for landscapes)

OR

Consider A7Cii (newer than Riv, smaller, and price might be in the similar range)... as this is low res, any third party lens will also work

https://www.instagram.com/neelagopi/

It's not like this is a binary condition, where the jump from 33MP to 61MP suddenly makes a G/GM necessary or a lesser lens worthless... TBH stopping down can be a great equalizer and a lot of those differences dissolve away amongst most decent lenses when you're at f8 and such. It's when shooting wide open than higher end lenses (and primes vs zooms) can often be demonstrably sharper...

 

[wheresrunnicles]

Hello everyone,

After far too long thought, and due to a new job that will get me traveling a lot, I’m starting to consider making an investment in an Alpha body and a couple of lenses. It’ll be mostly for traveling, and maybe portraiture, not commercial, but family and friends.

I’ve been a Micro 4/3s user for over 14 years, and I never felt the need to move to a bigger sensor, but giving that the A7R IV is nowadays in a reachable price point in MPB, I’m thinking that I’d like to capture the cities I’ll be visiting with more image real state than just 20 Mpix.

Besides, I’m sure my travels, being mostly work oriented, will only allow me to shoot at dawn or night, so the more light gathering sensor I can have, the better.

So, this will be my initial kit:

• A7R IV
• Either the Sony FE 40mm f:2.5 G or a Viltrox 40mm f:2.5

This is a starting point, I just got my job, and don’t want to spend too much. Once I have sold some of my MFT kit my plan is to get a:

• Sony FE 24-50mm f:2.8G
• Sigma 20mm f:2.0 DG DN or Viltrox 20mm f:2.8

And that is basically it. I don’t plan to invest in longer lenses (for now), as for that MFT has the edge in reach and compactness. And I already have it.

Maybe a 70-200mm f:4, but that is way long down the line.

My reasoning is small size, low weight, and low cost. I might consider other options in the future, or maybe after I get some feedback from you in this thread, but this is my initial plan.

BTW, I’m considering the A7R IV and not the V for obvious reasons that it costs almost double. I know it gets 8 stops of IBIS and a far better EVF, but the sensor being the same, I think I’ll be good for starters. Can't say about AF performance, but I believe it should be good enough, and far better than anything MFT can provide.

Ideas? Other options? Advice?


This is basically the image that made me doubt the compactness vs performance ratio of my current system

I switched a couple of years ago and don’t really miss MFT. I felt the future was in larger format sensors (and nothing in since has changed that view). I also was frustrated that I was getting better quality from my Ricoh GR and wanted a camera with 14 bit raws.

That said, you will find IBIS noticeably and significantly less good. Plus I never needed a dust blower until I got my full frame kit. Long tele options are still way lighter on MFT so you’re probably right to keep those for now.

You don’t mention what MFT kit you currently have and what your favourite lenses are. This would be helpful to know in terms of giving you recommendations. The choice in e mount lenses can be somewhat overwhelming.

Personally I went with the A7C (now I’d probably look to the C2 instead). I wanted a rangefinder style camera which neither Panasonic nor OM seemed interested in selling me. The C bodies do have some limitations though, like EFCS only, so be sure that would work for you if you look at those options.

in terms of lenses, based on what you have said, I’d look at the Tamron 20-40. It’s a nice compact lens. It’s much cheaper than the 24-50 and for my money covers a much more useful range.



I hear good things about the 40/2.5. I have the 50 which is supposed to be very similar. But I rarely use it. Instead I have the 45/2.8 from sigma. Much nicer build quality / feel in hand, close focus, and better rendering. AF and weather resistance are less good though so depends on your priorities.

All that said, changing systems is really expensive, so be sure about why you’re doing it. You can still take great photos on MFT. What exactly are you looking to address by switching?

 

[wheresrunnicles]

Hello everyone,

After far too long thought, and due to a new job that will get me traveling a lot, I’m starting to consider making an investment in an Alpha body and a couple of lenses. It’ll be mostly for traveling, and maybe portraiture, not commercial, but family and friends.

