Welcome to V62!!!

Previous threads:
V61
V60
V59
V58 V57



The Sony Alpha User List is managed by chiahau. Click here to jump to it!

Sony Alpha F.A.Q courtesy of Ahmike

Common Kelvin White Balance Settings:


Wireless Flash Compatibility List:


Removing Pop-Up Flash Effect In Wireless Flash Mode:


Sony Alpha Lens Line-up: HERE courtesy of vcxv

Below are the official additional accessories* that comes with respective Sony Alpha camera:

Flash hotshoe cover (Sony FASHC1AM) - A100, A77 (soft version), A700, A900
Remote Commander clip - A100, A200, A300, A350, A700, A900
Eyepiece cover / flash hotshoe cover holder - A100, A200, A300, A350, A700
Cheap Sony neckstrap - A200, A300, A350
Good Sony neckstrap - A100, A77, A700, A900
Wireless Infrared Remote Control - A700, A900

* list provided by albnok

Sony Alpha Support Page and Alpha User Manuals: Sony Support Site A200 A300/A350 A700 A900

How to clean your Alpha sensor by albnok:



Some useful links:

Tamron/Sigma/Sony/Minolta 70-200mm F2.8 Shootout
http://www.glaringnotebook.com/default.asp?id=1243

Ultra Wide Comparison
http://www.glaringnotebook.com/default.asp?id=1324

Alpha street pricelist updated 26th October 2013:

Camera

Sony A230 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM14xx
Sony A290 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM14xx
Sony A330 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM18xx
Sony A380 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM20xx
Sony A380 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM + 55-200mm F4-5.6 DT SAM = RM24xx
Sony A390 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM17xx
Sony A33 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM21xx
Sony A33 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM + 55-200mm F4-5.6 DT SAM = RM23xx
Sony A35 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM21xx
Sony A37 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM15xx
Sony A500 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM + 55-200mm F4-5.6 DT SAM = RM31xx
Sony A550 body only = RM21xx
Sony A550 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM21xx
Sony A550 + 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DT = RM40xx
Sony A580 body only = RM24xx
Sony A580 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM27xx
Sony A55 body only + 8GB MSPD HX = RM21xx
Sony A55 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM25xx
Sony A55 + 50mm F1.8 DT SAM = RM26xx (Studio Zaloon)
Sony A55 + 16-105mm F3.5-5.6 DT = RM37xx (Studio Zaloon)
Sony A57 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM18xx
Sony A58 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM19xx NEW
Sony A65 body only = RM26xx
Sony A65 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM = RM28xx
Sony A700 + 18-70mm F3.5-5.6 DT = RM33xx
Sony A77 body only = RM38xx
Sony A77 + 16-50mm F2.8 DT SSM = RM48xx
Sony A850 body only = RM61xx
Sony A900 body only = RM73xx (Studio Zaloon)
Sony A99 body only = RM74xx
Sony NEX-3 + 16mm F2.8 = RM16xx
Sony NEX-3 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS = RM18xx
Sony NEX-3 + 16mm F2.8 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS = RM22xx
Sony NEX-C3 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS = RM19xx
Sony NEX-F3 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS = RM18xx
Sony NEX-F3 + 16mm F2.8 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS = RM22xx
Sony NEX-F3 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS + 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS = RM25xx
Sony NEX-3N + 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS + 8GB SD (x2) = RM14xx NEW
Sony NEX-3N + 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS + 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS + 8GB SD = RM18xx NEW
Sony NEX-5 + 16mm F2.8 = RM21xx
Sony NEX-5 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS = RM22xx
Sony NEX-5 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS + 4GB MSPD = RM23xx
Sony NEX-5 + 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Active OSS + 8GB MSPD + LCD protector = RM32xx
Sony NEX-5N + 16mm F2.8 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS + 8GB MSPD = RM26xx
Sony NEX-5R + 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS + 8GB SD = RM18xx
Sony NEX-5R + 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS + 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS + 8GB SD = RM25xx
Sony NEX-6 + 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS + 8GB SD = RM27xx
Sony NEX-6 + 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS + 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS + 8GB SD (x2) = RM34xx
Sony NEX-7 + 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS + 16GB SD = RM39xx
Sony VG-900 = RM94xx

