2tcreative
Established
Have been a member here for sometime, however, due to financial problems in the past have had to rid myself of most all my photographic gear. Finally clawed myself back to a better financial footing and was looking for a smaller, lighter systems type of camera.
I had always stayed away from the NEX as I really didn't like the looks of the body, and wasn't impressed with the array ( or lack thereof ) of lenses.
However, after countless hours of online reading of reviews, blogs, forums, etc. I finally went to the local camera store to lay hands on the Fuji XE-1, X20, Canon G15, Sony RX100 and the NEX-6 and -7.
I really wanted to like the XE-1 and I liked the size and features of the x20. The RX100 was just too small for me and I really wanted a viewfinder of somekind. The G15 was soooo small for an optical as to be useless for my eyesight. The XE-1 was also small relative to the NEX EVF, as was the X20 (couldn't read the readouts!).
The eye activated switch of the EVF was veeerrryyy slow on the XE-1. I could see a lot of missed shots due to how slow it was to turn on and gain contrast.
But the NEX-6 EVF was large, bright and responded almost like an optical for me. I was very skeptical of an EVF. Never had one and wasn't sure I would like one. But if I was going to give it a shot, the only one I feel I could live with was the NEX-6, even over the NEX-7. I just seemed faster than the -7 even.
So I ordered up the NEX-6 and the pancake 20/2.8 as a starting point. I thought about the kit zoom but I wanted to get back to basics again and felt the 20 would give me a reason to shoot more since I can really slip it into a coat pocket or small fanny pack when I go out.
So now tell me I made the right choice!!?? I don't get it until Wednesday and the buyer remorse, anticipation, doubt, fear, etc. are tearing at me!!
I had always stayed away from the NEX as I really didn't like the looks of the body, and wasn't impressed with the array ( or lack thereof ) of lenses.
However, after countless hours of online reading of reviews, blogs, forums, etc. I finally went to the local camera store to lay hands on the Fuji XE-1, X20, Canon G15, Sony RX100 and the NEX-6 and -7.
I really wanted to like the XE-1 and I liked the size and features of the x20. The RX100 was just too small for me and I really wanted a viewfinder of somekind. The G15 was soooo small for an optical as to be useless for my eyesight. The XE-1 was also small relative to the NEX EVF, as was the X20 (couldn't read the readouts!).
The eye activated switch of the EVF was veeerrryyy slow on the XE-1. I could see a lot of missed shots due to how slow it was to turn on and gain contrast.
But the NEX-6 EVF was large, bright and responded almost like an optical for me. I was very skeptical of an EVF. Never had one and wasn't sure I would like one. But if I was going to give it a shot, the only one I feel I could live with was the NEX-6, even over the NEX-7. I just seemed faster than the -7 even.
So I ordered up the NEX-6 and the pancake 20/2.8 as a starting point. I thought about the kit zoom but I wanted to get back to basics again and felt the 20 would give me a reason to shoot more since I can really slip it into a coat pocket or small fanny pack when I go out.
So now tell me I made the right choice!!?? I don't get it until Wednesday and the buyer remorse, anticipation, doubt, fear, etc. are tearing at me!!
Jetexas
Newbie
I think you made a good decision. I have the NEX-6 and so far my only frustrations have been the lack of a mic input and the crop factor with my Leica lenses.
Both photo and video quality has been superb, and the EVF is fast enough for shooting sports.
Both photo and video quality has been superb, and the EVF is fast enough for shooting sports.
Monochrom
Well-known
Hi, nice you are again on your feet!
I think the new line of touit lenses give the nex line a new breath!
Hope you can post some pics with that 20mm lens!
Cheers!
I think the new line of touit lenses give the nex line a new breath!
Hope you can post some pics with that 20mm lens!
Cheers!
Cyrus
Dr
Congratulations for your new toy.
II owned a NEX-5n with the SEL16/2.8 lens.
Although the package was pretty much pocketable and it produced some nice images,
I always had the feeling of being detached from my subjects.
Also disliked the menus a lot.
Since February I am a happy NEX6 owner with the very compact PZ1650 lens.
Menus are much better than the 5n, and IMHO the 20/2.8 may be a better all rounder lens than the old 16.
I am sure you will be having loads of fun with it.
PS. Spare some money for an M to E mount adaptor and lenses
Focus peeking on this toy is sweet!
II owned a NEX-5n with the SEL16/2.8 lens.
Although the package was pretty much pocketable and it produced some nice images,
I always had the feeling of being detached from my subjects.
Also disliked the menus a lot.
Since February I am a happy NEX6 owner with the very compact PZ1650 lens.
Menus are much better than the 5n, and IMHO the 20/2.8 may be a better all rounder lens than the old 16.
I am sure you will be having loads of fun with it.
PS. Spare some money for an M to E mount adaptor and lenses
Focus peeking on this toy is sweet!
2tcreative
Established
I have some old OM ZUIKO lenses (28/3.5 and 50/1.8) and did order an OM-to-E adapter to try these out.
Open to what ever other lenses have worked as well. I am thinking of getting the M-to-E adapter and try and locate a Leitz 40/2 as one of those manual lenses. I owned one with an M3 I had years ago and loved it.
