Thanks for the explanation. Seems like the Contax lenses at f11 are sharper than the zoom at f8 even which is pretty nice for landscape shooting. Too bad there isn't a 16-30 Contax like the 35-70
The Contax has more micro contrast which makes it a little deceiving to the eye. The zoom is a touch lower contrast. I think we brought that up during our testing. Still very good. Maybe better said a touch more punch to the files.
I have read through the 39 pages of this thread and it has convinced me that I both need get a Sony a7rii and the 24-70 GM lens! I can't find anywhere that has it in stock right now though Does anyone know when they might be available again?
Thank you to all that have contributed to this thread and the multiple tests and comparisons.
Guy, Fred, and anyone else that has this, still in love with it after having it a few weeks, or is he honeymoon period over yet? Thinking of getting the a7rII back and my kit would start with this, the 35/55 combo and go from there. I use a standard zoom for most shots unless indoors when I need a fast prime, superiors subject isolation, or a small package.
Also realized the a7rII would be the best purchase since an a9 would most likely be in the $5,000+ range.
Still very much in love. If anyone knows me this usually don't last long but in my mind given the native mount no hassle great image quality coming out of it and after bout 7 or 8 different types of gigs. It's firmly planted in my bag. With the A7rII it's a dream combo and will be great as Sony moves forward with new bodies. Heck it's even nice on the A6300 although totally unbalanced it still is comfortable. Yea I wish it was smaller and lighter but this really is the size of these 2.8 zooms. Given the image quality I think it's worth every cent I paid. Full price no discounts. Lol
Btw look at the Sony FE image thread as well, many great images on that thread that are really amazing with this lens. I know I went from this review right on the GM 85 and the Vc15 so I have not been back here to add to it but I'm very pleased with it and have really nothing negative to say except I need to go back out and figure out the 70mm better. I had a focus issue at that focal length on manual that I need to play with again and see why I had that issue when testing it.
Thanks for the reassurance. Yeah I agree it's not a small lens, but it is what it is. I had the f/4 version and while I was ok with it, it wasn't the best. I could rebuy it again (I think you had it on what... 5 different occasions). But I don't want to end up wondering what if about the 2.8. Worst case if I'm able to track down the 2.8 and it doesn't work out, the market for them should be strong enough to sell without a huge dip in price.
Agree the F4 is just okay but it's slow too and I never had a great copy either by buying or renting same feeling with the 28 f2. I'm picky as hell though but if I spend the money I want decent corners at least by 5.6. Neither lens would do that so they are off my list. Some folks love them but I can't warm up to either one.the GM is just such a world class zoom it really is worth the money in my book.
p.39 #11 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
TMaG82 wrote:
Guy, Fred, and anyone else that has this, still in love with it after having it a few weeks, or is he honeymoon period over yet? Thinking of getting the a7rII back and my kit would start with this, the 35/55 combo and go from there. I use a standard zoom for most shots unless indoors when I need a fast prime, superiors subject isolation, or a small package.
Also realized the a7rII would be the best purchase since an a9 would most likely be in the $5,000+ range.
Well, Fred recently sold his amazing Contax 35-70 because he was going to use the GM instead so... I'd say that's a pretty ringing endorsement!
p.39 #12 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Fred and I talked about this recently in e-mails and we both been searching for landscape lenses in this range we both pretty much said the same thing. It's already in our bags and not much is going to touch it. Having the Loxia 21 we both have great copies and we both have death grips on it until we get a Loxia 28 like it the best landscape lens from 24-35 mm is this zoom. Our Loxia 50s are better and faster this zoom is still great at 50mm. So it's has a great range even 70 but you need to stop down to F8 for the corners there on 70mm. Until we see primes that are actually better than this is a great choice.
I am totally happy with going out with the VC 15,Loxia 21 and 50 with the zoom to go shoot any landscape. I personally would like to leave my GM 85 home though so be nice to have a 90 or 100 in a smaller package. Maybe something in a Leica 90 or Contax 100 . Like it to be a Leica M mount since I have the new Hawk adapter and the Leica m adapter does not bug me. Maybe a Leica 90 elmarit
p.39 #13 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Instead of a zoom I would pick 17mm TS-E & 24mm TS-E 2 + shimmed MB4, Nikon 45mm PC-E (superior to any conventional lens) via the new electronic adapter and 90mm TS-E.
No conventional lens or a zoom cannot touch those in utility. Not even close. 45mm PC-E is of course a wild horse, there may or may not be problems with the electronic adapter. I try to get my hand on one in June.
May 20, 2016 at 08:06 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.39 #14 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
GMPhotography wrote:
Fred and I talked about this recently in e-mails and we both been searching for landscape lenses in this range we both pretty much said the same thing. It's already in our bags and not much is going to touch it. Having the Loxia 21 we both have great copies and we both have death grips on it until we get a Loxia 28 like it the best landscape lens from 24-35 mm is this zoom. Our Loxia 50s are better and faster this zoom is still great at 50mm. So it's has a great range even 70 but you need to stop down to F8 for the corners there on 70mm. Until we see primes that are actually better than this is a great choice.
I am totally happy with going out with the VC 15,Loxia 21 and 50 with the zoom to go shoot any landscape. I personally would like to leave my GM 85 home though so be nice to have a 90 or 100 in a smaller package. Maybe something in a Leica 90 or Contax 100 . Like it to be a Leica M mount since I have the new Hawk adapter and the Leica m adapter does not bug me. Maybe a Leica 90 elmarit ...Show more →
Guy, I think you should consider the Leica M 90 f/4 macro. Absolutely tiny and it is collapsible and an excellent Landscape lens with a very flat field. Weighs less than 300g and is smaller than your Loxia 50. With the Hawk's adapter it can actually do macro very well with just the extension making it a quite versatile lens. If you wanted to go with less money I would recommend the Zeiss ZM 85 f/4. Also tiny and a great landscape lens. Pretty cheap too.
p.39 #15 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Rolling Review
Thanks Steve I had that macro at one time. Great idea I was hoping someone would chime in. Appreciate this, I'll start looking around. Yea I'm thinking with the Hawk it be fun to have a macro option since I don't have a macro.
Yes, that is the one. It is definitely the more cost effective option. You can find the Leica M 90 Elmar Macro for about $1,500 used (if you can find one without all the extra stuff--macro adapter with goggles, viewfinder, etc.), but that is still quite a bit more than the Zeiss ZM. The Leica is smaller and does macro, however, so really different horses for different courses.
Does anyone know when they might be available again?