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Archive 2012Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
p.4 #1Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
douglasf13 wrote:
Between the A77, Nex-5n and Nex-7 users, there is a wealth of experience in these forums using the current Sony EVF tech and manual lenses. No experience with the A99 required, although I've read that the A99's EVF performance may be slightly improved over these cameras.
Well, I disagree in principle. I don't feel that anyone should recommend a camera with which they have no personal experience. At best the handed down knowledge is second- (or third-...) hand, in the worst case it is wrong. If the A99 is great, then someone who *does* have experience with it will recommend it.
carstenw wrote
super_paws, do you have a Sony A99?Well, I disagree in principle. I don't feel that anyone should recommend a camera with which they have no personal experience. At best the handed down knowledge is second- (or third-...) hand, in the worst case it is wrong. If the A99 is great, then someone who *does* have experience with it will recommend it.
Oct 31, 2012 at 09:24 AM
p.4 #2Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
wfrank wrote:
Sounds great as long one desires the plane of sharpest focus to land in the centre of the photograph, however the vast majority of time this is not the case. Perhaps the point is to recompose after focusing, but then how do you recompose while "zoomed"? Forgive me if I am missing something, but that feature sounds like it would be infuriating.You dont have to turn in on.
But if you do you can select what portion of the screen that gets magnified - and you'll use the joystick to move it. But in the case you're talking about - I am assuming fast lens pretty open & closish subjects - I would use the OVF/fast matte.
Makes sense. I can see the feature being handy for slower work with subjects incapable of impatience (landscape, macro...) however, those situations already have good, simple solutions for critical focus.
cogitech wrote
wfrank wrote
...and possibly best of all, a half press of shutter gives instant magnification of the full screen.But if you do you can select what portion of the screen that gets magnified - and you'll use the joystick to move it. But in the case you're talking about - I am assuming fast lens pretty open & closish subjects - I would use the OVF/fast matte.
Makes sense. I can see the feature being handy for slower work with subjects incapable of impatience (landscape, macro...) however, those situations already have good, simple solutions for critical focus.
Oct 31, 2012 at 09:26 AM
p.4 #3Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
carstenw wrote:
Between the A77, Nex-5n and Nex-7 users, there is a wealth of experience in these forums using the current Sony EVF tech and manual lenses. No experience with the A99 required, although I've read that the A99's EVF performance may be slightly improved over these cameras.Well, I disagree in principle. I don't feel that anyone should recommend a camera with which they have no personal experience. At best the handed down knowledge is second- (or third-...) hand, in the worst case it is wrong. If the A99 is great, then someone who *does* have experience with it will recommend it.
I hear you, but the thrust of this thread is manual focusing, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend trying the A99 for manual focusing, since I have experience using the same focusing system in a couple of cameras. In fact, as a former A900 owner, I'd recommend trying the A99 over the A900, as far as manual focusing is concerned, and the A900 + matte screen is supposedly one of the best DSLRs out there for manual focusing. Peaking is faster for fast shooting, and magnification is more accurate for slow shooting.
Now, if we were talking autofocusing, I'd surely not recommend the A99, as I have no idea how well that system works.
douglasf13 wrote
carstenw wrote
super_paws, do you have a Sony A99?I hear you, but the thrust of this thread is manual focusing, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend trying the A99 for manual focusing, since I have experience using the same focusing system in a couple of cameras. In fact, as a former A900 owner, I'd recommend trying the A99 over the A900, as far as manual focusing is concerned, and the A900 + matte screen is supposedly one of the best DSLRs out there for manual focusing. Peaking is faster for fast shooting, and magnification is more accurate for slow shooting.
Now, if we were talking autofocusing, I'd surely not recommend the A99, as I have no idea how well that system works.
