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Archive 2011 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

philber
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p.1 #1 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

Here is my dilemma. I feel I need two camera bodies, in case one fails. So I ended up with a full-frame one (5D II + 4 Zeiss ZEs, full-size Velbon tripod) and a SONY NEX (started off NEX 5 with 2 Zeiss lenses, now with 5N and 5 alt lenses, and at least 3 more I want)
Usually I would consder the Canon for whenever I wanted to do "serious shooting", and the Sony when either I felt lazy, or could not take the large Lowepro bag, such as professional meetings, or simply did not head for a serious shooting opportunity.

But things changed. I went to Japan for a fairly long trip, and decided I would "only" take the NEX, but that I would have it with me at all times, stealthily housed in a Billingham non-photo-looking bag. With it I took a very lightweight (700g) Cullmann Nanomax 220 tripod improved by a Manfrotto ballhead. This was all the more necessary as all my lenses were F:2.8 at best, except one f:2.0, unlike on my Canon, where I have 3 f:1.4.

So, what is the outcome? I came back with some 750 pictures. Many mornings, despit jet lag, I would make up early enough that I could slink out at 6 am, in time for sunrise, and shoot to my heart's content in very light traffic, including setting up (or down!) my small tripod in the middle of normally busy streets. I would be back in time for a change of clothes, a wash, and off to a normal day's work.
It is clear to me that I did it "only" because I had a lightweight system, and that the burden of my large camera and tripod would have limited my number of outings.

So the Sony wins hands down on the N�1 test, which is to get the camera in front of good photo opportunities.

The N�2 test is the number of keepers. While I haven't yet processed exerything, my keeper rate will end up well above 5%, the highest usual rate with my Canon. Second round goes to Sony, the only weak point of which is shooting in portrait mode. In landscape mode, the swivel screen is a blessing, and I shoot from the waist, looking down into the LCD, as with an old Rolleiflex.

Test N�3 is IQ. How good are the pics, one they are, as we say in French "dans la boite" (in the box)?

I'll be grateful for your comments. The lens complement was: Zeiss ZM 18 f:4.0, Contax G 28 f:2.8, Contax G 45 f:2.0, Leica Makro 60mm f:2.8, Contax G 90mm f:2.8. I also used the Sony kit zoom for one outing when I wnated to "steal" city shots on Tokyo's hip OmoteSando. I found the NEX extremely well suited for this, but wished for a better lens (AF speed, IQ).

Thanks for readling this lengthy expose, and great thanks for fellow FMers quicksilver33 (Andrew), who gave up his Saturday afternoon to educate me on the Meiji shrine and Krosavcheg (Dmitri), who came all the way from Yokohama to meet me twice and introduce me to Tokyo camera shops. Thanks agains, guys !

The first set is a pele-mele of 4 flavors of Japan

Nov 13, 2011 at 11:13 PM

abam
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p.1 #2 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

some very similar thoughts are going through my head re picking up a 5N kit -- based on the size and conspicuous nature of my FF rigs, i just don't bring them out to photograph very much any more.

nice to see some example shots =)

Nov 13, 2011 at 11:19 PM

FlyPenFly
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p.1 #3 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

I have a similar setup to you.

I also found the NEX 5N much better at metering than my Sony A850 but that might be because of my weird adapted setup using a chipped ZF.2 21mm F2.8 on my A850. Anything with 30% sky would be very iffy under exposed.

As much as my really enjoy my 5N setup, especially the go anywhere aspect. I really couldn't live without the off camera flash capabilities of my A850.

I recently also went on a big trip, I had in a normal sized backpack:

Sony A850 + CYZ 35-70mm F3.4, 21mm F2.8 ZF.2, Nex-5N with 28mm F2.8 or 45mm F2, Sony Zeiss 85mm ZA F1.4, and a Tamron 70-300 slow zoom. Add in lee filter systems and a variety of 82, 72, 67mm, 49mm, and 46mm filters. Also a Giotto tripod system with a Veblon pistol grip ballhead.

Sounds like a lot but it wasn't too bad. I took it to the Swiss Alps, all over Iceland, parts of Germany and parts of France.

It was nice just running out with the NEX-5N and the G lenses though in my smaller A&A bag if I was going to just walk around some cities.

I just don't see any 18-22mm equiv wide angle lenses for NEX being as good as the 21mm F2.8. I use that lens way too much to give it up.

