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Great video, Mark! I have come to settle on some combinations that work for me on my a7iii. [20 f1.8/50 f1.2], [35 f1.4/70-200 f2.8], and [24-105 f4/50 f1.2]. Depending on the type of indoor setting, outdoor event, or whether I can use flash, I have come back to these combinations over time. I generally find that one zoom and one prime covers me if I need versatility. Otherwise, I honestly enjoy the challenge of one prime lens and forcing composition choices to continue developing my eye and style. There doesn't seem to be a wrong answer, only lots of learning to be had.
This is a treasure trove of educational information. Thanks to your videos I have been shooting more with primes, thinking about the best combinations of primes for a shoot, and exercising both my brain and my feet!
I keep coming back to this video! It’s one of my favorites! I have been really enjoying your insights around the Sony Alpha system. Whenever I might feel bored doing the same thing over and over..I’ll hop over to one of your videos and learn something completely new about the Sony system which I can then apply to my photography! Lens choice is a big deal and I think this video is gold standard to explaining what is offered in the FE lineup and how it applies to photography. Well done! I enjoy your videos so much I’m also a member on your Patreon!
I jumped into Sony for the amount of lens options available. It’s just a joy knowing that there’s a lens for almost anything I want to shoot. Currently rocking the 35 and 85 f/1.8 primes.
Good choice. That 85mm is as good if not better than the 85mm GM IMO, and at 1/3 the price. Have you looked at the 20mm 1.8 G? That might be the next one to add.
Excellent detailed video presentation! Life long Nikon user, chose to go Sony for mirror less kit. A7ii, A7Riii, 20G, 35FE, 35GM, 85FE, Domke F2 Very happy so far, 35GM on 42MP is stunning. Happy and healthy 2022!
This video took a lot of effort to put together. Interesting and informative so thank you. Love my Sony primes too but sometimes want a zoom.. Went a bit broader than APSc and got Olympus EM5.3 for tiny zooms.
I think I could've made this video! I mean, I couldn't from a technical standpoint, but this is exactly how I view (no pun intended) the lens selection process. Sometimes I feel like such an outsider when I am in the socials and everyone gushes over the various 24-70 2.8 lenses to which I always reply "I could get a 35mm 1.4 GM and 85mm 1.8 for that price!" Anyway, I am glad you made this video to comprehensively articulate the reality of opting for primes over zooms.
The cover photo for this video is a really good summary of the best value for money primes in the Sony arsenal. Also, Mark sounds like a high school science teacher giving you them facts about Sony lenses 👨🏫 🥸😄
Several years ago I sold my 24-70mm GM and 70-200mm GM because I was tired of the weight and went to the 24-105mm and 70-200mm f4. The 24-105mm and 70-200mm f4 lenses were great, but I'd started to add a few GM prime lenses to my kit. As I added additional primes, I decided to sell the 24-105mm and 70-200mm and go with all primes. I currently have all GM primes from 14mm to 135mm. I also use an A7R3, A7R4, and a6600. Sometimes I'll put the 135mm GM on the a6600 for a really fast 200mm. I love shooting with the primes. But, I will be interested in the new 24-70mm GM II and 70-200mm GM II.
Any thoughts on the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8? I have a Sony A7RIII with that lens, and a Sony A7C that I frequent an 18mm f2.8 rokinon, and 85mm f1.8 sony. I also have an A7III, but considering trading [the A7III and 85mm f1.8 for the A6600 and Sigma Trio (16, 30, 56)].
@@pcphotography9108 I really like the a6600 for a cropped camera and the A7R3. I used to have the Sony 85mm 1.8. I tested it side-by-side with the 85mm GM and there was very little difference between them. The 85mm 1.8 is a great lens for the price. I haven't tried the other camera bodies and lenses. So, I can't say much about them. But, you know your needs better than me and what suits your style of shooting.
This video has blown my mind. Since I’ve seen it for the first time at 4am one night, i’ve purchased sony 70-200 f4, and all my best shoots are done with it. They are unusual and mind blowing because you usually do not see this pictures in life they are far away. And bokeh at 200 f4 competes with 85 at 1.4 at some point, it is very strong. Also I bought sigma 85 1.4 it is cheaper than gm and some saying it is sharper. Thinking about 24-105 f4, 50 1.2 gm and probably 100-400 gm, but beed to sell last pants for that :). Thanks for the video.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills the best thing you are showing how a good photo should look like. Because many lens reviewers on youtube just shooting crap, comparing amount of sun flare rays, sharpness in the corners of image, and amount if distortion without correction. The only useful thing of such kind is amount of colour fringing because it can destroy colour. Thanks
ive been a prime shooter for years now but i just got the tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 and tamron 17-28 2.8 and i just stopped using primes. havent brought myself to sell the primes but its crossed my mind. thanks for all your great videos.
Wonderful coverage of the lenses you chose and why and how you achieved different crops with different camera bodies. I chose the 35 (1.8) during my trip to India and this lens stayed on my A7M3 90% of the time. I had my 24-105 G also which I used during wedding that I was attending. Got great results with this lens but I am itching for the 35 (1.4) GM now! Hopefully soon. Great video Mark! Your knowledge is invaluable as always!
I bought the A7C as a second body - I'm so happy with it. I really enjoy the articulating screen, and it's been a good morning walk cam during Melbourne lockdowns! I've been pairing it with a 50mm 1.4 ZA, waiting for a delivery of Voigtlander 35mm APO. Excitement!
@@Pharesm Hi there, I have the 50mm F1.4 Planar rather than the 55mm F1.8 Sonnar. The 50mm is quite a bit bigger and heavier, the 55mm would actually be a better match for the A7C, but I mainly have it for my A7RIV.
Thanks for this very comprehensive guide. I have the Sigma 50mm f/1.4, which was relatively cheap. I find this perfect for portraits. I also use the Sony 24-105 only for travel at this point. I am concerned about sports shooting because of the blackout, and so I still use my Canon 5D4 for running races. It’s too bad because the my 7RIV is much sharper.
Loving my a7c and rethinking my lens selection for it - it is so versatile and even the 70-200 f.4 feels very comfortable on it. For travel, though ( when we are able to do that!) I just picked up the Tamron 28-200 on sale to have a nice light zoom to cover a large focal range without having to change lenses on the go. I plan to take along a couple of fast primes to complement it when the appropriate photo situation calls for something more nimble. Your information packed video has given me lots to consider Mark, as always! Thanks for all your hard work putting these videos together.
Thank you, very useful video! Lately I was thinking a lot about my lens kit and this information is definitely helpful. Seems like 35mm gm + 135mm gm is the way to go.
Mark, Interesting thoughts and philosophies listed. Helps to make even better choices for a day of shooting. In recent months I have limited myself to two bodies and a maximum of three lenses (out of the nine I own). This is fine.
Thank you for this presentation! It´s always interesting to hear your thoughts about lens choices. As I´m mostly photographing in higher mountains (also climbing and some animal/astrophotography) the foot zoom doesn´t work well for me as there is often no space to change the position. So my choices are: The Sony 16-35 F 2.8 GM/Sony 70-200 F 2.8 GM for landscape, the Sony 14mm F 1.8 GM for Milkyway shootings, the Sony 200-600 G for eagles/ibexes/bearded vultures and other animals from longer distance and finally for climbing photography the light and small but versatile Sigma 28-70 F 2.8.
Great video Mark - thanks for taking the time to go through this topic from every important perspective. It's a challenge to decide how best to spend money whether on primes or zooms especially if budget is limited. I'm an enthusiast, mainly into landscape photography and not a professional, with an A7III + 24-105 f4. Absolutely loving it. But now my options for what to buy next are both exciting and mind boggling. For wide angle I was considering the Sigma 14-24 f2.8, but after your video think that maybe the Sony 20mm f1.8 could be the way to go as I think using filters easily would be something I'd want to do. Anyway - thanks again - love your channel!
