Photo sharing: Sony Alpha

[havoc315]

Also Sony 50mm f/1.4 versus Sigma 50mm F/1.4, what is your take on the two? They are relatively close in price new

Looked them up on Dyxum to satisfy my own curiosity...
The Sigma is much heavier, more than twice the weight. So if you want to keep down the size and weight, it would be in Sony's favor.

BUT -- The Sigma version has HSM. So you get silent focus -- If you want to do auto-focus video with the lens, that would go in Sigma's favor.

With the Sony, the A99 will support AF-D, DMF, and in camera lens corrections.
With the Sigma, the A99 should support DMF I believe. Not AF-D and not in camera lens corrections.

In terms of IQ, the Sigma is better rated. Though in real world shots, I really don't know if you will see much of a difference.

So Sigma -- silent focus and slightly higher IQ.
Sony version -- Full A99 product support, and a lighter lens.

The Minolta version should be optically the same as the Sony version. I'm guessing you can find the Minolta version for about $100 less than the Sony version. It would support DMF, but will not support in camera lens corrections or AF-D mode. (Despite being identical to the Sony lens).

So save a bit of money and get the Minolta..
Spend a little more for the Sony, and get full A99 support..
Or give up A99 support, to get silent focus and a slightly better image quality.

Kurt Munger did a side by side of the Sigma versus Sony: http://kurtmunger.com/sigma_50mm_f_1_4_hsmid174.html

You can also see the lenses side --- The Sigma is MUCH bigger than the Sony. They both have similar sharpness at around 5.6... But at larger apertures, the Sigma definitely out-performs the Sony. Corners are weak wide open on both lenses, but better on the Sigma. Centers are sharp on the Sigma from f2 and smaller... On the Sony, you need to stop down to 2.8 before they get sharp. By the time you reach 5.6, the Sony catches up. Mid-sections on the Sigma get sharp at 2.8.. on the Sony, you need F4.

Remember, this is all when pixel peeping. I'd take it into consideration, but for me -- the bigger factors would be lens size, the A99 support, price, and whether you need silent focus.

I can't answer the "if it was me" because I don't really use a super low light lens. I have the 50/1.7... which is dirty cheap and "acceptable" -- But I rarely shoot in such low light. (It would be good enough for my once every three year trip to Disney World and a few dark ride pics).

My 50mm "walk around" lens is the Minolta 2.8 macro which I love. But it obviously isn't anywhere near as fast as the 1.4.

If you want to use this as a "walk around" lens, and you don't plan on doing much video, I guess I'd take the Sony version. It may be worth losing a tiny bit of IQ in order to gain AF-D support (which will help you keep focus on those dark rides), lens corrections (if you shoot jpeg), and a smaller lighter total package.

If I was planning on using the lens for video, or using the lens for critical corner to corner shots, then I'd go with the Sigma. (Though for dark ride shots, are you really going to be super concerned about corner sharpness? Your corners are often going to be black anyway).

 

[Hockeyman]

Seeing those side by shot comparisons and the difference between the two at f/1.4 I will be going with the Sigma for sure.

Id rather have better IQ that the full A99 support

 

[havoc315]

Seeing those side by shot comparisons and the difference between the two at f/1.4 I will be going with the Sigma for sure.

Id rather have better IQ that the full A99 support

Just remember those are close crops. It's not an easy decision but I would agree that you'll get more "perfect" shots with the Sigma. And while the Sigma is much heavier than the Sony, isn't not exactly a huge lens. Maybe big for a prime, but still smaller than a zoom.

I'm looking forward to seeing you actually get your camera and start shooting. Let's start filling this thread with A99 shots.... You have Disney World coming up. I have a Disney cruise in 7 months..... So we have a chance for some "on topic" posting. (Now, do I dare bring my A99 to the beach..... hmmmmm)

Have you decided what to do about wide angle?

 

[Hockeyman]

Just remember those are close crops. It's not an easy decision but I would agree that you'll get more "perfect" shots with the Sigma. And while the Sigma is much heavier than the Sony, isn't not exactly a huge lens. Maybe big for a prime, but still smaller than a zoom.

I'm looking forward to seeing you actually get your camera and start shooting. Let's start filling this thread with A99 shots.... You have Disney World coming up. I have a Disney cruise in 7 months..... So we have a chance for some "on topic" posting. (Now, do I dare bring my A99 to the beach..... hmmmmm)

Have you decided what to do about wide angle?

