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Not a big difference, but then I don't have any wide rangefinder lenses. I used the Kolari today because I sold the un-modified body first and the a7rIII hasn't arrived yet (expected monday).Hi Doug,
Do you see any marked improvement with the Kolari mod?
Are you seeing any significant improvements forbyour usage with the A7RIII?Another American Bittern and my first outing with the a7rIII.
American Bittern
Yolo County California
equipment: Sony a7rIII, FE 100-400 GM
I crop only when necessary.Doug, these are great shots, and must be difficult to get the focus right given the twigs and weeds in front of the bird. Are you finding it difficult with the A7r3 and the 100-400? My own experience is that although it works, it is nowhere near as good as the A9. Which is a pity because with birds you end up cropping a lot.
The AF is quicker especially at smaller apertures, and I can re-program the SS dial to turn the way my brain expects it to after 35 years of using Leica-R equipment. Both big improvements.Are you seeing any significant improvements for your usage with the A7RIII?
My dealer told me that the first copies he received were reserved for Sony professionals, hope mine is next. OTOH, I am wondering if I should hold out for possible new announcements of the 500 or 600 f4 versions, or maybe even Sony's own 200-400 f4. I am sure they are working on these.Met Patrick Murphy-Racey today at the local Sony event and tried out his 400/2.8... great lens that is not in my budget right now. Lighter than I expected too but also larger than I expected (with the hood on) too. On a side note the local camera store (Murphy’s Camera in Kentucky) is selling the A9 for $1000 off through Saturday if anyone is looking to buy one. There are also deals to be had on nearly every lens except the 24-105 since they can’t keep them in stock as it is.
That seems very plausible. It’s easily the best constructed (from the outside at least) lens that I’ve seen with a Sony badge on it. I imagine that it takes a bit of time to make the 400/2.8 GM. I’m really hoping they make a 200-500 or 600 with a constant f/5.6 or so for around $2k or so. It would handle most of my telephoto needs alongside a 70-200/2.8.My dealer told me that the first copies he received were reserved for Sony professionals, hope mine is next. OTOH, I am wondering if I should hold out for possible new announcements of the 500 or 600 f4 versions, or maybe even Sony's own 200-400 f4. I am sure they are working on these.
Doug,American Bittern
...
all: a7rIII, 100-400 GM
Congrats on the lens and it’s hard to argue with how much Sony is doing correctly for the handful of things that could use some improvements. Performance wise and functionality wise, I have a hard time making any serious complaints regarding the cameras capability. I’ve posted in several places many of my “wish list” items but no need for us to beat that dead horse here.Finally got mine this week. Opened the box today and tried it on. It is raining and very gloomy outside, so not much opportunity to take pictures.
What strikes me immediately is the build quality. Absolutely top notch, slightly matte finish, not bright white like Canon, but a very pleasing off-white color. Mounted on the A9, it feels surprisingly light. I can hold the entire combo and dangle it from my index finger hooked into the lens foot. Overall heft and weight is very manageable. I am just shy of 5'5" and not muscular at all. Still, can easily carry it and hand-hold it. Despite being much bigger and heavier than the 100-400 GM or the 70-200 FM 2.8, it does not feel that much bulkier somehow. The balance is beautiful. Yes, it will start to feel heavy if carried for a long time, but I can easily see it getting good use from the typical safari vehicle or boat in Africa where you do not use a tripod/monopod but have to constantly heave it up from the seat.
I can only imagine what Sony's version of the 200-400 or the 600 f4 would be. Interestingly, the lens war is heating up in terms of weight. Canon's latest 400 2.8 MkIII is actually 50gm lighter than Sony's, their 600 f4 MkIII is two lbs lighter than the older MkII. If Sony's products are in line with their current trajectory, I expect their 600 f4 to come in around the same weight as the 400 2.8 which would be amazing. If they can also make their own 200-400 Extender and bring it in around the same weight as the 400 2.8 (or lighter), they would have an incredible line-up. Long lens availability is about the only thing lacking in the Sony stable - for now.
Also interesting, but OT is the way in which Sony has emerged as a market leader in FF format: see here https://www.sonyalpharumors.com/