I’ve been a Micro 4/3s user for over 14 years, and I never felt the need to move to a bigger sensor, but giving that the A7R IV is nowadays in a reachable price point in MPB, I’m thinking that I’d like to capture the cities I’ll be visiting with more image real state than just 20 Mpix.

Besides, I’m sure my travels, being mostly work oriented, will only allow me to shoot at dawn or night, so the more light gathering sensor I can have, the better.

So, this will be my initial kit:

• A7R IV
• Either the Sony FE 40mm f:2.5 G or a Viltrox 40mm f:2.5

This is a starting point, I just got my job, and don’t want to spend too much. Once I have sold some of my MFT kit my plan is to get a:

• Sony FE 24-50mm f:2.8G
• Sigma 20mm f:2.0 DG DN or Viltrox 20mm f:2.8

And that is basically it. I don’t plan to invest in longer lenses (for now), as for that MFT has the edge in reach and compactness. And I already have it.

Maybe a 70-200mm f:4, but that is way long down the line.

My reasoning is small size, low weight, and low cost. I might consider other options in the future, or maybe after I get some feedback from you in this thread, but this is my initial plan.

BTW, I’m considering the A7R IV and not the V for obvious reasons that it costs almost double. I know it gets 8 stops of IBIS and a far better EVF, but the sensor being the same, I think I’ll be good for starters. Can't say about AF performance, but I believe it should be good enough, and far better than anything MFT can provide.

Ideas? Other options? Advice?

If you are sticking to R series camera, I highly suggest getting Sony G or GM lenses, OR sigma ART lenses, if you need corner to corner sharpness on such a high res camera (ex: for landscapes)

OR

Consider A7Cii (newer than Riv, smaller, and price might be in the similar range)... as this is low res, any third party lens will also work

https://www.instagram.com/neelagopi/

It's not like this is a binary condition, where the jump from 33MP to 61MP suddenly makes a G/GM necessary or a lesser lens worthless... TBH stopping down can be a great equalizer and a lot of those differences dissolve away amongst most decent lenses when you're at f8 and such. It's when shooting wide open than higher end lenses (and primes vs zooms) can often be demonstrably sharper...

Agreed. Also ignores some crazy sharp third party lenses like the Voigtlander apos. Viltrox’s lab series look pretty impressive too.

 

[A74Me]

Hello everyone,

After far too long thought, and due to a new job that will get me traveling a lot, I’m starting to consider making an investment in an Alpha body and a couple of lenses. It’ll be mostly for traveling, and maybe portraiture, not commercial, but family and friends.

I’ve been a Micro 4/3s user for over 14 years, and I never felt the need to move to a bigger sensor, but giving that the A7R IV is nowadays in a reachable price point in MPB, I’m thinking that I’d like to capture the cities I’ll be visiting with more image real state than just 20 Mpix.

Besides, I’m sure my travels, being mostly work oriented, will only allow me to shoot at dawn or night, so the more light gathering sensor I can have, the better.

So, this will be my initial kit:

• A7R IV
• Either the Sony FE 40mm f:2.5 G or a Viltrox 40mm f:2.5

This is a starting point, I just got my job, and don’t want to spend too much. Once I have sold some of my MFT kit my plan is to get a:

• Sony FE 24-50mm f:2.8G
• Sigma 20mm f:2.0 DG DN or Viltrox 20mm f:2.8

And that is basically it. I don’t plan to invest in longer lenses (for now), as for that MFT has the edge in reach and compactness. And I already have it.

Maybe a 70-200mm f:4, but that is way long down the line.

My reasoning is small size, low weight, and low cost. I might consider other options in the future, or maybe after I get some feedback from you in this thread, but this is my initial plan.

BTW, I’m considering the A7R IV and not the V for obvious reasons that it costs almost double. I know it gets 8 stops of IBIS and a far better EVF, but the sensor being the same, I think I’ll be good for starters. Can't say about AF performance, but I believe it should be good enough, and far better than anything MFT can provide.

