Tim Williams
All-Pro
- Location
- Central Florida
- Name
- Tim Williams
I've been kicking this around as I have a full bag of Minolta glass. I don't know which body to get but thinking about it.
I have the A7 II - and it's a nice enough camera, but just be aware of the fact that it's considerably (IMO) bulkier than the A7. If size and weight of the combo are important to you, the A7 may fit the bill even better than the A7 II. Having I.B.I.S. is nice - especially since the shutter on the A7 is raucous, the one on the A7 II a bit less so, but still loud and far from well dampened. I like the A7 II because it's an even more desirable platform for adapting lenses - but I've caught myself contemplating getting an A7 because of the size difference. But I'll not put any more money in the Sony FE system ...Reopening this thread. I ended up getting a really nice used A7 and the Samyang 35. Nice combo and I like using it. It's like the RX1 I had with a slower lens but a nice EVF. Given that I'm only using normal/wides on this body (teles on fuji or mu43) the lack of IBIS had been not real problem. I'm still looking at the A7II because it's only $900 new and even cheaper used, but from what I've read the IQ is the same as the A7 and their is only a small improvement in performance. I can't even formulate a question here, I'm just musing about the cheap A7ii out there. I gave the A7R a look, but that's still expensive.
Reopening this thread. I ended up getting a really nice used A7 and the Samyang 35. Nice combo and I like using it. It's like the RX1 I had with a slower lens but a nice EVF. Given that I'm only using normal/wides on this body (teles on fuji or mu43) the lack of IBIS had been not real problem. I'm still looking at the A7II because it's only $900 new and even cheaper used, but from what I've read the IQ is the same as the A7 and their is only a small improvement in performance. I can't even formulate a question here, I'm just musing about the cheap A7ii out there. I gave the A7R a look, but that's still expensive.
The size and weight was one reason I got the A7 over the A7 ii. With the Sanyang 35, it's a small package that does streetshooter-style work. The mount looks metal, however. It was used, so maybe it had been replaced. To be honest, the low light noise is not noticeably better than the XE3 or the XH1. At best it might have been a stop, and I'm seeing less than that. This shutter is indeed "raucous" and I have to try not to laugh when I hear it go off. I still kinda like it, however, as a mock fixed lens camera. I think the A7 II is really just gas, and I might be better off getting the 56 for the Fujis if I feel the urge to spend. Always good to talk it out, guys.
Oh, the irony. I sold a bunch of stuff and bought an A7R ii for $1500. I thought I would at least post it and give you folks a laugh.I'm looking at the Samyang 35 2.8. It's fairly cheap but gets good ratings optically. I just don't want to invest $1500 in a "cheap, fun" FF system. I've also debated going manual focus. I realized later that even though I said no experience I did have an RX1 I got from Luke. I liked the results but no EVF was a dealbreaker.
Oh, the irony. I sold a bunch of stuff and bought an A7R ii for $1500. I thought I would at least post it and give you folks a laugh.