Sony I was bored and now I own a Sony a7ii...oops

Casey

Veteran
Location
Atlanta, GA
Name
Casey
I was recently bored, and something happened as a result. That thing was a Sony a7ii with a kit lens (28-70mm). I'm really happy with it!

My complete rig as of late was a daily carry Ricoh GR II (love it!) and a Canon 6d (not in love with it for some reason) with 50mm 1.8 STM, 17-40mm f4L and some old FD glass.

Now, the 6d might be going bye bye and the Canon glass will be adapted to work on the a7ii. I can't wait to run my cheap 50mm on it, and my main 17-40mm.

6d for sale on the cheap, and a7ii is looking very promising. I don't I can justify keeping both bodies right now.

I had a Sony RX1 for a while and sold it, which I regret almost daily. I was about to go back to the Fuji side but I was having a really hard time deciding between an x100f (which I still might need), an xt20 or an xt2. In the end, I'm happy with the Sony. The only thing I can complain about is battery life, but that was the same for Fuji stuff and I realize it really isn't all that big of an issue.

So far I've spent about 5 minutes with the a7ii since buying it a few days ago, but I'm happy.

32592666715_84053863c1_b.jpg
Untitled
by cxcxsx, on Flickr

32439798942_2c40e2d4bb_b.jpg
Untitled
by cxcxsx, on Flickr

32439781792_15083a031c_b.jpg
Untitled
by cxcxsx, on Flickr
 
For some reason I just never bonded with the 6d even though I had to have it.

It's odd. I respect it and really do think the 6d is capable well beyond my skills, I'm just not that happy with Canon colors it seems. I could be making excuses, but that is the only thing I can come up with.
 
For some reason I just never bonded with the 6d even though I had to have it.

It's odd. I respect it and really do think the 6d is capable well beyond my skills, I'm just not that happy with Canon colors it seems. I could be making excuses, but that is the only thing I can come up with.

It's the size isn't it? I went through a similar thing to you but ended up with a used D800E and X-T1 as bodies to utilize some super lenses. The DSLR's huge and isn't fun used every day, but as I got it on the basis of using it for landscapes only and only on weekends when I have time to set aside, then all's good. There has to be a reason for it, otherwise yes, I can see your reasons for dumping the 6D.
 
It's the size isn't it? I went through a similar thing to you but ended up with a used D800E and X-T1 as bodies to utilize some super lenses. The DSLR's huge and isn't fun used every day, but as I got it on the basis of using it for landscapes only and only on weekends when I have time to set aside, then all's good. There has to be a reason for it, otherwise yes, I can see your reasons for dumping the 6D.

It probably is a mix of the size and after my love affair a few years ago Fuji and going mirrorless, I think I just really dug the ease of adapting lenses and the compact size of my XT1.

The Sony to me just seems like a full frame XT1 so I guess the connection makes some sense. Can't wait to put my Canon glass on it this upcoming weekend.
 
Love those shots, especially the colour cactus, its beautiful! Now, GAS again.
Thanks! I cannot wait to spend time with it this weekend. I love the OOC jpegs with the this thing. Just like when I had my RX1.

This weekend I'll be running my 50mm 1.8 STM and 17-40mm f4 L on it and I'm pretty excited.
 
Rose doesn't understand it yet.

32213414950_aea6121ed1_o.jpg
Join to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
 
It happened...the 6d is now gone! Time to start adapting lenses on the Sony!

I currently have a 5D and a handful of lenses, and I'm 'considering':eek-54: an A7II, but I'm still trying to assess whether this is the right way to go.

I'd be interested to know which adapter you've chosen (and why), and also your experiences with each EF lens that you own. In particular, how each lens works with the Sony (and/or the adapter) in various ways... optically, mechanically, and in-use. TIA.
 
Long day at work but I managed to get in and play with the Fotodiox adaptor a little. So far I'm happy to report that it communicates just fine with my EF lenses, and my 200mm 2.8 FD is great with the focus peaking and stabilization. That lens was barely usable on my 6d for my needs, but on the Sony it is a dream.

It's not as fast to grab focus indoors and in the dark where the 6d did outshine it, but it's actually not that far behind from what I'm seeing. I think the nifty fifty is going to get a lot of use this weekend.

Sitting at a red light, and through filthy windows...the kit lens doesn't bother me at all
31881264323_76d65bf281_b.jpg
_DSC0090
by cxcxsx, on Flickr
 
Sony's A7 series are great cameras indeed. A lot of great features and excellent IQ.

I actually bought a used A7II to run alongside my 6D for a while as well. It was a great camera, but I couldn't quite take the plunge to switch just yet.

Liked the smaller size (although not that much smaller), EVF WYSIWYG, and built in IS.

Didn't love the colours, as I find the Canon more pleasing, and the menus were cumbersome for sure.

But, what really turned me off was all the beautiful high end Sony/Zeiss glass that was available and would be a constant temptation. It would break my bank account and likely my marriage too! ;) So, in the end, I decided to sell the Sony and stick with what I had (for now).

Regarding adapters with the EF glass, I did use the Sigma MC-11 during the time I had the A7II and found it to be very good at AFing my Canon lenses. Sure, it was native fast, but it was more that accurate for most photography types with the exception of sports and other action type captures.
 
I currently have a 5D and a handful of lenses, and I'm 'considering':eek-54: an A7II, but I'm still trying to assess whether this is the right way to go.

