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Archive 2016Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
p.20 #1Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
So a F8 image is basically what you are going to get. What does that tell you. Very strange comment to be honest. Your shooting at a lens sweat spot and learning nothing about close or mid range images only basically infinity. F8 on just about any lens at infinity will not tell you much. To each his own but I do find this a limiting request for quality.The only test that counts is a test that mimics how you plan to use the lens. If you only use the lens for landscape at infinity stopped down to f8 - f11, you probably have zero interest how the lens behaves at close focus wide open...at least I would.
The same goes for cameras...I shoot my A7R from ISO 100-800, really don't care what the images look like at ISO 6400.Honestly than you never need to read a mtf chart and can ignore all testing. F8 on any lens at infinity will work. Horses for courses . You won't even be able to tell if you have a bad lens. As most of the problems will most likely be in the sky. I'm sorry it's just very narrow minded. I mean your never going to take a shot of your family or anything like that. Maybe I did not have enough espresso this morning and what is proper mean. Well I'll go shoot my wall and anyone can ignore it but it's important to know what a lens can do regardless how you intend to use it. But whatever floats your boat.With today's high megapixel sensors, I'm not sure this is true anymore. Used to be that around f/8-f/11 there were only minor resolution differences between lenses except for rendering and aberration control (zooms or primes). That was the 10-20MP era.
Now, with 40-50MP+ and future 70-100MP+ sensors differences between lenses are very apparent even at f/8.
For landscape photographers, the most used apertures are f/8 or smaller, making the new 24-70GM excellent across the entire frame including extreme edges. However, I would not hesitate shooting a wider apertures.
My go to set-up is: Loxia 21/2.8, RX1RII (32mm) and Loxia 50/2 but whenever...Show more →
Fred:
Would you say it's as sharp as the Canon lens for landscapes? That lens is crazy sharp.
Thanks,
Chris
GMPhotography wrote
chez wrote
GMPhotography wrote
MJKoski wrote
I'm waiting for Fred's (or anyone else for that matter) proper landscape shots with the lens. Random walls and trees will not budge for me.The same goes for cameras...I shoot my A7R from ISO 100-800, really don't care what the images look like at ISO 6400.
Now, with 40-50MP+ and future 70-100MP+ sensors differences between lenses are very apparent even at f/8.
For landscape photographers, the most used apertures are f/8 or smaller, making the new 24-70GM excellent across the entire frame including extreme edges. However, I would not hesitate shooting a wider apertures.
My go to set-up is: Loxia 21/2.8, RX1RII (32mm) and Loxia 50/2 but whenever...Show more →
Fred:
Would you say it's as sharp as the Canon lens for landscapes? That lens is crazy sharp.
Thanks,
Chris
Apr 06, 2016 at 09:07 AM
p.20 #2Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
GMPhotography wrote:
Just making sure we have a good copy before our returns run out. This thing needs to sing before I put a client gig on the line
1) F/8 is still a feat to get right with R2. Crappy lenses will not deliver even at f/8 with this body.
2) Yes, horses for the courses. If I want to play with shallow DoF I will use a T/S lens. No ordinary lens can touch the possibilities for smudging out the useless objects around the subject.
3) Lots of praise for new things, but very few artistic examples with these mega-lenses in actual use
SAL 24-70 delivers almost nasty contrast at f/8, perfect for landscape use if such focal length is the goal.What do you expect reference 'artistic examples' most real users are still pulling the tape off of the UPS boxes. I wish most online commentators actually had websites or at least web galleries displaying their work so we better know what we're all relating to reference 'art & quality.'
Absolutely, with a zoom that's often tougher than it looks, these things can be at best schizophrenic at best in real world use, I've still no real idea as to any potential flare issues with this thing. Thanks for the tests BTW, every little thing helps!!!
Just making sure we have a good copy before our returns run out. This thing needs to sing before I put a client gig on the line
chrisgibbs wrote
MJKoski wrote
Three things:1) F/8 is still a feat to get right with R2. Crappy lenses will not deliver even at f/8 with this body.
