What Photography related item have you bought or sold this week?

[liggy]

Great to know. My trade-ins are always complicated. I upgrade mine, then give my old one to hubby and trade in his, which is usually ancient. In this case it is the X.

Yep - that scenario resulted in a total mess for us when we traded up/exchanged phones at a T-Mobile store. Took hours to get the lines straight and the proper credits applied. Ugh.

Tried to get the better half to trade her 13 in on a 15. She's not interested.

 

[BrianN]

Today I received my new lens a Tamron 50-400mm f 4.5 to f6.3.

I have done a lot of research on Sony 100-400, the new 70-200 f2.8 and f4 versions with a x2 teleconverter.
I chose the Tamron based on a few reviews of photographers I follow that used it and Dustin Abbott who does in depth reviews.

A lot of folk said the loss in image quality with x2 converter suggested better to crop ad with the cost of the Sony lens the Tamron was the best solution for me to get more intimate landscape images.

Financially this was £900 as I bought it from Japan and the Sony 100-400 is approx £2k.

So I took the opportunity to photograph my neighbours racing pigeon and with an aggressive crop and pretty impressed with the results...next to check in the landscape and woodlands.

 

[evacguy]

Trying out the new 2.0X TC with the GM 70-200mm f2.8 OSS II. I'm loving the greater reach. And the macro shots of the flower are insane! It is probably my imagination, but I'm not convinced the images are as sharp as my previous images with just with the GM 70-200mm?

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II + 2X Teleconverter
• 400.0 mm
• ƒ/5.6
• 1/500 sec
• ISO 250

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II + 2X Teleconverter
• 370.0 mm
• ƒ/11
• 1/400 sec
• ISO 320

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II + 2X Teleconverter
• 400.0 mm
• ƒ/6.3
• 1/500 sec
• ISO 100

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II + 2X Teleconverter
• 400.0 mm
• ƒ/6.3
• 1/500 sec
• ISO 250

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II + 2X Teleconverter
• 334.0 mm
• ƒ/5.6
• 1/400 sec
• ISO 125

• ILCE-7M4
• FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II + 2X Teleconverter
• 334.0 mm
• ƒ/5.6
• 1/400 sec
• ISO 125

 

[Landshark99]

You usually will lose a little resolution with a 2x teleconverter, but it also give you a lot of extra utility, nice

 

[AlphaWorld]

Trying out the new 2.0X TC with the GM 70-200mm f2.8 OSS II. I'm loving the greater reach. And the macro shots of the flower are insane! It is probably my imagination, but I'm not convinced the images are as sharp as my previous images with just with the GM 70-200mm?View attachment 47249View attachment 47250View attachment 47251View attachment 47252View attachment 47253View attachment 47254

judging by my experience, and comments from others, there is some variation in the 2x. I got a good one, and by the looks of those shots, you may have, too. But yes, there is always some degradation, because you are basically blowing up the centre of the lens, so any aberrations in that area show up twice as big.

 

[Landshark99]

Well I am pretty sure I am going to cancel my order for the A7CR, the lack of a joy stick even with the great AI AF, makes me not see any real advantage over just using my RX1RII for what I wanted it for, espically now that I know Sony Pro Services can clean the sensor in a few days. Still on the fence if I sell my Sony GM 100-400, the main reason I keep it is it fits in the travel bag with the other stuff, the 200-600 has to ride in its own bag. But I just keep thinking the GMII F2.8 70-200 and the TC1.4 almost the same and keep the 200-600 for those rare times I need some longer. Rambling thoughts

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

Well, as the resident cheapskate, I didn't buy a new lens or body, I bought... (cue drum roll)
Step-up rings to use my polarizer on my 30mm macro lens.
I tried, with much annoyance, to use my 67mm CPL on my 49mm threaded lens last time I took a stroll in the garden. Eventually I got fingerprints on the CPL and vowed to get the right tools for the job next time.

 

[alexpler]

Trying out the new 2.0X TC with the GM 70-200mm f2.8 OSS II. I'm loving the greater reach. And the macro shots of the flower are insane! It is probably my imagination, but I'm not convinced the images are as sharp as my previous images with just with the GM 70-200mm?View attachment 47249View attachment 47250View attachment 47251View attachment 47252View attachment 47253View attachment 47254

Ed, these shots are really good. Great purchase.

