What would make you consider switching to E/FE mount?

[hpmickey]

What would you bring back from the E-mount to the A-mount?

My answer is: a small inexpensive FF A-mount camera.

This one pretty well sums up the reasons why I bought the original Sony A7 last September.

Since the beginning, I have been keeping my KM28-75 and KM17-35 to use them at FF digital body. I patiently waited for secondhand A900 or A850, but they are either ridiculously expensive, or deadly worn out in our country even nowadays. Then I ignored two or three second hand A99 Mk-I bodies (again price was too high for the shutter count imo), and almost pulled the trigger for a used A99II. However in the end, it was really impossible for me to pass last autumn fire sales of A7 with extra 3-year warranty included. In addition, I just acquired LA-EA4, and I am fine. Do I have FF? Yes, finally. Do I have AF comparable to A850 or my current APS-C cameras? Yes. Do I have better handling? No doubt. Can I use all my old MF lenses? Easier than ever before. Do I have superior image quality? I'll be damned if not!

I know, many of you might chuckle now. The A7 sounds obsolete, and the trend goes clearly towards A9/A7RIII/A7III with big GM or Zeiss lenses attached. But I like what I like, and all the photography I do is just for fun, not money. And, being pretty sure that Sony will never release anything like FF KM5D, then for me,

a small inexpensive FF A-mount camera

is A7 Mk-I + LA-EA4.
All that written, I am going to keep my Sony A37 + SAM 30/2.8 until they break up, as they make almost ideal "grab from shelf & take it everywhere" lightweight and good enough combo. Hence, I did not tick any checkbox in the OP - No Country Survey for Old Men
Have a good light,
Michal

 

[artichokes]

I had thought of chiming in, but Sybersitizen echoed my sentiments exactly.

 

[Clyde Thomas]

1. Ergonomic, A77/A99 style tilt swivel LCD, vertical grip with full control.
2. Full compatibility of current A-mount lenses

Yes, and the numerous front controls on a99II, including the silent multi controller. I've grown to love it, as full time live ISO... And so handy for product photography sitting between subject and camera instead of having to always walk behind camera.

Canon mirrorless lenses have an extra ring on some lenses, and one of the adapters has the ring too. Emulating what a99II does with any lens, and with a control in consistent location. I love a99II front and top controls just as much as the full rear vertical grip controls. Nothing like it.

Almost all E-mount cameras can only support 2.5fps/3fps AF-C when using A-mount lens are unacceptable.

That's definitely an improvement, and fast enough for most of my portraiture. But man, why bother when everything is better with the a99II...

Only "A9 + LA-EA3 + Sony lens" can support 8fps/10 fps AF-C.
Third party lenses (Tamron/Sigma) is not supported at all.

That a9 combo has me curious. Just hit or miss with my third party lenses. My 50 ART had no function at all. But my 35 ART and 45 Tamron worked nearly as good as native E. Not for video though.

A few A9 users reported that third party lenses (with motor) can't AF when using LA-EA3 adapter. Some reported that their third party lenses suddenly stop working after they update new firmware (A9 & LA-EA 3).

Worse still, my ZA135/1.8 + LA-EA4 + a7RIII says "Incompatible Lens". Works fine in manual focus with LA-EA3.

I have contacted Sony customer service in Japan.
They tell me third party lenses not working is normal, because they are not tested.
Third party lenses works 100% fine on A-mount camera are not guarantee to work with E-mount camera + adapter.

Sony spends more R&D figuring how to lock out lenses than they do making the current lenses work better. It's disgusting. I think it's the reason behind all my A-Mount lens connection errors. Never had the problem until a99II.

 

[Jeadm]

I missed that one for the poll (hard to think of everything), darn it.

I have to agree with you, that screen on the A77ii and A99ii is really a thing of beauty. Why they didn't implement it, even on their flagship A9, is really a head scratcher. Decisions like those really give me pause about switching as a dedicated A-mount user who has enjoyed that feature for many years now.

 

[Karl Scharf]

I checked 'Nothing' just because I couldn't find a better match.

My collection of A-mount stuff, almost all of which was produced many years ago, meets my needs (which are not necessarily typical of the needs of others) for 'the best' work I wish to produce. Combined with the fact that A-mount gear value is continually dropping, I have no sensible reason to switch to anything. It's possible that I might even upgrade within the A-mount system as prices on newer second-hand things I don't own continue to decline. Not too likely, though.