2) Yes, horses for the courses. If I want to play with shallow DoF I will use a T/S lens. No ordinary lens can touch the possibilities for smudging out the useless objects around the subject.
3) Lots of praise for new things, but very few artistic examples with these mega-lenses in actual use
SAL 24-70 delivers almost nasty contrast at f/8, perfect for landscape use if such focal length is the goal.
Absolutely, with a zoom that's often tougher than it looks, these things can be at best schizophrenic at best in real world use, I've still no real idea as to any potential flare issues with this thing. Thanks for the tests BTW, every little thing helps!!!
Apr 06, 2016 at 09:21 AM
p.20 #3Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
5'8" when I jump. Lol
Schlotkins wrote:
Damnit
no wonder you were a little short. And yes pun intended. 
Schlotkins wrote:
GMPhotography wrote
I'm sorry I'm a little pissy this morning too. My damn refund has not hit my paypal account and my GM 85 is in my dealers hand yesterday ready to ship. Now I have to ask my wife if I can borrow money out our checking account. That's going to cost me a 1200 dollar freaking purse. LolDamnit
no wonder you were a little short. And yes pun intended. Apr 06, 2016 at 09:23 AM
p.20 #4Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
I may have found a bug. On 12.5 magnification at 24mm sometimes it won't hold and goes back to full frame viewing . Happened at 70 too.
Now this is in manual focus mode and I need to check my camera I have C1 to magnify but the lens also is set to that. Maybe the lens focus hold does not like it set to magnify instead. Not sure have to play around . But makes me wonder what that firmware update was about. Anyone run into this please report. I'm going to try a few settings and see if it's some kind of electronic crosstalk or something. Not panic mode either. I'm keeping the lens
Now this is in manual focus mode and I need to check my camera I have C1 to magnify but the lens also is set to that. Maybe the lens focus hold does not like it set to magnify instead. Not sure have to play around . But makes me wonder what that firmware update was about. Anyone run into this please report. I'm going to try a few settings and see if it's some kind of electronic crosstalk or something. Not panic mode either. I'm keeping the lens
Apr 06, 2016 at 09:28 AM
p.20 #5Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
GMPhotography wrote:
I'm sorry I'm a little pissy this morning too. My damn refund has not hit my paypal account and my GM 85 is in my dealers hand yesterday ready to ship. Now I have to ask my wife if I can borrow money out our checking account. That's going to cost me a 1200 dollar freaking purse. Lol
Damnit
Rule #1: Never borrow money from your wife! My advice is to use a loan shark.
I'm sorry I'm a little pissy this morning too. My damn refund has not hit my paypal account and my GM 85 is in my dealers hand yesterday ready to ship. Now I have to ask my wife if I can borrow money out our checking account. That's going to cost me a 1200 dollar freaking purse. Lol
Damnit
Rule #1: Never borrow money from your wife! My advice is to use a loan shark.
Apr 06, 2016 at 09:28 AM
p.20 #6Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
DamnitRule #1: Never borrow money from your wife! My advice is to use a loan shark.
Exactly Fred.
Its like signing your death warrant
GMPhotography wrote
I'm sorry I'm a little pissy this morning too. My damn refund has not hit my paypal account and my GM 85 is in my dealers hand yesterday ready to ship. Now I have to ask my wife if I can borrow money out our checking account. That's going to cost me a 1200 dollar freaking purse. LolDamnit
Exactly Fred.
Its like signing your death warrant
Apr 06, 2016 at 09:33 AM
p.20 #7Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Schlotkins wrote:
So a F8 image is basically what you are going to get. What does that tell you. Very strange comment to be honest. Your shooting at a lens sweat spot and learning nothing about close or mid range images only basically infinity. F8 on just about any lens at infinity will not tell you much. To each his own but I do find this a limiting request for quality.The only test that counts is a test that mimics how you plan to use the lens. If you only use the lens for landscape at infinity stopped down to f8 - f11, you probably have zero interest how the lens behaves at close focus wide open...at least I would.