I have tested both Sony 12-24 lenses and they are incredibly challenging to find locations where you can use 12mm if you are not a real-estate photographer. Adding filters to these lenses is also a hassle. 20mm is wide enough for most landscapes and then I can always create a panorama when it is not.
Hi Mark, thank you for yet another informative video. I shoot an a6400, primarily for safari/wildlife. My son recently acquired an a7riii, and this video is fabulous to help explore which lenses we may share, and their quality on each body. Many, many thanks!!
I love the combo 35 GM and Batis 85 1.8, compact combo with an excellent IQ, and color rendition. Would like to see the rumored 100 mm, 135 I feel it a bit longer...
watched in full; great info still in 2024... also love the prophetic ending, asking for an A7CR which ended up with an A7RV sensor 😃- even better! ended up trading a ton of gear to distill AF kit down to A7CR, 20mm 1.8, 55mm 1.8, and 135mm 1.8 with a permanent RX1RII in the stable for the magical 35mm 2.0, plus a selection of specialty MF primes; both, vintage and new. most importantly the 3 AF decisions were finalized after this video breakdown, so thank you- really appreciate the thorough effort here 👍
Glad you enjoyed this video - this is an example of the type of videos (more than 20 hours) I make available on my Patreon.com/markgaler support channel. There is even a 2023 update to this video.
Thank you the video. I a prime shooter only. I just dislike zooms both because it their worse quality but also because of the shooting experience. Primes just make me more creative.
Hi Mark, Thank you for yet another amazing insight into the Sony lens line up! Many excellent points on primes vs zooms! I've personally always thought of it as quality vs convenience, but the difference in weight and price between a set of primes and similarly performing zooms is stark indeed.
Thank you so so so much for this video. I've been agonizing trying to decide what I should get as first lenses for the last 2 weeks, and this video was the number one key for me to make a decision without feeling like I'm just rolling the dice and potentially spending on something that I won't use. I ended up going with the 20/1.8 ZA and the 85 F/1.8 as discussed around 36:45 here. The 20 for landscapes that include family in the foreground and the 85 I will use for just a better reach at family and other events and for family portraits, all just for personal use, hence making sure I don't spend too much up front. I was really torn between the 85/F1.8 and the 55/F1.8 ZA. I think I'll end up getting the 55 maybe later in the year. And I will probably torture myself trying to decide between a Tamron 28-200/F2.8, a Sony 135/F1.8GM, an E 70-350G or the fast focusing Zeiss 135/F2.8. Would be nice to have a zoom to get distant wildlife or something but that's a very rare/occasional scenario for me, so the 135s will probably be the sensible next lens. Thanks again!
@@capt.gregrahe7615 I haven't had a chance to really figure out the astrophotography, but I'm eager to. I've been mainly taking pictures at family events and in nature just to try and learn the fundamentals of using the camera, I've not used anything like this before. Usually just my phone or a point and shoot type camera. I have a trip to Germany coming up though, hoping I figure it out before I go!
I would consider 20, 55 and 135 or 20 and 85. You do not need 85 and 135. And if you decide for 135 maybe check samyang or good used offer.. alot of money for a hobby those gm lenses:)
Hey Mark thank you for the extremely detailed and educational walkthrough of your thought process around lens choices! Your videos are some of my favorites. A note of feedback though: I saw you have the video chopped up into timestamps in your description -- if you start those timestamps at 00:00 (rather than 00:10 as you do here) then youtube will automatically translate them all into chapters/sections on the timeline of the video player itself, which is really helpful for viewers to scan to the part they need (especially on such a long and thorough video as this!) Thanks again for the great content -- it's been super helpful on my own photo journey.
Thank you for the detailed and instructive video. Special thanks for the beautiful slides and samples. I’m switching from APSC to full frame format. I am planning to buy a SONY a7c camera.
It's a Jack of all trade but master at noting. Good for beginers to find their favourite focal length, but most people really into photography will switch to a 35mm/85mm double prime lens combination because they just give way better photos.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I hear this phrase a lot with primes "zooming with feet" especially told to beginners but in many cases that completely changes the perspective
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Hi Mark, i was wondering about compressed vs uncompressed raw files when shooting with the sony a7riii. hope you can share your thoughts about it when ever possible, thanks mate
Hi Mark, I am not a Sony user, I am considering Sony because of its outstanding focusing camera performance and the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 lens dedicated for Sony. I am very impressed by your full length of video covering most Sony lenses of your choice with such nice pictures as example. Thank you.
Great things to think about and explore the versatility of the crop and FF bodies and FF lenses and crop lens interchangeability. As a crop shooter who is adding an a7iv, I can still utilize my crop bodies and glass. The crop system allows me portability in good light. The FF with a Sigma 24-70 2.8 fills in for low light and flexibility when weight isn’t as much a concern.
It’s very impressive the amount of detail you’ve gone through with pretty much every lens I’ve been considering. When the A7 IV was announced, I knew it was finally time to switch to Sony. I’m testing it out now with the 55mm 1.8. It’s exceeding all my expectations. As a hybrid shooter I was absolutely done with Canon when I was DOP of long form interview video shoot for an award show. I literally had to put my Cam A and Cam B R5s in the refrigerator between subjects. Just silly. I’m a new sub and excited to go through your catalog of videos. Cheers!
This is one you have to watch a few times and alway good to see lens compression bokeh and the step comparison between mm's! A must see before a buy! Toward the end you talk about FE 10-18 f/4 OSS, in the beginning when Sony had few lenses and none wider than 16-35 f/4 the 1018 could be used from 12-18 (18 if rear light shield was removed) on a full frame camera. I was into Astro Milky Way in 2015 and wanted the most sky I could get and was using the A7s and star elongation was minimal if not at all even at 30s for then the NPF shutter speed info was not known and there is color noise in the vignetting areas at bottom. Besides that it used screw on filters and had OSS and great to use on a non IBIS camera at the time. But in APS-C mode it was a great 16-27 lens for a walk around lens for wide captures. I would highly recommend on a APS-C camera it also had held it value since 2015 and cost about $100 more than back in 2015. Lastly I must say this about all Sony ultra ultra wides zooms like 1224 f/4, 1635 f/4 they were and are very sharp at night with pinpoint stars from the very beginning even at 30s. One magic thing about wide open f4 to 1.4 is bokeh (focused at infinity) at night there is only super sharpness to the horizon and a foot away!!
Great video, saved me from spending $3k more in zooms and able to fit the A1 into my budget by going with primes. Also great detail on apsc options like the 70-350mm G now that lens is in my wishlist :)
This validates my choices with apsc lenses now that I’ve decided to go full frame and patiently waiting on the a7iv release. I will be also shopping for primes for full frame. Fabulous video Mark and thank you
I am really impressed your expert knowledge and recommendation. This video provides multiple sets of recommendations, which fit many applications and also budgets. One minor comment. At 49:52, you mentioned about a professional motorcyclist moving 200km/h then converted to 160 mph. I believe 200km/h ~ 125 mph instead.
Very comprehensive video thanks. After 30-odd years I jumped ship from Canon full frame to a Sony Mirrorless A7iii and use primes 100% of the time (mostly the cracking FE 85mm 1.8 and FE 35mm 1.8) but my biggest problem is that with constant changes of lens the prominent sensor is prone to getting dirty very quickly, especially in hostile environments, no matter how careful I am so for travel work I need to revert to a zoom. I miss my Canon 24-105 and after connectivity issues when using this with a converter on the Sony, I gave up and am now in the market for something similar native-wise, possibly a Sony FE 24-105mm f4 G OSS. On another tack, I fail to see the use of APS-C mode in still photography as I've always been of the opinion that one should get as much data pixel-wise onto your sensor and handle all cropping in post. It is always good to have extra edge image to play around with especially in desktop publishing.
