Hopefully a pretty straight forward question but maybe not.
Can the smaller full frame Sigma I-Series lenses support the resolution of Sony’s 61 Mpixel sensor in the new Sony A7CR?
The answer may get complicated by the fact that Sigma now has at least 9 or 10 lenses in the family from 17mm to 90mm but I’m considering pairing these together and wondering if anyone has direct experience with these lenses on the A7RV or even the A7R IV. I can start to do my own testing but wonder I’d anyone already has some background or direct experience here.
Maybe experience on the new A6700 APS-C sensor with 26 Mpixels May also be applicable since the pixel size and pitch of the two sensors I think is the same.
Any, just reaching out to see if any one knows. I couldn’t find any good references on the web yet.
You should examine each lens separately and assess if it complements your shooting preferences.
Take the 35/2 lens, for instance; it performs well at infinity but the closer it gets to its 0.18x maximum magnification, the softer it is. Hence, if you frequently shoot subjects within 1 meter of the camera, it might not be the best choice for you.
I also don't consider the 17/4 lens a top choice. For just around ~100g extra weight, the 16-35/4G lens is significantly more versatile and not far behind in optical performance compared to the prime lens.
On the other hand, the 65/2 is an outstanding lens. The unique focal length provides better lens gapping between a 35mm and 135mm compared to an 85mm. Its main weakness is the poor 0.15x maximum magnification. Unlike the 35i, the 65i performs well at the maximum magnification, enhancing its versatility.
I total agree that each lens in the I-Series is probably different but didn’t want to list each out. I personally have the f/2 of the 24, 35, 50, and 65 and the 90/2.8. The 20/2 seems to have a lot of distortion and the others while smaller aren’t as fast as I would like. Thank you.
I have a Sony A7Riv, and have been trying to find lighter lenses to reduce the load. Probably will pick up the A7CR when that is available.
Anyway, my 3 lens light setup: Sigma 17mm f/4, Samyang 35mm f/1.8 and Sigma 90mm f/2.8. Happy with the IQ on all 3. The 17mm betters my 16-35G on edges and corners. And the 90 seemed to equal the Sony 90mm macro at distant. I got the Samyang due to the Amazon prime day sale, and light weight. Certainly comparable to other 35's I've owned.
Hope to use these 3 lenses for a light A7CR outfit.
swldstn wrote:
Hopefully a pretty straight forward question but maybe not.
Can the smaller full frame Sigma I-Series lenses support the resolution of Sony’s 61 Mpixel sensor in the new Sony A7CR?
The answer may get complicated by the fact that Sigma now has at least 9 or 10 lenses in the family from 27mm to 90mm but I’m considering pairing these together and wondering if anyone has direct experience with these lenses on the A7RV or even the A7R IV. I can start to do my own testing but wonder I’d anyone already has some background or direct experience here.
Maybe experience on the new A6700 APS-C sensor with 26 Mpixels May also be applicable since the pixel size and pitch of the two sensors I think is the same.
Any, just reaching out to see if any one knows. I couldn’t find any good references on the web yet.
The A7Cr will be about the same as the A7RIV and the A7RV. No problems with any Sigma i series lenses on those bodies. Because the lenses have been designed to optimize rendering while maintaining resolution, some of them are affected at minimum focus distance and maximum aperture by the spherical aberrations that were used to improve rendering. I find this especially the case with the 45/2.8 and the 24/3.5, both of which render especially beautifully. But, on any of these lenses, when the aperture is narrowed or the MFD increased, the lenses become very sharp.
I have six of the i series, I'm thinking about getting a seventh (the 17mm) and I'm taking them with my on-order A7Cr when I travel.
I have several of them that I use on a 42MP sensor and based on what I see, I think they’d do fine on 61mp. They’re as sharp or sharper than most of the best zooms, which people use on 61mp sensors all the time.
Regarding close up performance with the 35mm, I feel a need to offer an alternative view. It’s true that close up is not where this lens is at its sharpest but it can still be very good depending on your needs. The bokeh and rendering is beautiful and sharpness isn’t bad. The kind of photos I take with a 35mm at MFD might be of my dog taking a nap or something like that and I love the look of those images. I used to have the Sony 35/1.8, and it was sharper up close but I still preferred the Sigma.
p.1 #10 · Sigma I-Series Lenses on 61 Mpixel A7RC?
aCuria wrote:
You should examine each lens separately and assess if it complements your shooting preferences.
Take the 35/2 lens, for instance; it performs well at infinity but the closer it gets to its 0.18x maximum magnification, the softer it is. Hence, if you frequently shoot subjects within 1 meter of the camera, it might not be the best choice for you.
I also don't consider the 17/4 lens a top choice. For just around ~100g extra weight, the 16-35/4G lens is significantly more versatile and not far behind in optical performance compared to the prime lens.
On the other hand, the 65/2 is an outstanding lens. The unique focal length provides better lens gapping between a 35mm and 135mm compared to an 85mm. Its main weakness is the poor 0.15x maximum magnification. Unlike the 35i, the 65i performs well at the maximum magnification, enhancing its versatility....Show more →
p.1 #11 · Sigma I-Series Lenses on 61 Mpixel A7RC?
