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Archive 2016Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
p.32 #1Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Here is an image taken with the FE 24-70/2.8GM @ 24mm.
I took two images, one at f/8 for the tufas and mountains in the background and another at f/14 for the lake and foreground rocks. Basically I needed more DOF and smoothness for the water. These two images were later combined in post in a very simple process. (The exif will show f/8 only though)
The full size image is very sharp center to edges. At 24mm, this zoom performs like a prime lens with great colors and contrast.
I took two images, one at f/8 for the tufas and mountains in the background and another at f/14 for the lake and foreground rocks. Basically I needed more DOF and smoothness for the water. These two images were later combined in post in a very simple process. (The exif will show f/8 only though)
The full size image is very sharp center to edges. At 24mm, this zoom performs like a prime lens with great colors and contrast.
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Apr 14, 2016 at 08:03 PM
p.32 #2Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
DavidBM wrote:
Maybe considering a Batis 25/2 (a lot sharper) and FE 55/1.8 (already have this one) and Batis 85/ FE90 Macro
MTF of Batis is still much better than 24-70@24
Reviews are in Dutch but the graphs speaks for itself...
Batis 25/2 review
Sony 24-70GM reviewAlthough it's the same reviewer, I'm not sure those graphs are comparable. It looks as though the Batis has been put though MTF with an out of camera JPEG (which will be sharpened) and the GM has an unsharpened RAW conversion.
That's correct, but if you mouse over the graph on the Batis review, it gives you the unsharpened RAW. The difference certainly isn't as big between the lenses then, but according to just those graphs, the Batis should be sharper.
Dorkooken wrote
I'm not sure yet if I keep it...I think it's a little on the heavy side....Maybe considering a Batis 25/2 (a lot sharper) and FE 55/1.8 (already have this one) and Batis 85/ FE90 Macro
MTF of Batis is still much better than 24-70@24
Reviews are in Dutch but the graphs speaks for itself...
Batis 25/2 review
Sony 24-70GM review
That's correct, but if you mouse over the graph on the Batis review, it gives you the unsharpened RAW. The difference certainly isn't as big between the lenses then, but according to just those graphs, the Batis should be sharper.
Apr 14, 2016 at 08:42 PM
p.32 #3Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
It's possible for two reasons:
1) As aperture gets smaller different lenses become increasingly similar. The Zeiss Otus lenses are impressive because of their performance wide open at f/1.4. That's where you see the differentiation. Stop down to f/2.8 or more and lenses at a fraction of the price will start to look similar.
2) As Roger shows in his MTF with variance data, there's enough variability such that a good copy of a "worse" lens can easily surpass a bad copy of a "better" lens.
Comparing the Batis and zoom at f/2.8, a relatively slower aperture, and factoring in variation could make the performance pretty close. I own the Batis 25mm but not the 24-70 GM so I'm only speculating here.
Moroni wrote:
You find that GM 24-70 to be sharper than the Batis 25mm? Did I read that right? I'd be rather surprised if that's the case, however I open to the possibility.
-Brian
1) As aperture gets smaller different lenses become increasingly similar. The Zeiss Otus lenses are impressive because of their performance wide open at f/1.4. That's where you see the differentiation. Stop down to f/2.8 or more and lenses at a fraction of the price will start to look similar.
2) As Roger shows in his MTF with variance data, there's enough variability such that a good copy of a "worse" lens can easily surpass a bad copy of a "better" lens.
Comparing the Batis and zoom at f/2.8, a relatively slower aperture, and factoring in variation could make the performance pretty close. I own the Batis 25mm but not the 24-70 GM so I'm only speculating here.
Moroni wrote:
Petercliff wrote
My buddy and I tested the 24-70mm 2.8 and 85mm 1.4. I will only speak of the 24-70mm on this thread. We tested it against following lenses... 21mm Loxia, 25mm Batis, 50mm Loxia, 90mm Sony Maco, 85mm Otus... We tested it in a lot of cityscape. I did get a chance to shoot about 8 portraits with it from a random lovely model that was working with another photographer, insane sharpness wide open! I tested the autofocus shooting some pigeons, wow! Autofocus is great! At 24mm it was better than my Batis so the Batis will be sold! the loxia 50mm and 21mm beat the 24-70mm. 90mm it was very close!-Brian
Apr 14, 2016 at 09:34 PM
p.32 #4Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
GMPhotography wrote:
Have to say I really wonder about that because in our testing Fred's and mine the zoom at 24mm is outstanding. I loved the Batis 25 but I can't find my darn wall test on it to compare.