The following suffixes identify what lens comes with the camera body:

G = Sony 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DT
K = Sony 18-70mm F3.5-5.6 DT
L = Sony 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM
M = Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM
P = Sony 16-105mm F3.5-5.6 DT
Q = Sony 28-75mm F2.8 SAM (or Sony 16-50mm F2.8 DT SSM with A77)
W = Sony 18-70mm F3.5-5.6 DT + Sony 75-300mm F4.5-5.6
X = Sony 18-70mm F3.5-5.6 DT + Sony 55-200mm F4-5.6 DT
Y = Sony 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DT SAM + Sony 55-200mm F4-5.6 DT (2) SAM
Z = Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 DT ZA

For Sony NEX bodies:

A = Sony E 16mm F2.8 pancake
D = Sony E 16mm F2.8 pancake + Sony E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
H = Sony E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Active OSS
K = Sony E 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
L = Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS pancake
Y = Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS pancake + Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS

Battery Grip

Sony VG-B30AM for A200/A300/A350 = RM6xx
Sony VG-B50AM for A450/A500/A550/A560/A580 = RM6xx
Sony VG-C70AM for A700 = RM9xx
Sony VG-C90AM for A850/A900 = RM9xx

Battery

Sony NP-FH50 battery for A230/A290/A330/A380/A390 = RM2xx
Sony NP-FW50 battery for NEX-3/NEX-C3/NEX-F3/NEX-3N/NEX-5/NEX-5N/NEX-5R/NEX-5T/NEX-6/NEX-7/A33/A35/A37/A55 = RM2xx
Sony NP-FM500H battery for A100/A200/A300/A350/A450/A500/A550/A560/A580/A700/A850/A900/A57/A58/A65/A77/A99 = RM2xx

Other Accessories

Sony FDA-EVS1 electronic viewfinder for NEX-5N = RM9xx

Flash

Sony HVL-F20S = RM3xx
Sony HVL-F20AM = RM4xx
Sony HVL-F42AM = RM7xx
Sony HVL-F43AM = RM7xx
Sony HVL-F58AM = RM11xx
Sony HVL-F60M = RM11xx

Sony/Minolta Used Lenses

Minolta 28mm F2.8 = RM450-600
Minolta 35-70 F4 (mini beercan) = RM250-400
Minolta 50mm F1.4 = RM750-850
Minolta 50mm F1.7 = RM450-600
Sony 55-200mm F4-5.6 DT = RM450-550
Minolta 70-210mm F4 (beercan) = RM750-1100
Minolta 75-300mm F4.5-5.6 (big beercan) = RM1000-1500
Sony 75-300mm F4.5-5.6 = RM450-550

New APS-C / DT Crop Lenses

Samyang 8mm F3.5 = RM10xx
Sony 11-18mm F4.5-5.6 DT = RM20xx
Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 DT ZA = RM25xx
Sony 16-105mm F3.5-5.6 DT = RM16xx
Sony 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DT = RM16xx
Sony 30mm F2.8 DT SAM Macro = RM7xx
Sony 35mm F1.8 DT SAM = RM6xx
Sony 50mm F1.8 DT SAM = RM5xx
Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM Macro = RM30xx

E-mount Lenses For Alpha NEX Cameras

Sigma 19mm F2.8 EX DN = RM7xx
Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN = RM7xx
Sony E 30mm F3.5 Macro = RM7xx
Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS = RM9xx
Sony E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Active OSS = RM21xx
Sony E Carl Zeiss 16-70mm F4 ZA = RM31xx NEW
Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS = RM8xx

