Sony A7sII interviews and first impressions roundup! Camera listed at Amazon US!

SonyA7sII

The Sony A7sII now got listed at Amazon US too (Click here). Preorders will be available tomorrow (Sept 17) at exactly 12am New York time at all US stores. Direct link here: Amazon US, BHphoto, FocusCamera and Adorama.

Two video interviews:
First Look Interview with Sony Manager Kenta Honjo (SonyAlphaCameras).
Sony’s new a7S II fixes the biggest problems with the original a7S. Is it worth the extra cost, or should you buy an a7R II instead? (Tony Northup on SonyAlphaCameras)
Interview at IBC from Victor Bart.

Amateurphotographer writes:

The A7S II looks like a fantastic camera that buckles the trend for cameras with increasingly high resolutions, and that is what many photographers have been asking for. They don’t want more and more pixels, they want a higher dynamic range and less noise.
The real test will come when we have a full working sample of the camera and can see exactly what the differences in image quality are between the two cameras. For videographers there is certainly a reason for the new camera, whilst professional wedding and event photographers will surely make a beeline towards the A7S II and its quieter shutter, faster focusing and image stabilisation.

Digitalcameraworld writes:

The ability to record 4K in-camera allows these users a bit more freedom plus the ability to travel lighter and work more discretely. Meanwhile the improvement in the AF and noise control will be widely appreciated.
Those looking for an ‘all-rounder’ camera are best off looking at the A7 II, or even the A7R II if they can stomach the cost, but the A7S and A7S II are intended to produce the best image quality.
The A7S really impressed when we tested it and the improvements brought by the A7S II should make it even more attractive.

More A7sII hands-on:
First Impressions: Sony A7s Mk II (ThePhoBlographer).
Sony’s A7S II is a 4K-shooting pro for your darkest moments (Engadget)

Preorders:
Soon at Amazon US, BHphoto, FocusCamera and Adorama.
In Europe at ParkCameras UK, Verkkokauppa in Finland. CVP in UK.
in Asia at Digitalrev.

Great first Contax N and Contax 645 (medium format) autofocus lens test on the A7rII.

[shoplink 39621 ebay]fringer_eay[/shoplink]

Lats week I reported how Fringer launched the world’s first [shoplink 39621 ebay]Contax N lens to E-mount autofocus adapter (here on eBay)[/shoplink]. You can now autofocus with all N lenses. And buy using the [shoplink 39631 ebay]Contax NAM-1 adapter (here on eBay)[/shoplink] you can even autofocus with the 645 medium format lenses! To see how good this works just check out the new video here:

Here are all the Contax N lenses you can make work with the Fringer autofocus adapter:
[shoplink 39622 ebay]Vario-Sonnar T* 17–35/2.8 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39623 ebay]Vario-Sonnar T* 24–85/3.5–4.5 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39624 ebay]Vario-Sonnar T* 28–80/3.5–5.6 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39625 ebay]Planar T* 50/1.4 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39626 ebay]Vario Sonnar T* 70–300/4.0–5.6 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39627 ebay]Planar T* 85/1.4 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39628 ebay]Makro-Sonnar T* 100/2.8 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39629 ebay]Tele-Apotessar T* 400/4 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].

Those are all 645 medium format lenses you can now use with autofocus support:
[shoplink 39632 ebay]Distagon T* 35/3.5 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39633 ebay]Distagon T* 45/2.8 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39634 ebay]Distagon T* 55/3.5 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39635 ebay]Vario-Sonnar T* 45–90/4.5 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39636 ebay]Planar T* 80/2 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39637 ebay]Sonnar T* 140/2.8 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39638 ebay]Sonnar T* 210/4 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].
[shoplink 39639 ebay]Tele-Apotessar T* 350/4 (ebay search link here)[/shoplink].

New Commlite Nikon F to Sony E-mount tested on the A7rII. First video shows dramatically improved performance!

[shoplink 38429 ebay][/shoplink]

As you know the [shoplink 38429 ebay]adapter company creator company Commlite[/shoplink] is developing the world’s first Nikon F to Sony E autofocus adapter. The very first version has been tested by Matt Granger and the performance was very bad.