For circumstances when portability is a higher priority than obtaining 'the best' work, I am already using 1" cameras (RX100III and a Nikon 1 system). E-mount will never be that portable, so there's nothing attracting me there.

My a77II and large selection of lenses still serve me extremely well.

I have no reason to switch systems, maybe if I was younger I would!

As a matter of fact, I have been using my RX100VI more and more lately.

 

[Keith Hanlan]

I will happily switch when finances permit.

I love my A77II but I am no longer comfortable carrying 9kg of gear. I will be giving serious consideration to some lighter primes instead of the fast but heavy zooms that I now carry with my tripod and filters.

Since my primary interest is landscape, I'm no longer as certain to switch to full frame. In fact, after watching Craig Roberts' fabulous e6 videos, I'm very tempted by the OM-D kit. (Unfortunately, the recent news about Olympus will likely discourage me.)

I've been shooting A-mount since my dad, and then my brother, bought the Minolta 9000. I have been very heppy with the system but am pragmatic enough to recognize when there is something better suited for my purposes. Sony doesn't owe me more A-mount and I don't owe them my business.

 

[Ringmaster84]

#1. I like the feel of the slt body. I like steady shot built into the body. I don't like larger more expensive e mount lenses.

 

[zackiedawg]

I have switched to A7III but I voted:

Sony needs to release a modern updated adapter for A-mount glass that includes screw drive and at least offers a focusing system similar to the A99ii, so I can continue to enjoy my existing lenses without starting over.

I voted the same as you, and also have switched to E-mount (though APS-C in my case). I shot E-mount and A-mount side-by-side for 8 years, and had reasons to like them both. E-mount started off for me as a small second body for light duty, that could never be usable as a full system for me. But over the years, each generation improved massively and became more capable in various types of photography I shot, until finally, the camera was as capable as my A-mount in every category of photography, and in some ways, better for me plus smaller and lighter. In the last few years with both systems, there was a transition where E-mount became primary, and A-mount secondary.

I still have A-mount - so technically I haven't officially 'switched' but admittedly I do nearly all of my photography now with E-mount.

The key for me would be a modern, fully updated screw-drive adapter that either allowed the E-mount's native focus system to work with all A-mount lenses, or at least a translucent-mirror adapter like the LE-EA4 that had a fully updated PDAF focus system with no handicaps in focus modes, areas, or drive speeds when using A-mount lenses. I could get use out of my remaining A-mount lenses and hold onto them, and let my DSLR go...which would be difficult because it's been a great camera and still is. But technology has moved past it after 8 years.

 

[Steve West]

I love my A77II but I am no longer comfortable carrying 9kg of gear. I will be giving serious consideration to some lighter primes instead of the fast but heavy zooms that I now carry with my tripod and filters.

I have no desire to switch to FE from the A99ii. However, I am thinking more about smaller fast primes. I love the Tamron 15-30, but honestly just having a well-corrected 15mm prime would be fine, and it would be a lot lighter. The problem with replacing something like the 24-70, is that it would take more than one prime, and then it becomes a size and weight issue again. sigh. I'm not sure I would go to micro 4/3, but maybe APS. Those Fuji cameras look awesome, and at some point, the a7000 or whatever will materialize.

 

[Lensmate]

We know why we're here. We've probably been with A-mount for years, accumulated a significant amount of quality glass over the years that makes starting over seem like needless pain and expense for those of us who have hung on this long.

So I was curious, for those who haven't switched or who aren't dipping their toes in the water with both mounts already, what if anything would make you consider switching to the "dark side" of Sony's lineup? Even hardened A-mount users have to admit that the product development on that side is at least somewhat compelling.

Anyway, please read them all and give it some thought before you answer. And of course, tell us more about your thoughts on this.

Winning the lottery...

-Martin P

Martin Passchier

Explore Martin Passchier’s 973 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[Jeadm]

Winning the lottery...

That would do it. If only the wallet could keep up with my exquisite taste in gear.

 

[Lensmate]

Winning the lottery...

That would do it. If only the wallet could keep up with my exquisite taste in gear.

You are not alone...[smile]

-Martin P

Martin Passchier

Explore Martin Passchier’s 973 photos on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[osu]

Completely off topic but can you also share the experience of adapted lenses AF performance for video as well? I heard that SSM2 lenses are performing much better with video in A mount and E mount adapted. A confirmation would be great.