New Full-Frame Lenses

Sony 16mm F2.8 Diagonal Fisheye = RM25xx
Sony 20mm F2.8 = RM19xx
Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 SSM ZA = RM54xx
Sony Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm F2.8 SSM ZA = RM54xx
Sony 24-105mm F3.5-4.5 = RM18xx
Sony Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 24mm F2.0 SSM ZA = RM38xx
Sony 28mm F2.8 = RM8xx
Sony 28-75mm F2.8 SAM = RM26xx
Samyang 35mm F1.4 = RM15xx
Sony 35mm F1.4G = RM45xx
Sony 50mm F1.4 = RM10xx
Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 50mm F1.4 ZA SSM = RM42xx NEW
Sony 50mm F2.8 Macro = RM14xx
Sony 85mm F2.8 SAM = RM8xx
Samyang 85mm F1.4 = RM10xx
Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 Macro = RM30xx
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM Macro = RM38xx
Sony 70-200mm F2.8G SSM = RM54xx
Sony 70-300mm F4.5-5.6G SSM = RM25xx
Sony 70-400mm F4-5.6G SSM = RM54xx
Sony Carl Zeiss Planar T* 85mm F1.4 ZA = RM50xx
Sony 100mm F2.8 Macro = RM23xx
Sony Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 135mm F1.8 ZA = RM48xx
Sony 135mm F2.8/T4.5 Smooth Transition Focus = RM36xx
Sony 500mm F8.0 AF Reflex = RM25xx
Sony 300mm F2.8G SSM = RM20xxx
Sony 1.4x Teleconverter = RM15xx
Sony 2.0x Teleconverter = RM15xx
Sony LA-EA1 lens adapter = RM5xx
Sony LA-EA2 lens adapter = RM9xx
Sony VCL-ECF1 fisheye adapter = RM3xx

Userbars!

NEX: http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff385/shahibbul/AlphaNex-2.png (thanks to shahibbul!)

A100: image url: http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/2687/alpha100cb9.png

A200: image url: http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/1922/a200.png

A230: image url: http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/8318/a230.png

A300: image url: http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/2802/a300.png

A330: image url: http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4850/a330.png

A350: image url: http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3761/a350.png

A380: image url: http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4733/a380.png

A390: image url: http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5741/a390.png

A550: image url: http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/2650/a550.png

A700: image url: http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/7245/a700.png

A850: image url: http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8928/a850.png

A900: image url: http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/5185/alpha900wp4.png

This post has been edited by albnok: Feb 3 2016, 01:20 AM

BTW, I learned something new today. Vignetting is not JUST caused by stuff blocking your AOV (angle of view) - aka stacking filters too high or using too many step up rings. There's a whole bunch of other reasons for it (unfortunately). I WAS aware of most of these.

What I was NOT aware of is what happens (vignetting-wise) when using UWAs with high factor ND filters (like an ND3.0/ND1000) at very long exposures.

Apparently, light passing into the UWAs travel through the ND at different angles (due to the filters being flat when the front element usually isn't) thus causing additional vignetting (or more accurately, light fall-off). Plus the long exposures already worsen whatever native vignetting the lens already has (which UWAs usually suffer a lot from, comparatively).

Still trying to figure out if this Long Exposure ND Fall-Off thing is actually what's happening to me and my Samyang 12 though, I do have a few more tests to run before I can confirm if this is the case.

Will continue testing and will report back here.

Apologies if this is old news though - it does seem helpful to note before the next person comes and wonders why his UWA is vignetting unnecessarily - though most of the time nowadays in-camera correction usually does all the work for you.

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Oct 29 2015, 01:59 PM

Some goodies from iPoh, using telelens for wide shot, and wideangle for close shot:

纨绔 by RICO Lee, on Flickr

纨绔 by RICO Lee, on Flickr

hi all

I'm having problem with the play memories camera app.
I'm on mac and not able to sync with the web app , to purchase/update app.
keep on popping up something like this

any solution on mac?
using safari of course

Ok ended up adding the paypal as fund on wallet thru safari.
Then purchase app via camera itself.