First of all, thanks for all your testing (Fred also)!!
I need to test more this weekend... I really need to search a brick wall for this testing...
How much meters are you removed from your test wall?
My corners @24 seem more soft than your of Fred's copy. At 5.6 they sharpen up better...
Maybe my test was not 100% correct so I will test again on tripod and steadyshot disabled the next days...
The pictures shown here in this topic are gorgeous
**sorry for my bad english**
Edited on Apr 15, 2016 at 04:19 AM · View previous versions
Have to say I really wonder about that because in our testing Fred's and mine the zoom at 24mm is outstanding. I loved the Batis 25 but I can't find my darn wall test on it to compare.
First of all, thanks for all your testing (Fred also)!!
I need to test more this weekend... I really need to search a brick wall for this testing...
How much meters are you removed from your test wall?
My corners @24 seem more soft than your of Fred's copy. At 5.6 they sharpen up better...
Maybe my test was not 100% correct so I will test again on tripod and steadyshot disabled the next days...
The pictures shown here in this topic are gorgeous
**sorry for my bad english**
Edited on Apr 15, 2016 at 04:19 AM · View previous versions
Apr 14, 2016 at 11:48 PM
p.32 #5Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
Here is an image taken with the FE 24-70/2.8GM @ 24mm.
I took two images, one at f/8 for the tufas and mountains in the background and another at f/14 for the lake and foreground rocks. Basically I needed more DOF and smoothness for the water. These two images were later combined in post in a very simple process. (The exif will show f/8 only though)
The full size image is very sharp center to edges. At 24mm, this zoom performs like a prime lens with great colors and contrast.
That is super great!!
I think Sony should pay back the lens to you as your pictures in this topic are better than a very expensive commercial break
How do you get such big dof in your pictures? where do you focus on to get this?
Here is an image taken with the FE 24-70/2.8GM @ 24mm.
I took two images, one at f/8 for the tufas and mountains in the background and another at f/14 for the lake and foreground rocks. Basically I needed more DOF and smoothness for the water. These two images were later combined in post in a very simple process. (The exif will show f/8 only though)
The full size image is very sharp center to edges. At 24mm, this zoom performs like a prime lens with great colors and contrast.
That is super great!!
I think Sony should pay back the lens to you as your pictures in this topic are better than a very expensive commercial break
How do you get such big dof in your pictures? where do you focus on to get this?
Apr 14, 2016 at 11:55 PM
p.32 #6Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Oh no, a bad copy! http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3991944
Apr 15, 2016 at 05:49 AM
p.32 #7Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
There are several bad copies out there, I have one I a returning. Bad asymmetry with top bad, bottom good and right side weaker than left
Apr 15, 2016 at 06:08 AM
p.32 #8Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Update on my custom hood . Use two SLIM 82mm filter rings . You can buy cheap UV take glass out but than I bought a 85mm slip on cap that works great
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/125304-REG/Kaiser_206985_85mm_Push_On_Lens_Cap.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/125304-REG/Kaiser_206985_85mm_Push_On_Lens_Cap.html
Apr 15, 2016 at 06:19 AM
p.32 #9Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Guy, I use an alternative lens hood on some prime lenses. And the best looking generic hood is the vented on the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8. But for GM zoom, I world rather stick with the OEM hood.
Apr 15, 2016 at 07:39 AM
p.32 #10Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Dorkooken wrote:
I took two images, one at f/8 for the tufas and mountains in the background and another at f/14 for the lake and foreground rocks. Basically I needed more DOF and smoothness for the water. These two images were later combined in post in a very simple process. (The exif will show f/8 only though)
The full size image is very sharp center to edges. At 24mm, this zoom performs like a prime lens with great colors and contrast.That is super great!!