Not in my experience... Latest firmware on the camera and adapter & using an a7riii, LA-EA3 and the SAL70200G2, SAL70400G2 and SAL2470ZA II the video AF is not usable at all. There is no continuous AF. The second you take your finger of the shutter release the camera stops AF. Also, the f3.5 restriction exists. Manual focus works fine.

If you thinking of video on an e-mount camera, far better options exist.

 

[osu]

I'm currently straddled between the systems but I have yet to invest in a single e-mount lens (thought that is probably coming to an end soon with either the 24GM or 135GM). I like the a7riii I got last year and paired it with some long white Canon glass and use the LA-EA3 with my SSM glass. Decent combo with obvious restrictions and doesn't really allow for hybrid shooting. When the A9 II comes out I will probably make a complete change over and divest the remainder of the legacy a-mount stuff. The a9 II with a 36-42 MP sensor will be the camera to do it all. It would cover every single use case out there.

It does not appear to me that Sony will improve upon the LA-EAx adapters... In fact I think they said so last year at one of the trade shows. So that limits the options to a degree. I suppose the e-mount processors and logic could progress to a point where they can offer enhanced interoperability, better AF, etc... with a-mount glass as well as EF via those adapters, but I don't think there are teams of folks at Sony trying to solve for those two use cases. I think the goal is to make the best e-mount camera and lenses possible and if by coincidence that advances a-mount interoperability, fine.

 

[tqlla]

Completely off topic but can you also share the experience of adapted lenses AF performance for video as well? I heard that SSM2 lenses are performing much better with video in A mount and E mount adapted. A confirmation would be great.

Not in my experience... Latest firmware on the camera and adapter & using an a7riii, LA-EA3 and the SAL70200G2, SAL70400G2 and SAL2470ZA II the video AF is not usable at all. There is no continuous AF. The second you take your finger of the shutter release the camera stops AF. Also, the f3.5 restriction exists. Manual focus works fine.

If you thinking of video on an e-mount camera, far better options exist.

Do you mean the LA-EA4?

The LA-EA3+50mm F1.4Z on my A7Rii does not have the F3.5 restriction. But the AF is barely usable. Its using the CDAF which is horribly slow.

 

[Kalin]

I need to buy a new fast-focusing body soon (mainly for people photos) and I really wanted to convince myself to get one of the 6xxx series despite their abysmal ergonomics (mainly the ridiculous grip designed for fingerless people) since they otherwise seem to be amazing cameras with great facial recognition features and focus.

But is it really possible that there is not a single E-mount 24-70 equivalent fast (f2.8) zoom? For a-mount there are several choices, a Sony 16-50, a Tamron 17-50 (and a Sigma too), a few 17-70 etc.

Such a zoom for the crop sensor should be neither too big or too expensive. Ah well... I guess it will be an a77II then.

 

[markintosh13]

I need to buy a new fast-focusing body soon (mainly for people photos) and I really wanted to convince myself to get one of the 6xxx series despite their abysmal ergonomics (mainly the ridiculous grip designed for fingerless people) since they otherwise seem to be amazing cameras with great facial recognition features and focus.

But is it really possible that there is not a single E-mount 24-70 equivalent fast (f2.8) zoom? For a-mount there are several choices, a Sony 16-50, a Tamron 17-50 (and a Sigma too), a few 17-70 etc.

Yes, the options for APS-C appear to be slower. Pretty sure it's all about selling expensive FF glass for most systems these days.

Here's the Sony FE option: the price of which is why I'm not switching to E mount

The Tamron FE option is much more affordable but not quite as wide (I'd be okay with that)

I see Nikon is now including their FTZ adapter with Z6 / Z7 purchase.
Perhaps this will remind Sony of the importance of having a good adapter and spur a new LA-EA.

 

[Kalin]

But is it really possible that there is not a single E-mount 24-70 equivalent fast (f2.8) zoom? For a-mount there are several choices, a Sony 16-50, a Tamron 17-50 (and a Sigma too), a few 17-70 etc.

Yes, the options for APS-C appear to be slower. Pretty sure it's all about selling expensive FF glass for most systems these days.

Here's the Sony FE option: the price of which is why I'm not switching to E mount

The Tamron FE option is much more affordable but not quite as wide (I'd be okay with that)

I see Nikon is now including their FTZ adapter with Z6 / Z7 purchase.
Perhaps this will remind Sony of the importance of having a good adapter and spur a new LA-EA.