Oct 31, 2012 at 10:02 AM
p.4 #4Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
douglasf13 wrote:
Between the A77, Nex-5n and Nex-7 users, there is a wealth of experience in these forums using the current Sony EVF tech and manual lenses. No experience with the A99 required, although I've read that the A99's EVF performance may be slightly improved over these cameras.Well, I disagree in principle. I don't feel that anyone should recommend a camera with which they have no personal experience. At best the handed down knowledge is second- (or third-...) hand, in the worst case it is wrong. If the A99 is great, then someone who *does* have experience with it will recommend it.I hear you, but the thrust of this thread is manual focusing, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend trying the A99 for manual focusing, since I have experience using the same focusing system in a couple of cameras. In fact, as a former A900 owner, I'd recommend trying the A99 over the A900, as far as manual focusing is concerned, and the A900 + matte screen is supposedly one of the best DSLRs out there for manual focusing. Peaking is faster for fast shooting, and magnification is more accurate for slow shooting.
Now, if we were talking autofocusing, I'd surely not...Show more →
my recollection is that the OP had the NEX-7 and found it more difficult to manual focus adapted lenses stopped down than his d700 (due to the difference between focusing wide open versus focusing at shooting aperture), so i would hesitate to recommend the a99.
carstenw wrote
douglasf13 wrote
carstenw wrote
super_paws, do you have a Sony A99?Now, if we were talking autofocusing, I'd surely not...Show more →
my recollection is that the OP had the NEX-7 and found it more difficult to manual focus adapted lenses stopped down than his d700 (due to the difference between focusing wide open versus focusing at shooting aperture), so i would hesitate to recommend the a99.
Oct 31, 2012 at 10:34 AM
p.4 #5Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
Sebboh, you are right about EVF focus. I have exact same problem with it once slow down the lens.
Today, My daughter has Halloween parade in school, I bring my new acquired 50lux with me, once she sit/stand there, I can get almost 80% nailed WO, but once she moved, It is horrible. (Though I did try f2.8 sometimes) The auto aperture looks like so important once slow down the lens. I should bring AF in this case maybe.
Douglas, Why you would recommend A900 over 5dII for manual focus? is something special bout its focus screen?
Today, My daughter has Halloween parade in school, I bring my new acquired 50lux with me, once she sit/stand there, I can get almost 80% nailed WO, but once she moved, It is horrible. (Though I did try f2.8 sometimes) The auto aperture looks like so important once slow down the lens. I should bring AF in this case maybe.
Douglas, Why you would recommend A900 over 5dII for manual focus? is something special bout its focus screen?
Oct 31, 2012 at 02:41 PM
p.4 #6Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
zhangyue wrote:
Douglas, Why you would recommend A900 over 5dII for manual focus? is something special bout its focus screen?
The A900 has the best viewfinder of any DSLR, thus far. It is larger and brighter than the 5Dii's OVF, although they're not THAT far off, in my limited use of the 5Dii. Sony thought that building the best OVF in a DSLR, along with image stabilization, would bring people to the A900, but it seems people were more interested in video at the time.
Douglas, Why you would recommend A900 over 5dII for manual focus? is something special bout its focus screen?
The A900 has the best viewfinder of any DSLR, thus far. It is larger and brighter than the 5Dii's OVF, although they're not THAT far off, in my limited use of the 5Dii. Sony thought that building the best OVF in a DSLR, along with image stabilization, would bring people to the A900, but it seems people were more interested in video at the time.
Oct 31, 2012 at 03:04 PM
p.4 #7Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
sebboh wrote:
Between the A77, Nex-5n and Nex-7 users, there is a wealth of experience in these forums using the current Sony EVF tech and manual lenses. No experience with the A99 required, although I've read that the A99's EVF performance may be slightly improved over these cameras.Well, I disagree in principle. I don't feel that anyone should recommend a camera with which they have no personal experience. At best the handed down knowledge is second- (or third-...) hand, in the worst case it is wrong. If the A99 is great, then someone who *does* have experience with it will recommend it.I hear you, but the thrust of this thread is manual focusing, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend trying the A99 for manual focusing, since I have experience using the same focusing system in a couple of cameras. In fact, as a former A900 owner, I'd recommend trying the A99 over the A900, as far as manual focusing is concerned, and the A900 + matte screen is supposedly one of the best DSLRs out there for manual focusing. Peaking is faster for fast shooting, and magnification is more accurate for slow shooting.