The same goes for cameras...I shoot my A7R from ISO 100-800, really don't care what the images look like at ISO 6400.Honestly than you never need to read a mtf chart and can ignore all testing. F8 on any lens at infinity will work. Horses for courses . You won't even be able to tell if you have a bad lens. As most of the problems will most likely be in the sky. I'm sorry it's just very narrow minded. I mean your never going to take a shot of your family or anything like that. Maybe I did not have enough espresso this morning and what is proper mean. Well I'll go shoot my wall and anyone can ignore it but it's important to know what a lens can do regardless how you intend to use it. But whatever floats your boat.With today's high megapixel sensors, I'm not sure this is true anymore. Used to be that around f/8-f/11 there were only minor resolution differences between lenses except for rendering and aberration control (zooms or primes). That was the 10-20MP era.
Now, with 40-50MP+ and future 70-100MP+ sensors differences between lenses are very apparent even at f/8.
For landscape photographers, the most used apertures are f/8 or smaller, making the new 24-70GM excellent across the entire frame including extreme edges. However, I would not hesitate shooting a wider apertures.
My go to set-up is: Loxia 21/2.8, RX1RII (32mm) and Loxia 50/2 but whenever changing lenses is not recommended, the 24-70GM will be my only lens. -- with the CV 15/4.5 on my pocket for ultra-wide emergencies.Fred:
Would you say it's as sharp as the Canon lens for landscapes? That lens is crazy sharp.
Thanks,
Chris
I had a very good copy of the Canon and it was excellent at the wider range on the 5D Mark III. (~20MP)
I never tested it on the 5DSR so I'm not sure if the IQ held at higher frequencies. I can tell for sure that the mid-field and edges at 70mm look better on the Sony.
Fred Miranda wrote
GMPhotography wrote
chez wrote
GMPhotography wrote
MJKoski wrote
I'm waiting for Fred's (or anyone else for that matter) proper landscape shots with the lens. Random walls and trees will not budge for me.The same goes for cameras...I shoot my A7R from ISO 100-800, really don't care what the images look like at ISO 6400.
Now, with 40-50MP+ and future 70-100MP+ sensors differences between lenses are very apparent even at f/8.
For landscape photographers, the most used apertures are f/8 or smaller, making the new 24-70GM excellent across the entire frame including extreme edges. However, I would not hesitate shooting a wider apertures.
My go to set-up is: Loxia 21/2.8, RX1RII (32mm) and Loxia 50/2 but whenever changing lenses is not recommended, the 24-70GM will be my only lens. -- with the CV 15/4.5 on my pocket for ultra-wide emergencies.
Would you say it's as sharp as the Canon lens for landscapes? That lens is crazy sharp.
Thanks,
Chris
I had a very good copy of the Canon and it was excellent at the wider range on the 5D Mark III. (~20MP)
I never tested it on the 5DSR so I'm not sure if the IQ held at higher frequencies. I can tell for sure that the mid-field and edges at 70mm look better on the Sony.
Apr 06, 2016 at 09:34 AM
p.20 #8Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
GMPhotography wrote:
DamnitRule #1: Never borrow money from your wife! My advice is to use a loan shark. Exactly Fred.
Its like signing your death warrant
BTW: My 85/1.4 GM shipped today. I will be in Mammoth Lakes until Saturday. (Had to extend my trip in order to get some clouds on this sky!)
Fred Miranda wrote
GMPhotography wrote
I'm sorry I'm a little pissy this morning too. My damn refund has not hit my paypal account and my GM 85 is in my dealers hand yesterday ready to ship. Now I have to ask my wife if I can borrow money out our checking account. That's going to cost me a 1200 dollar freaking purse. LolDamnit
Its like signing your death warrant
BTW: My 85/1.4 GM shipped today. I will be in Mammoth Lakes until Saturday. (Had to extend my trip in order to get some clouds on this sky!)
Apr 06, 2016 at 09:35 AM
p.20 #9Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
GMPhotography wrote:
I may have found a bug. On 12.5 magnification at 24mm sometimes it won't hold and goes back to full frame viewing . Happened at 70 too.
