Dieter Schaefer

<p>http://www.cameramemoryspeed.com/nikon-d810/fastest-sd-cf-card-speed-tests/<br> CF - still faster but also more expensive</p>

<blockquote> <p>(Long-time) Rumor has it that Canon is working on a 12-24 FF zoom...</p> </blockquote> <p>Appears to be an 11-24/4L that was accidentally "leaked" by Canon Germany a few weeks ago. Alleged price of $2900 - plus a Canon FF camera. With 11mm, the OP gets even more coverage than he bargained for - assuming the lens will become reality at some point.</p>

<blockquote> <p>I also never used the zoom</p> </blockquote> <p>So what focal length was it set at? Seems to me that would be the one I'd get as a prime.</p> <blockquote> <p>Olympus 25mm f/1.8</p> </blockquote> <p>It's heavier than your zoom (assuming it's the kit lens that came with the EPL-2). And the Panasonic Lumix 20mm f/1.7 weighs nearly as much as the 14-42. And even with the other options mentioned, you aren't saving more than 50g - I doubt that's even noticeable.</p> <p>Personally, I would find the 14-42 already too limiting - can't imagine taking a prime lens only on a trip to Europe - it would be the antithesis to an "allr-ounder".</p>

<blockquote> <p>what is the difference between 055CLB and 055XB</p> </blockquote> <p>055CLB is the older model but even the 055XB is already discontinued.<br> The Slik, being carbon, is quite a bit lighter - and would be my preference among the three. Can't comment on the panheads as I don't use them.</p> <p> </p>

<blockquote> <p><em>"With the Nikon Internal Focusing (IF) system, as the shooting distance decreases, the focal length also decreases".</em></p> </blockquote> <p>It's actually not that simple - focus breathing can have a variety of reasons - for example, the focal length of the 70-200/2.8 VR (first version) actually<strong> increases</strong> at each setting when the lens is focused closer (at MFD it's actually a ~79-203 as opposed to the ~71-196 it is at infinity). But nonetheless, the magnification decreases slightly - which is taken as an indication that the focal length <strong>decreases</strong>. As is so often the case, what is observed is assigned to the wrong cause - though the real one may only be of academic interest.</p> <p>By contrast, the VRII shows a true reduction in focal length when focused closer - because a totally different focusing system is used than in the first VR version. Yet another one is used in the 200-400 lens. Read more about it here: http://www.pierretoscani.com/echo_telezooms_english.html</p> <blockquote> <p>Take home message: With compensator-shift focusing zooms (70-200 VR II), or zooms with afocal internal focusing system (200-400 VR), no simple relationships connect magnification and focal length, and again, only the definition of the optical system allows accurate calculations.</p> </blockquote>

<p>You could try the Voigtlander Heliar 12mm on a Leica M Typ 240 (live view) or one of the Sony A7 Series bodies - but AFAIK, in either case (possible exception the A7S) I would expect magenta color cast in the corners though.</p> <p>On the other hand, I fail to see that the difference between 13 and 14 mm is so earthshakingly large that one cannot get a satisfactory image with the 14mm and only could produce one with the 13mm lens. After all, the difference in diagonal angle of view is a mere 4 degrees, which equates to stepping one step back when shooting with the 14mm to obtain the same FOV (though not the same perspective of course) than with the 13mm (subject distance of 10 feet assumed).</p> <p>In addition, a 13mm has not sold on ebay about six weeks ago - the reserve price had not been met with a highest bid of $24,500 - so I guess the OP didn't really need that 13mm that badly!</p> <p>(Long-time) Rumor has it that Canon is working on a 12-24 FF zoom...</p>

<p>The A77II is just 6-months old. And the just announced 70-300 is an A-mount lens: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1102010-REG/sony_sal70300g2_70_300mm_f_4_5_5_6_g_ssm.html/BI/2446/KBID/3285">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1102010-REG/sony_sal70300g2_70_300mm_f_4_5_5_6_g_ssm.html/BI/2446/KBID/3285</a><br> The 24-70/2.8 II and 16-35/2.8 II are also A-mount. <br> Not aware of some new E-mount lenses that were just announced - which ones are you referring to? The current roadmap lists the 16-35/4 (now available), the 28-135 (for video, available next month), and the 24-200, 28/2, 35/1.4 and 90/2.8 macro - all of which are supposedly announced/available by the end of 2014 (not much time left).</p>