PaulMoorePhoto wrote:
I have several of them that I use on a 42MP sensor and based on what I see, I think they’d do fine on 61mp. They’re as sharp or sharper than most of the best zooms, which people use on 61mp sensors all the time.
Regarding close up performance with the 35mm, I feel a need to offer an alternative view. It’s true that close up is not where this lens is at its sharpest but it can still be very good depending on your needs. The bokeh and rendering is beautiful and sharpness isn’t bad. The kind of photos I take with a 35mm at MFD might be of my dog taking a nap or something like that and I love the look of those images. I used to have the Sony 35/1.8, and it was sharper up close but I still preferred the Sigma....Show more →
If I capture a portrait-oriented half-body shot of my preschooler using my 35GM lens, we're considering a focal distance of 40-50cm. Kids tend to be sticky so using long lenses is problematic unless you have someone else to hold them
This seems to be close enough to the MFD of the 35i to run into softness problems, and I do sometimes take shots that are tighter than half body.
I certainly agree the suitability of each lens completely depends on what you shoot.
p.1 #12 · Sigma I-Series Lenses on 61 Mpixel A7RC?
swldstn wrote:
Hopefully a pretty straight forward question but maybe not.
Can the smaller full frame Sigma I-Series lenses support the resolution of Sony’s 61 Mpixel sensor in the new Sony A7CR?
The answer may get complicated by the fact that Sigma now has at least 9 or 10 lenses in the family from 27mm to 90mm but I’m considering pairing these together and wondering if anyone has direct experience with these lenses on the A7RV or even the A7R IV. I can start to do my own testing but wonder I’d anyone already has some background or direct experience here.
Maybe experience on the new A6700 APS-C sensor with 26 Mpixels May also be applicable since the pixel size and pitch of the two sensors I think is the same.
Any, just reaching out to see if any one knows. I couldn’t find any good references on the web yet.
Short answer, yes. Each lens in the series obviously has different optical design and strengths and weaknesses, but they are all high quality sharp lenses. I've used the 24/2, 35/2, 65/2 on the Riii and Riv with outstanding results. If you look up 'performance' reviews of these lenses compared to other similar lenses they come out very well, often even up against bigger more expensive lenses. eg.
I'm really looking forward to trying out the 50/2.
In short the Sigma i series, as well as DG DN Art lenses, are not designed for perfect MTF charts or sharpness tests - they're designed for 'rendering'/bokeh/colours/look. They are deliberately not overly corrected and they seem to have made the design decision almost across the board to sacrifice close up wide open sharpness, for otherwise better performance/rendering. I think this might be why the 35/1.4 and 50/1.4 DG DN lenses have been somewhat overlooked, because they don't perform as well in youtube reviews or sharpness tests, but the results from them are beautiful. I tried several times with the 35GM but always went back to the Sigma 35/1.4 and 35/1.2 - I just love the output of the Sigmas. Saying that very much looking forward to trying a 50/1.2GM when I can afford it
ps - very interesting in the 'What 5 lenses..' thread that the 35GM is almost unmentioned - I though it was fairly universally hailed as modern classic lens. The 24GM/85GM/50GM and Sigma i series feature prominently.
p.1 #13 · Sigma I-Series Lenses on 61 Mpixel A7RC?
newdom wrote:
ps - very interesting in the 'What 5 lenses..' thread that the 35GM is almost unmentioned - I though it was fairly universally hailed as modern classic lens. The 24GM/85GM/50GM and Sigma i series feature prominently.
There are two “5 lens” threads. The one you mention is best rendering I believe. The 5 best lenses I believe mentions the 35 GM a lot. I have it and like it a lot.
p.1 #14 · Sigma I-Series Lenses on 61 Mpixel A7RC?
newdom wrote:
Short answer, yes. Each lens in the series obviously has different optical design and strengths and weaknesses, but they are all high quality sharp lenses. I've used the 24/2, 35/2, 65/2 on the Riii and Riv with outstanding results. If you look up 'performance' reviews of these lenses compared to other similar lenses they come out very well, often even up against bigger more expensive lenses. eg.
I'm really looking forward to trying out the 50/2.
In short the Sigma i series, as well as DG DN Art lenses, are not designed for perfect MTF charts or sharpness tests - they're designed for 'rendering'/bokeh/colours/look. They are deliberately not overly corrected and they seem to have made the design decision almost across the board to sacrifice close up wide open sharpness, for otherwise better performance/rendering. I think this might be why the 35/1.4 and 50/1.4 DG DN lenses have been somewhat overlooked, because they don't perform as well in youtube reviews or sharpness tests, but the results from them are beautiful. I tried several times with the 35GM but always went back to the Sigma 35/1.4 and 35/1.2 - I just love the output of the Sigmas. Saying that very much looking forward to trying a 50/1.2GM when I can afford it
ps - very interesting in the 'What 5 lenses..' thread that the 35GM is almost unmentioned - I though it was fairly universally hailed as modern classic lens. The 24GM/85GM/50GM and Sigma i series feature prominently....Show more →
The 50/2.0 i series has been of interest to me because 50 is a favorite focal length and I like the size and rendering characteristics of the is eries lenses. The 50i has been under-reported even here on FM. The best accounts of it suggest that its draw is very much like that of the 35i, which would be great. I wish Fred would take a look at it, as he has done with the 35, 45, and 65.
p.1 #15 · Sigma I-Series Lenses on 61 Mpixel A7RC?
swldstn wrote:
...or is this your personal experience?
