E 16-55 G and E 70-350 G OSS review by Mark Galer

Mark Galer:

I make the case that these lenses are great news for owners of the APS-C cameras but also for owners of the R full-frame cameras. These lenses offer a viable alternative to using Full Frame glass, for times when the 7R user wants to travel light (the 70-350 is 1/4 of the weight of the 200-600). This is especially useful for A7RIV owners who don’t always need or want to be shooting 61 megapixel files. The added advantage of shooting action/sports in APS-C mode with the A7RM4 is that the buffer increases to 340 compressed Raw files.

E 16-55mm F2.8 G at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama , FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.

Test with the Rokinon T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift lens for Sony E-mount cameras

On Explora (Click here) you can read a review of a rarely tested lens…the Rokinon T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift lens for Sony E:

Compared to the 24mm tilt-shift lenses offered by Nikon and Canon, Rokinon’s T-S 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt-Shift lens is nearly identical in size, weight, and tilt-shift abilities. Based on my experience with tilt-shift lenses from each of these companies, I would venture to say Rokinon’s 24mm tilt-shift also comes extremely close to the levels of resolving power one expects from Nikon and Canon lenses. The finish and detail of OEM lenses might best the finish and detail of Rokinon / Samyang / Bower lenses, but at less than half the price, you get a lot of very capable glass for your money.

Engadget says the Sony A6600 is “a rare misstep”

Engadget tested the A6600 and the conclusion isn’t that favorable:

It’s bizarre that Sony didn’t update the sensor over the last model, considering that it’s the world’s leader in sensor technology. The bad rolling shutter was the biggest weakness of the original A6500, and it’s now back to haunt the A6600. In 2019, it has to compete against the X-T3, Z 50, Canon’s M6 II and Panasonic’s GH5, none of which have rolling shutter that’s nearly as noticeable. I also wish it had two faster card slots and more advanced 4K options.

If you’re looking to spend $1,400, I’d get the X-T3 instead, which is a better all around camera. If it’s resolution you need, take a look at Canon’s M6 Mark II which is cheaper ($1,050 with the EVF) and can also shoot faster. If you’re okay with a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor, Panasonic’s $1,500 GH5 is still the best video-centric mirrorless camera out there, especially with recent AF firmware updates.

I agree with Steve Dent, the A6600 is surely a highly capable camera but at the moment the Fuji X-T3 has the edge. I do hope Sony will offer a more “serious” contender with improved body design.

Preorders:
Sony A6600 at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
Sony A6100  at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
E 16-55mm F2.8 G at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.
E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G OSS at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama , FocusCamera. In EU at Calumet DE, Park UK, WexUK.

First image of the new Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 FE lens mounted on the Sony Alpha. Price around $1,300-$1,400?

This is the first image of the new Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 FE lens mounted on the Sony Alpha. Sources also told me this:

European price will be like the EF version once started and the 14-24/2.8 DN, a bit below 1500 euros

I recall the US price at launch was $1300 (don’t remember the EU price) while the 14-24mm FE sells for $1,399.

Preorders are yet NOT open:
Sigma 24-70mm FE lens at BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera.

A Weekend with the Sony 200-600mm and 600mm Lenses

Shawn C. Steiner shared his take on the new Sony 200-600mm and 600mm Lenses

Used the 600mm prime and 200-600mm lens at the same time has, unfortunately, led to some unfair comparisons. The 200-600mm is not as fast when it comes to autofocus, nor is it as sharp when working wide open. This isn’t to denigrate it—it’s perfectly acceptable, considering its price and standard G branding. I would recommend stopping down a hair when you can and, though teleconverters are a lot of fun, the 1.4x will serve you better than the more demanding 2x that I used.

Everything else about the lens is solid. The lens is weather sealed and feels like it can hold up to enduring some adventures. Optical SteadyShot is very good and works very well with cameras that offer in-body stabilization. Focusing is fast with the DDSSM AF system, and worked very well when tracking subjects. The front element has a fluorine coating that should help keep it clean.

Sony 200-600mm FE in USA at Amazon, BHphoto, FocusCamera, BuyDig, Adorama and Henyrs.
Sony 600mm FE GM in USA at Amazon, BHphoto, FocusCamera, BuyDig, Adorama and Henyrs.
Sony 200-600mm FE in Europe at Amazon DE. Calumet DE. Amazon UK. WexUK. ParkCameras. Amazon FR. Amazon IT. Amazon ES.
Sony 600mm FE GM in Europe at Calumet DE.WexUK. ParkCameras.
Sony 200-600mm FE in Asia at Sony Japan. Sony Australia.
Sony 600mm FE GM in Asia at Sony Japan. Sony Australia.