<p>"Old" lens (35 years) on "new" camera</p><div></div>

<p>"New" lens (for me) on "old" camera</p><div></div>

<p>I have been contemplating the move from Nikon FX to Sony A7 - after having purchased the Sony for use with some manual focus lenses. <br> The Zeiss 16-35 is tempting - and from DxOmark about the same quality as the Nikon 16-35 - but the sparsity of the other lens offerings is holding me back. There's no substitute for my 35/1.4, 85/1.8, 150/2.8 and 300/4, for example. The Sony 70-200/4 feels almost too big on the small camera - and there's no savings at all vs the Nikon version, neither in cost nor in weight. The 24-70 doesn't have enough range for me to be even considered - in particular given it's exorbitant price (Nikon's 24-85/3.5-4.5 VR) costs half as much. $800 for a 35/2.8 - oh please. $1000 for a 55/1.8 - not a focal length I need (if I really wanted a 50mm that expensive, I'd go with the Sigma 50/1.4 for a little less).<br> <br />Battery life on the Sony is poor - I have four spare batteries and feel that's barely adequate - so some of the weight and bulk saved with the smaller body now is countermanded by carrying a bag full of batteries ;-)<br> <br /><br /></p>

<p>I am debating pretty much the same points - whether to replace the 70-200/2.8 with the f/4 version for travel (hauling the f/2.8 around is no fun at all). Or go with the following 4-lens setup: 16-35/4 for the wide stuff, 35/1.4 for shallow DOF, 85/1.8 and 150/2.8 for portraits, and details. Versatility of the latter two seems to be at par with the f/4 zoom - faster and closer on the one hand vs VR and zoom convenience on the other. If I need to restrict myself, then likely the 35 and 150 would be the ones to stay home. </p> <p>I recently added the 24-85 VR to my bag - not sure yet if it would come along when traveling though. On some trips, however, it might be the only one I'd bring - maybe together with the 150.</p> <p>If I want to go lighter and smaller, I likely bring 21/1.8, 40/1.4, 90/2 and 180/3.4 manual focus lenses with the Sony A7. Or just a 28/2.8 and 105/2.5 - depends on where I am going.</p>

<blockquote> <p>The lens, the new, 70-200mm f/4 VR II, in the box since. I don't care the rest of the stories.</p> </blockquote> <p>I'll be happy to relieve you of this unworthy piece of equipment - I even offer to pay for the shipping cost to me ;-)</p>

<p>After working for two summers to save up, I purchased a back Nikon FM in 1979. Would have liked an FE - but that would have meant to wait yet another year. Never owned an FE or FE2 - but added a chrome FM2N with the FE2/FA titanium shutter a few years later, and another black FM2N with the new aluminum shutter joined in the early nineties. Replaced all of them with two FA bodies in 2001/2.</p>

<blockquote> <p>What happens if you have both the stabilized body and an OSS lens - which one will take precedence <br /><br /></p> </blockquote> <p>From the information currently available at the dedicated A7II site, it appears that the in-camera system will augment the less OSS with the three modes not available in the lens.</p>

<p>35/2.8. Seems redundant to carry both the 35 and the 24-70. I have done Vegas with a NEX 6 and a 21mm lens - and wouldn't hesitate to go there now with just the Ricoh GR (which has the equivalent of a 28mm lens).</p>

<p>Steven, there are even rumors that another camera above the A7 Series will be announced soon - call it the A9 if you will. Unless you need the A7R right away, I would suggest to wait - until January/February 2015 at the least. The A7II surprised me - if I considered any of the A7 cameras to be in need of an update, then I would have guessed at the A7R - given the known issues I alluded to earlier. Phase-detection AF would also be welcome in the A7R - just not sure there is a 36MP sensor with that technology available yet.</p> <p>The A7II apparently can be ordered worldwide from the Japanese amazon website - but I wonder if the menu is only in Japanese with no option to change to another language.</p>

<blockquote> <p>Or it may be a parameter that the user has to input.</p> </blockquote> <p>Looks like this could be it: <a href="http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/1466/1462/original.jpg">http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/1466/1462/original.jpg</a></p>