When you are viewing a 42.4 Megapixel image on a 4K monitor, less than 1/4 of the pixels are being displayed. High resolution sensors just give you multiple options about where to dump the Pixels that are surplus to requirement.
About Tamron zooms, 17-28 & 28-75 are RXD lenses. Their focus speed is much more slower than 70-180 VXD lens. The new G2 28-75 Tamron lens will be also faster VXD. (Tamron 28-200 is also slower RXD lens).
Great video. Very useful. I current shoot with APS-C cameras and love my Z 24mm f1.8 as well as the FE 85mm lens. Also have the 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.8 as well as a number of zooms. I look forward to getting the FE20mm f1.8 at some stage. Unfortunately zoom with feet is not always an option. Your video did make me realise I should seriously consider getting a high resolution full frame camera if I ever decide to get a full frame camera. I don't need 50mp (at this point in time) but the ability to crop is useful.
Great information. I was just looking at purchasing the 70-350 and placing it on FF for weight savings. I appreciate you going over this to help make a decision. On the prime side, my preference has been 20mm for wide landscape. I skip to 55mm and 85mm; sometimes not bringing the 55. I just like to have a bit more distance from my subject than 35mm provides. The a7IV and 135mm combo looks to be a very intriguing combo if they do raise the MPs. I'm in the minority, but I would love a ~50-150 2.8 zoom as a walk around. Only because I believe it could be lightweight and cover 'my' preferred focal range.
Perfect video Mark! Thank you for your time and dedication as always! I think Sigma 85 1.4 DN DG should be mentioned in this video it deserves it (by far the best 85mm for Sony) and the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN also as the sharpest crop lens for Sony, a must if you own a A6xxx. I also love the 24-70 2.8 Sigma ART in the zoom category. I hope Sony releases an updated 24-70 very soon
@@barkatthemoonlunatic1715 I totally agree, thats why I made my comment, in order to notice some new sony users that Sigma variants are sometimes better
@@barkatthemoonlunatic1715 he did mention tamron and samyang.. i guess (atleast partial) reason is he values low weight/small size. He also didn’t mention sony zeiss 35 and 50mm 1.4. Or even sony GM 85? He says he uses 1.8 in those focal ranges, except new 35mm that is smaller, if i remember correctly.. One sigma that is small is 28-70. While tamron zooms and samyang primes are quite small and light.. he mentioned them as a lighter alternative with same wide aperture..
When I go hiking with my girlfriend I usually take the A7RIV and Tamron 11-20 f2.8 (apsc), Sony 35 f1.4 gm, Sigma 85 f1.4 dg dn, Sony 70-350 g (apsc). I find that this a good compromise between weight and performance, while basically covering everything. I‘m quite happy with that setup for landscapes and environmental portraits.
Thank you for this. Do you think you can revisit the 135gm lens? And maybe compare it with the new 70-200gmii lens and others. Just got my 135gm yesterday for a great price.😅 Thank you.
Great review of the options and food for thought since I've just bought a second hand A7ii to use with my old Olympus OM film lenses. But I'm considering a mid-range AF zoom or a couple of small AF primes too (the Rokinon/Samyangs in particular).
Hi Mark, thanks for another great video. I am trying to follow this method with two bodies, albeit both of them are 24 mp. Quick question on how you are finding out what multiples of crop you are doing and whether you cropped beyond the 8 MP mark without actually finalizing the crop. I know Lightroom can tell me the resolution after I cropped, but is there any way I can know that i ve done 2x crop or 1.5 crop while I am doing it, so I can frame it the way I want (and thereby deciding more on upgrading to a 33 MP or higher camera)?
If you divide 6000 px (your 24 MP sensor) by 3840 px (the width of a 4K file) you get a crop factor of 1.5625. When I am cropping I have the Info displaying the number of pixels of the cropped file. I can provide detailed support and personal guidance on my Patreon.com/markgaler support channel.
Hi Mark, I just was admiring your thoughts/Video to the different lenses for Sony camera. At 33:51 you showed a picture made with the 135mm 1,8 lens. When we crop in post, why will the dof change to f4.0? Ok we will change the angle of view, but the dof is given by the f-stop (1,8) you choose during photo taking? Regards Bernd
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I have only just come across to Sony from Nikon Z system. Prior to Covid, I shot a lot of high end kids parties as well as Mountain Bike riders and pet photography. I was done with overshooting and missing shots with the Nikon autofocus. They have come a long way, but still so far away. Additionally, the lens roadmap is simply disappointing. Don’t get me wrong, the Z lenses are great, but they are nothing special. I had the opportunity to shoot with the A9ii and the 50mm f1.2, and that was enough for me to jump off the Nikon ship! I have since sold my gear and purchased the A9ii, 50mm, 24mm and 14mm GM lens. I have the 85mm on the way, and I purchased the Tamron 70-180 for that lightweight additional length. All in all, I am super happy coming across to Sony, but it is all still very fresh. I’d love for you to do a detailed tutorial on the Sony system. I am still coming across settings that I have no idea what they do. Anyway, thank you again for the video.
What a great video, thank you for putting this up! Some great perspective on the practicality of lens choice. regardless of the camera brand this is good info
I am pleased you got my drift in this discussion - others are asking why I didn't cover this lens or that lens but it is not about specific lenses, it is about zoom or prime, zooming with you feet and the advantages of high resolution sensors.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I've seen a lot of recommendations for 35mm and 85mm as primes, but seeing a lot of convincing quality lens making think I should stray a bit and get 20mm and 135mm primes instead. shame the a7 IV only has 33mp as it would have been nice to see it closer to the 42mp camera's, but glad for the step up from 24mp when it comes to photography and cropping in post. I went for a 24-105 f4 as the standard zoom for my camera so wanted to look at primes outside this range. would you suppose that 20mm is suitable for a mix of interior/street and 135mm for street/portraits? (in a typical sense, not accounting for getting creative).
Fantastic video. As a commercial shooter into the Sony system for several years, I own and use daily many of these lenses. Curiously though, you omitted the 50mm f/1.4 Planar? It's been a workhorse for me for about 3 years. Although noisy and slow by todays standards, it's still optically REALLY nice. IMO, Sony's best zoom to date is the 16-35GM...another of my workhorses. On the prime side, I'm ALWAYS impressed by the 24mm GM, with honorable mention going to the 35mm 1.8 for it's quick, close focusing and lack of breathing. Finally, the 85mm GM has been my go-to portrait lens for the past few years and I still really like it a lot...more than any other Sony lens I have experience with, the 85mm GM has a "look," and that's special.
I should have made it clearer that this video was not about specific lenses. It was about zoom or prime, f/1.8 or f/1.4, choosing a focal length, skipping a focal length (24 and/or 50) zooming with your feet, zooming in post. If I set out to mention every lens at every focal length it would have diluted the points I was making and taken 6-months for the lens manufacturers to co-ordinate all of the lenses to be with me at the same time and the resulting video would have been 3-hours long.
Sunwayfoto DMP-140R Nodal Slide and either a LeoFoto or SmallRig L-Bracket (I have one for each camera I use and I have more than one camera). I Amy have covered using a nodal rail in this video review: th-cam.com/video/UMNHxc3nE-Q/w-d-xo.html For more detailed support check out my Patreon.com/markgaler support channel.
Yes they are - I have, however, made a more recent Lens Choice video since this video. It is a Patron-Only video on my Alpha support channel - Patreon.com/markgaler
4:02 I really wish they'd make a 12mm 1.8 or better yet 1.4 or 1.2 like they did with the 50mm. I feel like they're forcing us to compromise between focal length and aperture. Don't know why Sony settled on 14mm.