 

[evacguy]

Ed, these shots are really good. Great purchase.

Thanks Alex, so far I'm really happy with it, but I need to do more testing and some more challening subjects, such as bird in flight?

 

[cdd29]

Since the thread doesn't say specifically what Sony related item you bought, I'll chime in. Just ordered a black & white converted (debayered) Pentax camera. Won't arrive til the probably this weekend, but should be an interesting experiment.

 

[AlphaWorld]

Since the thread doesn't say specifically what Sony related item you bought, I'll chime in. Just ordered a black & white converted (debayered) Pentax camera. Won't arrive til the probably this weekend, but should be an interesting experiment.

No need to excuse yourself - people talk here about bags and tripods and filters - none of them Sony.

 

[Landshark99]

while waiting for my 16-35 to ship, i keep wondering about getting the 135mm F1.8 GM I had the Zeiss Batis 135 F2.8 great lens, so I like the focal length. Just to have something a little smaller and faster than just the 70-200 for a walk around tele.. Just wondering

 

[liggy]

while waiting for my 16-35 to ship, i keep wondering about getting the 135mm F1.8 GM I had the Zeiss Batis 135 F2.8 great lens, so I like the focal length. Just to have something a little smaller and faster than just the 70-200 for a walk around tele.. Just wondering

I’d take a look at the Samyang 135 1.8
Beautiful rendering at a fraction of the cost of the GM. Only downside is the af isn’t as good.

 

[evacguy]

I’d take a look at the Samyang 135 1.8
Beautiful rendering at a fraction of the cost of the GM. Only downside is the af isn’t as good.

I agree, if you are contemplating a 135mm, I'd consider the newish Samyang 135mm f1.8. I've been thinking about this lens for some time, its much cheaper than the Sony (currently discounted in the UK to UK£718), and from all reports its pretty dang good. But going to your original point, if you have the 70-200 GM II f2.8, I'm not sure why you would need a 135mm? The 70-200mm is not very large, its light and is easy to carry. So for portablity I'm not sure you're getting much advantage from the 135 mm (but yes its shorter and lighter). The 135mm is f1.8, and so you may want/need that compared to the f2.8? One of the reasons I'm interested in this lens is that it is a prime and at f1.8 reasonably fast. I was thinking of using it for night/astrophotography. The earlier version of the Samyang 135 (not auto focus and f2) was considered one of the best camera lenses for deep sky astro.

 

[Brownie]

I agree, if you are contemplating a 135mm, I'd consider the newish Samyang 135mm f1.8. I've been thinking about this lens for some time, its much cheaper than the Sony (currently discounted in the UK to UK£718), and from all reports its pretty dang good. But going to your original point, if you have the 70-200 GM II f2.8, I'm not sure why you would need a 135mm? The 70-200mm is not very large, its light and is easy to carry. So for portablity I'm not sure you're getting much advantage from the 135 mm (but yes its shorter and lighter). The 135mm is f1.8, and so you may want/need that compared to the f2.8? One of the reasons I'm interested in this lens is that it is a prime and at f1.8 reasonably fast. I was thinking of using it for night/astrophotography. The earlier version of the Samyang 135 (not auto focus and f2) was considered one of the best camera lenses for deep sky astro.

You contradicted your own point. You would need the 135/1.8 because it's 1-1/3 stops faster. That would be the same difference between ISO 12800 and ISO 4000-6000 or so.

I have the Samyang (Rokinon), no reason to buy anything more. I bought it on sale for $799 US, they had it up during Amazon Prime days for under $500.

 

[Brownie]

I’d take a look at the Samyang 135 1.8
Beautiful rendering at a fraction of the cost of the GM. Only downside is the af isn’t as good.

Must depend on what you're using it for. It has no problem delivering drag racing at night.

A7 IV Rokinon 135/1.8 1/1000 ISO 3200
DSC06033 by Shotglass Photo, on Flickr

 

[evacguy]

You contradicted your own point. You would need the 135/1.8 because it's 1-1/3 stops faster. That would be the same difference between ISO 12800 and ISO 4000-6000 or so.

I have the Samyang (Rokinon), no reason to buy anything more. I bought it on sale for $799 US, they had it up during Amazon Prime days for under $500.