I have been looking forward to this for two years and seeing what I can pull with the A99. So looking forward to filling this thread with our shots.

Not sure about the wide angle yet. If im able to get the body, the 50mm and a 24 zoom ill be happy. Those 3 things are my expectations right now and although a UW would be nice its something I would have no problem waiting another year for. But you never know what can happen with an itchy trigger finger and Amazon/Ebay Plus after taxes in Feb i get my bonus in March so that might justify another lens purchase hahaha

Ive brought my A55 to the beach a few times (with kids witch is like a double whammy) and turned out pretty well. Only thing I worry about is someone running away with my stuff while im in the water

 

[havoc315]

I have been looking forward to this for two years and seeing what I can pull with the A99. So looking forward to filling this thread with our shots.

Not sure about the wide angle yet. If im able to get the body, the 50mm and a 24 zoom ill be happy. Those 3 things are my expectations right now and although a UW would be nice its something I would have no problem waiting another year for. But you never know what can happen with an itchy trigger finger and Amazon/Ebay Plus after taxes in Feb i get my bonus in March so that might justify another lens purchase hahaha

Ive brought my A55 to the beach a few times (with kids witch is like a double whammy) and turned out pretty well. Only thing I worry about is someone running away with my stuff while im in the water

In theory, the weather sealing on the A99 makes it safer for the beach than the A55....

But yeah, the bigger issue is my own freedom to go in the water. In Bermuda, I left the A55 behind, and took the RX100 to the beach so: 1.. wouldn't have to change lenses, and 2.... I could discreetly tuck away the camera with my belonging if I went into the water. Can't be discreet with the A99.

For our day at the Disney private island, I'm hoping my group rents a private cabana.... I'm not pushing too hard for it. (Hey... we should all spend extra money so I can get a safe to lock my camera in while I go in the water!)

I suppose if I'm planning on bringing the A99 to the beach, I'll have to get ultrawide before then. I found ultrawide very useful on a beach/cruise vacation... Especially getting pictures of the cruise ship from up close.

... ok, so I have until August to get something 24mm or wider. (It's not the best lens on earth, but Kurt Munger likes the Minolta 17-35(d) and the price isn't horrible at around $300).

 

[havoc315]

untitled-89-Edit-Edit-Edit.jpg by Havoc315, on Flickr

(ISO 12800 ---- Taken from far across the gym, slightly cropped.... and noise reduction through Topaz DeNoise)

 

[Hockeyman]

We took the kids to the fair today in what was probably one of the last outings Ill be having with my A55. Its been a rough week and a half for me while I was battling pneumonia so today was really the first time going out and doing any thing like this in the past two weeks so right off the bat wasn't feeling too hot and not sure if it played a part but wasn't really feeling it in the photography sense either. But anyways, did come up with a few fun family shots ill share.


Jenn and Cass at the Fair by Mike Sperduto, on Flickr

 

[havoc315]

We took the kids to the fair today in what was probably one of the last outings Ill be having with my A55. Its been a rough week and a half for me while I was battling pneumonia so today was really the first time going out and doing any thing like this in the past two weeks so right off the bat wasn't feeling too hot and not sure if it played a part but wasn't really feeling it in the photography sense either. But anyways, did come up with a few fun family shots ill share.


Jenn and Cass at the Fair by Mike Sperduto, on Flickr

Fun shot. Hope you're feeling better.

 

[Hockeyman]

Wooh That's a Big Nose by Mike Sperduto, on Flickr

 

[HPS3]

Cute shots Mike! I guess I'll be seeing an A99 next month?

I can't wait to see the size compared to my XE2.

 

[havoc315]

Cute shots Mike! I guess I'll be seeing an A99 next month?

I can't wait to see the size compared to my XE2.

Dpreviews scene comparison tool has the XE2... I was a bit floored by the high ISO of the sensor, it looked like it was matching FF sensors. The 2 of you might need to have a low light contest.

Btw, what do you use for noise reduction? I had been mostly using Lightroom but realized my super high ISO pics looked much better after Topaz Denoise. (Such as the gymnastics pic above )

 

[HPS3]

Dpreviews scene comparison tool has the XE2... I was a bit floored by the high ISO of the sensor, it looked like it was matching FF sensors. The 2 of you might need to have a low light contest.