Hi Mark, great video and explanations. I'm wondering which body allows you to shoot at 1/20,000 of a second as stated on your 35mm f1.4 lens @ 6:15 on the video.
Hello there, and thank you for all the phantastic videos ! 1/ I am not some pro photographer - more like a photo-enthusiast ... 2/ but I really want the best of the best for my travel photography ... 3/ therefore I decided to get the Sony Alpha 1 (btw. any rumors or expectations about the A1 II ?) 4/ I have watched a lot of videos on TH-cam and from there I understood that I need at least 2 types of lenses : a) travel zoom lens - I decided to get the Sony FE 24-240 mm ... b) and some really fast lens (to utilize the A1 "action" part) ... My question is : what "fast" lens should I get to complete my "zoom" + "action" travel shooting? Thank you for your help !
It’s somewhat complex and time consuming to tailor advice for an individual photographer - I do, however, provide this service on my Sony support channel- Patreon.com/markgaler
Thank you for this type of video. Your view on the lenses available currently for the e-mount is highly appreciated + you are always sharing some additional tips! I've had always believed that the best lenses are 2.8 zooms and 1.4 primes. But actually I've found that 2.8 zooms are heavy and pricey, so for focal flexibility I've decided to use F4 zooms. The same goes for 1.4 primes: it seems that 1.8 primes are cheaper, lighter and fast enough for me. To be honest, from not-a-pro perspective, 2.8 zooms are cumulating cons from both words: they are heavier and more expensive than F4 zooms; and also they are slower than 1.8 primes. My current lens set is: - 24-105 F4 - 70-200 F4 (going to replace that with 100-400 or perhaps with a new 70-200 G F4 that hopefully will support teleconverters) - 35mm 1.8 - 50mm 1.8 (going to sell it) - 85mm 1.8 My next lenses will be: - something on the wide side: cannot decide at this moment between 12-24 F4 G and 20mm 1.8 G - and perhaps the very first GM in my collection which will be 135 GM :-) - update/replacement for 70-200 G F4 That being said I'm waiting for Tamron 35-150 2-2.8 which perhaps will change my approach towards prime lenses; on the other hand, it is difficult do believe that such a lens could have comparable IQ to 1.8 sony primes...
I found your review inspiring and convincing, as I am about to get myself the Batis 135, to replace the Batis 85mm. I wonder what aperture you chose for the kids coming out of the water. I would guess 8? I often found myself avoiding F1.8 - F4 range, as I prefer both nose and ears/hair in my portraits in focus.
Thanks Mark for this great guide on lens selection for Sony E mount! I still come back to review it from time to time. I was wondering if you may do an update video eventually to consider newly released lenses? In particular, the newly release Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 and how it may change one’s preference to lens selection in 2022.
I did not set out to make this video about particular lenses. I wanted to discuss the decisions photographers make about zooms or primes and I only used specific lenses to compare average price and weight, e.g., choosing a range of primes usually leads to a reduction in weight and cost compared to choosing premium zooms (not to mention they have brighter apertures and are sally sharper wide open). I also wanted the opportunity to discuss angle of view. With high resolution sensors we now have the option to crop in camera and/or crop in post production. With Sony advertising its One Mount advantage (E-Mount) I also wanted to raise the idea of full frame lenses on APS-C cameras and APS-C lenses on full frame cameras. I only mentioned Tamron so that I could discuss zooms with lower weight but with no optical stabilisation - so when comparing weight you have to understand how Tamron managed to reduce this weight when compared to the specifications of a Sony telephoto zoom. I am hoping that viewers will take this information so that they can better choose lenses that fit their own workflows. There are just too many specific choices to include in one single video - even though my videos are the duration of a typical University lecture.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills fantastic explanation! I was thinking about getting the Tamron but you pointed specifically the importance of OSS esp in telephoto lenses. Thank you so much
Thanks Raffi - some viewers miss the point of this video and are keen to let me know I didn't mention a specific lens then own or are thinking of purchasing. This video is more about how to make informed choices to choose the 'type' of lens that best suits your own workflow.
Amazing watch, a really helpful and informative video. Has definitely broadened my horizons in terms of lens opportunities for an APS-C user transitioning to a FF sensor.
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As a proud A7RIV owner who looks to broaden his lens basket, this videos fits perfectly in the "Holy Trinity" of Mark's videos... THANKS!
isn't the file size too big with 61mp?
The best hour and a quarter I've spent recently. Thanks Mark !!!!
Great video, Mark! I have come to settle on some combinations that work for me on my a7iii. [20 f1.8/50 f1.2], [35 f1.4/70-200 f2.8], and [24-105 f4/50 f1.2]. Depending on the type of indoor setting, outdoor event, or whether I can use flash, I have come back to these combinations over time. I generally find that one zoom and one prime covers me if I need versatility. Otherwise, I honestly enjoy the challenge of one prime lens and forcing composition choices to continue developing my eye and style. There doesn't seem to be a wrong answer, only lots of learning to be had.
This is a treasure trove of educational information. Thanks to your videos I have been shooting more with primes, thinking about the best combinations of primes for a shoot, and exercising both my brain and my feet!
I keep coming back to this video! It’s one of my favorites! I have been really enjoying your insights around the Sony Alpha system. Whenever I might feel bored doing the same thing over and over..I’ll hop over to one of your videos and learn something completely new about the Sony system which I can then apply to my photography! Lens choice is a big deal and I think this video is gold standard to explaining what is offered in the FE lineup and how it applies to photography. Well done! I enjoy your videos so much I’m also a member on your Patreon!
Thanks for the positive feedback
I jumped into Sony for the amount of lens options available. It’s just a joy knowing that there’s a lens for almost anything I want to shoot. Currently rocking the 35 and 85 f/1.8 primes.
Good choice. That 85mm is as good if not better than the 85mm GM IMO, and at 1/3 the price. Have you looked at the 20mm 1.8 G? That might be the next one to add.
Excellent detailed video presentation! Life long Nikon user, chose to go Sony for mirror less kit.
A7ii, A7Riii, 20G, 35FE, 35GM, 85FE, Domke F2 Very happy so far, 35GM on 42MP is stunning.
Happy and healthy 2022!
"Get the best glass". I got the GM35mm f/1.4 and it is ridiculously sharp. I just wanted to tell you.
On which camera are you using it? I wonder if such a lens is not an overkill for 24MPix camera…
@@pawelmod3292 Don't worry.
Wow! That was about the review of the Sony compatible lenses I have ever seen! Awesome review Mark! Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
This video took a lot of effort to put together. Interesting and informative so thank you. Love my Sony primes too but sometimes want a zoom.. Went a bit broader than APSc and got Olympus EM5.3 for tiny zooms.
I think I could've made this video! I mean, I couldn't from a technical standpoint, but this is exactly how I view (no pun intended) the lens selection process. Sometimes I feel like such an outsider when I am in the socials and everyone gushes over the various 24-70 2.8 lenses to which I always reply "I could get a 35mm 1.4 GM and 85mm 1.8 for that price!" Anyway, I am glad you made this video to comprehensively articulate the reality of opting for primes over zooms.
The cover photo for this video is a really good summary of the best value for money primes in the Sony arsenal. Also, Mark sounds like a high school science teacher giving you them facts about Sony lenses 👨🏫 🥸😄
I have 1/3 of those.
Several years ago I sold my 24-70mm GM and 70-200mm GM because I was tired of the weight and went to the 24-105mm and 70-200mm f4. The 24-105mm and 70-200mm f4 lenses were great, but I'd started to add a few GM prime lenses to my kit. As I added additional primes, I decided to sell the 24-105mm and 70-200mm and go with all primes. I currently have all GM primes from 14mm to 135mm. I also use an A7R3, A7R4, and a6600. Sometimes I'll put the 135mm GM on the a6600 for a really fast 200mm. I love shooting with the primes. But, I will be interested in the new 24-70mm GM II and 70-200mm GM II.
