Sony 12-24/4.0G or 14/1.8GM ?

mariuszlo wrote: I usually don't ask such questions and try to figure out the answer myself. But here I have a problem that I can't solve. Which lens to buy? (for Sony A7R iv) 1.Sony 12-24/4.0 G 2. Sony 14/1.8 GM Architecture, interiors, landscapes. Maybe sometimes the northern lights, milky way.

For the last mentioned, Sony FE 1.8/14 GM for sure, f/4 may not suffice for astro photography. On the other hand, Sony FE 4/12-24 G may offer more versatility, given it is a zoom. But as I have very limited experience with the latter, I can't offer the definitive answer for your question.

Of course, there are then also some F2.8 wide angle zooms, which may also be decent alternatives and work better also for astro, although these are heavier lenses.

I have just swapped from the Laowa 12mm f2.8 and it's paired 'Magic Shift Converter' (which adapts the lens to a shift lens of 17mm and f4) for the Sony 14 1.8 and the f1.8 of the Sony is definitely better for the milky way. f2.8 is actually acceptable, but f4 would not be. That said, my recent experience of milky way is 35mm is a better focal length to really fill the frame anyway, so don't presume you need to go crazy wide unless there's a large foreground interest you're trying to include.

The Laowa is very good for your other use cases though. I switched to the Sony because I like having the full exif information (laowa is fully manual) and am happy using keystone adjustment in post. I think the laowa could be a good option for you if you'd consider manual and I'd recommend replicating the setup I had. Shipping to US would be prohibitive, but you can see the 'shopping list' I'd suggest in this post here - only need one filter holder though (although each have their benefits!).

mariuszlo wrote: Laowa 12/2.8 - good idea. I see an offer on eBay for $620. Laowa 12 on eBay It's supposed to be on Sony, but in the pictures I see a large adapter. How to explain it?

So it's a bit complicated, but my recommendation is to get the lens in Canon or Nikon mount. You need the version of the lens designed for DLSR (i.e. not mirrorless), that's how you get the 'space' to use the Magic Shift Converter which allows you to 'shift' the lens. You then also buy a standard Canon or Nikon to Sony E mount adaptor (costs £30-40) - Doesn't need to be anything fancy, the lens is manual, so it's purely a mechanical thing. With the lens in canon/nikon mount and the two adaptors you effectively have a 12mm f2.8 lens and a 17mm f4 lens (which you can also 'shift').

Do have a look at my ebay ad - not to buy it, but in description I've tried to explain how everything works together. Dustin Abbot also has a good review and a few videos which explain here too.

Had a quick look on US ebay and you need this lens and this MSC adaptor. then also recommend getting one of the 100mm filter kits designed specifically for the lens (Laowa do one and Nisi do one, each attaches directly to the lens via the hood mount).

Edited by Tricky01 - 14 August 2023 at 22:52

I am extremely happy with my $500 Viltrox 16mm f1.8. Have a look at the reviews.

addy landzaat wrote: the 16-35/4G gets rave reviews.

Maybe "rave reviews" is a bit over the top, but it gets good reviews.

mariuszlo wrote: Thanks for the explanations. If I would like a regular adapter (without shift) to start with - can it be like this? Canon to Sony E

Yes, that's the exact same one I had and functioned perfectly.

One comment on the Laowa MSC. The Laowa 12 mm f/2.8 is too heavy for the shift mechanism, shifting against gravity is far from smooth.