All by fish eye lens? Then you straighten er... "de-fisheye" the picture to look normal? I see some of it doesn't have fish eye effect.

Apparently from the EXIF it's split between a Samyang FE (prolly the 12mm FF FE - but as always no EXIF info) and the SEL1635Z. The ones with less distortion is probably the Zeiss.

But yeah, I'd wait for the man of the hour to give us more definite answers behind these beautiful set of pics.

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Oct 30 2015, 12:18 AM

Haha I didn't click into it to view.

http://www.lonelyspeck.com/defish/

Omg see what this guy done with the Rokinon/Samyang 8mm F2.8 FE for the APSC.

But that will involve PP-ing every photo before posting it. Tiring

But you get wider pics lol. So it really depends, a wider AOV (8mm) vs convenience + wider aperture + filters (12mm). In the perfect world where cost/ease of transport isn't an issue, I'd say why choose: Get both.

Unfortunately for me, with my limited funds, that wasn't really an option lol. So I chose one that's easier to work with: The 12.

Not that posting normal pics from the 12 involved zero PP either - everything I post out must at least go through some simple PP-ing on my phone first (PhotoEditor on Android is a wonderful quick-PP tool). Less work than pics from an FE, yes. But not entirely zero processing work either.

Though again, I'd really like know how kucau handles workflow. Those photos feel like they have been lovingly PP-ed, hence the results.

BTW, is it just me or does anybody else see FE more as Full-frame E-mount rather than Fisheye lol?

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Oct 30 2015, 01:26 AM

I see FE as full frame E-mount

i see as Full frame E-mount either, but if you put "FishEye(FE)" then most ppl will understand it.

The "12" here you mean which lens ?

I guess Samyang 12mm Fisheye?

Nop in my case 12 = Samyang 12mm f2 NTFE (Not-The-Fish-Eye), cause I prefer APSC optimised lenses as they are smaller and I don't run FF for that very reason (size). Apologies for not being more specific.

I was replying to IwanAGP's post which was referring to the Samyang 2.8/8 APSC, which is one of the original 2 members of Samyang's specialised mirrorless only range (which now the new 1.2/50 and the 1.4/21 are part of). The other original member of the range is the Samyang 2/12.

Hence I mentioned the 2/12 as just "the 12"... I kinda missed the fact that there was the 2.8/12 Fisheye from Samyang as well lol.

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Oct 30 2015, 12:29 PM

Hi Guys,

I just bought a SEL50F18 on 28October2015. I am trying to register my lens in Sony Malaysia website and it says invalid product?

Am I getting a non-local set? Am I being CON?

Thank you.

Call Sony Malaysia to register warranty.

Ok bro. Thank you for the advice.

I was feeling suspicious as when open the box, there is a label says For US customers only....

Double Post

This post has been edited by esmonde: Oct 30 2015, 09:51 PM

yup. some 1635 zeiss and some samyang fisheye 12mm defish using photoshop warp

hi, my technique is very simple actually. i shoot mostly apperture priority except for milkyway, and some seascape where i want the shutter speed around 1/4. iso 100 to max dynamic range and clean image. . i try to play apperture around f8 to f11 to reduce chance of diffraction. my WB is usually auto. hahahah ..u can adjust WB later. RAW is a must.. im very lucky to have high dynamic range a7r where i can minimise gnd usage ... gnd or any other filters may degrade your final result. shoot ETTL and recover shadow later.


most important, free your mind from all technicall stuffs... your end result is picture. not gadgets , not complicated setting. focus MORE on composition. composition is king in landscape. hari2 tgk 500px. art is not science , u have to feel it. hoe? by looking at awesome image everyday untill it goes into your heart... get a cheap camera as a start. of course u will be limited with entry level camera , but i found out i learned max during my a200 days...


when u reach certain level and u have enuff skill and knowledge get the best stuffs money can buy. high mpx camera is prone to shake. get very good tripod and head. i use feisol and rrs tripod.

if you r interested with my editing style u may have a look at this utube


https://youtu.be/loX4R3WntjQ

i still have lots to learn....imho


This post has been edited by kucau: Oct 30 2015, 11:01 PM

Sagely advice indeed boss.