Hi Tim, I don't think I've contradicting myself. I accept the 135/1.8 is faster than the 70-200mm/2.8, that is obvious, the question is do you need the difference between f2.8 and f1.8 for your photography?. For most of my photography I don't, but liggy may, that's why I said he may want the faster lens. One of the reasons I was interested in the 135/1.8 was for very specialist photography (astrophotography) where I do want the faster lens, but for 99% of my current photographic needs, I don't.

 

[Brownie]

Hi Tim, I don't think I've contradicting myself. I accept the 135/1.8 is faster than the 70-200mm/2.8, that is obvious, the question is do you need the difference between f2.8 and f1.8 for your photography?. For most of my photography I don't, but liggy may, that's why I said he may want the faster lens. One of the reasons I was interested in the 135/1.8 was for very specialist photography (astrophotography) where I do want the faster lens, but for 99% of my current photographic needs, I don't.

From your post:

But going to your original point, if you have the 70-200 GM II f2.8, I'm not sure why you would need a 135mm?

One of the reasons I'm interested in this lens is that it is a prime and at f1.8 reasonably fast

So, maybe not contradicting, but you certainly answered your own question.

It's faster.

Anytime I can drop from ISO 12,800 to 4,000...hell yes that's worth it.

 

[evacguy]

From your post:



So, maybe not contradicting, but you certainly answered your own question.

It's faster.

Anytime I can drop from ISO 12,800 to 4,000...hell yes that's worth it.

Totally agree. However, apart from astro, my typical photography, at least up to now, does not get into those type of ISOs. Even with astro, I'm shooting in the ISO 100 to 400 range, but with loooooooooooooong exposures, so a faster lens is always welcome for that, hence my interest in the 135/1.8. But I'm sure I'd also find a good use for it in my other photograph.

 

[liggy]

Great shot, Brownie. I have both the Sammy 135 and the GM II 70-200 and the GM af is ridiculously good. Being honest - I'm not that great an action shooter but a car is a rather large subject and not too difficult to capture in motion.

I shot these with the even slower af Tamron 70-180.

A small bird flying erratically is another matter. The GM is demonstrably better for that job and I'd rather have a zoom for moving subjects regardless.
That said - if you need 1.8 the Samyang/Rokinon is a great option. Creamy bokeh and sharp and on sale it's an incredible value. That is one of the reasons I went with the Rokinon vs. the GM 135. I don't use it that often but when you need it - you need it.

@evacguy - pretty sure the Sammy has some kind of dedicated astro mode so it might be right up your alley. Obviously I haven't used it for that job but I do recall seeing something about it.

• ILCE-9M2
• E 70-180mm F2.8 A056
• 146.0 mm
• ƒ/7.1
• 1/80 sec
• ISO 100

• ILCE-9M2
• E 70-180mm F2.8 A056
• 103.0 mm
• ƒ/10
• 1/125 sec
• ISO 100

 

[Brownie]

Great shot, Brownie. I have both the Sammy 135 and the GM II 70-200 and the GM af is ridiculously good. Being honest - I'm not that great an action shooter but a car is a rather large subject and not too difficult to capture in motion.

I shot these with the even slower af Tamron 70-180.

A small bird flying erratically is another matter. The GM is demonstrably better for that job and I'd rather have a zoom for moving subjects regardless.
That said - if you need 1.8 the Samyang/Rokinon is a great option. Creamy bokeh and sharp and on sale it's an incredible value.View attachment 47547View attachment 47548

Depends on location. it's an easy task shooting from the stands. Not so much when it's 25' away. I'd agree about birds, but is a 135 a birding lens?


DSC02358 by Shotglass Photo, on Flickr

 

[liggy]

Well done, @Brownie!

Honestly - neither 135 or 70-200 are legit birding lenses imo. I just think the af is insanely great on the GM II and pretty good on the Samyang 135 1.8.

But yep - 1.8 is clearly useful. I couldn't justify the premium that the 135 GM commands over the Sammy given that in that focal length 90% of the time I'd be grabbing the 70-200 first.

