philip_pj wrote:
I'm almost at the point I don't want to buy anything faster than f3.5 or so.
Optics are a funny & unforgiving series of compromises in many ways. There are definitely some advantages that are capable of being gained by not designing for 'superfast' (besides cost) ... now whether or not the designer took advantage of that, or just went cheap is another matter.
That having been said my Oly 28/3.5 and 135/3.5 have a certain IQ to them that are pleasing to shoot with. For instance, my Oly 28/3.5 seems to handle infinity better than my Nikon 28/2.8 AIS, but with a longer mfd. Same story for my Oly 21/3.5 vs. Nikon 20/2.8. Central sharpness @ close focus goes to the Nikon, edges & infinity to the Oly. (Based on my 1D MK II ... may see different when I get FF)
3.5 is kinda like the 'girl next door' ... often or easily overlooked, but just might be rather surprising once you spend a little more time with her ... and doesn't cost a 'mint' to keep by your side.
The 2X zoom and 3.4 are small trade-offs that help the 35-70 retain its excellent IQ ... well worth 'giving a little' to get a lot (imo).
jotdeh wrote:
Ok let me contribute a people shot or two then... all on 5DII, RAW processed untouched in LR except as indicated. AWB on most. Shots probably at F5.6 or F8.
OT: I am a bit shock to see the price list of the dishes being offered - I don't recall they were being that high the last time I was in that part of the world
I had one for a while and got rid of it; the image quality was nice but the ergonomics were unacceptable (especially the push-pull zooming, ugh); I much prefer my 24-70L for its speed, more useful range, and the way it handles. This is one of the few pictures I ever took with the Zeiss:
I really like your initial foray, ebrandon - very nice indeed and 3D in spades plus fine bokeh on that format.
Kent, about slow lenses - I am kind of self-indoctrinated by shooting medium format for so long. A fast lens for me was the Fuji GW690 (f3.5), then the Fuji GA645 (f4), Mamiya 6 and 7 (f4-4.5), so I am a long time 'sufferer'...the thing is, that speed is pretty standard for medium or large format, and these slow lenses (you might agree) make for stellar image quality - for work that they are suited for. I would use faster lenses for DSLR if they delivered relative to their disadvantages re cost, weight, filter sizes, bulk, etc. I have a CY Planar 50 for when it is needed, and the 35mm f1.4 looks great for later on.
One thing to get back on topic, is how easy the 35-70 is to focus on the Sony A900, the viewfinder is a real asset even with the standard screen and the focus just snaps in, even in lowish light. And, ebrandon, I get the in-body stabilisation even without a James Lao chip - the Sony setting is 50mm by default, according to douglasf13, an expert on them IMO. This gives Sony users at least 2 stops extra for handholding.
3rd_i, we are all different re fussiness of lens use - great image delivery beats handling any day for me, as I do not dwell on a lens's speed of use and handling, but excellent final images live for ever - well, potentially! I shoot street scenery and landscape though, prob different to you, so a horses for courses thing.
Thanks for all the sample shots! I love the colors!
jotdeh wrote:
Ok let me contribute a people shot or two then... all on 5DII, RAW processed untouched in LR except as indicated. AWB on most. Shots probably at F5.6 or F8.
virtualcrow wrote:
Cute kid! I have a couple of young ones myself. Do you find yourself looking for AF or are you able to keep up with your kid with MF?
Thanks, he is a bunch of fun. MF can be a challenge with my son, but for me it really depends on the situation. Here he was enjoying a snack, so not hard to capture him then.
I got mine just now, and finished micro-adjusting it. I just love it. Perfect focal range for me, lightweight and discreet, yet IQ good enough for a guy who had forsaken zooms forever...
I can't wait to take some serious pictures with it.
Thanks to all of you for bringing this gem to my attention, without you I would never have bought one.