Thanks for the YouTube link. Will check it out soon.

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Oct 30 2015, 11:29 PM

Hows everybody....anyone keen to meet up for cam discussion...need to relearn.

So... basically, no photo will be picture perfect until it's being edited la?

Apparently there should be a meet-up set for tomorrow. But the guy in charge ( asrul ) has gone quiet lol.

If anybody is still up for a meet up, let's schedule something for tomorrow. I say meet up at Coffee Coffea The Curve tomorrow at around 2 (after lunch)? Anybody interested?

domo_kun PP is not editing IMHO, it's like developing film. Editing is when you put Justin Bieber's head on a beaver's body lol.

So, in general, yeah the final photo isn't usually done SOOC (unless you get really lucky and the planets all align) - it usually needs PP to shine.

Usually. Like I said before, there are exceptions to the rule. And normal snapshots don't count either lol - they're usually fine SOOC.

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Nov 1 2015, 11:38 AM

Bought a Nissin i40 today from JOne Amcorp Mall. Will compare with Meike MK320

Nice... how much izzit from JOne?

Keep in mind though, the i40 will definitely outclass the 320 in terms of sheer power. That said, Direct/Bounce TTL comparisons will be appreciated though - to see if the i40 TTLs better than the 320.

Yes. I tested i40 from my brother in law before, sure better power especially bounce to ceiling.

I bought RM680. The shop at main entrance (DC Pro) selling RM690.

Nissin i40 vs Meike MK320 by -philipcs-

Nissin i40 vs Meike MK320 by -philipcs-

Ceiling bounce Meike MK320 by -philipcs-

Ceiling bounce Nissin i40 by -philipcs-

philipcs Thanks, that was very helpful, especially from the TTL point of view. Clearly the 4 batteries on the i40 gives it a big advantage.

The size comparison does make the mk320 look small compared to the i40. How is the weight difference?

Are you keeping the Meike? It still makes for a very compact second flash gun that has optical slave capabilities for multi flash setups.

And yeah, tomorrow. I'll be hanging around the Curve to do some work, so do buzz me here if anybody's interested to TT.

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Oct 31 2015, 10:34 PM

eh sorry i totally forgot and totally busy with this coming month (november).
POTUS is coming and i am indirectly involved in the event

I40=316g with 4 batt
MK320=199g with 2 batt

that depends what are you shooting for.

most JPEGS with in camera processing look fine to me

Bro Bama is coming? TPP related stuff issit?

philipcs Twice as heavy (almost) than the 320 for twice the power. Makes for a very appropriate step up the flash ladder.

Thanks for all the comparisons Bro!

[quote=Eiraku,Nov 1 2015, 11:37 AM]
Bro Bama is coming? TPP related stuff issit?

am not sure

but this is the chance to see closely how rumah putih photographer works

You mean Rumah Putih's Tog and his A7RII lol.

Anyway, I'll be lepaking at the Curve for the day. Come along to Coffee Coffea if anybody feels like TT-ing.

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Nov 1 2015, 12:37 PM

yeah.
its very different compared to how our govt handle the photog.
the rumah putih can roam easily and he even given authority to control the lighting of the hall etc

But for A6000, I don't really like the in camera jpeg white balance under incandescent light and candle light. Time for a flash?

what don't u like about it? if you use flash you would already kill the warm ambient mood. so if that's your objective then flash is a good option.

Shoot RAW and adjust as needed? Or just manually adjust WB in-camera - there's always "Custom" if the presets aren't to your liking.

