Category: review

Posted on

Sony Alpha SLT-A33

Sony Alpha SLT-A33

This was my first of two single lens translucent SLT cameras. The second is my Sony SLT A77V camera.  I still have and use the A77V; I no longer have the A33). I was thrilled to explore my photography with this cutting edge technology that was precursor to mirror less camera tech.

From DP Review:

The Sony Alpha SLT-A33 and A55, are the first cameras to incorporate Sony’s translucent mirror design. The Single Lens Translucent (SLT) cameras offer live view with full-time fast phase-  detection AF whether in stills or movie shooting. This is achieved by having a fixed, semi-transparent mirror that redirects a small amount of light onto the AF sensor while allowing the rest through onto the main imaging sensor. The A55 is built around a 16.2MP sensor while the A33 features a 14.2MP unit. Both feature 3.0″ articulated LCDs, full HD video recording and ISO sensitivity up to 12,800, while the A55 also features built-in GPS. As well as being highly innovative, both cameras are fast, responsive and capable of excellent image quality.

Other professional reviews

Photography Blog

Imaging Resource

CameraLabs

Sample images

by me. Click on an image to see the enlarged photopost.

https://villandiophotography.com/category/Sony SLT-A33/

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Sony Carl Zeiss 135mm F1.8 ZA Sonnar T*

This is a great lens but it’s a bit of a clunker. It is large and heavy. However it is one of the best ever made for Sony a-mount cameras. I use it on my Sony SLT A77V camera, as well as my Sony A7R cameras with an adaptor.

More forthcoming

Reviews

Phillip Reeve

Sample images

 

 

Posted on

Zeiss Batis 135mm f2.8

This is my American Express card (I don’t leave home without it!). It is almost always on one of my A7R cameras and/or in my camera bag.  And for good reason. It handles well and gives very sharp photos with nice smooth bokeh.

Professional reviews:

Phillip Reeve

The Phoblographer

Sample images:

Posted on

Tair 11A 135mm f2.8

Tair 11A 135mm f2.8

I read about this unique lens with some remarkable characteristics: made in the former USSR; known as a “bokeh monster”; small for a 135mm f2.8 (though still relatively heavy). It’s a novelty lens popular with photo enthusiasts and collectors. Intrigued, I checked it out on ebay and found a good quality copy for a good low price. So I bought it, and I bought an adaptor to marry the m42 screw mount to my Sony A7R cameras. From the serial number I understand it was made in 1988.

I have taken it down off the shelf several times for the fun of it. I would do it more often but the lens is clumsy and not so easy to use. It is manual focus only and the aperture adjustment is complicated by a limiter that has to be adjusted to move freely about the settings. There is no electronic transfer of information from the lens to the camera. I got use to these characteristics in time, and had some pleasant experiences testing out the capabilities and enjoying its features.

Here are some professional reviews:

Chris Harth Photography

en.fotografmania.com

And here are some sample photos taken by me.

Posted on

Sony 85mm f1.8

Great lens! Affordable, sharp, well constructed, and light.  Good for portraits and general use. I got some of my best portrait shots with this lens, as well as some favorite bird and butterfly shots. Dyxum users give the lens a 4.78 (out of 5) rating overall, and a 4.91 rating for sharpness.

Here is Sony’s promotional blurb:

There’s nothing like the sharpness and smooth bokeh of a well-designed mid-range telephoto prime lens for portraiture, and the SEL85F18 is a standout choice.

Reviews:

Phillip Reeve

Dustin Abbott

Sample images:

« ‹ of 2 › »

 

Posted on

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

This lens is amazing. I have the Sony 24-70mm f4  and I thought it was a bit under-rated given my experience with the lens, which gave excellent results. More recently I got this Tamron lens, which really blows the Sony out of the water. The Tamrom is an inch longer than the Sony un-extended, as one might expect given the larger maximum aperature of the former. But in all other rpspects — build, performance and value — the Tamrom 28-75mm f2,8 is a superior lens.

Phillip Reeve says “The Tamron 2.8/28-75 Di III RXD is the first Tamron lens for mirrorless full frame cameras. The specs of the lens look spectacular and this holds true for the real lens. It is a f2.8 standard zoom lens that handles like the usual f4 counterparts.”

Professional reviews

CameraLabs

DPR Review

Fstoppers

Phoblographer

Sample images

Back home from a class reunion

Posted on

Sony 28mm f2.0

This wide angle lens has two optional adaptors, both of which I have in my collection. One is an ultra-wide angle converter and the other is a fish-eye converter.  The first increases the angle to 21mm and the second increases the angle to 16mm.

I want to say I have been a bit underwhelmed by this kit. That said I have gotten some interesting results (see samples below). The 2/28mm gets a 4.22 overall rating on Dyxum, with 4.68 for sharpness.  But the lens gives too much distortion yielding a rating of 3.46 in this category.

It is easy enough to snap on the ultra wide angle or fish eye adaptors.  These provide for some unique shots suitable for creative photography.

Here is Sony’s promotional blurb:

An excellent choice as a second lens to supplement a basic lens kit, featuring a bright F2.0 maximum aperture and outstanding overall optical performance.

Professional reviews:

Phillip Reeve

Ken Rockwell

Sample images:
error: Content is protected !!