I'd be interested to know which adapter you've chosen (and why), and also your experiences with each EF lens that you own. In particular, how each lens works with the Sony (and/or the adapter) in various ways... optically, mechanically, and in-use. TIA.

I will add this from tonights tinkering:

With the 50mm 1.8 STM mounted via the adaptor, there were very few things that cause the AF to hunt. Mostly flat and dull surfaces caused the hunting, but for everything thing else it was pretty dang peppy. Shooting inside at 11pm here with only a few random lamps on was pretty successful. The stabilization is something to be very happy about. I could shoot at 1600, 1.8 and 1/4" sec handheld and get no blur or wobble at all.

Stepped out back and faced the woods, cranked it to 6400, 1.8 and it grabbed center focus fast on the black wood line, and while a dull shot, it was usable. So, I think over the weekend I'm going to see how it handles everyday random snaps and I'm guessing I'm not going to have much to complain about. It's barely any bigger than my rx1 gripped setup.

Another fun thing, is the in cameras dynamic (HDR stacked) b&w. Handheld inside in the dark, and I was getting pretty great results with next to no lighting.

I will also be giving the kit 24-80mm a fair shot as I feel like it really is a decent lens and I don't want to feel like I can't make use of that FL. 28mm has been my jam recently given how much love the GR has been getting.
 
With the 50mm 1.8 STM mounted via the adaptor, there were very few things that cause the AF to hunt. Mostly flat and dull surfaces caused the hunting, but for everything thing else it was pretty dang peppy. Shooting inside at 11pm here with only a few random lamps on was pretty successful. The stabilization is something to be very happy about. I could shoot at 1600, 1.8 and 1/4" sec handheld and get no blur or wobble at all.

Stepped out back and faced the woods, cranked it to 6400, 1.8 and it grabbed center focus fast on the black wood line, and while a dull shot, it was usable. So, I think over the weekend I'm going to see how it handles everyday random snaps and I'm guessing I'm not going to have much to complain about. It's barely any bigger than my rx1 gripped setup.

Another fun thing, is the in cameras dynamic (HDR stacked) b&w. Handheld inside in the dark, and I was getting pretty great results with next to no lighting.

I will also be giving the kit 24-80mm a fair shot as I feel like it really is a decent lens and I don't want to feel like I can't make use of that FL. 28mm has been my jam recently given how much love the GR has been getting.

Many thanks for the write-up on this - it looks as though you've struck gold! (y)

Regarding the 50mm, mine is the f/1.8 MkII (not the STM version), and from what I read, this one doesn't play well when adapted to the Sony. I also have the 85mm f/1.8 and the 400mm f/5.6, which also have some problems in adapted situations. The 40mm pancake is the only lens that I have which seems to work Ok (from what I've read).

Unfortunately, I'm beginning to realise that my particular set of lenses doesn't lend itself to adapting to the Sony cameras, so I need to decide whether to stay put, or migrate entirely to Sony... which would be an expensive exercise.:eek-54: Hmmm... more thinking required!:rolleyes-74:
 
Many thanks for the write-up on this - it looks as though you've struck gold! (y)

Regarding the 50mm, mine is the f/1.8 MkII (not the STM version), and from what I read, this one doesn't play well when adapted to the Sony. I also have the 85mm f/1.8 and the 400mm f/5.6, which also have some problems in adapted situations. The 40mm pancake is the only lens that I have which seems to work Ok (from what I've read).

Unfortunately, I'm beginning to realise that my particular set of lenses doesn't lend itself to adapting to the Sony cameras, so I need to decide whether to stay put, or migrate entirely to Sony... which would be an expensive exercise.:eek-54: Hmmm... more thinking required!:rolleyes-74:
I think I lucked out with my lenses and that I'll be using mostly legacy lenses down the road.

I would get Sony's 50mm 1.8 in a heartbeat if my STM didn't work. Outside of that, I'm not sure if I'll be buying any Sony lenses down the road as the cost is crazy. If the Canon 100mm 2.8 macro will work for me, I might grab that and MAYBE the Sony 28mm. My buddy might have a 70-300mm IS USM I can try with my adaptor as well.
 
I also have the 85mm f/1.8 and the 400mm f/5.6, which also have some problems in adapted situations. The 40mm pancake is the only lens that I have which seems to work Ok (from what I've read).

I found that the 85 1.8 worked very well with the Sigma MC-11. That was the combo I used most when I had the Sony.

Also used the 35mm f2 is, 40mm STM, and 50mm STM lenses with pretty good results. Didn't love the feel of the 24-105 on it though.

Casey, the Sony 28mm is supposed to be a great lens and at a bargain price in the Sony world. Doing what you've done with your GR, I think you'd love it. Won't be nearly as portable though.
 
I found that the 85 1.8 worked very well with the Sigma MC-11. That was the combo I used most when I had the Sony.

Also used the 35mm f2 is, 40mm STM, and 50mm STM lenses with pretty good results. Didn't love the feel of the 24-105 on it though.

Casey, the Sony 28mm is supposed to be a great lens and at a bargain price in the Sony world. Doing what you've done with your GR, I think you'd love it. Won't be nearly as portable though.

I would love to find a deal on the 35mm 2.0 IS USM, but the Sony 28mm is close to being the next choice. It'll be nice to not NEED the adaptor all of the time, and I think you're right about it being my style when the GR has been keeping me happy since day 1. I would sacrifice the portability if it allowed me some similar shots. My IMMEDIATE need, is a few spare batteries and a wall charger. That is today's mission.
 
Back
Top