Sometimes flash ruins the ambience of a scene. Sometimes.

Haha... Flash the candle only possible?

Sometimes it will just be too warm overall that the area around the candle will look seriously weird.

See how see how. Where got so much time do Custom WB. Not shooting RAW full time. Only when I think I need the dynamic range haha

What's PP? Finally, I've collected my Sammy 12mm/F.20 earlier today. Those who are eyeing for Sigma 19mm/F2.8 can get it from the same shop, too, about RM730 or so.

Which shop bro? How much is the Samyang 12MM?

Post Processing. Most of the time it means Lightroom... But you can also PP in Capture One... or PhotoNinja... or even Photoshop - but without the editing, just adjustments.

And nice to hear you've gotten your Samyang 2/12. How is it? Wide enough for you? Be mindful though that the hard infinity stop isn't actually infinity, it's usually at that infinity marker before the hard stop (or if you get a slightly misalibrated lens, somewhere before or after it).

The DOF is huge for this lens if you shoot at f/8, but if you focus beyond infinity everything will just blur out, so be careful.

BTW, the PlayMemories WIFI remote control app can (finally) do Bulb-mode with the latest update - which actually makes it useful as a remote now.

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Nov 1 2015, 07:50 PM

Using a flash doesn't necessarily mean killing the ambient.





This post has been edited by lwliam: Nov 1 2015, 07:56 PM

True. Like I said, sometimes.

In the case of the candlelight thing, as mentioned by IwanAGP, it will be a bit harder to add additional light sources without at least *altering* the mood/ambience somewhat. Especially when you consider that flash and candlelight has different colour temps.

It can be done, but it will be slightly harder... especially if you wanna capture both the ambience and the subject. Fstoppers (or Petapixel or somebody... I'm not sure) did a story on one guy's Viking/Nordic themed shoot in a forest a while back, and he did exactly this: ambient (artifical torches) and flash, and it took quite a lot of work.

I do remember specifically that he needed some Roscoe gels to get his flash colour in line with light from the torches... amongst other things.

And talking about flash, philipcs remember to turn off your Electronic Front Curtain Shutter (EFCS) or whatever electronic shutter options you have if you wanna do HSS with the i40 (which the MK320 did not have). Otherwise you'll get those dreaded black bars of doom.

At least that's how the HSS works on the A6000.

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Nov 2 2015, 03:44 AM

Sony Surprise Announcement Coming! E-mount Related?

http://cameratimes.org/sony-surprise-annou...-mount-related/

what is Electronic Front Curtain Shutter (EFCS)?? is it appear in A6000 also???

Thanks for reminder, i haven't come across this EFCS, googling for more info now

Update from DPreview - http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3499013



I think i will turn on unless i encounter problem in HSS

This post has been edited by philipcs: Nov 2 2015, 09:48 AM

Store more Bullets! NOW!

Not sure what it's called on the A7 series menu. Especially the A7s which has a fully electronic shutter (silent shutter). For the A6000, it only has an electronic front curtain, hence EFCS.

NLCH880215 EFCS is kinda sorta a hybrid between a mechanical shutter (normal cameras), and a rolling electronic shutter (smartphone cameras). That's probably the easiest way to explain it without going further into technicalities.

Why use EFCS? Apparently it gives you faster shutter response and better sharpness (under certain conditions).

Why not use EFCS? Apparently it doesn't really work that well in under a few certain conditions:

a) High speed motion (possible artifacts like "rolling shutter" - Google "rolling shutter weirdness").

b) High shutter speeds

c) Large aperture lenses (as cautioned by the old Nex-5 manual).

d) HSS (the black bars of doom).

And yeah, the A6000 (and most other "modern" Nex/A-series cameras) has it.

BTW, here's today's spamshot, courtesy of the 3.5/30M:

Tiny Morning Flower by Eirakkun, on Flickr

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Nov 2 2015, 10:37 AM

Aha... Any other pointers for a noob?