Ideas? Other options? Advice?

If you are sticking to R series camera, I highly suggest getting Sony G or GM lenses, OR sigma ART lenses, if you need corner to corner sharpness on such a high res camera (ex: for landscapes)

OR

Consider A7Cii (newer than Riv, smaller, and price might be in the similar range)... as this is low res, any third party lens will also work

https://www.instagram.com/neelagopi/

It's not like this is a binary condition, where the jump from 33MP to 61MP suddenly makes a G/GM necessary or a lesser lens worthless... TBH stopping down can be a great equalizer and a lot of those differences dissolve away amongst most decent lenses when you're at f8 and such. It's when shooting wide open than higher end lenses (and primes vs zooms) can often be demonstrably sharper...

totally agree, thats like saying G lens would out resolve my tamron G2 lens on my a6700.

I bought my 70 180 g2 from a friend new for half price because his a7r4 could not get consistent AF results. so i bought a new a7iv picked up the lens and did some test portrait shots and my mate was not happy as my a7iv focused perfectly every shot and he hadnt tried the 70 180 on his new A1 and bought the sony 70 200 instead fir 3x the price, its a camera problem not lens.

 

[Martin Ocando]

Hello everyone,

After far too long thought, and due to a new job that will get me traveling a lot, I’m starting to consider making an investment in an Alpha body and a couple of lenses. It’ll be mostly for traveling, and maybe portraiture, not commercial, but family and friends.

I’ve been a Micro 4/3s user for over 14 years, and I never felt the need to move to a bigger sensor, but giving that the A7R IV is nowadays in a reachable price point in MPB, I’m thinking that I’d like to capture the cities I’ll be visiting with more image real state than just 20 Mpix.

Besides, I’m sure my travels, being mostly work oriented, will only allow me to shoot at dawn or night, so the more light gathering sensor I can have, the better.

So, this will be my initial kit:

• A7R IV
• Either the Sony FE 40mm f:2.5 G or a Viltrox 40mm f:2.5

This is a starting point, I just got my job, and don’t want to spend too much. Once I have sold some of my MFT kit my plan is to get a:

• Sony FE 24-50mm f:2.8G
• Sigma 20mm f:2.0 DG DN or Viltrox 20mm f:2.8

And that is basically it. I don’t plan to invest in longer lenses (for now), as for that MFT has the edge in reach and compactness. And I already have it.

Maybe a 70-200mm f:4, but that is way long down the line.

My reasoning is small size, low weight, and low cost. I might consider other options in the future, or maybe after I get some feedback from you in this thread, but this is my initial plan.

BTW, I’m considering the A7R IV and not the V for obvious reasons that it costs almost double. I know it gets 8 stops of IBIS and a far better EVF, but the sensor being the same, I think I’ll be good for starters. Can't say about AF performance, but I believe it should be good enough, and far better than anything MFT can provide.

Ideas? Other options? Advice?


This is basically the image that made me doubt the compactness vs performance ratio of my current system

I switched a couple of years ago and don’t really miss MFT. I felt the future was in larger format sensors (and nothing in since has changed that view). I also was frustrated that I was getting better quality from my Ricoh GR and wanted a camera with 14 bit raws.

That said, you will find IBIS noticeably and significantly less good. Plus I never needed a dust blower until I got my full frame kit. Long tele options are still way lighter on MFT so you’re probably right to keep those for now.

You don’t mention what MFT kit you currently have and what your favourite lenses are. This would be helpful to know in terms of giving you recommendations. The choice in e mount lenses can be somewhat overwhelming.

Personally I went with the A7C (now I’d probably look to the C2 instead). I wanted a rangefinder style camera which neither Panasonic nor OM seemed interested in selling me. The C bodies do have some limitations though, like EFCS only, so be sure that would work for you if you look at those options.

in terms of lenses, based on what you have said, I’d look at the Tamron 20-40. It’s a nice compact lens. It’s much cheaper than the 24-50 and for my money covers a much more useful range.