Any thoughts on the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8? I have a Sony A7RIII with that lens, and a Sony A7C that I frequent an 18mm f2.8 rokinon, and 85mm f1.8 sony. I also have an A7III, but considering trading [the A7III and 85mm f1.8 for the A6600 and Sigma Trio (16, 30, 56)].
@@pcphotography9108 I really like the a6600 for a cropped camera and the A7R3. I used to have the Sony 85mm 1.8. I tested it side-by-side with the 85mm GM and there was very little difference between them. The 85mm 1.8 is a great lens for the price. I haven't tried the other camera bodies and lenses. So, I can't say much about them. But, you know your needs better than me and what suits your style of shooting.
Wow. Great video sir. And love the (now realized) prediction at 1 hour 10 mins in!
Glad you liked it!
This video has blown my mind. Since I’ve seen it for the first time at 4am one night, i’ve purchased sony 70-200 f4, and all my best shoots are done with it. They are unusual and mind blowing because you usually do not see this pictures in life they are far away. And bokeh at 200 f4 competes with 85 at 1.4 at some point, it is very strong. Also I bought sigma 85 1.4 it is cheaper than gm and some saying it is sharper. Thinking about 24-105 f4, 50 1.2 gm and probably 100-400 gm, but beed to sell last pants for that :). Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the positive feedback.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills the best thing you are showing how a good photo should look like. Because many lens reviewers on youtube just shooting crap, comparing amount of sun flare rays, sharpness in the corners of image, and amount if distortion without correction. The only useful thing of such kind is amount of colour fringing because it can destroy colour. Thanks
ive been a prime shooter for years now but i just got the tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 and tamron 17-28 2.8 and i just stopped using primes. havent brought myself to sell the primes but its crossed my mind. thanks for all your great videos.
Thanks!
Thanks for your generous support
Wonderful coverage of the lenses you chose and why and how you achieved different crops with different camera bodies. I chose the 35 (1.8) during my trip to India and this lens stayed on my A7M3 90% of the time. I had my 24-105 G also which I used during wedding that I was attending. Got great results with this lens but I am itching for the 35 (1.4) GM now! Hopefully soon. Great video Mark! Your knowledge is invaluable as always!
What a great video. I'm going to have to search for your editing tutorials. Your images are exquisite.
This was insanely educational. Very good unique perspective for these Sony cameras. Just bought an A7rIV. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
I bought the A7C as a second body - I'm so happy with it. I really enjoy the articulating screen, and it's been a good morning walk cam during Melbourne lockdowns! I've been pairing it with a 50mm 1.4 ZA, waiting for a delivery of Voigtlander 35mm APO. Excitement!
That screen allows you to shoot around corners for sneaky street ;-)
isn't that 50mm 1,8 ZA...?
No - it's a 55mm F1.8 ZA
@@Pharesm Hi there, I have the 50mm F1.4 Planar rather than the 55mm F1.8 Sonnar. The 50mm is quite a bit bigger and heavier, the 55mm would actually be a better match for the A7C, but I mainly have it for my A7RIV.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I find it SUPER useful for shooting low to the ground in portrait orientation too.
thank you very much for putting this video, really helped me - got my first Sony lens because of you and already seeing the difference
Thanks for this very comprehensive guide. I have the Sigma 50mm f/1.4, which was relatively cheap. I find this perfect for portraits. I also use the Sony 24-105 only for travel at this point. I am concerned about sports shooting because of the blackout, and so I still use my Canon 5D4 for running races. It’s too bad because the my 7RIV is much sharper.
Loving my a7c and rethinking my lens selection for it - it is so versatile and even the 70-200 f.4 feels very comfortable on it. For travel, though ( when we are able to do that!) I just picked up the Tamron 28-200 on sale to have a nice light zoom to cover a large focal range without having to change lenses on the go. I plan to take along a couple of fast primes to complement it when the appropriate photo situation calls for something more nimble. Your information packed video has given me lots to consider Mark, as always! Thanks for all your hard work putting these videos together.
Te recomiendo el sony Sonnar T* Fe 35mm f2,8 Za 👏👏👌
@@FcoEdC9463 Gracias por su sugerencia! I own that lens and it is very nice on the a7c - also the Zeiss55 f1.8!
Thanks for the comprehensive analysis, Mark! It’s great to get your perspective on using apsc on full frame.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you, very useful video! Lately I was thinking a lot about my lens kit and this information is definitely helpful. Seems like 35mm gm + 135mm gm is the way to go.
@Yuriy Synyaiev I’d love to have a 14mm GM but I’d hardly use it.
Best explanation of the various focal length of lenses and how to use them. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights. This helped a lot!
Glad it was helpful!
Mark, Interesting thoughts and philosophies listed. Helps to make even better choices for a day of shooting. In recent months I have limited myself to two bodies and a maximum of three lenses (out of the nine I own). This is fine.
Thank you for this presentation! It´s always interesting to hear your thoughts about lens choices.
As I´m mostly photographing in higher mountains (also climbing and some animal/astrophotography) the foot zoom doesn´t work well for me as there is often no space to change the position.
So my choices are: The Sony 16-35 F 2.8 GM/Sony 70-200 F 2.8 GM for landscape, the Sony 14mm F 1.8 GM for Milkyway shootings, the Sony 200-600 G for eagles/ibexes/bearded vultures and other animals from longer distance and finally for climbing photography the light and small but versatile Sigma 28-70 F 2.8.
Great video Mark - thanks for taking the time to go through this topic from every important perspective. It's a challenge to decide how best to spend money whether on primes or zooms especially if budget is limited. I'm an enthusiast, mainly into landscape photography and not a professional, with an A7III + 24-105 f4. Absolutely loving it. But now my options for what to buy next are both exciting and mind boggling. For wide angle I was considering the Sigma 14-24 f2.8, but after your video think that maybe the Sony 20mm f1.8 could be the way to go as I think using filters easily would be something I'd want to do. Anyway - thanks again - love your channel!
I have tested both Sony 12-24 lenses and they are incredibly challenging to find locations where you can use 12mm if you are not a real-estate photographer. Adding filters to these lenses is also a hassle. 20mm is wide enough for most landscapes and then I can always create a panorama when it is not.
Hi Mark, thank you for yet another informative video. I shoot an a6400, primarily for safari/wildlife. My son recently acquired an a7riii, and this video is fabulous to help explore which lenses we may share, and their quality on each body. Many, many thanks!!
Ohh Mark I have been waiting for this updated video for a long time. Thank you ❤
I love the combo 35 GM and Batis 85 1.8, compact combo with an excellent IQ, and color rendition. Would like to see the rumored 100 mm, 135 I feel it a bit longer...
watched in full; great info still in 2024... also love the prophetic ending, asking for an A7CR which ended up with an A7RV sensor 😃- even better!
ended up trading a ton of gear to distill AF kit down to A7CR, 20mm 1.8, 55mm 1.8, and 135mm 1.8 with a permanent RX1RII in the stable for the magical 35mm 2.0, plus a selection of specialty MF primes; both, vintage and new. most importantly the 3 AF decisions were finalized after this video breakdown, so thank you- really appreciate the thorough effort here 👍
Glad you enjoyed this video - this is an example of the type of videos (more than 20 hours) I make available on my Patreon.com/markgaler support channel. There is even a 2023 update to this video.
Love this I’m actually learning something this is better then any camera review
Thanks for your positive feedback
Thank you the video. I a prime shooter only. I just dislike zooms both because it their worse quality but also because of the shooting experience. Primes just make me more creative.