Lol I Noob asso wat. Noob with too much time on his hands lol.

Anyway, the easy way is set the lens at f/8-11, put to the infinity marker (test it first if it's sharp as it should be - otherwise adjust) and snap away lol. Being an 12mm lens (on an APSC sensor) DOF should be more than enough.

Otherwise, Google "hyperfocal distance" for some mathematical fun time to set your lens to maximum sharpness coverage - although even this method has its fair share of detractors.

And turn on Focus Peaking and set it to red, medium. That should help confirm what's in focus. Turn it off it it gets distracting though.

Oh... and get a tripod. Preferably something stable like the Sirui T-0004x or T-0005x. Or the Manfrotto Compact Advanced Ballhead if you don't have much budget.

As for composition, while Abam Rockwell is largely ridiculous when doling advice, his observations about using UWAs are quite useful to start with: http://goo.gl/Z9aOb8

Just take his advice with a grain of salt. They can be useful starting tips, but they are not the end-all rules. Especially when he can be so off-the-bat (even somewhat nuts) when it comes to other stuff lol.

*Seriously, I'm not sure if just mentioning his name is not going to get the hate train running over here lol.*

Also, look back at Abam kucau's pointers. Composition above all else when it comes to landscapes (if that's your thing) - though you do need the technical skills and suitable gear in place first before you can get there.

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Nov 2 2015, 12:34 PM

I did Google for "hyper focal distance", and I was lost completely! I think "Focus Peaking" is very useful, been trying that out even before Sammy. I've got the Manfrotto Compact Advanced, smallest and possibly lightest available on a cheap budget. But question now is how to carry this around... LOL. Any tips?

candle light leh..

How's the 30F35M as portrait lens?

I'm travelling to HK next week, considering to buying a lens before I go?
What'? the best prime lens for travel? 35 or the 50? Currently have a FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6

Gimme an example photo and I'll replicate it for you.

Haven't tried, but it should be interesting. The 30M is plenty sharp in the center by f/4 - and the colour rendering is marvelous. There's a bit more distortion vs the SEL50 though, and the shorter FL of the 30M doesn't compress/flatten as much as the 50 (which might not be preferable for portraits).

But I digress, I haven't tried it lol.

First things first, FF or APSC? Looking at the FE2870 kit you already have I'll just assume you have an FF cam.

With that, I'd say the FE55 because it's faster and it's arguably the more flexible FL. The kit already covers the long and wide end, you just need one fast standard lens.

Preferably, if you have the resources (and don't mind another zoom) get the FE1635Z because UWAs are always fun for travel - but otherwise, the 55 should be top on your list.

The FE35 is fun simply because its small and compact, and the wider FL *is* useful - BUT it's not much faster than the kit aperture-wise. You can also consider the faster FE35 Distagon but it's HUGE and EXPENSIVE, not really something I'd consider to be a "travel" lens.

domo_kun No choice, you just gotta get used to carrying it around - especially if you're out specifically to take photos.

There's the "cheat-code" Zipshot though, small(er) and tiny(er)... but that one isn't half as stable as the Manfrotto unless you know how to wing it properly.

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Nov 2 2015, 10:02 PM

Yeh i've got the 30M too. didnt like it for portraits. not bokehlicious enough.
SEL50 is nice.. but wide open its not super sharp. ): My Sigma30/2.8 is very sharp.. and i do prefer that distance. i feel a little claustrophobic with the 50.

just noticed... I CAN'T DO BW SHOOTING WITH SAMYANG!!!

I'm using FF body, don't really have enough budget for either FE1635 or the FE35 f1.4 though.
35mm is much more versatile length I think, and very compact. Erm...let me think.

This post has been edited by ganick5461: Nov 2 2015, 10:07 PM

30mm la

This post has been edited by hanafinoor: Nov 2 2015, 10:41 PM

You mean 35? Sony's 30mm is for crop if I'm not mistaken.