I hear good things about the 40/2.5. I have the 50 which is supposed to be very similar. But I rarely use it. Instead I have the 45/2.8 from sigma. Much nicer build quality / feel in hand, close focus, and better rendering. AF and weather resistance are less good though so depends on your priorities.

All that said, changing systems is really expensive, so be sure about why you’re doing it. You can still take great photos on MFT. What exactly are you looking to address by switching?

OMG That Tamron looks amazing. And that changes the plans completely. See below...

My current MFT kit is:

Bodies:

• G9 as main rig
• G95 replacing the G9 for most things, reasons: Loose G9 lugs and G95's lighter smaller body, although will never beat G9's amazing comfort
• GX9 mostly for travel, although not as fun to use as the G95

Zooms:

• 12-35mm f:2.8 II
• PL 12-60mm f:2.8-4
• 12-60mm 3.5-5.6 (mostly to loan it to my kids when they travel)
• 35-100mm f:2.8 Mark I
• 45-200mm f:4-5.6 II
• PL 8-18mm f:2.8-4

Primes:

• PL 9mm f:1.7
• PL 15mm f:1.7
• PL 25mm f:1.4

So my business plan, and not to break the bank is:

• Sell the G9, the PL 12-60, the 8-18 and all primes except the 9mm, which is perfect for vlogging.
• I'm also selling an 11 inch M2 iPad Pro which I don't really use anymore after I bought my M4 Pro MBP
• With that money get:
  • A7R IV
  • Tamron 20-40mm f:2.8 or 24-50mm f:2.8 G (Favoring the 20-40 now)
  • I thought about the Sigma 16-28mm, but I think the Tamron will be wide enough
• In the future I might go with:
  • 40mm prime for when going super small
  • 35-150 or 28-105. That will cover the mid to short tele end.

That's it. Body + 2 to 3 lenses will be my sweet spot.

My remaining MFT kit will be:

• G95 + GX9
• 12-35mm f:2.8
• 35-100mm f:2.8 Mark I
• 12-60mm 3.5-5.6
• 45-200mm f:4-5.6
• PL 9mm f:1.7

I might even sell the 12-35mm and 9mm if I end up not using them much, or if I decide to embrace the E system fully, except for longer zooms.

What am I looking with this change:

1. Use my system more:
   Most of my primes go unused as I hate changing lenses, so instead of the 9, 15 and 25, I use the 12-35mm 90% of the time. 12-35 2.8 and 12-60 2.8-4 are really redundant. Every time I take the 12-60mm with me for the extra reach, I miss not having the smaller and lighter 12-35.
2. As I said in my initial post, I'll be traveling a lot in the future, so I'd really like to have as much detailed RAWs as I can.
3. I also want to have cropping ability without loosing too much IQ
4. I might restart my event and portraiture business in the not so distant future, and this kit is kind of the industry standard. I really struggled with MFT on nighttime parties and corporate events.

--
Martin
"One of the biggest mistakes a photographer can make is to look at the real world and cling to the vain hope that next time his film will somehow bear a closer resemblance to it" - Galen Rowell

 

[ahaslett]

Hello everyone,

After far too long thought, and due to a new job that will get me traveling a lot, I’m starting to consider making an investment in an Alpha body and a couple of lenses. It’ll be mostly for traveling, and maybe portraiture, not commercial, but family and friends.

I’ve been a Micro 4/3s user for over 14 years, and I never felt the need to move to a bigger sensor, but giving that the A7R IV is nowadays in a reachable price point in MPB, I’m thinking that I’d like to capture the cities I’ll be visiting with more image real state than just 20 Mpix.

Besides, I’m sure my travels, being mostly work oriented, will only allow me to shoot at dawn or night, so the more light gathering sensor I can have, the better.

