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Archive 2015 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife

  
 
AGeoJO
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


I played with the idea of adding a longish lens to get more reach and to dabble into the realm of "wildlife" using a mirror-less system for quite some time. Finally, I decided to bite a bullet after the availability of IBIS in the A7II. Frankly, at this point I didn't feel like spending big bucks on one of the new Sony SSM lenses for that purpose, especially since my DSLR system is performing just fine and currently unmatched in that respect. In addition, those big lenses are unwieldy and are more designed to be used for dedicated birding/wildlife trips. For sure not something you can take leisurely with you to go to a local park or zoo with your grandkids, for example.

After doing some research, I found out that Minolta used to make a 500mm reflex lens with AF. Maybe the only company that offered AF in such a lens. Due to its design, mirror or catadioptric lenses are light and compact. So, I placed a bid on that on-line auction and I won! The lens arrived the day before yesterday and yesterday, I took it out for a spin to a local park and here are the images it generated. I used a monopod for the duck image but handheld for the other shots.

While the speed of the AF is sufficient to catch some action but it makes that whirring noise. Yes, it uses a dated AF system alright. However, the IBIS of the A7 II works wonder and it is a life saver for me, at least. And the camera recognizes the FL and chooses the IBIS mode optimized for that FL automatically. The sharpness and contrast of that lens is excellent. Is it comparable to my DSLR lenses? Well, not quite but not too bad for a tiny fraction of the price ($360+ shipped) and especially, the ease of handling is significantly better. I can't complain too much about anything really. The bokeh? Well, that's a different story and I am not a fan of the bokeh to be honest. Sometimes, it is just fine, like in the duck image but not quite to my liking in the BIF shots. The highlights are donut-shaped but I knew that upfront. Again, the handling and ease of use is really remarkable; the setup is a joy to use. Weighing only 700 grams, I can carry that lens all day long .



© AGeoJO 2015

That lens on the Sony A7 II + LA-EA4 and plate for mono/tripod mount





© AGeoJO 2015

On monopod and uncropped - OK bokeh





© AGeoJO 2015

Cropped of the image above - Great details





© AGeoJO 2015

Full image





© AGeoJO 2015

Gull in flight




Jan 24, 2015 at 10:02 AM
mogul
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


I have the Sony version and in good light focuses pretty well with my A mount cameras. You learn when the bokeh can be an issue and adjust accordingly. Using the la2 with my nex 7, the AF speed was pretty poor and without stabilization could be problematic to get a good sharp picture. It looks as if the 7DII has cured some of these problems. It is so light, I tend to be careless with technique and when using an aps-c camera and its 750mm POV, this lens will punish you.


Jan 24, 2015 at 12:00 PM
TheEmrys
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


You mean the a77II, not the 7DII, right? And you are quite correct on this lens being punishing. I flippantly used a monopod with it, and had disastrous results. Took my time and used proper technique and it can be quite rewarding.


Jan 24, 2015 at 12:46 PM
mogul
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


Who can keep the naming conventions straight....why don't the manufacturers name for animals a la Apple, to many 7s, I or IIs and Xs. The OP is using the LCE-7M2 .


Jan 24, 2015 at 01:03 PM
AGeoJO
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


Yup, the Sony version is identical to the Minolta; they just changed the name and charged a little more but the increased price is probably more due to inflation . The Minolta was discontinued in 2006. Is it still current in the Sony lens lineup?

I wouldn't even bother looking into this had not been for the IBIS in the A7 II. Especially on a crop body - the effective FL of this lens becomes 750mm. Really, you can forget about handholding the setup.


mogul wrote:
Who can keep the naming conventions straight....why don't the manufacturers name for animals a la Apple, to many 7s, I or IIs and Xs. The OP is using the LCE-7M2 .


It is ILCE-7M2.... you missed the "I" . I agree, it can be confusing.



Jan 24, 2015 at 01:24 PM
mogul
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


I believe it is discontinued but still can be had new.


Jan 24, 2015 at 01:32 PM
shelt
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


That's a nice setup! I wonder how the optics compare to Derek's manual 500mm? I have the a7ii, LA-EA4 and use it with my 70-400g. This could be a nice alternative when you know you'll be cropping anyway...


Jan 24, 2015 at 03:20 PM
AGeoJO
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


Rich, I likes the images you posted using the 70-400G on that big thread. Is that a version II with a faster AF system and nano coating?


Jan 24, 2015 at 04:01 PM
shelt
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


AGeoJO wrote:
Rich, I likes the images you posted using the 70-400G on that big thread. Is that a version II with a faster AF system and nano coating?