Nov 13, 2011 at 11:21 PM

philber
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p.1 #4 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

FPF, I really admire people devoted enough to shoot often with C/Y 35-70. I love to hate that lens, though it does produce very fine IQ.
As to the 21 Distagon, I have just put mine up for sale in favor of a 25 f:2.0. I just don't use that wide a FL enough, and 25 will work better for me. That probably singles me out as a bizarre Zeiss lover who will have gotten out of both 100MP and 21 Distagon...:-)
As to WA quality, the ZM 18 is great lens IMHO. Very hard to compare to the 21 Distagon, because they are so different, but results never failed to delight me.

If I had wanted a go-everywhere kit based on a 5DII, it would have been ZE 35 f:1.4 and 85 f:1.4, with a light (850g) Manfrotto tripod and ball head. Then of course, the thought of leaving behind such favorites as ZE 50mm f:1.4 and Leica Makro 60mm f:2.8 would have eaten at me. And even this two-lens kit would have been a lot heavier and more conspicuous than my NEX system with 6 lenses.

Nov 13, 2011 at 11:39 PM

FlyPenFly
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p.1 #5 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

Funnily enough the 35-70 at f8 was my most used lens of the trip, it just produces stunningly good landscapes stopped down and at f5.6 it does decent 3d. Its made me appreciate zooms quite a bit again especially in the rugged windy landscapes of Iceland where you had to be very careful where you stepped and it was a serious pain to switch lenses.

Nov 13, 2011 at 11:44 PM

corposant
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p.1 #6 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

philber wrote:
Here is my dilemma. I feel I need two camera bodies, in case one fails.

Philippe, first of all I think the shots you have posted are great, and if you showed them to any photo-phile, nobody would guess they are NEX images (vs. a Nikon, Canon, etc DSLR).

However your "in case one fails" argument seems a little silly if you ask me - you already ignored your own philosophy by only taking just one camera on a trip halfway around the world, right?

I think if you have a system you like and would consider using most of the time, you shouldn't feel the need to have a bunch of gear sitting around idle. Just my own 2 centimes! Keep shooting that NEX!

Nov 13, 2011 at 11:49 PM

edwardkaraa
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p.1 #7 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

Philippe, I am sure many members share your thoughts, and those who don't will soon follow. The future is mirrorless, and DSLR will die sooner or later. Also for those not shooting professionally I find that lugging around heavy DSLR gear is pointless, especially for someone over 40 like myself. I am currently selling all my Sony gear and will move into RF, first with film, which I'm very happy with by the way, but later I might get an M digital body, or Sony nex, if I get the digital itch again.

Your photos are very nice, and I doubt you would have done better with the 5D2. Just my thoughts. Good luck in your decision

Nov 13, 2011 at 11:55 PM

philber
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p.1 #8 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

You have a point, corposant. I should have written "ideally". Meaning when circumstances lend themselves to it, or demand it. For example, on the last day of my trip to Lofoten, my 5DII failed when the shutter gave up the ghost. My NEX 5 saved the day.
So my intent is, if I decide that the NEX is "good enough" and the way I want to go, and I do have a 7 on order, is to have two NEX bodies.
And thanks for the kind words. They matter to me...

Nov 13, 2011 at 11:57 PM

philber
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p.1 #9 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

Thanks, Edward! And good luck to you too! One option I am considering is that I might add a film MF body for those occasions when I want ultimate quality and the amount of equipment is not an issue. I would then use the NEX as preview for what I want, and could shoot film without the anguish of not seeing whether another shot might have been better. And if this, which can be done at relatively low cost, develops into serious useage, the Pentax 645D beckons.
Of course there are many here who have taken the Leica route, but that is not my cup of tea/ Boris had to spend his gear four time to Solms before they got it right, and even then, he has one lens out of kilter. That is not for me.

Nov 14, 2011 at 12:05 AM

lovinglife
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p.1 #10 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

Smaller systems definitely have a real advantage in many situations. Another thought is a used m8-lack of an aa filter is great. . I've never missed my canon gear or looked back. The best camera is one that doesnt get in the way between u and ur photo.

Nov 14, 2011 at 12:09 AM

philber
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p.1 #11 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

I actually came very close to buying a used M8 before I got my NEX 5N, but it sold minutes before I signalled my intent to buy it.
However, I am not sure which way a comparison between it and the much newer Sony 5N and/or 7 would go. Any offers to compare, anyone? M lenses would fit both, so the comparison could be valid...