So, this will be my initial kit:

• A7R IV
• Either the Sony FE 40mm f:2.5 G or a Viltrox 40mm f:2.5

This is a starting point, I just got my job, and don’t want to spend too much. Once I have sold some of my MFT kit my plan is to get a:

• Sony FE 24-50mm f:2.8G
• Sigma 20mm f:2.0 DG DN or Viltrox 20mm f:2.8

And that is basically it. I don’t plan to invest in longer lenses (for now), as for that MFT has the edge in reach and compactness. And I already have it.

Maybe a 70-200mm f:4, but that is way long down the line.

My reasoning is small size, low weight, and low cost. I might consider other options in the future, or maybe after I get some feedback from you in this thread, but this is my initial plan.

BTW, I’m considering the A7R IV and not the V for obvious reasons that it costs almost double. I know it gets 8 stops of IBIS and a far better EVF, but the sensor being the same, I think I’ll be good for starters. Can't say about AF performance, but I believe it should be good enough, and far better than anything MFT can provide.

Ideas? Other options? Advice?


This is basically the image that made me doubt the compactness vs performance ratio of my current system

I switched a couple of years ago and don’t really miss MFT. I felt the future was in larger format sensors (and nothing in since has changed that view). I also was frustrated that I was getting better quality from my Ricoh GR and wanted a camera with 14 bit raws.

That said, you will find IBIS noticeably and significantly less good. Plus I never needed a dust blower until I got my full frame kit. Long tele options are still way lighter on MFT so you’re probably right to keep those for now.

You don’t mention what MFT kit you currently have and what your favourite lenses are. This would be helpful to know in terms of giving you recommendations. The choice in e mount lenses can be somewhat overwhelming.

Personally I went with the A7C (now I’d probably look to the C2 instead). I wanted a rangefinder style camera which neither Panasonic nor OM seemed interested in selling me. The C bodies do have some limitations though, like EFCS only, so be sure that would work for you if you look at those options.

in terms of lenses, based on what you have said, I’d look at the Tamron 20-40. It’s a nice compact lens. It’s much cheaper than the 24-50 and for my money covers a much more useful range.

I hear good things about the 40/2.5. I have the 50 which is supposed to be very similar. But I rarely use it. Instead I have the 45/2.8 from sigma. Much nicer build quality / feel in hand, close focus, and better rendering. AF and weather resistance are less good though so depends on your priorities.

All that said, changing systems is really expensive, so be sure about why you’re doing it. You can still take great photos on MFT. What exactly are you looking to address by switching?

OMG That Tamron looks amazing. And that changes the plans completely. See below...

My current MFT kit is:

Bodies:

• G9 as main rig
• G95 replacing the G9 for most things, reasons: Loose G9 lugs and G95's lighter smaller body, although will never beat G9's amazing comfort
• GX9 mostly for travel, although not as fun to use as the G95

Zooms:

• 12-35mm f:2.8 II
• PL 12-60mm f:2.8-4
• 12-60mm 3.5-5.6 (mostly to loan it to my kids when they travel)
• 35-100mm f:2.8 Mark I
• 45-200mm f:4-5.6 II
• PL 8-18mm f:2.8-4

Primes:

• PL 9mm f:1.7
• PL 15mm f:1.7
• PL 25mm f:1.4

So my business plan, and not to break the bank is:

• Sell the G9, the PL 12-60, the 8-18 and all primes except the 9mm, which is perfect for vlogging.
• I'm also selling an 11 inch M2 iPad Pro which I don't really use anymore after I bought my M4 Pro MBP
• With that money get:
  • A7R IV
  • Tamron 20-40mm f:2.8 or 24-50mm f:2.8 G (Favoring the 20-40 now)
  • I thought about the Sigma 16-28mm, but I think the Tamron will be wide enough
• In the future I might go with:
  • 40mm prime for when going super small
  • 35-150 or 28-105. That will cover the mid to short tele end.

That's it. Body + 2 to 3 lenses will be my sweet spot.