Thank you for the links!

The Tamron seems nice but it still requires a FF camera which, in order to get fast focus, means one of the new expensive, and heavier, models. I admit I am tempted... looking at my budget now. I have a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 (APS-C) for A-mount and it would be nice to have such a lens in E-mount. Even if one can afford the FE system, the penalty in size and weight is always there.

The Tamron 16-28 2.8 translates into a normal zoom on APS-C but again, why buy FF glass for the smaller sensor...

I hope Sony don't continue putting all their eggs in the FE (FF) basket. It would be great if they either added some new E glass or, even better, released a new A-mount body. Or, as you say, give us a new, full-functioned LE-EA4+ adapter

 

[StevoPhilo]

I need to buy a new fast-focusing body soon (mainly for people photos) and I really wanted to convince myself to get one of the 6xxx series despite their abysmal ergonomics (mainly the ridiculous grip designed for fingerless people) since they otherwise seem to be amazing cameras with great facial recognition features and focus.

But is it really possible that there is not a single E-mount 24-70 equivalent fast (f2.8) zoom? For a-mount there are several choices, a Sony 16-50, a Tamron 17-50 (and a Sigma too), a few 17-70 etc.

Yes, the options for APS-C appear to be slower. Pretty sure it's all about selling expensive FF glass for most systems these days.

Here's the Sony FE option: the price of which is why I'm not switching to E mount

The Tamron FE option is much more affordable but not quite as wide (I'd be okay with that).

It really boils down to what sells more or has a higher profit margin. So many people buy APS-C, but a majority of them stick with kit lenses and never really expand on their lenses.

I see Nikon is now including their FTZ adapter with Z6 / Z7 purchase.
Perhaps this will remind Sony of the importance of having a good adapter and spur a new LA-EA.

Why? The A-mount user base is probably minuscule in comparison to that of Nikon's F mount users. While I think they should do it, the amount of time and resources for them to do it would probably not benefit them as a business. There are way too many lenses that are screw-driven that wouldn't benefit much from a higher end adapter.

 

[Rebeljuice]

Other than the fact that Sony E-mount is currently the most mature mirrorless system out there (M43 aside), I don't see why A-mounters should consider E-mount as the only option for switching to. I would just sit tight for a few years and enjoy the falling prices of A-mount and then decide when the other manufacturers have had a chance to catch up. Unless you have ascended to the A99ii and are finding it old hat, there is still some good upgrade options in A-mount, not to mention the cheaper glass. When/if it becomes time to switch it really means changing system, no matter who you go with. Adapters will only satisfy to a certain point before the realisation that native glass is really the only option.

Having said that, with cropped sensor offerings becoming more fragmented and disjointed from their larger sensor cousins, Sony E-mount is really the only system that offers an upgrade path from their cheapest APS-C to the top-of-the-range FF in the same mount. All other cropped sensor offerings require a change of mount to go FF unless you go with a DSLR. So E-mount makes sense if you are already shooting on a cropped sensor and want to stay on a cropped sensor going forward, provided you plan to go FF in the future. If you never plan on going FF then you would have, I argue, a better option in Fuji. Fuji lenses are ALL designed to fit APS-C so your system will be more compact than FF (or APS-C cameras with FF lenses). However, if compactness is a real draw card in your decision making then perhaps the affordable and mature M43 system is the even better option.

BUT.... Go to the Fuji and m43 forums and you will see a lot of the same grumblings we see in this forum. What is the future? Is [insert mount] dead? Smartphones are killing us... etc etc. Even in the E-mount forums you get folk questioning Sony's commitment to APS-C. There is a lot of turbulence in the industry and there is a lot of consolidation and restructuring going on as the overall market shrinks down from its unsustainable boom years.

I think that if you are going to jump ship from A-mount I would wait it out a while longer. Especially if you are using ASP-C currently. Wait until Fuji has IBIS in all their camera models. Wait until m43 decides to upgrade their sensor tech and incorporate PDAF in all of their cameras. Wait until Canikon have a better lens selection and Sony make more APS-C dedicated lenses. Wait and see what Panasonic are up to and whether Pentax has the stomach to compete. It wont take long as the competition is now in full flow and the race is on to grab (or retain) as much of the smaller market as possible. Any one of the above options could flourish or die in the next couple of years or so.

I think A-mount is still good enough to sit back in and watch what the industry does for a while before making the switch.