But we have good news! Commlite added phase detection support on the latest version and released that video to show how much they improved the autofocus performance on the Sony A7rII:

They used the classic Nikon 50mm f/1.4 G lens ad I have to say it’s accurate and “ok fast” in bright light conditions! Nikon folks, your switch to Sony may just got a tiny bit easier! ;)

More about Commlite:
Commlite already makes plenty of adapters which you can find for sale on [shoplink 38429 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink]. This includes the electronic AF adapter for [shoplink 38430 ebay]Canon EF lenses on Sony E-mount (Click here)[/shoplink].

Zeiss Milvus lens tested on the Sony A7r and A7rII (Mirrorlessons, 3D-Kraft and Greg Waterman)

Bildschirmfoto 2015-09-13 um 12.18.37
Sony A7rII with Milvus lenses. Image courtesy: Mirrorlessons.

We have the world’s very first Sony A7rII and Zeiss Milvus tests!

Mirrorlessons writes:

Zeiss also stated that the Milvus lenses work well on Sony’s E-mount and Micro Four Thirds cameras because they are also designed for video. They are colour matched which makes them ideal for colour grading in video production. They get the same de-click mechanism from the Loxia family (you loosen a screw on the rear) and they are 4K ready.
The Milvus lenses almost look like they could have been built for any system and it seems that the family will grow faster than the Loxia/Batis family.


Zeiss Milvus on Sony A7r II – 4K video samples

3D-Kraft tested the 50 and 85mm Milvus on the A7rIi and writes:

It’s too early for a final conclusion, but my impression so far:

  • Build quality seems very solid, focus is smooth

  • Nice bokeh, high micro contrast

  • At open aperture not as sharp as an Otus and it does not have the apochromatic correction (especially for longitudinal CAs) you get with an Otus – but hey: these lenses are about 1/3 of the price of an Otus!

Bildschirmfoto 2015-09-11 um 19.14.32
Sony A7rII with Milvus 35mm lens (Image courtesy: Greg Waterman).

And Zeiss photographer Greg Waterman posted a full set of A7r and Milvus images on Flickr:

Everything shot on a7R and a Milvus 2/35 with a Metabones IV, handheld and wide open. We just booked a room at the Standard and played inside all day. Lighting was whatever was available in the hotel room (windows and lightbulbs). ISO 1600. The Milvus lenses are amazing. Exceptional build quality and incredible optics. Like a baby Otus :)

Here are the detailed Lens info and preorder links at BHphoto:
Zeiss Milvus 100mm f/2M ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 100mm f/2M ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 21mm f/2.8 ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 21mm f/2.8 ZE Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/2 ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/2 ZE Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/2M ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/2M ZE Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 ZE Lens for Canon EF at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).
Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 ZE Lens for Nikon F at BHPhoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here).

 

Ken Rockwell reviews the 55mm FE: Says it’s the Porsche of all lenses!

[shoplink 40189 ebay]Bildschirmfoto 2015-09-10 um 20.30.06[/shoplink]

Reminder: That limited quantity eBay deal will run out soon. It’s on grey imported Zeiss FE lenses but the savings are big and they come with full US seller warranty. The seller itself is Top Rated at eBay:
$190 off and 3 years US seller warranty on the Zeiss FE 55mm lens on [shoplink 40189 ebay]eBay US (Click here)[/shoplink].
$60 off and 1 years US seller warranty on the Zeiss FE 35mm lens on [shoplink 40190 ebay]eBay US (Click here)[/shoplink].

Ken Rockwell: And both lenses got reviewed by Photo blogger Guru and Her majesty ;) Ken Rockwell. This is what he writes about the Zeiss 55mm FE:

No other 50mm or 50mm f/1.8 lens has anywhere near the optical technology of this lens. It is significantly sharper wide-open than anything from Canon or Nikon. If you’re reading this, just get one. Like a Porsche, there is no substitute.

And this is what he writes about the Zeiss 35mm FE:

The Sony Zeiss FE 2,8/35mm is an optically superb gem,the quality of out-of-focus areas as opposed to the degree of defocus, is superb.No other 35mm f/2.8 lens has anywhere near the optical technology of this lens. It is significantly sharper wide-open than anything from Canon or Nikon.

A and E-mount USA savings ending at midnight: So if you want to buy the lenses today is the last day you get the big E and E-mount savings in USA! A special full overview page can be seen at Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here). And those are the FE lens savings in detail and with direct link to three major US stores:

Full Frame E-mount lenses:
$100 off on the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the Zeiss 16-35mm f/4.0 lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the 70-200mm G lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the Zeiss 24-70mm f/4.0 lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the 28-70mm lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the 28-135mm PZ lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$25 off on the 24-240mm lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.