I think Sony should pay back the lens to you as your pictures in this topic are better than a very expensive commercial break
How do you get such big dof in your pictures? where do you focus on to get this?
Thank you! I basically combined two images at different apertures (f/8 and f/14). I prefer aperture stacking to focus stacking as I get more natural results.
All the best,
Fred
Fred Miranda wrote
Here is an image taken with the FE 24-70/2.8GM @ 24mm.I took two images, one at f/8 for the tufas and mountains in the background and another at f/14 for the lake and foreground rocks. Basically I needed more DOF and smoothness for the water. These two images were later combined in post in a very simple process. (The exif will show f/8 only though)
The full size image is very sharp center to edges. At 24mm, this zoom performs like a prime lens with great colors and contrast.
I think Sony should pay back the lens to you as your pictures in this topic are better than a very expensive commercial break
How do you get such big dof in your pictures? where do you focus on to get this?
Thank you! I basically combined two images at different apertures (f/8 and f/14). I prefer aperture stacking to focus stacking as I get more natural results.
All the best,
Fred
Apr 15, 2016 at 12:42 PM
p.32 #11Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Yes I think most would . I'm trying to keep it as small as possible for my Tenba Copper 13 slim bag. Which everything fits pretty good but I hate those hoods. Lol
AGeoJO wrote:
Guy, I use an alternative lens hood on some prime lenses. And the best looking generic hood is the vented on the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8. But for GM zoom, I world rather stick with the OEM hood.
AGeoJO wrote:
Guy, I use an alternative lens hood on some prime lenses. And the best looking generic hood is the vented on the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8. But for GM zoom, I world rather stick with the OEM hood.
Apr 15, 2016 at 12:44 PM
p.32 #12Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
Thank you! I basically combined two images at different apertures (f/8 and f/14). I prefer aperture stacking to focus stacking as I get more natural results.
All the best,
Fred
First time I've heard of this technique instead of focus stacking. You always learn something new, even on gear threads. Thanks Fred!
Thank you! I basically combined two images at different apertures (f/8 and f/14). I prefer aperture stacking to focus stacking as I get more natural results.
All the best,
Fred
First time I've heard of this technique instead of focus stacking. You always learn something new, even on gear threads. Thanks Fred!
Apr 15, 2016 at 12:46 PM
p.32 #13Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Fred Miranda wrote:
I took two images, one at f/8 for the tufas and mountains in the background and another at f/14 for the lake and foreground rocks. Basically I needed more DOF and smoothness for the water. These two images were later combined in post in a very simple process. (The exif will show f/8 only though)
The full size image is very sharp center to edges. At 24mm, this zoom performs like a prime lens with great colors and contrast.That is super great!!
I think Sony should pay back the lens to you as your pictures in this topic are better than a very expensive commercial break
How do you get such big dof in your pictures? where do you focus on to get this?Thank you! I basically combined two images at different apertures (f/8 and f/14). I prefer aperture stacking to focus stacking as I get more natural results.
All the best,
Fred
Fred, my understanding is from reading your post somewhere, you actually do both, right? You do stack images captured using different apertures and different focusing planes or do you strictly do image stacking captured using different apertures only?
Dorkooken wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Here is an image taken with the FE 24-70/2.8GM @ 24mm.I took two images, one at f/8 for the tufas and mountains in the background and another at f/14 for the lake and foreground rocks. Basically I needed more DOF and smoothness for the water. These two images were later combined in post in a very simple process. (The exif will show f/8 only though)
The full size image is very sharp center to edges. At 24mm, this zoom performs like a prime lens with great colors and contrast.
I think Sony should pay back the lens to you as your pictures in this topic are better than a very expensive commercial break
How do you get such big dof in your pictures? where do you focus on to get this?
All the best,
Fred
Fred, my understanding is from reading your post somewhere, you actually do both, right? You do stack images captured using different apertures and different focusing planes or do you strictly do image stacking captured using different apertures only?
