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 p.53 #15 · Voigtlander 21mm f/3.5 Color Skopar Review | |
Escapist2436 wrote:
Hi everyone,
I only recently came across this thread. I've been using manually operated lenses like the ColorSkopar 21mm f3.5 with my Sony a7 series camera for a long time. I'm writing this to ask for everyone's opinions.
Up until now, I've been using older lenses with a so-called retrofocus configuration via an adapter to accommodate the thick sensor of the Sony α7 series. Many of those lenses didn't produce a magenta tint and weren't bad to use, but their rendering was rather outdated. Much later, I learned about lenses specifically designed for Sony cameras, such as Loxia and Voigtlander. I acquired this ColorSkopar 21mm f3.5 just before it was discontinued, and I've been using it ever since.
Could you please tell me two things?
1. Compared to Leica's sensors, Sony's sensors are thicker, and as is well known, this causes problems with image quality when using symmetrical lenses. Despite this, why does Sony still use this type of sensor, and what are its advantages?
2. I understand there are methods to modify the sensor section, but I've also heard that some later models in the α7 series have a thinner sensor design. If you know anything about this, please let me know.
3. I'm quite happy using this ColorSkopar lens with my α7 III, but I'm actually considering getting another α7 series body. (I'm not considering the R series with its vast, large pixels.) If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Surprisingly, I really like the shutter sound of the 7 III!?
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You asked:
Compared to Leica's sensors, Sony's sensors are thicker, and as is well known, this causes problems with image quality when using symmetrical lenses. Despite this, why does Sony still use this type of sensor, and what are its advantages?
The thicker sensor cover glass doesn't cause image quality issues if the lenses are designed with the thicker cover glass considered when the lens is designed. Sony designs all their own lenses accounting for their thicker cover glass so it isn't a problem for their own lenses and the thicker cover glass may well protect the sensor better. The problem is for older glass made for film and even newer glass designed for the Leica M mount cameras with thinner cover glass. I don't think Sony cares two hoots about whether such lenses perform well on their cameras.
By the way what cause problems is a wide aperture and a short exit pupil. The good news is the Voigtlander 21 f/3.5 III with its fairly narrow max aperture and slightly longer exit pupil than previous models isn't affected much by the thickness of cover glass. You can use the Leica M version on pretty much any modern camera without worrying about the cover glass.
I understand there are methods to modify the sensor section, but I've also heard that some later models in the α7 series have a thinner sensor design. If you know anything about this, please let me know.
There are services that modify the cover glass of pretty much any modern camera and when a camera has been modified it will work better and actually very well with lenses designed for Leica M mount cameras. There are two costs, however, white balance typically needs custom adjustment and lenses designed for the camera (e.g., Sony lenses on Sony) sometimes don't work as well. I think you have misinformation that the A7 series have a thinner sensor design. They do not.
I'm quite happy using this ColorSkopar lens with my α7 III, but I'm actually considering getting another α7 series body. (I'm not considering the R series with its vast, large pixels.) If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Surprisingly, I really like the shutter sound of the 7 III!?
If you don't want an A7r series, then the new A7 V looks like a quite nice camera and if you want small the A7C II is also a nice camera.
Regarding lens hoods for this lens I use a 39mm to 58mm step up ring and this rubber lens hood:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1388622-REG/sensei_lhr2_w58_58mm_wide_angle_rubber.html
Small, collapsible, provides some protections, and even blocks some light. I like it but YMMV.
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Edit: Especially these days when almost every camera has IBIS, and you definitely don't want your sensor assembly to weigh more than necessary when it's gonna move around.