Just got the A900, and two lenses: Zeiss 85/1.4 and 135/1.8 with the Zeiss 24-70/2.8 on it's way. Waiting for availability of the Zeiss 16-35/2.8.
Primary reason for the Sony selection is the Zeiss AF optics. Wouldn't even consider Sony without them.
A900 camera itself is better than I had expected. Quite easy to use, and I really like the WB controls more than any other camera I've used to date ... something that is important to me when shooting weddings in ever changing or mixed light temps.
In-camera image stabilization is brilliant, and makes the camera worth the price alone when using these longer Zeiss lenses in low ambient light. With some of these lenses it helps make up for really high ISO performance that's lacking compared to the Nikon D3 and D700.
IQ is also better than I had expected in the mid-high ISO range from 800 to 2000. So far, I feel 6400 is not desirable for what I shoot, except for B&W conversions where it looks pretty good. However, the most important ISOs for me are 200 to 500 and 800 to 2000 ... and in those cases, this camera barks with the best of them.
One mitigating factor that shows up almost immediately is the visibly higher contrast from the Zeiss lenses. When using higher ISOs with micro-contrast type optics like this, I've found there is less need to increase contrast or sharpen in post ... which in turn assists in suppressing noise at higher ISOs. Also, what I do not know for a fact, but suspect, is that the AA filter on this A900 camera is not as aggressive as was on my Canon 1DMKIII & 1DsMKIII.
AF appears to be on Par or slightly slower than my Nikons but these lenses have large glass to move around. The Zeiss 85/1.4 is quicker than the Nikon 85/1.4 for sure, and a jack Rabbit compared to my now sold Canon 85/1.2 MKII.
I have a ton to absorb yet concerning tweaking all the camera settings to my tastes, and the proof of the pudding will come at my next wedding shoot.
The Zeiss lenses do not disappoint. Build quality is one of the best I've held in hand. Even the shade is metal. Beautiful industrial design.
Oh, but the Bokeh is so dreamy on both lenses. Like the R80 ... but in-focus areas are sharper. The immediate impression is 3D ... where you swear you could shift to the side and see behind the in-focus object.
More to come.
Primary reason for the Sony selection is the Zeiss AF optics. Wouldn't even consider Sony without them.
A900 camera itself is better than I had expected. Quite easy to use, and I really like the WB controls more than any other camera I've used to date ... something that is important to me when shooting weddings in ever changing or mixed light temps.
In-camera image stabilization is brilliant, and makes the camera worth the price alone when using these longer Zeiss lenses in low ambient light. With some of these lenses it helps make up for really high ISO performance that's lacking compared to the Nikon D3 and D700.
IQ is also better than I had expected in the mid-high ISO range from 800 to 2000. So far, I feel 6400 is not desirable for what I shoot, except for B&W conversions where it looks pretty good. However, the most important ISOs for me are 200 to 500 and 800 to 2000 ... and in those cases, this camera barks with the best of them.
One mitigating factor that shows up almost immediately is the visibly higher contrast from the Zeiss lenses. When using higher ISOs with micro-contrast type optics like this, I've found there is less need to increase contrast or sharpen in post ... which in turn assists in suppressing noise at higher ISOs. Also, what I do not know for a fact, but suspect, is that the AA filter on this A900 camera is not as aggressive as was on my Canon 1DMKIII & 1DsMKIII.
AF appears to be on Par or slightly slower than my Nikons but these lenses have large glass to move around. The Zeiss 85/1.4 is quicker than the Nikon 85/1.4 for sure, and a jack Rabbit compared to my now sold Canon 85/1.2 MKII.
I have a ton to absorb yet concerning tweaking all the camera settings to my tastes, and the proof of the pudding will come at my next wedding shoot.
The Zeiss lenses do not disappoint. Build quality is one of the best I've held in hand. Even the shade is metal. Beautiful industrial design.
Oh, but the Bokeh is so dreamy on both lenses. Like the R80 ... but in-focus areas are sharper. The immediate impression is 3D ... where you swear you could shift to the side and see behind the in-focus object.
More to come.