Apr 15, 2016 at 07:11 PM
p.32 #14Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Am I obsessing over nothing here or is my copy of the 24-70mm is soft on the top left corner?!
Sample 1 (shows the top left corner a bit soft... maybe?)
Sample 2 -- bottom right corner not as soft as top left in the previous sample?
Sample 1 (shows the top left corner a bit soft... maybe?)
Sample 2 -- bottom right corner not as soft as top left in the previous sample?
Apr 16, 2016 at 12:31 AM
p.32 #15Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
kkcy wrote:
All the best,
FredFirst time I've heard of this technique instead of focus stacking. You always learn something new, even on gear threads. Thanks Fred!
It's also very easy to do on the field. Just change the aperture and you are done!
---------------------------------------------
AGeoJO wrote:
I took two images, one at f/8 for the tufas and mountains in the background and another at f/14 for the lake and foreground rocks. Basically I needed more DOF and smoothness for the water. These two images were later combined in post in a very simple process. (The exif will show f/8 only though)
The full size image is very sharp center to edges. At 24mm, this zoom performs like a prime lens with great colors and contrast.That is super great!!
I think Sony should pay back the lens to you as your pictures in this topic are better than a very expensive commercial break
How do you get such big dof in your pictures? where do you focus on to get this?Thank you! I basically combined two images at different apertures (f/8 and f/14). I prefer aperture stacking to focus stacking as I get more natural results.
All the best,
FredFred, my understanding is from reading your post somewhere, you actually do both, right? You do stack images captured using different apertures and different focusing planes or do you strictly do image stacking captured using different apertures only?
Focus stacking is definitely a great technique but usually needs 3 ,4 or more pictures for focus transitions when shooting at f/8. It takes much longer and sometimes lighting is changing fast. After using it for a while, I started to dislike how focus stacking renders a scene. In some cases, it's unnatural to have a landscape tack sharp everywhere with zero fall-off.
I'm not sure if stacking apertures is a known technique. I discovered by experimenting with bracketing different apertures to ensure enough DOF and then realized it would be better to actually combine both apertures as a stack.
I first decide what the scene's main focal point element is. Then, I manual focus on that area using usually f/8 (sometimes even f/5.6 depending on the lens). Then I calculate the best aperture for greater DOF. (Usually from f/13 until f/18). Merging the 2 shots is sometimes very easy in Photoshop using a simple mask or with more complicated scenes, I use Zerene Stacker to do the job for me. Photoshop has its own stacking script and it's also worth a try.
Thanks for your comments!
Fred
Fred Miranda wrote
Thank you! I basically combined two images at different apertures (f/8 and f/14). I prefer aperture stacking to focus stacking as I get more natural results.All the best,
Fred
It's also very easy to do on the field. Just change the aperture and you are done!
---------------------------------------------
AGeoJO wrote:
Fred Miranda wrote
Dorkooken wrote
Fred Miranda wrote
Here is an image taken with the FE 24-70/2.8GM @ 24mm.I took two images, one at f/8 for the tufas and mountains in the background and another at f/14 for the lake and foreground rocks. Basically I needed more DOF and smoothness for the water. These two images were later combined in post in a very simple process. (The exif will show f/8 only though)
The full size image is very sharp center to edges. At 24mm, this zoom performs like a prime lens with great colors and contrast.
I think Sony should pay back the lens to you as your pictures in this topic are better than a very expensive commercial break
How do you get such big dof in your pictures? where do you focus on to get this?
All the best,
Fred
Focus stacking is definitely a great technique but usually needs 3 ,4 or more pictures for focus transitions when shooting at f/8. It takes much longer and sometimes lighting is changing fast. After using it for a while, I started to dislike how focus stacking renders a scene. In some cases, it's unnatural to have a landscape tack sharp everywhere with zero fall-off.
I'm not sure if stacking apertures is a known technique. I discovered by experimenting with bracketing different apertures to ensure enough DOF and then realized it would be better to actually combine both apertures as a stack.