New bunch of Sony A7rII reviews and first superkit deal.

[shoplink 40133 ebay]A7rII_superkit[/shoplink]

We have the very first Sony A7rII superkit deal: You get 13(!) free items along the A7rII sold by [shoplink 40133 ebay]Cameta on eBay (read all the long free extra list here)[/shoplink].

DigitalCameraWorld writes:

For a compact and lightweight camera capable of producing excellent high resolution images in a range of conditions, the A7R II is pretty impressive but by no means perfect. It’s a good all-rounder despite it’s high price tag, which is a considerable amount more than the A7 II. This is just as well, as in direct competition it could seriously affect the A7 II’s future.

Sony a7R II Vs a7S Video Field Comparison by Lensrentals:

The Sony a7R II is seriously impressive. I still love the lean and light Sony a7S with an unreal low light capability, but it is clear that the Sony a7R II can go places the Sony a7S cannot. Shooting telephoto handheld and need it in 4k? You know what you’ll go for.

Sony A7r II – Focus Testing w/ Canon EF 24-105 f/4 L IS Lens (SonyAlphaLab on Youtube).
Test – Sony A7R II : présentation et caractéristiques (Focus Numerique).

New Sony A7rII tests: Trick to save battery life at Fred Miranda. Scary review conclusion at DigitalKamera.


Sony A7Rii Buffer Test, RAW and all Jpeg formats in High Continuous Mode by Jason Lanier

Fred Miranda: “There is a way to turn OFF the monitor LCD using a custom button. This method will turn off both EVF and Monitor and save battery life.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1384552”

Florian: “The well know review portal digitalkamera.de (Martin Vieten is one of their reviewers) has tested the A7RII together with the 1.8/55 and they found out that it perform massively worse in the corners with the A7RII compared to the A7R. Wide open the resolution drops as low as 32 lp/mm and only gets back to the level of the A7R at around f4!!!
MTF and full review can be found here:
http://www.digitalkamera.de/Meldung/Bildqualitaetstest_der_42_Megapixel_Sony_Alpha_7R_II_mit_1_8_55_Zeiss/9614.aspx”

Kolarivision Sony A7R II with Leica M Lenses: Coming Soon (Diglloyd).
Test at German Chip.de.

New Photographyblog A7rII with EF lens tests:
http://www.photographyblog.com/previews/sony_a7r_ii_canon_ef_11_24mm_f4_photos/
http://www.photographyblog.com/previews/sony_a7r_ii_canon_ef_24_70mm_f2_8_photos/
http://www.photographyblog.com/previews/sony_a7r_ii_sigma_24_35mm_f2_photos/

3D-Kraft “Early in the morning in Hamburg’s Hafencity”
Vimeo (playable in 1080p, 4K download available): https://vimeo.com/137224849
YouTube (playable also in 1440p and 2160p): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrOIix3_Css

A7rII store links:
In USA: at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, SonyStore US, FocusCamera, Uniquephoto.
In Europe at Sony DE, UK, FR, IT, ES, NL, BE, CH, AT, SE, FI, NO, PT. Wex UK.
In Asia at Digitalrev, CameraPro.

A7rII case:
Gariz leather case in [shoplink 39113 ebay]Black (Click here)[/shoplink], [shoplink 39108 ebay]Camel (Click here)[/shoplink], [shoplink 39110 ebay]Orange (Click here)[/shoplink], [shoplink 39111 ebay]Brown (Click here)[/shoplink] and [shoplink 39112 ebay]Red (Click here)[/shoplink]. Also available on Amazon US (Click here).
Gariz Alcantara case in [shoplink 39094 ebay]Black (Click here)[/shoplink] and [shoplink 39095 ebay]Red (Click here)[/shoplink]. Also available on Amazon US (Click here).
Lim’s case in [shoplink 39107 ebay]Black (Click here)[/shoplink], [shoplink 39102 ebay]Brown (Click here)[/shoplink], [shoplink 39103 ebay]Red (Click here)[/shoplink], [shoplink 39104 ebay]Yellow (Click here)[/shoplink], [shoplink 39105 ebay]Navy Blue (Click here)[/shoplink] and [shoplink 39106 ebay]Khaki (Click here)[/shoplink]. Also available on Amazon US (Click here).