My remaining MFT kit will be:

• G95 + GX9
• 12-35mm f:2.8
• 35-100mm f:2.8 Mark I
• 12-60mm 3.5-5.6
• 45-200mm f:4-5.6
• PL 9mm f:1.7

I might even sell the 12-35mm and 9mm if I end up not using them much, or if I decide to embrace the E system fully, except for longer zooms.

What am I looking with this change:

1. Use my system more:
   Most of my primes go unused as I hate changing lenses, so instead of the 9, 15 and 25, I use the 12-35mm 90% of the time. 12-35 2.8 and 12-60 2.8-4 are really redundant. Every time I take the 12-60mm with me for the extra reach, I miss not having the smaller and lighter 12-35.
2. As I said in my initial post, I'll be traveling a lot in the future, so I'd really like to have as much detailed RAWs as I can.
3. I also want to have cropping ability without loosing too much IQ
4. I might restart my event and portraiture business in the not so distant future, and this kit is kind of the industry standard. I really struggled with MFT on nighttime parties and corporate events.

If you can start at 20mm and don’t like changing lenses, have a look at the 20-70/4 G. That Sigma 28-105/2.8 looks very nice! Not quite as heavy as the Tamron 35-150mm, but still not svelte.

It’s all about combinations and alternatives for me. 16-35/4 PZ G plus 28-105/2.8 would be an interesting kit maybe. For sure the 35-150mm is the go to event lens.

https://alikgriffin.com/sony-fe-lenses-the-ultimate-list/

https://phillipreeve.net/blog/fe-lenses-sony-comprehensive-independent-guide/

Turn around and there will be 3 new lenses available!

Andrew

--
Infinite are the arguments of mages. Truth is a jewel with many facets. Ursula K LeGuin
Please feel free to edit any images that I post

 

[gnPhoto]

Hello everyone,

After far too long thought, and due to a new job that will get me traveling a lot, I’m starting to consider making an investment in an Alpha body and a couple of lenses. It’ll be mostly for traveling, and maybe portraiture, not commercial, but family and friends.

I’ve been a Micro 4/3s user for over 14 years, and I never felt the need to move to a bigger sensor, but giving that the A7R IV is nowadays in a reachable price point in MPB, I’m thinking that I’d like to capture the cities I’ll be visiting with more image real state than just 20 Mpix.

Besides, I’m sure my travels, being mostly work oriented, will only allow me to shoot at dawn or night, so the more light gathering sensor I can have, the better.

So, this will be my initial kit:

• A7R IV
• Either the Sony FE 40mm f:2.5 G or a Viltrox 40mm f:2.5

This is a starting point, I just got my job, and don’t want to spend too much. Once I have sold some of my MFT kit my plan is to get a:

• Sony FE 24-50mm f:2.8G
• Sigma 20mm f:2.0 DG DN or Viltrox 20mm f:2.8

And that is basically it. I don’t plan to invest in longer lenses (for now), as for that MFT has the edge in reach and compactness. And I already have it.

Maybe a 70-200mm f:4, but that is way long down the line.

My reasoning is small size, low weight, and low cost. I might consider other options in the future, or maybe after I get some feedback from you in this thread, but this is my initial plan.

BTW, I’m considering the A7R IV and not the V for obvious reasons that it costs almost double. I know it gets 8 stops of IBIS and a far better EVF, but the sensor being the same, I think I’ll be good for starters. Can't say about AF performance, but I believe it should be good enough, and far better than anything MFT can provide.

Ideas? Other options? Advice?

If you are sticking to R series camera, I highly suggest getting Sony G or GM lenses, OR sigma ART lenses, if you need corner to corner sharpness on such a high res camera (ex: for landscapes)

OR

Consider A7Cii (newer than Riv, smaller, and price might be in the similar range)... as this is low res, any third party lens will also work

https://www.instagram.com/neelagopi/

It's not like this is a binary condition, where the jump from 33MP to 61MP suddenly makes a G/GM necessary or a lesser lens worthless... TBH stopping down can be a great equalizer and a lot of those differences dissolve away amongst most decent lenses when you're at f8 and such. It's when shooting wide open than higher end lenses (and primes vs zooms) can often be demonstrably sharper...