I first decide what the scene's main focal point element is. Then, I manual focus on that area using usually f/8 (sometimes even f/5.6 depending on the lens). Then I calculate the best aperture for greater DOF. (Usually from f/13 until f/18). Merging the 2 shots is sometimes very easy in Photoshop using a simple mask or with more complicated scenes, I use Zerene Stacker to do the job for me. Photoshop has its own stacking script and it's also worth a try.
Thanks for your comments!
Fred
Apr 16, 2016 at 08:48 AM
p.32 #16Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Also have to be Leary of wind with focus stacking. 4 shots can be a real issue sometimes and I agree it can look a little fake. We as humans do not see perfectly in focus from close up to infinity as we focus as well.
Fred would photomerge in PS work with the aperture stack. Never tried combining them but I would think it work
I actually need to do focus stack with product shots this week. I always used Helicon but my license ran out. Never tried Zerene
OT but on the subject . I worked in the Aerospace industry fora number of years as the chief photographer and I would shoot a lot of black boxes. Problem is you can't get enough DOF from front to the back of the boxes with a mid zone lens like a 85. So tethered I would focus on front, than middle than back and focus stack them. Great technique for these kinds of things , so a very handy way to get the DOF needed , something to think about when your doing stuff like this. It's also a pretty fast way to go about it. End tip of the day. Lol
Fred would photomerge in PS work with the aperture stack. Never tried combining them but I would think it work
I actually need to do focus stack with product shots this week. I always used Helicon but my license ran out. Never tried Zerene
OT but on the subject . I worked in the Aerospace industry fora number of years as the chief photographer and I would shoot a lot of black boxes. Problem is you can't get enough DOF from front to the back of the boxes with a mid zone lens like a 85. So tethered I would focus on front, than middle than back and focus stack them. Great technique for these kinds of things , so a very handy way to get the DOF needed , something to think about when your doing stuff like this. It's also a pretty fast way to go about it. End tip of the day. Lol
Apr 16, 2016 at 08:56 AM
p.32 #17Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
GMPhotography wrote:
Also have to be Leary of wind with focus stacking. 4 shots can be a real issue sometimes and I agree it can look a little fake. We as humans do not see perfectly in focus from close up to infinity as we focus as well.
Fred would photomerge in PS work with the aperture stack. Never tried combining them but I would think it work
I actually need to do focus stack with product shots this week. I always used Helicon but my license ran out. Never tried Zerene
OT but on the subject . I worked in the Aerospace industry...Show more →
Hi Guy,
Zerene is supposed to the best unlesss something has changed. You do have to pay a premium for Zerene if you are going to use it professionally.
Rich
Also have to be Leary of wind with focus stacking. 4 shots can be a real issue sometimes and I agree it can look a little fake. We as humans do not see perfectly in focus from close up to infinity as we focus as well.
Fred would photomerge in PS work with the aperture stack. Never tried combining them but I would think it work
I actually need to do focus stack with product shots this week. I always used Helicon but my license ran out. Never tried Zerene
OT but on the subject . I worked in the Aerospace industry...Show more →
Hi Guy,
Zerene is supposed to the best unlesss something has changed. You do have to pay a premium for Zerene if you are going to use it professionally.
Rich
Apr 16, 2016 at 09:14 AM
p.32 #18Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Thanks Rich . I'll check it out
Apr 16, 2016 at 09:44 AM
p.32 #19Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
PikkerTaker wrote:
Am I obsessing over nothing here or is my copy of the 24-70mm is soft on the top left corner?!
Sample 1 (shows the top left corner a bit soft... maybe?)
Sample 2 -- bottom right corner not as soft as top left in the previous sample?
I'd appreciate it if you looked at these please...
Am I obsessing over nothing here or is my copy of the 24-70mm is soft on the top left corner?!
Sample 1 (shows the top left corner a bit soft... maybe?)
Sample 2 -- bottom right corner not as soft as top left in the previous sample?
I'd appreciate it if you looked at these please...
Apr 16, 2016 at 09:50 AM
p.32 #20Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Funny thing is the building is not in focus in center. You may have missed focus and looks very windy. Maybe get in front of a brick wall and just do a dead on shot and see where you are at than try the infinity. Are you on tripod
Apr 16, 2016 at 10:11 AM