<blockquote> <p>7R is only about a year old so I would be surprised that it would be replaced soon. But who knows</p> </blockquote> <p>Well not a new R but a new A7 - though not clear yet when it will be released worldwide: http://www.sony.net/Products/di/en-gb/products/v6cd/index.html?contentsTop=1</p>

<p>Now if Sony/Zeiss would only release lenses at the same rate as new camera bodies!<br /> It appears fair to assume that the IBIS will work with all and any lenses mounted - so my manual focus M-mount lenses instantly become image-stabilized?</p> <blockquote> <p>Things like "robust lens mount" as a selling point strike me as rather humorous.</p> </blockquote> <p>Well, the current mount has some plastic in it - which is why fotodiox offers a "tough e-mount" that replaces the original Sony one completely.</p>

<blockquote> <p>What do you primarily shoot with your 7?</p> </blockquote> <p>I'm not a professional photographer and it's not primarily what I shoot but what I shoot with - i.e. the glass: mostly M-mount lenses. Voigtlander 21/1.8, Nokton 40/1.4, Summicron 35/2 ASPH (which has some issues on the A7) and Summicron 90/2. And sometimes Nikon 28/2.8 AiS and 105/2.5 Ai. I wasn't happy using most of those on a crop-factor NEX 6 - where I really liked the Voigtlander 21/4P (which unfortunately doesn't work at all on the A7). In other words, I had some of the glass and was looking for a camera to mount them on - now this will become a compact, high-quality travel kit and a setup to have some fun with.</p>

<p>Re 2: there is a playmemories app for that - don't have it and hence don't know the extent of its functionality. <a href="https://www.playmemoriescameraapps.com/portal/usbdetail.php?eid=IS9104-NPIA09014_00-000003">https://www.playmemoriescameraapps.com/portal/usbdetail.php?eid=IS9104-NPIA09014_00-000003</a></p> <p>And one more thing: the Sony A7 cameras eat batteries for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a few snacks in between. Figure about 1/4 of the shots per battery that you can get with the D800. Might easily be only 1/8 though. A full day of shooting can easily consume 4 batteries.</p>

<p>I honestly had no idea - so I just tried - and the answer is no, it does not allow to start video.<br> At this time, I would not purchase an A7R - the A7S already shows significant updates compared to the A7R - and I believe the A7R will be "replaced" or "updated" soon. I "only" have the A7 - because I didn't feel the need for 36MP and I also went against my usual tendency to not buy a new release right away - the deal I got was just too good to pass up and was timed right.</p>

<p>This one: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GSAEN4A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GSAEN4A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1</a></p>

<blockquote> <p>1. Is there a remote release or cable?</p> </blockquote> <p>I have a wireless remote from Fototech.</p> <blockquote> <p>3. How easy is it to do bracketing (e.g. HDR type of work)?</p> </blockquote> <p>Very easy and very fast. Believe there's even a built-in HDR function - but I prefer to do my processing at home.</p> <blockquote> <p>4. Is there an L-bracket available?</p> </blockquote> <p>Yes. RRS has one and there are cheap chinese-made ones. Don't expect the latter to have tight tolerances though - if you use lever clamps, you could have some issues.<br> <br /> Don't know about 2 and 5. With regard to the latter, you may want to google A7R and vibration - the A7R lacks the electronic first curtain of the A7 (and the fully electronic one of the A7S) and it has been demonstrated that the closing of the first curtain introduces sharpness-robbing vibration. The self-timer delay doesn't help because the shutter doesn't close at the beginning but at the end of the time delay - and immediately opens it again to take the picture. Maybe Sony has issues a firmware release to change that behavior - I don't know.</p>

<p>Not on the A6000 but on its predecessor NEX 6 - tried the Tokina 11-16/2.8 and also the 35/1.8DX. You need a special adapter that allows aperture control - which in case of the adapter I used doesn't stop down in full f-stops but some arbitrary amount. </p> <p>Here is an image of the Tokina mounted on the NEX 6: <a href=" The combo handled surprisingly well - despite the obvious size mismatch. But the funky aperture control and the loss of AF aren't worth it in the end. Something that works in a pinch, but I wouldn't recommend it for everyday use. </p> <p>The 55-300 is about 5 inches long - about the same as the Nikon Series E 75-150: <a href="