My personal experiences (I've shot the 24mm, 50mm and 90mm). I found them all to be very good on 61mpx bodies.
I should add, however, that I'm not a seeker of absolute ultimate quality in lenses; I leave that to others. I firmly believe the old adage that 'perfection is the enemy of good'
p.1 #16 · Sigma I-Series Lenses on 61 Mpixel A7RC?
aCuria wrote:
If I capture a portrait-oriented half-body shot of my preschooler using my 35GM lens, we're considering a focal distance of 40-50cm. Kids tend to be sticky so using long lenses is problematic unless you have someone else to hold them
This seems to be close enough to the MFD of the 35i to run into softness problems, and I do sometimes take shots that are tighter than half body.
I certainly agree the suitability of each lens completely depends on what you shoot.
The 35GM is a fantastic lens but again, I think the difference is smaller than some might think. You could absolutely take great shots like you describe with the 35i. Of course, they won’t be at f/1.4, and they won’t be as biting sharp, but they will still be sharp and they will have the I-series rendering, which is obviously a matter of personal preference. If you want to make posters and count eye lashes, the GM will do better. But at the normal size people print images of a toddler, the 35i will look great.
It's probably to look at a few different review sites and sources (including word of mouth there as you are doing.)
I can personally vouch for the 65. The 17 is very good, by loses a bit when distortion is corrected. The 45 can be a little soft wide open as you get closer to MFD, but renders beautifully. Stopped down a little and I think it's more than sharp enough to say it's good on 61 MP.
swldstn wrote:
Good reference. It’s been updated since I looked at it. So for Sigma I-Series lenses …
Outstanding: Sigma 65/2 C
Excellent: Sigma 20/2 C, Sigma 24/2 C, Sigma 35/2 C, Sigma 50/2 C
Very Good: Sigma 24/3.5 C, Sigma 45/2.8 C
p.1 #19 · Sigma I-Series Lenses on 61 Mpixel A7RC?
newdom wrote:
Short answer, yes. Each lens in the series obviously has different optical design and strengths and weaknesses, but they are all high quality sharp lenses. I've used the 24/2, 35/2, 65/2 on the Riii and Riv with outstanding results. If you look up 'performance' reviews of these lenses compared to other similar lenses they come out very well, often even up against bigger more expensive lenses. eg.
I'm really looking forward to trying out the 50/2.
In short the Sigma i series, as well as DG DN Art lenses, are not designed for perfect MTF charts or sharpness tests - they're designed for 'rendering'/bokeh/colours/look. They are deliberately not overly corrected and they seem to have made the design decision almost across the board to sacrifice close up wide open sharpness, for otherwise better performance/rendering. I think this might be why the 35/1.4 and 50/1.4 DG DN lenses have been somewhat overlooked, because they don't perform as well in youtube reviews or sharpness tests, but the results from them are beautiful. I tried several times with the 35GM but always went back to the Sigma 35/1.4 and 35/1.2 - I just love the output of the Sigmas. Saying that very much looking forward to trying a 50/1.2GM when I can afford it
ps - very interesting in the 'What 5 lenses..' thread that the 35GM is almost unmentioned - I though it was fairly universally hailed as modern classic lens. The 24GM/85GM/50GM and Sigma i series feature prominently....Show more →
p.1 #20 · Sigma I-Series Lenses on 61 Mpixel A7RC?
Have had the 65mm f2, 24mm f2 and 35mm f2 for almost 2 years and added the 45mm f2.8 about 6 months later. All have been used on my A7RIV at 61MP, and in the crop mode at 26MP, and they work just fine with the higher resolution sensor. The 65mm has been used for a lot of outside portraits photos, in lieu of my normally use of the Batis 85, and I just love its rendering. I had the 24 f1.4 GM, but as I rarely shot the 24GM at under f2 and actually liked the Sigma 24mm size and rendering better, I sold the GM. I added the 90mm f2.8 a few months ago and its use has been limited, but it also seems quite sharp with good rendering at 61MP.
These lenses remind me of MF Voigtlanders in design and construction and that is a definite draw for me. The few extra ounces of these lenses, because of the all metal construction, is fine with me and I consider it a benefit. Can’t speak for other I Series I don’t own, but all of mine just work fine at 61MP, no issues. I plan on using these as my standard kit for my soon to buy A6700, as I want to try a smaller "C" size body. If all works out, I will add a A7CR at a later date.