Now, if we were talking autofocusing, I'd surely not recommend the A99, as I have no idea how well that system works.my recollection is that the OP had the NEX-7 and found it more difficult to manual focus adapted lenses stopped down than his d700 (due to the difference between focusing wide open versus focusing at shooting aperture), so i would hesitate to recommend the a99.
Gotcha, I didn't realize that.
douglasf13 wrote
carstenw wrote
douglasf13 wrote
carstenw wrote
super_paws, do you have a Sony A99?Now, if we were talking autofocusing, I'd surely not recommend the A99, as I have no idea how well that system works.
Gotcha, I didn't realize that.
Oct 31, 2012 at 03:04 PM
p.4 #8Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
douglasf13 wrote:
The A900 has the best viewfinder of any DSLR, thus far. It is larger and brighter than the 5Dii's OVF, although they're not THAT far off, in my limited use of the 5Dii. Sony thought that building the best OVF in a DSLR, along with image stabilization, would bring people to the A900, but it seems people were more interested in video at the time.
The 1Ds3 (and 1Dx) viewfinder is slightly bigger.
zhangyue wrote
Douglas, Why you would recommend A900 over 5dII for manual focus? is something special bout its focus screen?The 1Ds3 (and 1Dx) viewfinder is slightly bigger.
Oct 31, 2012 at 03:07 PM
p.4 #9Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
douglasf13 wrote:
The A900 has the best viewfinder of any DSLR, thus far. It is larger and brighter than the 5Dii's OVF, although they're not THAT far off, in my limited use of the 5Dii. Sony thought that building the best OVF in a DSLR, along with image stabilization, would bring people to the A900, but it seems people were more interested in video at the time.
Thanks, got it. I agree IS will be really handy.
zhangyue wrote
Douglas, Why you would recommend A900 over 5dII for manual focus? is something special bout its focus screen?Thanks, got it. I agree IS will be really handy.
Oct 31, 2012 at 03:11 PM
p.4 #10Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
If it werent for the EVF I would be much interested in the A99, among other things because of the IBIS. Canons AF lenses talk about "how many stops" a lens IS helps (for static subjects/stills). Later generations claim 3-4 steps. I have one of the celebrated 70-200 IS lenses, and I would agree to a Canon claim of 3 stops.
How would IBIS (latest Sony generation) compare, do they talk "stops" at all? Anyone that can shed some light about real-world usage?
How would IBIS (latest Sony generation) compare, do they talk "stops" at all? Anyone that can shed some light about real-world usage?
Oct 31, 2012 at 03:19 PM
p.4 #11Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
U.C. wrote:
The A900 has the best viewfinder of any DSLR, thus far. It is larger and brighter than the 5Dii's OVF, although they're not THAT far off, in my limited use of the 5Dii. Sony thought that building the best OVF in a DSLR, along with image stabilization, would bring people to the A900, but it seems people were more interested in video at the time.The 1Ds3 (and 1Dx) viewfinder is slightly bigger.
Ever so slightly bigger, yes, but not as clear/bright and distortion free. I'd say the a900's OVF has the slight edge. It certainly has the edge in the non-pro camera category.
Edited on Oct 31, 2012 at 03:55 PM · View previous versions
douglasf13 wrote
zhangyue wrote
Douglas, Why you would recommend A900 over 5dII for manual focus? is something special bout its focus screen?Ever so slightly bigger, yes, but not as clear/bright and distortion free. I'd say the a900's OVF has the slight edge. It certainly has the edge in the non-pro camera category.
Edited on Oct 31, 2012 at 03:55 PM · View previous versions
Oct 31, 2012 at 03:52 PM
p.4 #12Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
wfrank wrote:
If it werent for the EVF I would be much interested in the A99, among other things because of the IBIS. Canons AF lenses talk about "how many stops" a lens IS helps (for static subjects/stills). Later generations claim 3-4 steps. I have one of the celebrated 70-200 IS lenses, and I would agree to a Canon claim of 3 stops.