Btw, what do you use for noise reduction? I had been mostly using Lightroom but realized my super high ISO pics looked much better after Topaz Denoise. (Such as the gymnastics pic above )

I've been using LR, but it's pretty bad with Fuji RAF files. I have downloaded Capture One trial version to test it. It is excellent with the Fuji files. I am just so used to working in LR that I'm lost in CO.

I hear Topaz Denoise is awesome and have also heard good things about Photo Ninja.

The XE2 raw files at 6400 rival those from the A7 when I compared them myself. I even sent Mike some raw files to check out. The only problem is that the XE2 caps out at 6400 in RAW. Above that is just camera amplifying for the Jpegs.

 

[HPS3]

Hey Havoc, you also have to remember that the real files look much better than DXO shows because their software doesn't do the files justice either. I wish Fuji would release their algorithm so LR can handle the files better. When I open a raw file in LR they look soft and overexposed compared to what I see on the camera. The histogram on the camera does not match LR when imported. I don't know how to explain it better. Capture One files look crisp and accurate. I just need to learn the software. And I just upgraded to LR5.3......darn!

 

[havoc315]

Hey Havoc, you also have to remember that the real files look much better than DXO shows because their software doesn't do the files justice either. I wish Fuji would release their algorithm so LR can handle the files better. When I open a raw file in LR they look soft and overexposed compared to what I see on the camera. The histogram on the camera does not match LR when imported. I don't know how to explain it better. Capture One files look crisp and accurate. I just need to learn the software. And I just upgraded to LR5.3......darn!

It appears that Fuji essentially applies some noise reduction inherently to the Raw files but one can't argue with the results.

Though I really am trying to train myself to stop pixel peeping. Once I accept that a full screen or 8x10 image will appear crisp and noise free, I need to stop caring whether a 100% blowup may be a tad soft or noisy, then I can happily enjoy far more shots as keepers.

 

[HPS3]

I'm not a pixel peeper. I rarely apply much NR. The only reduction I do is for color noise. I find the Fuji has pretty much no color noise and to me that's why it looks so good. It has fine grain and no blotchy patches.

 

[havoc315]

I'm not a pixel peeper. I rarely apply much NR. The only reduction I do is for color noise. I find the Fuji has pretty much no color noise and to me that's why it looks so good. It has fine grain and no blotchy patches.

Forget where I read it, but apparently as part of the demosaicing (or sonething like that), the fuji is performing chroma noise reduction.
Again, who really cares about the process, results are great.

From the comparisons I've seen, it rivals full frames for noise, though full frames preserve better detail. All in a compact package for under $1,000.

How's the focus speed? I know that was the gripe over the earlier model.

If they stick to their lens roadmap, it should become quite a formidable system.

 

[HPS3]

Havoc, the focus was better than the A7 when I had them together. In dim light, the A7 really hunts. In good light they are pretty much equal. Continuous focus is pretty worthless in both when compared to any DSLR. In single focus mode, I'll take a mirrorless any day over a DSLR just because of accuracy. I was so tired of having back or front focus issues and having to use micro adjust. With the DSLR I found myself chimping to just check focus.

 

[Hockeyman]

You guys know where I can find an eye cup for my A55. The thing was always falling off and last time it did I picked it up and put it somewhere but have no clue where it is. Seems like Amazon and Ebay are out of stock and one place has it for $30 but seems a little extreme.

 

[havoc315]

You guys know where I can find an eye cup for my A55. The thing was always falling off and last time it did I picked it up and put it somewhere but have no clue where it is. Seems like Amazon and Ebay are out of stock and one place has it for $30 but seems a little extreme.

No clue. I'd just sell it with the note that the eye cup is a bit loose. It will cost you more to replace it, than it will enhance the re-sale value.

Seems body only, it's been going for around $250. The Tamron 17-50 has been going for $200-$250. Maybe sell them together as an upgraded kit, and realistically hope for $500. You may want to try the dyxum board instead of eBay at first, to save on eBay fees.

 

[HPS3]

Mike, have you looked at Fredmiranda or DPReview for sale section? I wouldn't replace it either. Just list the eyecup as missing when you post it. Mike, if you want to text me the info and asking price I'll post it on Fredmiranda. That way you don't have to pay for any seller membership.