Nov 14, 2011 at 12:13 AM

bigkidneys
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p.1 #12 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

Having went down that same path Phillipe, I really don't regret selling my 5DII and my 21 and 35 ZE. It was a serious PITA lugging it all over Europe and that was without a tri in most cases. I felt half the time I didn't want to go and shoot having all that with me. I tended to use the NEX 5 more often out of sheer convenience and ease. I am really loving the 5N even more now as the JPGs seem much better to me than the 5 and thankfully us A3 users now have raw capability! I also think by utilizing MF glass it really makes you think about the shot first. I do have the E mount 18-200 which I love as it is exceptional I think for what I use it for ( Daughter's cheerleading and swimming).

Nov 14, 2011 at 12:23 AM

philber
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p.1 #13 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

Thanks, Jason! I did try out the 18-200, and liked it, but it is just too large for me. I am holding out for the Sony G zoom which was promised some time ago, but not mentioned since.

Nov 14, 2011 at 12:47 AM

quicksilver33
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p.1 #14 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

Looks like you got some great shots Philippe! I'm really impressed by the NEX and seems like a great light/inconspicuous alternative to a DSLR. Just headed back to Tokyo from a 10 day trip to India and could have really used it there as a large DSLR doesn't go unnoticed. The NEX also requires a much smaller tripod which is an easily overlooked bonus

I don't think I could give up my Canon system for the NEX but seems like it would be a great compliment to my system especially if I can wrangle some alt lenses that work on both.

Nov 14, 2011 at 12:49 AM

Bobu
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p.1 #15 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

Philippe, when I compared the Nex 5 with the M8 and 5DII I always prefered the look of the M8 or 5DII images. The 5N is probably a lot better than the 5, but I'm still not sure if it is on the same level as the M8/M9 or 5DII.

If I were you I would not want to carry a mix of Canon and Nex equipment on longer trips, therefore if you are satisfied with the NEX images I would recommend, that you sell your Canon stuff and buy another NEX body or alternatively give the M8/M9 a try. Not everybody has to send his stuff 4 times to solms.

By the way I really like your image #7 (which lens?).

Boris

Nov 14, 2011 at 01:39 AM

philber
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p.1 #16 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

Thanks, Boris! The image is with ZM 18. As I was just back from a meeting, I did not have my tripod with me, so I placed the camera on a marble suface. I remember who gave me tripod religion, Boris... I now have three. My Velbon, my ultra-light Cullmann when I cannot take a larger one, and the middle Manfrotto. All thanks to you. And better results, too, IMHO.

Nov 14, 2011 at 01:48 AM

lovinglife
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p.1 #17 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

Agree with Boris. My experience was very similar.

Nov 14, 2011 at 01:50 AM

edwardkaraa
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p.1 #18 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

philber wrote:
Thanks, Edward! And good luck to you too! One option I am considering is that I might add a film MF body for those occasions when I want ultimate quality and the amount of equipment is not an issue. I would then use the NEX as preview for what I want, and could shoot film without the anguish of not seeing whether another shot might have been better. And if this, which can be done at relatively low cost, develops into serious useage, the Pentax 645D beckons.
Of course there are many here who have taken the Leica route, but that...Show more →

Wow! I love the Sake drums shot! You must have had some really good Sake that brought out your creativity

I am aware of the problems with the digital Ms, not only that they go too often out of whack, but also vignetting and color shift problems due to the current state of sensor technology. That is why I opted for film cameras. Now I have one M6 pre-owned, and two brand new Zeiss Ikon. All three focus very accurately with all 4 ZM lenses, so I guess I must be lucky. The RF experience is truly unique and I love it. And obviously, the package is much smaller, and reasonably lighter than SLR. I would expect Leica to deal with its problems by the time the M10 is out, or someone else would make a FF digital RF (I'm thinking Zeiss Ikon by Sony) Otherwise, the Nex would be an excellent alternative if I really need digital, and the sensors will only get better with time. Sony seems to be learning quickly

Nov 14, 2011 at 02:05 AM

crazeazn
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p.1 #19 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

wonderful set. 5% keeper rate? do u spray and pray that much?

Nov 14, 2011 at 02:07 AM

snapsy
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p.1 #20 · Giving up 5D II for NEX? My experience in Japan

This thread describes exactly why MILC have become so popular and why the future of DSLRs as a mainstream, high-volume seller is iffy.

Nov 14, 2011 at 02:13 AM

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