Agreed. Also ignores some crazy sharp third party lenses like the Voigtlander apos. Viltrox’s lab series look pretty impressive too.

Agree that Voigtlander APOs and Zeiss Otus are very sharp beyond what I mentioned... but one is manual and other is crazy expensive, not sure OP would be interested in either, so I included the most popular ones in my suggested list, which tend to be very sharp even wide open...

I generally find Tamron build quality to be a step lower than Sigma/Sony, hence my original suggestion included only Sony/Sigma... but tamron makes great value lenses!

The good thing about Sony system is that you are very spoiled for choices

https://www.instagram.com/neelagopi/

 

[ahaslett]

Hello everyone,

After far too long thought, and due to a new job that will get me traveling a lot, I’m starting to consider making an investment in an Alpha body and a couple of lenses. It’ll be mostly for traveling, and maybe portraiture, not commercial, but family and friends.

I’ve been a Micro 4/3s user for over 14 years, and I never felt the need to move to a bigger sensor, but giving that the A7R IV is nowadays in a reachable price point in MPB, I’m thinking that I’d like to capture the cities I’ll be visiting with more image real state than just 20 Mpix.

Besides, I’m sure my travels, being mostly work oriented, will only allow me to shoot at dawn or night, so the more light gathering sensor I can have, the better.

So, this will be my initial kit:

• A7R IV
• Either the Sony FE 40mm f:2.5 G or a Viltrox 40mm f:2.5

This is a starting point, I just got my job, and don’t want to spend too much. Once I have sold some of my MFT kit my plan is to get a:

• Sony FE 24-50mm f:2.8G
• Sigma 20mm f:2.0 DG DN or Viltrox 20mm f:2.8

And that is basically it. I don’t plan to invest in longer lenses (for now), as for that MFT has the edge in reach and compactness. And I already have it.

Maybe a 70-200mm f:4, but that is way long down the line.

My reasoning is small size, low weight, and low cost. I might consider other options in the future, or maybe after I get some feedback from you in this thread, but this is my initial plan.

BTW, I’m considering the A7R IV and not the V for obvious reasons that it costs almost double. I know it gets 8 stops of IBIS and a far better EVF, but the sensor being the same, I think I’ll be good for starters. Can't say about AF performance, but I believe it should be good enough, and far better than anything MFT can provide.

Ideas? Other options? Advice?

If you are sticking to R series camera, I highly suggest getting Sony G or GM lenses, OR sigma ART lenses, if you need corner to corner sharpness on such a high res camera (ex: for landscapes)

OR

Consider A7Cii (newer than Riv, smaller, and price might be in the similar range)... as this is low res, any third party lens will also work

https://www.instagram.com/neelagopi/

It's not like this is a binary condition, where the jump from 33MP to 61MP suddenly makes a G/GM necessary or a lesser lens worthless... TBH stopping down can be a great equalizer and a lot of those differences dissolve away amongst most decent lenses when you're at f8 and such. It's when shooting wide open than higher end lenses (and primes vs zooms) can often be demonstrably sharper...

Agreed. Also ignores some crazy sharp third party lenses like the Voigtlander apos. Viltrox’s lab series look pretty impressive too.

Agree that Voigtlander APOs and Zeiss Otus are very sharp beyond what I mentioned... but one is manual and other is crazy expensive, not sure OP would be interested in either, so I included the most popular ones in my suggested list, which tend to be very sharp even wide open...

I generally find Tamron build quality to be a step lower than Sigma/Sony, hence my original suggestion included only Sony/Sigma... but tamron makes great value lenses!

