Sony says that the a9 II has the same sensor as the original a9, but as we’ve seen the new model adopts a different approach to processing, using a change in sensitivity behavior both to improve color discrimination and to widen dynamic range at higher ISOs. It’s the first time we’ve seen this and it marks a shift in strategy for Sony.
The Sony a9 II is certainly a niche camera, built to compete alongside the Canon EOS-1 DX Mark II and Nikon D5. However, while it’s unlikely that individual photographers or agencies would switch from those rival cameras, bearing in mind their investment in lenses, the Sony a9 II’s high sensor performance and lower price would be tempting for newcomers thinking of entering the competitive field of sports journalism.
– The new lens has an improved AF motor from their already fast rxd motor found on the 28-75mm FE. – As you can see from the photo below the new zoom extends for about 2 inches
When you buy into a new camera system – what lenses should you first buy? Whats the best way to decide?
This is an issue that Photographer Matt Granger is facing now – having recently bought an A7R4 for his travel and portraiture work.
In this video Matt talks about how the awesome Sony eye autofocus let him catch shots he may otherwise have missed, and why he decided to finally buy it.
The process he uses to work out the lenses to buy is pretty smart, watch the video below to see for yourself.
You might be surprised but several of the lenses Matt lists are not Sony G Master lenses. In fact there are some off brand options in there – as he explains, value for money is important for everyone – especially if it is your business. (Reminder Matt is raising money for charity as part of a Business Deal that ends tomorrow. You get $2100 of materials for $89! Check it out at https://geni.us/OwnBoss )
Sony continues to stay ahead with its 24MP APS-C Exmor sensor, particularly with regard to low-light performance and high ISO dynamic range, though overall image quality is largely unchanged from earlier models. It has also ceded some ground to rivals’ smaller Four-Thirds sensors (albeit most likely Sony-made); as for APS-C, Canon has trumped Sony in resolution with a new 32.5MP sensor.
Nevertheless, the Sony A6600 is capable of producing superb-quality images, and the inclusion of its Real-Time Tracking Autofocus for both stills and video, along with a larger battery over its predecessor, make it an appealing upgrade over the A6500. With a well-rounded feature set, the Sony A6600 is an attractive camera at a relatively affordable price.
A reader sent me this size comparison between the Sony A7rIV and the Canon EOS-R5. What’s important to note is that the EOS-R5 is scheduled to be launched in summer only. Probably even later because of possible Coronavirus caused delays. Giving Sony plenty of time to launch the new A7sII successor to compete against it.
Early adopters of the Sony mirrorless system have watched with glee as the native lens lineup has grown over the last few years. What was once one of the biggest criticisms of the system is now one of the largest strengths, with more and more incredible glass released every month! Understandably, a lot of this growth has been focused on the “classic” primes like the nifty-50, portrait lenses, and super-telephoto wildlife lenses.
For the landscape and astrophotography lovers, until recently, the list has been a bit bleak, with the only wide-angle, fast-aperture lenses being made by 3rd party manufacturers. The Sony 28mm f/2 lived in my bag for several years, and the 24mm f/1.4 is an absolute blessing. However, landscape lovers in search of a true super-wide prime have been left wanting – until today. The brand new Sony 20mm f/1.8 perfectly fills the biggest missing gap in the Sony lineup, and does it with style: the lens is exactly wide enough for dramatic nightscapes and daytime landscape shots, but still maintains a distortion-free rectilinear image projection. The fast f/1.8 aperture is a full 1.3 stops faster than the 16-35mm f/2.8 GM. All of this is accomplished in a lens smaller and lighter than any similar competitors in the class – nearly 20%lighter than the 24mm f/1.4, and 24% lighter than the Tokina 20mm f/2).
Specifications
MSRP: $899 USD / $1,199 CAD
Dimensions: Φ2.89” x 3.33“(Φ73.5 x 84.7 mm
Weight: 373g
Field of view: 94.5° (diagonally)
Minimum Focus Distance: 7.5″
Magnification: 0.22x
Aperture Range: f/1.8 – 22
Filter Diameter: 67 mm
Optics: 3 ED Glass elements, 2 Advanced Aspherical Elements, Nano AR coating.