Now this is in manual focus mode and I need to check my camera I have C1 to magnify but the lens also is set to that. Maybe the lens focus hold does not like it set to magnify instead. Not sure have to play around . But makes me wonder what that firmware update was about. Anyone run into this please report. I'm going to try a few settings and see if...Show more →
YES....... Had that too the other day, but I'm so inept at testing thought I must have tapped the shutter release or something!!! Good catch.
I may have found a bug. On 12.5 magnification at 24mm sometimes it won't hold and goes back to full frame viewing . Happened at 70 too.
Now this is in manual focus mode and I need to check my camera I have C1 to magnify but the lens also is set to that. Maybe the lens focus hold does not like it set to magnify instead. Not sure have to play around . But makes me wonder what that firmware update was about. Anyone run into this please report. I'm going to try a few settings and see if...Show more →
YES....... Had that too the other day, but I'm so inept at testing thought I must have tapped the shutter release or something!!! Good catch.
Apr 06, 2016 at 09:41 AM
p.20 #10Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
DamnitRule #1: Never borrow money from your wife! My advice is to use a loan shark. Exactly Fred.
Its like signing your death warrantBTW: My 85/1.4 GM shipped today. I will be in Mammoth Lakes until Saturday. (Had to extend my trip in order to get some clouds on this sky!)
Got lucky it cost me a cup of coffee. Shipping today as well. Ill have mine on Friday
GMPhotography wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
GMPhotography wrote
I'm sorry I'm a little pissy this morning too. My damn refund has not hit my paypal account and my GM 85 is in my dealers hand yesterday ready to ship. Now I have to ask my wife if I can borrow money out our checking account. That's going to cost me a 1200 dollar freaking purse. LolDamnit
Its like signing your death warrant
Got lucky it cost me a cup of coffee. Shipping today as well. Ill have mine on Friday
Apr 06, 2016 at 09:48 AM
p.20 #11Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Chris, I had the exact same experience with my 24-70mm GM - everything was extremely sharp except the extreme right edge of the frame. I shot hundreds of frames in many different conditions, compared it to other lenses at the same focal lengths and apertures as well, and kept seeing the issue pop up, although it was minor. Still, mine is going back to B&H today, sadly.
Apr 06, 2016 at 09:53 AM
p.20 #12Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Okay QUICKLY looking at the wall test. This is maybe better in the corners than what I thought. 28mm maybe the best in the corners. 70mm maybe the weak spot on center which does not make sense since they where so good on the casual shots and i had a little trouble focusing on the wall. Reason I say that F4 is a big difference on center, so I may have missed my focus. But good news on all focal lengths the corners are really good on both sides. So looks like I have a nicely centers copy. Centrally its very very good for a zoom. Honestly this may rival some primes
Now this will take me some to get this up on the forum as I am going to pit the Sigma 24-35 up against it. But so far looks really good folks. My initial thoughts on quality of file certainly look to be holding true
Now this will take me some to get this up on the forum as I am going to pit the Sigma 24-35 up against it. But so far looks really good folks. My initial thoughts on quality of file certainly look to be holding true
Apr 06, 2016 at 09:55 AM
p.20 #13Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Chris , Peter you want me to load my raws up. I have time to do that now. It will be big but gives you some ideas
Apr 06, 2016 at 09:57 AM
p.20 #14Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
petermendelson wrote:
Chris, I had the exact same experience with my 24-70mm GM - everything was extremely sharp except the extreme right edge of the frame. I shot hundreds of frames in many different conditions, compared it to other lenses at the same focal lengths and apertures as well, and kept seeing the issue pop up, although it was minor. Still, mine is going back to B&H today, sadly.
I'm with you Peter. Mine looks so nice right across the frame @f/2.8 (I'm shocked how good) apart from that last right-side 10% (which is still pretty darn good though).