It's wider yes, but it's not really much brighter than the kit.

As for versatility, it's arguable because some like the 35 Focal Length while others like the 55. Personally, while I prefer the AOV of the 35mm between the two (I like wider FLs), the 55 is a much more flexible FL IMHO.

I mean, you can do portrait or landscape just the same with the 55 - while in comparison the 35 wouldn't be preferable for portraits (beside environmental/contextual/group portraits) due to the slight perspective distortion (of the FL, not optical distortion of the lens).

But that's just what I think. If you prefer the 35, there's no problem in getting the 35.

Another alternative, why not the FE28? It's fast (f/2), wide, sharp and even takes converters to go even wider.

Lol... back in the day exclusively portrait lenses aren't even supposed to be sharp wide open. The slight unsharpness was "flattering" for portraits.

But then, that was back before the age of Photoshop. Nowadays people just shoot sharp and smoothen the heck out of everything in PS lol.

But yeah, the SEL50 isn't super sharp by any measure... but the bokeh is sublime. I just shoot it slightly stopped down and it sharpens right up though - shooting wide open gives me a razor thin DOF anyway, especially for closer shots.

As for it being a tight FL, the SEL50 is a 75mm equivalent on FF. That's already a short tele, of course ler it's gonna be tight. I use it for tighter shots that I can't get with my usual SEL20 (which sits on my 2nd body almost 100% of the time for snapshots).

That said, the Siggy 30 is a fine lens too, though I kinda prefer Sony colour rendering compared to Sigma's.

What do you mean you can't shoot BW with the Samyang? I just dug out my camera and tested this - I could shoot BW no problem with the 12mm.

I used the BW Creative Style though, which is buried somewhere in the menus.

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Nov 3 2015, 09:57 AM

Just a quick question,
SEL50F18, the lens turn ring is there any function in aperture first mode or others?

Err no.... unless you enable DMF (or MF) under AF. That ring is for focusing and focusing only.

AFAIK you can't assign it to do anything else unfortunately, as with every other E-mount lens that lacks an actual aperture ring (except the Distagon 35, which has one).

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Nov 3 2015, 10:52 AM

Hi, i own nex5n with kitlens, today i found out that my lens have 2 spot of fungus. Is there any method to stop and remove the fungus w/o sending it for service? If no, where is recommended service centre that provide the service? And how much roughly the price will be? Im from KL btw... Thx

sell FE 28-70mm and get FE 28mm F2 and FE 55 F1.8
you also can buy ultra wide converter for FE 28mm to achieve 21mm F2.8

Yeah, hehe, my bad. I usually uses the one in Picture Effect, instead of Creative Style.

I remember reading about setting a certain distance on the MF so that whenever I shoot, subjects covered in the distance will be focus whereas the rest would be out of focus. How that works, really?

Err... that's Zone Focusing and DOF? The markings on the lens generally give you an idea of what distance it focuses at, and aperture determines DOF - but I usually don't bother and just do f/8-11 and infinity unless I need to get close; which is just a matter of peaking and praying pol.

How it works... err... Not really sure how to explain, but I know it has something to do with the circle of confusion. Or something lol.

akira87 Normally for fungus servicing I send my lenses over to Ving Son Service over at Klang Lama (contact him at zero-one-six-6322968) or J-One over at Amcorp PJ.

Prices not so sure cause it's been a while since I last sent in any fungified lenses - but expect something around RM80-100 depending on how bad the fungi outbreak is.

This post has been edited by Eiraku: Nov 3 2015, 12:15 PM

Thanks for your advise, I just went to YL and got the 55mm. The 28mm will be on my next lens list, quite cheap though.

This post has been edited by ganick5461: Nov 3 2015, 12:16 PM

Can't sell it la, the kit zoom quite handy sometimes.

U can buy FE 16-35 F4 or Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 III to pair with it. best combo for travel, covers ultra wide to short tele.