How would IBIS (latest Sony generation) compare, do they talk "stops" at all? Anyone that can shed some light about real-world usage?
Sony also talks "stops," but, like with weathersealing claims from all manufacturers, it is pretty nebulous and difficult to test.
If it werent for the EVF I would be much interested in the A99, among other things because of the IBIS. Canons AF lenses talk about "how many stops" a lens IS helps (for static subjects/stills). Later generations claim 3-4 steps. I have one of the celebrated 70-200 IS lenses, and I would agree to a Canon claim of 3 stops.
How would IBIS (latest Sony generation) compare, do they talk "stops" at all? Anyone that can shed some light about real-world usage?
Sony also talks "stops," but, like with weathersealing claims from all manufacturers, it is pretty nebulous and difficult to test.
Oct 31, 2012 at 03:54 PM
p.4 #13Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
douglasf13 wrote:
How would IBIS (latest Sony generation) compare, do they talk "stops" at all? Anyone that can shed some light about real-world usage?Sony also talks "stops," but, like with weathersealing claims from all manufacturers, it is pretty nebulous and difficult to test.
i haven't spent any significant time with the a900 so i can't comment on it directly, but i got about 2 stops out of the sony IBIS on the a55 and it was a bit worse on super telephoto lengths versus normal focal lengths. in contrast i got 3-4 stops at all focal lengths on oly's 4/3 (not m4/3) IBIS all the way up to 800mm equivalent focal lengths. these are just single data points though, so it's possible IBIS on my a55 wasn't up to snuff.
wfrank wrote
If it werent for the EVF I would be much interested in the A99, among other things because of the IBIS. Canons AF lenses talk about "how many stops" a lens IS helps (for static subjects/stills). Later generations claim 3-4 steps. I have one of the celebrated 70-200 IS lenses, and I would agree to a Canon claim of 3 stops.How would IBIS (latest Sony generation) compare, do they talk "stops" at all? Anyone that can shed some light about real-world usage?
i haven't spent any significant time with the a900 so i can't comment on it directly, but i got about 2 stops out of the sony IBIS on the a55 and it was a bit worse on super telephoto lengths versus normal focal lengths. in contrast i got 3-4 stops at all focal lengths on oly's 4/3 (not m4/3) IBIS all the way up to 800mm equivalent focal lengths. these are just single data points though, so it's possible IBIS on my a55 wasn't up to snuff.
Oct 31, 2012 at 04:33 PM
p.4 #14Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
The A900 also offers the M screen, which is better than the E*-S screens from Canon for manual focus of fast lenses (it's both brighter and has better snap). As such I agree, the A900 offers the best OVF of any DSLR for manual focus.
Oct 31, 2012 at 04:55 PM
p.4 #15Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
U.C. wrote:
The A900 has the best viewfinder of any DSLR, thus far. It is larger and brighter than the 5Dii's OVF, although they're not THAT far off, in my limited use of the 5Dii. Sony thought that building the best OVF in a DSLR, along with image stabilization, would bring people to the A900, but it seems people were more interested in video at the time.The 1Ds3 (and 1Dx) viewfinder is slightly bigger.
Not by much, and the presentation feels more tunnel-like than that of a900. The M screen on the a900 is also a cleaner, crisper view than the Canon S.
To Douglas' point, I don't know how many sales they lost to video, but I know of quite a few they lost to the lack of live view at a time when every other FF was getting it. The a99 may be overcompensating on both features, but I'm very excited to try it.
douglasf13 wrote
zhangyue wrote
Douglas, Why you would recommend A900 over 5dII for manual focus? is something special bout its focus screen?Not by much, and the presentation feels more tunnel-like than that of a900. The M screen on the a900 is also a cleaner, crisper view than the Canon S.
To Douglas' point, I don't know how many sales they lost to video, but I know of quite a few they lost to the lack of live view at a time when every other FF was getting it. The a99 may be overcompensating on both features, but I'm very excited to try it.
