I've done it...

ButchW wrote: ... I feel the same way about my 200 Macro. Butch

Well, it is a gem of a lens. Rarer even I'd guess, than the 135mm STF. And with no real substitutes as well.

If reviews are to be believed the new 16-35mm f4 PZ is probably loads better than older CZ16-35 which I also had.
Lens design and especially Sony have both come a long way since a-mount days. Modern E-mount lenses are really well designed and are some of the best in class these days.

Personally I have fallen out of love with f2.8 zooms. I prefer to use f4 zooms which provide better versatility and fast f1.4 primes which provides wide aperture. F2.8 zooms for me are neither here nor there, large and expensive.

For travel I now use a 20-70mm and 70-200mm G2 macro combo. Really enjoying both lens and provides a whole lot of versatility.
I have a 85mm f1.4 prime. I have been through a few mostly for size savings but an 85mm f1.4 is mainstay in my line up.
35GM i have had since release and that's here to stay. It also travels with me everywhere.

I have a viltrox 16mm f1.8 now which replaced the 14GM. That's my fast UWA lens.

Recently replaced A7IV with A7RV. The new 8stops IBIS has been revelation to me. I have been able to shoot handheld down to 2s which has been amazing for travel photography and has got me shots I otherwise would have missed. So this has been a very worthwhile upgrade.

Harm vb wrote: An A7RV is beyond my wishes, but slowly an A7RivA is entering my possibilities. Anyone having this camera? I would love to receive by mail a raw-file out of the camera just to test it with my laptop and software🫣🫣.

I don't have α7R IV A, but the A version is nearly identical to the original α7R IV, which I have. If I have understood correctly the only major difference is the back screen, which is better in A version. Image quality should be identical.

nandbytes wrote: If reviews are to be believed the new 16-35mm f4 PZ is probably loads better than older CZ16-35 which I also had. Lens design and especially Sony have both come a long way since a-mount days. Modern E-mount lenses are really well designed and are some of the best in class these days. Personally I have fallen out of love with f2.8 zooms. I prefer to use f4 zooms which provide better versatility and fast f1.4 primes which provides wide aperture. F2.8 zooms for me are neither here nor there, large and expensive. For travel I now use a 20-70mm and 70-200mm G2 macro combo. Really enjoying both lens and provides a whole lot of versatility. I have a 85mm f1.4 prime. I have been through a few mostly for size savings but an 85mm f1.4 is mainstay in my line up. 35GM i have had since release and that's here to stay. It also travels with me everywhere. I have a viltrox 16mm f1.8 now which replaced the 14GM. That's my fast UWA lens. Recently replaced A7IV with A7RV. The new 8stops IBIS has been revelation to me. I have been able to shoot handheld down to 2s which has been amazing for travel photography and has got me shots I otherwise would have missed. So this has been a very worthwhile upgrade.

RE: the FE 16-35mm f4 PZ. I assume you are comparing it with the FE 16-35mm f4 ZA OSS which I own, and like a lot. Yes, I'm sure it's better, but going by the reviews I've read, I wouldn't say it was "loads better". And I wouldn't personally consider it because of the power zoom -- another product designed with video/content creators in mind. For me the better choice would easily be the new 16-25mm f2.8 G! That would be a worthwhile upgrade to my Sony Zeiss. Of course the ZA has OSS and I still shoot sometimes with my old A7 so in that case it has a bit of an advantage. In real world photos in most cases we might not see much difference between these lenses, though the G would have the advantage in lower light. And it has all the buttons and switches that most newer Sony lenses have -- and thankfully, no power zoom!

Seems like you are really liking that A7rV! That is the camera I'm wanting, but I have to ask myself if I really need it! The $400 off with extras @ B&H has me really tempted! Maybe down the road a piece! An A7V with the newer features of the A7rV might be tempting if they up the Mp a bit more. I am totally fine with the 42 Mp of my A7rIIIa. Sony has been releasing upgraded cameras about every 2 years. If they do that this fall, perhaps there might be price drops on the current cameras. But you never know, I might succumb to temptation in a week moment and pull the trigger on the A7rV.

BTW, I'm getting warnings today that the Dyxum site is not secure. This morning I couldn't access the site at all. Anyone else have that issue?

Kind regards,

Kelly

Harm vb wrote: An A7RV is beyond my wishes, but slowly an A7RivA is entering my possibilities. Anyone having this camera? I would love to receive by mail a raw-file out of the camera just to test it with my laptop and software🫣🫣.

Check out Mark Galer's reviews of the A7rIV and A7rV on YouTube. As I recall you can download the RAW files from his example photos. Not sure if they are full resolution. But its worth a look. Also Google full res RAW files form the A7rIV

Regards,

Kelly

Thanks, Anand!

Ah, I see, the A mount 16-35mm f2.8 Carl Zeiss. Yes, that would have been bigger and heavier, not something for "old farts" like me! I try to keep size and weight down. The main reason for updating my wide angle zoom will be just that. Not a priority though. Thanks for the tip on the Sigma. I have been checking out the Tamron 20-40mm f2.8. That's a more useable range for my photos.

Also, I must confess, I succumbed to GAS! I could not resist temptation. I broke down and purchased a new lens this week -- the Sony 20mm f1.8 G!

My reasons for wanting the A7rV are: fully articulating screen (the reason I didn't buy the A7IV -- the flippy screen), better buttons feel, (though I don't like the new record button location -- don't shoot video), AI focus tracking for many types of subjects, focus bracketing (for stacking) and the ability to choose a number of resolution other than just 61MP. Better IBIS is a definite plus.

The A7cr is certainly attractive other than the flip out screen. single card slot is not too big a deal, lack of joy stick could be a negative. Whether it has the ability to use lower resolutions like the A7rV? Small size is a plus. Haven't actually tried one of those compact full frame camera. Would be interested in hearing feed back from those that have.

Kind regards,

Kelly

The SELP1635G looks to be a very nice, compact replacement for the CZ1635mm A mount lens you were using earlier Joe. And all adds up to a much more convenient travel package.

And you had a very good run without any lens purchases Kelly. The Sony 20/1.8 is a good compact lens. I wonder how long it will be however, until we hear reports of a new camera purchase...

It looks like I'll be leaving Nanjing however, with no new gear. Not even anything from DJI.