Hi Mark,
Thank you for yet another amazing insight into the Sony lens line up!
Many excellent points on primes vs zooms! I've personally always thought of it as quality vs convenience, but the difference in weight and price between a set of primes and similarly performing zooms is stark indeed.
Thank you so so so much for this video. I've been agonizing trying to decide what I should get as first lenses for the last 2 weeks, and this video was the number one key for me to make a decision without feeling like I'm just rolling the dice and potentially spending on something that I won't use. I ended up going with the 20/1.8 ZA and the 85 F/1.8 as discussed around 36:45 here. The 20 for landscapes that include family in the foreground and the 85 I will use for just a better reach at family and other events and for family portraits, all just for personal use, hence making sure I don't spend too much up front. I was really torn between the 85/F1.8 and the 55/F1.8 ZA. I think I'll end up getting the 55 maybe later in the year. And I will probably torture myself trying to decide between a Tamron 28-200/F2.8, a Sony 135/F1.8GM, an E 70-350G or the fast focusing Zeiss 135/F2.8. Would be nice to have a zoom to get distant wildlife or something but that's a very rare/occasional scenario for me, so the 135s will probably be the sensible next lens. Thanks again!
How do like the 20/f1.8 ? Have you used it for astrophotography?
@@capt.gregrahe7615 I haven't had a chance to really figure out the astrophotography, but I'm eager to. I've been mainly taking pictures at family events and in nature just to try and learn the fundamentals of using the camera, I've not used anything like this before. Usually just my phone or a point and shoot type camera. I have a trip to Germany coming up though, hoping I figure it out before I go!
I would consider 20, 55 and 135 or 20 and 85. You do not need 85 and 135. And if you decide for 135 maybe check samyang or good used offer.. alot of money for a hobby those gm lenses:)
Thanks for a very informative video Mark. It covers plenty of lens options
Hey Mark thank you for the extremely detailed and educational walkthrough of your thought process around lens choices! Your videos are some of my favorites. A note of feedback though: I saw you have the video chopped up into timestamps in your description -- if you start those timestamps at 00:00 (rather than 00:10 as you do here) then youtube will automatically translate them all into chapters/sections on the timeline of the video player itself, which is really helpful for viewers to scan to the part they need (especially on such a long and thorough video as this!) Thanks again for the great content -- it's been super helpful on my own photo journey.
Thanks for this feedback - i'll test this out.
Thank you for the detailed and instructive video. Special thanks for the beautiful slides and samples. I’m switching from APSC to full frame format. I am planning to buy a SONY a7c camera.
24-105 f4 is a great lens that covers most of the regular usage.
It is - but I prefer to use two wide aperture primes and zoom with my feet.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Fast apertures forever! haha. Yesterday I bought 7artisans 50mm f1.05 and it's magical ^_^
It's a Jack of all trade but master at noting. Good for beginers to find their favourite focal length, but most people really into photography will switch to a 35mm/85mm double prime lens combination because they just give way better photos.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I hear this phrase a lot with primes "zooming with feet" especially told to beginners but in many cases that completely changes the perspective
I wish I can meet you someday! Thank you so much for your time and effort sir 🙏
So nice of you
Thank you for the effort and sharing. I am an appreciative subscriber. BIG thumbs up 👍🏻
Man I love these lense videos. So interesting to think about what to purchase next :)
thank you so much for taking the time and spreading your knowledge Mark, I've been enjoying your videos for some time and just wanted to say thanks.
I appreciate that!
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Hi Mark, i was wondering about compressed vs uncompressed raw files when shooting with the sony a7riii. hope you can share your thoughts about it when ever possible, thanks mate
Hi Mark, I am not a Sony user, I am considering Sony because of its outstanding focusing camera performance and the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 lens dedicated for Sony. I am very impressed by your full length of video covering most Sony lenses of your choice with such nice pictures as example. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing
Wow!!! The prime alternative's you suggest are the ones I use.
I have the 1.8 trio Sony 35 1.8, Sony Zeiss 55 1.8, Sony 85 1.8. May upgrade the 55 to the 50 1.2 in the future, also want to add the 135GM
Great things to think about and explore the versatility of the crop and FF bodies and FF lenses and crop lens interchangeability. As a crop shooter who is adding an a7iv, I can still utilize my crop bodies and glass. The crop system allows me portability in good light. The FF with a Sigma 24-70 2.8 fills in for low light and flexibility when weight isn’t as much a concern.
It’s very impressive the amount of detail you’ve gone through with pretty much every lens I’ve been considering. When the A7 IV was announced, I knew it was finally time to switch to Sony. I’m testing it out now with the 55mm 1.8. It’s exceeding all my expectations. As a hybrid shooter I was absolutely done with Canon when I was DOP of long form interview video shoot for an award show. I literally had to put my Cam A and Cam B R5s in the refrigerator between subjects. Just silly. I’m a new sub and excited to go through your catalog of videos. Cheers!
I have a full support service for Sony users on my Patreon.com/markgaler site if you need additional help.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Yeah, with the free info from this video, you’ve proven the value for a Patreon purchase. 🙌🏼
This is one you have to watch a few times and alway good to see lens compression bokeh and the step comparison between mm's! A must see before a buy! Toward the end you talk about FE 10-18 f/4 OSS, in the beginning when Sony had few lenses and none wider than 16-35 f/4 the 1018 could be used from 12-18 (18 if rear light shield was removed) on a full frame camera. I was into Astro Milky Way in 2015 and wanted the most sky I could get and was using the A7s and star elongation was minimal if not at all even at 30s for then the NPF shutter speed info was not known and there is color noise in the vignetting areas at bottom. Besides that it used screw on filters and had OSS and great to use on a non IBIS camera at the time. But in APS-C mode it was a great 16-27 lens for a walk around lens for wide captures. I would highly recommend on a APS-C camera it also had held it value since 2015 and cost about $100 more than back in 2015. Lastly I must say this about all Sony ultra ultra wides zooms like 1224 f/4, 1635 f/4 they were and are very sharp at night with pinpoint stars from the very beginning even at 30s. One magic thing about wide open f4 to 1.4 is bokeh (focused at infinity) at night there is only super sharpness to the horizon and a foot away!!
Great video, saved me from spending $3k more in zooms and able to fit the A1 into my budget by going with primes. Also great detail on apsc options like the 70-350mm G now that lens is in my wishlist :)
70-300 still seems like a better option for FF, as you can use it in FF mode too and it is not much bigger or more expensive..
This validates my choices with apsc lenses now that I’ve decided to go full frame and patiently waiting on the a7iv release. I will be also shopping for primes for full frame. Fabulous video Mark and thank you
Fingers crossed for a higher resolution sensor
@@AlphaCreativeSkills shame it was just 33mp, but higher resolution all the same. 36-42mp would have been more satisfying I think though.
I am really impressed your expert knowledge and recommendation.
This video provides multiple sets of recommendations, which fit many applications and also budgets.
One minor comment. At 49:52, you mentioned about a professional motorcyclist moving 200km/h then converted to 160 mph. I believe 200km/h ~ 125 mph instead.
You are correct in correcting me 100 kph = approx 60 mph
Very comprehensive video thanks. After 30-odd years I jumped ship from Canon full frame to a Sony Mirrorless A7iii and use primes 100% of the time (mostly the cracking FE 85mm 1.8 and FE 35mm 1.8) but my biggest problem is that with constant changes of lens the prominent sensor is prone to getting dirty very quickly, especially in hostile environments, no matter how careful I am so for travel work I need to revert to a zoom. I miss my Canon 24-105 and after connectivity issues when using this with a converter on the Sony, I gave up and am now in the market for something similar native-wise, possibly a Sony FE 24-105mm f4 G OSS. On another tack, I fail to see the use of APS-C mode in still photography as I've always been of the opinion that one should get as much data pixel-wise onto your sensor and handle all cropping in post. It is always good to have extra edge image to play around with especially in desktop publishing.