Oct 31, 2012 at 05:31 PM
p.4 #16Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
sebboh wrote:
How would IBIS (latest Sony generation) compare, do they talk "stops" at all? Anyone that can shed some light about real-world usage?Sony also talks "stops," but, like with weathersealing claims from all manufacturers, it is pretty nebulous and difficult to test.i haven't spent any significant time with the a900 so i can't comment on it directly, but i got about 2 stops out of the sony IBIS on the a55 and it was a bit worse on super telephoto lengths versus normal focal lengths. in contrast i got 3-4 stops at all focal lengths on oly's 4/3 (not m4/3) IBIS all the way up to 800mm equivalent focal lengths. these are just single data points though, so it's possible IBIS on my a55 wasn't up to snuff.
I can consistently get three stops 60mm and below at any focus distance. Above that to about 200mm, it's 1-2. Past that, I turn off steady shot and use instant stability on a stick (monopod) at least, if not a tri and a gimbal.
douglasf13 wrote
wfrank wrote
If it werent for the EVF I would be much interested in the A99, among other things because of the IBIS. Canons AF lenses talk about "how many stops" a lens IS helps (for static subjects/stills). Later generations claim 3-4 steps. I have one of the celebrated 70-200 IS lenses, and I would agree to a Canon claim of 3 stops.How would IBIS (latest Sony generation) compare, do they talk "stops" at all? Anyone that can shed some light about real-world usage?
I can consistently get three stops 60mm and below at any focus distance. Above that to about 200mm, it's 1-2. Past that, I turn off steady shot and use instant stability on a stick (monopod) at least, if not a tri and a gimbal.
Oct 31, 2012 at 05:48 PM
p.4 #17Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
freaklikeme wrote:
To Douglas' point, I don't know how many sales they lost to video, but I know of quite a few they lost to the lack of live view at a time when every other FF was getting it. The a99 may be overcompensating on both features, but I'm very excited to try it.
As an A mount shooter, LV is the sole reason I don't own an A900/A850. As impressed as I am with the A99, the A900 would cover my needs for a DSLR if it had LV, since it would be tripod-bound anyways (I'm in no hurry to give up my NEX-7 as my everyday carry camera).
To Douglas' point, I don't know how many sales they lost to video, but I know of quite a few they lost to the lack of live view at a time when every other FF was getting it. The a99 may be overcompensating on both features, but I'm very excited to try it.
As an A mount shooter, LV is the sole reason I don't own an A900/A850. As impressed as I am with the A99, the A900 would cover my needs for a DSLR if it had LV, since it would be tripod-bound anyways (I'm in no hurry to give up my NEX-7 as my everyday carry camera).
Oct 31, 2012 at 08:44 PM
p.4 #18Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
mawz wrote:
LV is the sole reason I don't own an A900/A850.
+1
LV is the sole reason I don't own an A900/A850.
+1
Oct 31, 2012 at 08:51 PM
p.4 #19Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
What about getting your eyes lazered Zhangyue ...?
They are afterall a part of the focus system.
Tiger Woods had his done and can now see a skirt as far away as Australia.
Ant.
ɹǝpun uʍop ʇɹıʞs ɐ ƃuıɹɐǝʍ sı ʇuɐ ʎɐʍ ou
They are afterall a part of the focus system.
Tiger Woods had his done and can now see a skirt as far away as Australia.
Ant.
ɹǝpun uʍop ʇɹıʞs ɐ ƃuıɹɐǝʍ sı ʇuɐ ʎɐʍ ou
Oct 31, 2012 at 09:08 PM
p.4 #20Which DSLR for manual focus, Why?
I think I still have 20/20, or I will build my AF lens collection. Use MF on D700 is huge waste, I paid full price but maybe used only 50% for its function. That is my plan, enjoy this MF as much as I can at the time I still can see, think, and act pretty fast.
IF not, I will.
How about you? You do that for MF?
Another quick question for Canon 5DII user, How AUTOISO implemented? Especially with Non-Cpu Manual lens?
IF not, I will.
How about you? You do that for MF?
Another quick question for Canon 5DII user, How AUTOISO implemented? Especially with Non-Cpu Manual lens?
Nov 01, 2012 at 01:09 AM