I think I'll keep mine until I see stock at B&H, hopefully they'll get some within a week or two....... It'll give me a chance to use it on a few of my OOF artsy gigs that are coming up. Lol ~Chris
Chris, I had the exact same experience with my 24-70mm GM - everything was extremely sharp except the extreme right edge of the frame. I shot hundreds of frames in many different conditions, compared it to other lenses at the same focal lengths and apertures as well, and kept seeing the issue pop up, although it was minor. Still, mine is going back to B&H today, sadly.
I'm with you Peter. Mine looks so nice right across the frame @f/2.8 (I'm shocked how good) apart from that last right-side 10% (which is still pretty darn good though).
I think I'll keep mine until I see stock at B&H, hopefully they'll get some within a week or two....... It'll give me a chance to use it on a few of my OOF artsy gigs that are coming up. Lol ~Chris
Apr 06, 2016 at 10:00 AM
p.20 #15Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
GMPhotography wrote:
Chris , Peter you want me to load my raws up. I have time to do that now. It will be big but gives you some ideas
Perfect, thank you sir! Can you dropbox? I can return one to you showing my issue on that right 10%.
My email: studio at chrisgibbs dot com
Chris , Peter you want me to load my raws up. I have time to do that now. It will be big but gives you some ideas
Perfect, thank you sir! Can you dropbox? I can return one to you showing my issue on that right 10%.
My email: studio at chrisgibbs dot com
Apr 06, 2016 at 10:02 AM
p.20 #16Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Im loading it now on yousendit. 1.5 gb so go get lunch after hitting download. Post link in a few
Edited on Apr 06, 2016 at 10:11 AM · View previous versions
Edited on Apr 06, 2016 at 10:11 AM · View previous versions
Apr 06, 2016 at 10:10 AM
p.20 #17Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Peter sent me a file also that I need to look at as well. Just running behind today
Apr 06, 2016 at 10:10 AM
p.20 #19Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
GMPhotography wrote:
I may have found a bug. On 12.5 magnification at 24mm sometimes it won't hold and goes back to full frame viewing . Happened at 70 too.
Now this is in manual focus mode and I need to check my camera I have C1 to magnify but the lens also is set to that. Maybe the lens focus hold does not like it set to magnify instead. Not sure have to play around . But makes me wonder what that firmware update was about. Anyone run into this please report. I'm going to try a few settings and see if...Show more →
OT: have you ever figured out a way to get the magnification to start at 12.5 instead of having to go through 5x first?
I may have found a bug. On 12.5 magnification at 24mm sometimes it won't hold and goes back to full frame viewing . Happened at 70 too.
Now this is in manual focus mode and I need to check my camera I have C1 to magnify but the lens also is set to that. Maybe the lens focus hold does not like it set to magnify instead. Not sure have to play around . But makes me wonder what that firmware update was about. Anyone run into this please report. I'm going to try a few settings and see if...Show more →
OT: have you ever figured out a way to get the magnification to start at 12.5 instead of having to go through 5x first?
Apr 06, 2016 at 10:14 AM
p.20 #20Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
ecarlino wrote:
Now this is in manual focus mode and I need to check my camera I have C1 to magnify but the lens also is set to that. Maybe the lens focus hold does not like it set to magnify instead. Not sure have to play around . But makes me wonder what that firmware update was about. Anyone run into this please report. I'm going to try a few settings and see if it's some kind of electronic crosstalk or something. Not panic mode either. I'm keeping the lensOT: have you ever figured out a way to get the magnification to start at 12.5 instead of having to go through 5x first?
Not yet but I would love that
GMPhotography wrote
I may have found a bug. On 12.5 magnification at 24mm sometimes it won't hold and goes back to full frame viewing . Happened at 70 too.Now this is in manual focus mode and I need to check my camera I have C1 to magnify but the lens also is set to that. Maybe the lens focus hold does not like it set to magnify instead. Not sure have to play around . But makes me wonder what that firmware update was about. Anyone run into this please report. I'm going to try a few settings and see if it's some kind of electronic crosstalk or something. Not panic mode either. I'm keeping the lens
Not yet but I would love that
Apr 06, 2016 at 10:17 AM