When you are viewing a 42.4 Megapixel image on a 4K monitor, less than 1/4 of the pixels are being displayed. High resolution sensors just give you multiple options about where to dump the Pixels that are surplus to requirement.
About Tamron zooms, 17-28 & 28-75 are RXD lenses. Their focus speed is much more slower than 70-180 VXD lens. The new G2 28-75 Tamron lens will be also faster VXD. (Tamron 28-200 is also slower RXD lens).
So thorough. Love that you take the time to dive into excruciating detail. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. Very useful. I current shoot with APS-C cameras and love my Z 24mm f1.8 as well as the FE 85mm lens. Also have the 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.8 as well as a number of zooms. I look forward to getting the FE20mm f1.8 at some stage. Unfortunately zoom with feet is not always an option. Your video did make me realise I should seriously consider getting a high resolution full frame camera if I ever decide to get a full frame camera. I don't need 50mp (at this point in time) but the ability to crop is useful.
You are superb. Thank you Mark. For all your help. I will be subscribing to your Patreon page. Keep up the excellent work, you inspire me so much.
Much appreciated!
Great information. I was just looking at purchasing the 70-350 and placing it on FF for weight savings. I appreciate you going over this to help make a decision.
On the prime side, my preference has been 20mm for wide landscape. I skip to 55mm and 85mm; sometimes not bringing the 55. I just like to have a bit more distance from my subject than 35mm provides. The a7IV and 135mm combo looks to be a very intriguing combo if they do raise the MPs.
I'm in the minority, but I would love a ~50-150 2.8 zoom as a walk around. Only because I believe it could be lightweight and cover 'my' preferred focal range.
I guess you think the tamron 35-150mm f/2.0-2.8 is too heavy?
Tamron 35-150 f/2-2.8 seems like the perfect zoom if the optics are good.
Bravo! superbe video and explanation, it will help me for my next choice of lens for the Sony a7IV
Perfect video Mark! Thank you for your time and dedication as always! I think Sigma 85 1.4 DN DG should be mentioned in this video it deserves it (by far the best 85mm for Sony) and the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN also as the sharpest crop lens for Sony, a must if you own a A6xxx. I also love the 24-70 2.8 Sigma ART in the zoom category. I hope Sony releases an updated 24-70 very soon
He's not going to mention Sigma. He's an ambassador for Sony. He even stated in his description to not see this as a video about specific brands.
@@barkatthemoonlunatic1715 I totally agree, thats why I made my comment, in order to notice some new sony users that Sigma variants are sometimes better
@@barkatthemoonlunatic1715 he did mention tamron and samyang.. i guess (atleast partial) reason is he values low weight/small size. He also didn’t mention sony zeiss 35 and 50mm 1.4. Or even sony GM 85? He says he uses 1.8 in those focal ranges, except new 35mm that is smaller, if i remember correctly..
One sigma that is small is 28-70.
While tamron zooms and samyang primes are quite small and light.. he mentioned them as a lighter alternative with same wide aperture..
Amazing movie. Thanks so much to share this with down right precision and clarity. Thanks.
This video is amazing, thanks so much for making it.
Excellent video Mark watched it all! Thank you!
When I go hiking with my girlfriend I usually take the A7RIV and Tamron 11-20 f2.8 (apsc), Sony 35 f1.4 gm, Sigma 85 f1.4 dg dn, Sony 70-350 g (apsc). I find that this a good compromise between weight and performance, while basically covering everything. I‘m quite happy with that setup for landscapes and environmental portraits.
Which lenses are you taking when you are going hiking without girlfriend?
Thank you for this. Do you think you can revisit the 135gm lens? And maybe compare it with the new 70-200gmii lens and others. Just got my 135gm yesterday for a great price.😅 Thank you.
I have dedicated reviews for both the 135 GM and 70-200 GM ll on my channel so probably won’t be reviewing either of these lenses for quite some time.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Got it! Thank you.
I’m looking for a light and affordable telephoto zoom for my shiny new A1. You’ve sold me on the E 70-350 G for sure. Thank you!
Great review of the options and food for thought since I've just bought a second hand A7ii to use with my old Olympus OM film lenses. But I'm considering a mid-range AF zoom or a couple of small AF primes too (the Rokinon/Samyangs in particular).
Hi Mark, thanks for another great video. I am trying to follow this method with two bodies, albeit both of them are 24 mp. Quick question on how you are finding out what multiples of crop you are doing and whether you cropped beyond the 8 MP mark without actually finalizing the crop. I know Lightroom can tell me the resolution after I cropped, but is there any way I can know that i ve done 2x crop or 1.5 crop while I am doing it, so I can frame it the way I want (and thereby deciding more on upgrading to a 33 MP or higher camera)?
If you divide 6000 px (your 24 MP sensor) by 3840 px (the width of a 4K file) you get a crop factor of 1.5625. When I am cropping I have the Info displaying the number of pixels of the cropped file. I can provide detailed support and personal guidance on my Patreon.com/markgaler support channel.
An excellent video, with much useful advice far beyond lens-choice.
Hi Mark, I just was admiring your thoughts/Video to the different lenses for Sony camera. At 33:51 you showed a picture made with the 135mm 1,8 lens. When we crop in post, why will the dof change to f4.0? Ok we will change the angle of view, but the dof is given by the f-stop (1,8) you choose during photo taking? Regards Bernd
It's the same principle as small sensors having a greater depth of field for lenses with the 'equivalent' angle of view
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Your are right, but I was thinking you mean that it is equal with a foto done with 135mm and f 4,0.
Thanks for the fantastic tutorial on Alpha Full Frame Lens.
My pleasure!
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I have only just come across to Sony from Nikon Z system. Prior to Covid, I shot a lot of high end kids parties as well as Mountain Bike riders and pet photography. I was done with overshooting and missing shots with the Nikon autofocus. They have come a long way, but still so far away. Additionally, the lens roadmap is simply disappointing. Don’t get me wrong, the Z lenses are great, but they are nothing special. I had the opportunity to shoot with the A9ii and the 50mm f1.2, and that was enough for me to jump off the Nikon ship! I have since sold my gear and purchased the A9ii, 50mm, 24mm and 14mm GM lens. I have the 85mm on the way, and I purchased the Tamron 70-180 for that lightweight additional length. All in all, I am super happy coming across to Sony, but it is all still very fresh. I’d love for you to do a detailed tutorial on the Sony system. I am still coming across settings that I have no idea what they do. Anyway, thank you again for the video.
What a great video, thank you for putting this up!
Some great perspective on the practicality of lens choice. regardless of the camera brand this is good info
I am pleased you got my drift in this discussion - others are asking why I didn't cover this lens or that lens but it is not about specific lenses, it is about zoom or prime, zooming with you feet and the advantages of high resolution sensors.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I've seen a lot of recommendations for 35mm and 85mm as primes, but seeing a lot of convincing quality lens making think I should stray a bit and get 20mm and 135mm primes instead. shame the a7 IV only has 33mp as it would have been nice to see it closer to the 42mp camera's, but glad for the step up from 24mp when it comes to photography and cropping in post. I went for a 24-105 f4 as the standard zoom for my camera so wanted to look at primes outside this range. would you suppose that 20mm is suitable for a mix of interior/street and 135mm for street/portraits? (in a typical sense, not accounting for getting creative).
Fantastic video. As a commercial shooter into the Sony system for several years, I own and use daily many of these lenses. Curiously though, you omitted the 50mm f/1.4 Planar? It's been a workhorse for me for about 3 years. Although noisy and slow by todays standards, it's still optically REALLY nice.
