Photo Jottings

2/24/11

I see the NEX-3 is being discontinued in Japan, and likely everywhere else soon.  That’s probably why it’s on sale now (until 3/5/11) with a bunch of freebies like a 4gb card and carrying case, plus free shipping in the US.

The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 made it to the most popular pages, due to rising interest.  It’s $474 with rebate through April.  Don’t forget the more expensive, but much better built (and wider) Sony CZ 24-70mm F/2.8.

HDSLR hub

2/22/11

There are three sets of ISO comps on the page.  The top set shows ISO center crops from the A580 and A700, with the current Ver. 4 firmware.   The second set has the same A580 crops on the left, but with the A900 crops now in the right column.  The last set has the A700 with Ver. 3 on the left, and the most current Ver. 4 on the right (as of this review, 2/11).  More info on the page introduction.

The Sony A580 starts to really shine at very high sensitivities, and appears to out-resolve the A900 at ISO 6400, while holding better color, that’s somewhat surprising, but shows how noise reduction and sensor technology have progressed in two plus years since the A900 was introduced.  A few people claim Sony added better noise reduction to the A900 with the new firmware update.  I updated my A900 to ver. 2.00, and noticed no difference at all.  Sony says there is no modification to noise reduction in this firmware (Ver. 2.00) and I can confirm that.

Click for ISO comparison page

2/20/11

If you’re wondering what happened to the Sony and Minolta off-camera flash page, it wound up going to the January homepage archives, without a link on the homepage, sorry.  I have a picture link now on the right.

Some people are telling me they’re seeing the same soft mid-sections as I reported on the CZ 24/2 review, and some are saying quality control is spotty on that lens, and I got a bad copy.  I’ve had really good luck with quality control on Sony lenses, but there’s always a possibility that something is mis-aligned or out of adjustment on a few samples. I think I’ll wait for the shelves to clear of the current batch, then try another copy after Sony finishes a second run, and see what happens.  I’d like to mention too, that shooting test charts may not show the same results as focusing on something farther away, say 10′ (3m) or more.

You may have noticed nothing new has been added to the Reader’s Digest page lately; I’m so busy generating new articles and reviews I’m unfortunately having to neglect that part of the site. I always answer my mail, it just isn’t being shared like I thought it should.

2/17/11

Click for the 24mm Carl Zeiss comparison page

2/15/11

In other news; Sonyalpharumors is reporting a Carl Zeiss 24mm F/1.7 is in the works for the NEX system, that would be great if it’s true.  I mentioned the 24mm comp review above, which should be ready mid-week sometime, so stay tuned, you’ll be surprised!

2/13/11

Late last year Sony introduced a new Carl Zeiss wide-angle (called “Distagon” by CZ) full-frame lens (made in Japan) featuring a fast aperture of F/2.  Not noticed by many, but it’s actually the first prime lens for a Sony Carl Zeiss that uses the superb SSM, or “super-sonic wave motor” originally designed by Minolta.  Hopefully, from now on, SSM will be featured in all “G” and “CZ” lenses.

Performance wise, the Sony Carl Zeiss 24mm F/2 is super sharp in the centers, with plenty of contrast at F/2!  The distortion curve is pretty flat.  Light fall-off is very low on APS-C, although slightly harsh at F/2 on full frame, it clears up very quickly a stop down.  Hand-held available light photographers that currently use the Minolta AF 28mm F/2, (which has massive and image ruining coma at F/2) will find the new Carl Zeiss to be far better at F/2.  However, the new Zeiss lens is not flawless.  I see plenty of ghosting when bright lights are in, or near the image edges.  I also see some wavy field curvature, read about that in the conclusion.  Stopped down hard, there is no problem, but at wide apertures it is noticeable.  People not familiar with this issue may think they simply aren’t getting the proper focus.

The Sony Carl Zeiss 24m F/2 lens is expensive, but is it worth the price?  It has some really good qualities, and a couple of flaws; it all depends on what’s important to you.  Based on some preliminary tests, I’d say if you own the CZ 16-35mm and/or CZ 24-70mm, and won’t need F/2, then you probably wouldn’t benefit from the CZ 24mm.  However, F/2 is a whole stop faster than
F/2.8, that’s a big part of the extra expense, and very important for hand-held shooting in low light.  Also, if you’re a person that likes 24mm, and aren’t interested, or not in need of a zoom, then by all means, try it out, it’s a lot lighter and smaller than the CZ zooms mentioned.

Click me for Sony CZ 24mm F/2 review

2/11/11

It’s been a while since I’ve had a random thought, so here goes: while taking some test shots with the new Sony Carl Zeiss 24mm lens at a local hiking trail-head, I came upon this sign, which I’m assuming was erected by educated, important people of Oro Valley, AZ.  In a nut-shell, it says you’re entering a dangerous area, full of wild beasts, best not to walk here and hurt things, or yourself, turn around and go to the nearest shopping mall and walk there.  I thought a better place for this type of sign, slightly re-worded, would be along the highway as you enter the city, and should read; Caution; polluted, people infested area ahead, criminals, crackpots and crazies present, use city at your own risk!!  Well, whatever.  I’m much more comfortable in the desert, at peace with the snakes, bobcats and scorpions than I am in a concrete jungle.

I’ve just about wrapped up the Sony CZ 24mm review, and should be posting it this weekend.  As you can see below, you’re able to get some decent background blur at F/2 with the 24mm lens.  Also, I’m working up a comparison of the Sony CZ 24mm F/2, CZ 16-35mm F/2.8, CZ 24-70mm F/2.8, and CZ 16-80mm (using the A580) all at 24mm (or 16mm) with the APS-C lens.  I’ve already taken the comps, and after I post it (next week sometime) there will no doubt be another round of misguided chatter based on the results (remember this comp).  I’m just prepping ya…….

You don’t say? Sony A900 and CZ 24mm F/2 @F/2

2/10/11