It's not the newer version. I actually picked up a used Version I from a forum member:

Sony 70-400g

I've been very happy with it. It focuses pretty well with the LA-EA4, though not as quickly as the better Canon/Nikon bodies. I think the IQ is comparable to the Canon 100-400 L; perhaps even a touch more contrasty. I bought it before the a7ii was announced, so now I'm even happier -- the IBIS works very well with this lens!



Jan 24, 2015 at 05:45 PM
sirimiri
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


I've used the Sonolta 500mm reflex with an LA-EA4 on my A7 the past six to seven months and have been pretty happy with what it can do, as a catadioptric "lens".




Jan 26, 2015 at 09:08 PM
sebboh
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


shelt wrote:
That's a nice setup! I wonder how the optics compare to Derek's manual 500mm?




i believe the optics are the same but the coatings are different, maybe there were some minor tweaks. i've heard a number of minolta manual focus designs transitioned from manual focus to autofocus with relatively little change – 24/2.8, 28/2, 28/2.8, 50/1.4 are also supposed to be very similar if different at all in optical design from the late model MD mount versions (this is just what i've heard without real sources though).

in any event, the performance appears to be quite similar. i like the size and focus of the manual focus version better, but i'd like the IBIS of the a7II:
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8572/16250979512_3a96cb8dd3_o.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7551/16330512672_e2f0da75d7_o.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8606/16259430875_fa7b3ab273_o.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7571/16065632899_67676fd206_o.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7475/16326653042_c30fa955a2_o.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7547/16329600161_ced1ddd9c3_o.jpg

having too narrow a dof is rather problematic birding at this focal length.



Jan 27, 2015 at 02:42 AM
AGeoJO
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


Rich, I considered getting the 70-400 lens, too but I will wait until there is a need for me to justify getting it. The new version of that lens is in the same price range as the new and well received Canon 100-400mm Mark II lens. The price and handling/usability of the 500mm reflex lens, which to me carries more a "fun and value-oriented" rather than "serious/tool" connotation, on the other hand, is too good to be be passed up .

sirimiri, Sonolta, huh :? I like that name .

Derek, yes, I don't think they changed much, if anything other than adding the AF mechanism. Look at how the lens renders OOF water in our both shots . The bokeh on the image of your daughter, even with the donut-shaped highlights, is really fine . And, yes, the IBIS of the A7 II really shines through.

Edited on Jan 27, 2015 at 02:44 PM · View previous versions



Jan 27, 2015 at 11:30 AM
dgurtch
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


I have a Minolta Version also. Here I used a monopod, and Sony Alpha A900 DSLR (24mp, full frame with IBIS). Quite sharp lens.
Dave in NJ

http://www.modernpictorials.com/wildlife%20images/WILD%20LIFE/D387A.jpg



Jan 27, 2015 at 12:38 PM
dgurtch
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


Here is another with the Minolta 500mm mirror, and A900, monopod.
D ahttp://www.modernpictorials.com/wildlife%20images/WILD%20LIFE/D377A.jpgve in NJ



Jan 27, 2015 at 12:40 PM
dgurtch
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


Here is another with the Minolta 500mm mirror, and A900, monopod.
D ahttp://www.modernpictorials.com/wildlife%20images/WILD%20LIFE/D377A.jpgve in NJ



Jan 27, 2015 at 12:41 PM
AGeoJO
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


Dave,
The hawk image is great! The soft background adds quite a bit to it and that's what we need to pay attention to for better results from this lens.



Jan 27, 2015 at 02:48 PM
TheEmrys
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


Don't worry about the 70-400g. It is still unclear if the 100-400II can match the Sony or Nikon 80-400. The Nikon may be the best of the three, but it is awfully close. Even the Sony 70-400g origional is an excellent lens. Bought mine for ~$1k used.


Jan 27, 2015 at 04:49 PM
sebboh
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


TheEmrys wrote:
Don't worry about the 70-400g. It is still unclear if the 100-400II can match the Sony or Nikon 80-400. The Nikon may be the best of the three, but it is awfully close. Even the Sony 70-400g origional is an excellent lens. Bought mine for ~$1k used.


is there an optical difference between the 70-400g I and II?



Jan 27, 2015 at 05:11 PM
TheEmrys
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife




sebboh wrote:
is there an optical difference between the 70-400g I and II?


New AR coatings. The big change that most recignize is the upgraded SSM motor. But the coatings are the same made to the 70-200g, which was a nice bump in quality (but not a $1k bump). Same coatings are coming for the 70-300g, cz24-70/2.8, and the 16-35/2.8.



Jan 27, 2015 at 05:51 PM
mogul
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Sony A7 II and 500mm for wildlife


New algorithms that give 4x speed for acquisition.


Jan 27, 2015 at 07:47 PM
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