IMO, Sony's best zoom to date is the 16-35GM...another of my workhorses. On the prime side, I'm ALWAYS impressed by the 24mm GM, with honorable mention going to the 35mm 1.8 for it's quick, close focusing and lack of breathing.
Finally, the 85mm GM has been my go-to portrait lens for the past few years and I still really like it a lot...more than any other Sony lens I have experience with, the 85mm GM has a "look," and that's special.
I should have made it clearer that this video was not about specific lenses. It was about zoom or prime, f/1.8 or f/1.4, choosing a focal length, skipping a focal length (24 and/or 50) zooming with your feet, zooming in post. If I set out to mention every lens at every focal length it would have diluted the points I was making and taken 6-months for the lens manufacturers to co-ordinate all of the lenses to be with me at the same time and the resulting video would have been 3-hours long.
Learned a lot from your video. Thanks! Sony has so many lenses.
really lots of information im very happy to watch this channel thank you Mr. Mark 💕💕💕💕
Thanks for the positive feedback 👍
I've got the 20mm and 85mm like you and I'm hoping for a 50mm f/1.4 G, a 28mm f/1.8 G and a FE 200mm f/2.8 G.
You now have your 50mm f/1.4
Amazing Mark. Thanks so much for all your hard work.
Great video Mark, so useful. what make and model is the L-bracket and nodal rail you are using? and do you have a video on how to use such? Thanks D
Sunwayfoto DMP-140R Nodal Slide and either a LeoFoto or SmallRig L-Bracket (I have one for each camera I use and I have more than one camera). I Amy have covered using a nodal rail in this video review: th-cam.com/video/UMNHxc3nE-Q/w-d-xo.html
For more detailed support check out my Patreon.com/markgaler support channel.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks Mark for the quick reply..I am a patreon supporter :)
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Oh will that L-plate work with a A7C?
Please use the Patreon platform for advice and support - thanks.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills done
Very useful information and thought provoking video, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Always thankful for your videos!
Excellent video, Mark - thank you very much!!
Thanks for the great information. Would you say these primes you carried at the time of this video is still a good choice today?
Yes they are - i have an updated version of this video on Patreon.com/markgaler
Yes they are - I have, however, made a more recent Lens Choice video since this video. It is a Patron-Only video on my Alpha support channel - Patreon.com/markgaler
4:02 I really wish they'd make a 12mm 1.8 or better yet 1.4 or 1.2 like they did with the 50mm. I feel like they're forcing us to compromise between focal length and aperture. Don't know why Sony settled on 14mm.
A 1.2 12mm could possibly weigh over 2kg and be massive
Hi Mark, great video and explanations. I'm wondering which body allows you to shoot at 1/20,000 of a second as stated on your 35mm f1.4 lens @ 6:15 on the video.
Got to love the A1 🙂👍
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I see it's up to 1/32,000 with the electronic shutter. No blinking in portraits anymore.
Hello there, and thank you for all the phantastic videos !
1/ I am not some pro photographer - more like a photo-enthusiast ...
2/ but I really want the best of the best for my travel photography ...
3/ therefore I decided to get the Sony Alpha 1 (btw. any rumors or expectations about the A1 II ?)
4/ I have watched a lot of videos on TH-cam and from there I understood that I need at least 2 types of lenses :
a) travel zoom lens - I decided to get the Sony FE 24-240 mm ...
b) and some really fast lens (to utilize the A1 "action" part) ...
My question is : what "fast" lens should I get to complete my "zoom" + "action" travel shooting?
Thank you for your help !
It’s somewhat complex and time consuming to tailor advice for an individual photographer - I do, however, provide this service on my Sony support channel- Patreon.com/markgaler
Thank you for this type of video. Your view on the lenses available currently for the e-mount is highly appreciated + you are always sharing some additional tips!
I've had always believed that the best lenses are 2.8 zooms and 1.4 primes.
But actually I've found that 2.8 zooms are heavy and pricey, so for focal flexibility I've decided to use F4 zooms.
The same goes for 1.4 primes: it seems that 1.8 primes are cheaper, lighter and fast enough for me.
To be honest, from not-a-pro perspective, 2.8 zooms are cumulating cons from both words: they are heavier and more expensive than F4 zooms; and also they are slower than 1.8 primes.
My current lens set is:
- 24-105 F4
- 70-200 F4 (going to replace that with 100-400 or perhaps with a new 70-200 G F4 that hopefully will support teleconverters)
- 35mm 1.8
- 50mm 1.8 (going to sell it)
- 85mm 1.8
My next lenses will be:
- something on the wide side: cannot decide at this moment between 12-24 F4 G and 20mm 1.8 G
- and perhaps the very first GM in my collection which will be 135 GM :-)
- update/replacement for 70-200 G F4
That being said I'm waiting for Tamron 35-150 2-2.8 which perhaps will change my approach towards prime lenses; on the other hand, it is difficult do believe that such a lens could have comparable IQ to 1.8 sony primes...
I found your review inspiring and convincing, as I am about to get myself the Batis 135, to replace the Batis 85mm. I wonder what aperture you chose for the kids coming out of the water. I would guess 8? I often found myself avoiding F1.8 - F4 range, as I prefer both nose and ears/hair in my portraits in focus.
I mostly shoot wide open. Depth of field is only an issue when shooting very close to your subjects (head and shoulders)
Aaah, thanks for clarifying, Mark! Good to know!! I have been shooting closeup scenes mostly and have not considered the affiliated constraints… 😸
Would love to see a dedicated review for the 20mm 1.8 like you did with the 85 Mark. Very tempted to invest in one soon.
Coming soon!
@@AlphaCreativeSkills oh brill. Look forward to it 😎
Thanks Mark for this great guide on lens selection for Sony E mount! I still come back to review it from time to time. I was wondering if you may do an update video eventually to consider newly released lenses? In particular, the newly release Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 and how it may change one’s preference to lens selection in 2022.
I did not set out to make this video about particular lenses. I wanted to discuss the decisions photographers make about zooms or primes and I only used specific lenses to compare average price and weight, e.g., choosing a range of primes usually leads to a reduction in weight and cost compared to choosing premium zooms (not to mention they have brighter apertures and are sally sharper wide open). I also wanted the opportunity to discuss angle of view. With high resolution sensors we now have the option to crop in camera and/or crop in post production. With Sony advertising its One Mount advantage (E-Mount) I also wanted to raise the idea of full frame lenses on APS-C cameras and APS-C lenses on full frame cameras. I only mentioned Tamron so that I could discuss zooms with lower weight but with no optical stabilisation - so when comparing weight you have to understand how Tamron managed to reduce this weight when compared to the specifications of a Sony telephoto zoom. I am hoping that viewers will take this information so that they can better choose lenses that fit their own workflows. There are just too many specific choices to include in one single video - even though my videos are the duration of a typical University lecture.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills fantastic explanation! I was thinking about getting the Tamron but you pointed specifically the importance of OSS esp in telephoto lenses. Thank you so much
Very grateful for always welcome videos
Such a great and comprehensive video. Very helpful.
Thanks Raffi - some viewers miss the point of this video and are keen to let me know I didn't mention a specific lens then own or are thinking of purchasing. This video is more about how to make informed choices to choose the 'type' of lens that best suits your own workflow.
Amazing watch, a really helpful and informative video. Has definitely broadened my horizons in terms of lens opportunities for an APS-C user transitioning to a FF sensor.
Glad it was helpful!
Your photo's have such nice colors, which color profile do you use in lightroom?
I create custom dual-illuminant profiles using an XRite Color Passport. Check out my 2-hour Lightroom Classic Masterclass to see my post-production workflows.
Excellent video Mark watched it all! Funny cause I literally watched your older review from 2018 like a month ago.Thank you!