 

[Landshark99]

Well sitting at my computer and while reducing some inventory from another expensive hobby, looking to see that B&H will be closed next week and if now it will ship to my by Monday. I sent in the order for the Sony Fe 135mm F1.8 GM, Monday will now be a two lenses day. As to the question of need already owning a 70mm-200 F2.8 GMII, probably not, but one only lives once. I love that focal length in a prime, the speed is great and for walking around even though it is no much lighter than the zoom it is much shorter, which means a smaller bag to carry, two cameras with lenses in the field for walks. On the camera size comparison web site the funny thing is without hoods the 135, 24-70 and 16-35 are almost the same length.The only birds I shoot have to step in front of my lens for a portrait. I love the 70-200 and will still more than likely use it more but is nice to know I have options.

 

[Landshark99]

and speaking of size here is one of the reason I decided to cancel my A7CR order with my RX1R

II working well, iwould gain somethings with A7Cr but to even get close in size a longer lens 2/3s of stop slower for the same money already into the RX1RII. I will just keep hoping that they come out with RX1RIII

 

[Landshark99]

speaking of equipment I will be selling my 100-400 to KEH next week probably, if any one here needs one, let me know soon, it has been used sparingly, in great shape

 

[Clix Pix]

while waiting for my 16-35 to ship, i keep wondering about getting the 135mm F1.8 GM I had the Zeiss Batis 135 F2.8 great lens, so I like the focal length. Just to have something a little smaller and faster than just the 70-200 for a walk around tele.. Just wondering

I have the wonderful 135mm f/1.8 GM and it's a jewel..... It was one of the first lenses I bought back in late 2019 when making the switch from Nikon and I don't regret it at all. Gorgeous lens! Always steps right up to the plate and does what I ask of it! Speaking of Nikon, I notice they're now finally promoting their own Z series 135mm f/1.8, gee, only three years later....

Still mulling over the A7CR, but realistically, I know I'll be getting it eventually.

 

[Landshark99]

I have the wonderful 135mm f/1.8 GM and it's a jewel..... It was one of the first lenses I bought back in late 2019 when making the switch from Nikon and I don't regret it at all. Gorgeous lens! Always steps right to the plate and does what I ask of it! Speaking of Nikon, I notice they're now finally promoting their own Z series 135mm f/1.8, gee, only three years later....

Still mulling over the A7CR, but realistically, I know I'll be getting it eventually.

cool , when my RX1RII no longer works for I will reorder that A7CR

 

[AlphaWorld]

I have the wonderful 135mm f/1.8 GM and it's a jewel..... It was one of the first lenses I bought back in late 2019 when making the switch from Nikon and I don't regret it at all. Gorgeous lens! Always steps right up to the plate and does what I ask of it! Speaking of Nikon, I notice they're now finally promoting their own Z series 135mm f/1.8, gee, only three years later....

Still mulling over the A7CR, but realistically, I know I'll be getting it eventually.

The 135 GM arrived in 2019, the Nikon version in 2023 - that makes it 4 years later, surely?

 

[Clix Pix]

Gee, time passes quickly! Yep, we are now pretty much four years away from 2019......

 

[Landshark99]

well the 135mm F1.8 GM and 16-35 F2.8 GM II both showed up today, and they are going to be great. Now I can put the A1 with 135 and the RV with 16-35 both with lenses mounted in my sling bag. The 70-200 was just too long, which that set up will go in the retro shoulder bag, so all good. The 100-400 will be sold by the end of the week to someone here or off to the camera store. Now wondering if I still need all three of these primes, the 24mm f1.4 GM, the 20mmF1.8 G and the 14mm F1.8 GM, I love the 24 but in a way I will now have three 24s although the prime is two stops faster and light. The 20 is a nice lens but will i use it now having the zoom and th1 14 is really not that much wider than 16. I guess I will just have to see how much they all geyt used in the coming months. So I tried out both lens in the backyard today, liking them a lot.

• ILCE-1
• Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM (SEL135F18GM)
• 135.0 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/3200 sec
• ISO 100

• ILCE-1
• Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM (SEL135F18GM)
• 135.0 mm
• ƒ/3.5
• 1/3200 sec
• ISO 320

• ILCE-7RM5
• FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
• 16.0 mm
• ƒ/5.6
• 1/400 sec
• ISO 1250

• ILCE-7RM5
• FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
• 16.0 mm
• ƒ/5.6
• 1/50 sec
• ISO 400