The good thing about Sony system is that you are very spoiled for choices

https://www.instagram.com/neelagopi/

I have Tamron 17-28 and 28-75 f2.8 G1, Sony 20-70/4 and Sigma 35/2. The Tamrons have less buttons etc but are otherwise pretty similar to the Sony. The Sigma I-series is big, beautiful and made of a lot of metal. The rendering is less attractive to me than the Sony or Tamrons, but it is a sharp lens, probably less well balanced between high and low frequency MTF.

The CV 50/2 APO Lanthar is excellent in all respects, apart from being a bit finicky to mount.



A

 

[wheresrunnicles]

Hello everyone,

After far too long thought, and due to a new job that will get me traveling a lot, I’m starting to consider making an investment in an Alpha body and a couple of lenses. It’ll be mostly for traveling, and maybe portraiture, not commercial, but family and friends.

I’ve been a Micro 4/3s user for over 14 years, and I never felt the need to move to a bigger sensor, but giving that the A7R IV is nowadays in a reachable price point in MPB, I’m thinking that I’d like to capture the cities I’ll be visiting with more image real state than just 20 Mpix.

Besides, I’m sure my travels, being mostly work oriented, will only allow me to shoot at dawn or night, so the more light gathering sensor I can have, the better.

So, this will be my initial kit:

• A7R IV
• Either the Sony FE 40mm f:2.5 G or a Viltrox 40mm f:2.5

This is a starting point, I just got my job, and don’t want to spend too much. Once I have sold some of my MFT kit my plan is to get a:

• Sony FE 24-50mm f:2.8G
• Sigma 20mm f:2.0 DG DN or Viltrox 20mm f:2.8

And that is basically it. I don’t plan to invest in longer lenses (for now), as for that MFT has the edge in reach and compactness. And I already have it.

Maybe a 70-200mm f:4, but that is way long down the line.

My reasoning is small size, low weight, and low cost. I might consider other options in the future, or maybe after I get some feedback from you in this thread, but this is my initial plan.

BTW, I’m considering the A7R IV and not the V for obvious reasons that it costs almost double. I know it gets 8 stops of IBIS and a far better EVF, but the sensor being the same, I think I’ll be good for starters. Can't say about AF performance, but I believe it should be good enough, and far better than anything MFT can provide.

Ideas? Other options? Advice?

If you are sticking to R series camera, I highly suggest getting Sony G or GM lenses, OR sigma ART lenses, if you need corner to corner sharpness on such a high res camera (ex: for landscapes)

OR

Consider A7Cii (newer than Riv, smaller, and price might be in the similar range)... as this is low res, any third party lens will also work

https://www.instagram.com/neelagopi/

It's not like this is a binary condition, where the jump from 33MP to 61MP suddenly makes a G/GM necessary or a lesser lens worthless... TBH stopping down can be a great equalizer and a lot of those differences dissolve away amongst most decent lenses when you're at f8 and such. It's when shooting wide open than higher end lenses (and primes vs zooms) can often be demonstrably sharper...

Agreed. Also ignores some crazy sharp third party lenses like the Voigtlander apos. Viltrox’s lab series look pretty impressive too.

Agree that Voigtlander APOs and Zeiss Otus are very sharp beyond what I mentioned... but one is manual and other is crazy expensive, not sure OP would be interested in either, so I included the most popular ones in my suggested list, which tend to be very sharp even wide open...

There’s also the sigma 65 which is supposed to be extremely sharp. It’s an af lens but not a g, gm or art. I’ve also heard very good things about the Tamron 35mm prime. Also the I viltrox lab series I mentIroned above which are neither MF nor crazy expensive. I could go on…

I generally find Tamron build quality to be a step lower than Sigma/Sony, hence my original suggestion included only Sony/Sigma... but tamron makes great value lenses!

I agree, but that wasn’t the point I was arguing with, which was that you can look beyond g, gm and art glass on high mp sensors.

The good thing about Sony system is that you are very spoiled for choices

https://www.instagram.com/neelagopi/

Agreed.