Shac
Well-known
Congratulations - I have the 5N and 6, and really like the 6 (had it since January) Besides various AF lenses (see if the 19 and 30 Sigma lenses are still available for $199 - a steal) even their replacements are excellent. Also the Sony 50/1.8
I use many different lenses on min - Olympus Zuiko. Pen F, Nikon, CV and Leica. That's one of the reasons I like it. The OK's work very well - I prefer those of 50mm and longer, and the small CV lenses for MF wides
As far as my use goes there is little to complain about and IQ is excellent.
I use it for everyday but for hiking/backpacking it is wonderful (compared to a DSLR)
Enjoy
I use many different lenses on min - Olympus Zuiko. Pen F, Nikon, CV and Leica. That's one of the reasons I like it. The OK's work very well - I prefer those of 50mm and longer, and the small CV lenses for MF wides
As far as my use goes there is little to complain about and IQ is excellent.
I use it for everyday but for hiking/backpacking it is wonderful (compared to a DSLR)
Enjoy
kxl
Social Documentary
I have the NEX6 (and an IR-converted NEX3) and primarily use the Sony 10-18mm these days. I do have the 16-50mm kit, which is a good all-around lens, and the Sigma 30mm -- an excellent value for under $200. And of course the NEX allows me to use M-mount and F-mount lenses.
peter_n
Veteran
I also think you made the right choice. I got a NEX-7 a year ago and much preferred it to all the others I tried; it's just so easy to focus. It has been incredibly reliable and is great for travel, I was just in Northern Ireland with it and a couple of Leica lenses - what a difference from the DSLR! The NEX cameras seem to be very underrated on this forum but they are a quality digital solution if you use Leica lenses and don't do too much digital photography.
2tcreative
Established
Providing an update. Got the NEX-6 on Wednesday and started setting up the camera and experimenting. I got the 20/2.8 along with it so will be seeing what the IQ is with this lens. A little disappointed in the build structure of the Sony SEL20F2.8, but I am comparing it to my two OM Zuiko lenses which are in another league!
I have been impressed with the manual focus and shooting with the NEX-6. The focus peaking really does work and the EVF is good enough even with these old eyes. That was the main reason I chose it over the Fuji. Because of the EVF and focus peaking I think I will try more manual lenses in the 24 to 35 range.
Is the SEL35F1.8 a good quality choice or should I begin saving for one of the Zeiss AF lenses?
It is small, so I may opt for some grip or case to put on it. Suggestions?
Also, even though the strap that came with it seems to be pretty good, what about a wrist strap for this camera? Something sturdy but not bulky.
I have been impressed with the manual focus and shooting with the NEX-6. The focus peaking really does work and the EVF is good enough even with these old eyes. That was the main reason I chose it over the Fuji. Because of the EVF and focus peaking I think I will try more manual lenses in the 24 to 35 range.
Is the SEL35F1.8 a good quality choice or should I begin saving for one of the Zeiss AF lenses?
It is small, so I may opt for some grip or case to put on it. Suggestions?
Also, even though the strap that came with it seems to be pretty good, what about a wrist strap for this camera? Something sturdy but not bulky.
jpfisher
Well-known
I adore the NEX-6. My day job is reviewing these things, and it's one of my favorites. If I didn't already have a 5N + EVF, it would be my digital body for adapting lenses.
Which, if you have old glass, is a lot of fun. And the peaking function will really help you nail focus, especially if you're dealing with less than ideal eyesight.
The Sony 35mm f/1.8 is a little soft wide open, but is good at f/2.8. The Zeiss Touit 32mm is, as you would expect, great at all apertures, but it's $900.
If you don't need the speed, consider the Sigma 30mm or the Sony 30mm Macro. I've not shot with the former, but have heard good things, and the latter is very good.
Which, if you have old glass, is a lot of fun. And the peaking function will really help you nail focus, especially if you're dealing with less than ideal eyesight.
The Sony 35mm f/1.8 is a little soft wide open, but is good at f/2.8. The Zeiss Touit 32mm is, as you would expect, great at all apertures, but it's $900.
If you don't need the speed, consider the Sigma 30mm or the Sony 30mm Macro. I've not shot with the former, but have heard good things, and the latter is very good.
2tcreative
Established
Any experience with the Zeiss 24/1.8?
jpfisher
Well-known
Yep. It's been a while since I had it in my hands, but I liked using it. I'm more of a 50mm-equivalent guy, so a little wide, but
Here were my 'keepers' with it and the NEX-7 -- http://jimfisher.smugmug.com/keyword/carl zeiss sonnar e za 24mm f1.8 t#!i=1820042635&k=k5rVCJG
I didn't benchmark for sharpness, as we weren't doing full-on lens reviews for lenses when I had it. But you can pixel peep and check the EXIF on the smugmug shots.
2tcreative
Established
Okay, took it out for a shoot around Dallas, early morning. I had exposure comp set to -1. That was the only in-camera change from defaults.
Used several lenses but these are from the SEL20F28. I also shot my OM Zuiko 28/3.5 and 50/1.8 but I haven't uploaded any of those. All shots are fine jpg setting with no manipulation in PS except to resize and save for web.
These weren't shot for artistic value but to try out the camera features and see what it produced!
The first one is an iPhone 4s shot of the camera pimped out with a Konica 24/28 lens hood. Looks really nice and really works!
Used several lenses but these are from the SEL20F28. I also shot my OM Zuiko 28/3.5 and 50/1.8 but I haven't uploaded any of those. All shots are fine jpg setting with no manipulation in PS except to resize and save for web.
These weren't shot for artistic value but to try out the camera features and see what it produced!
The first one is an iPhone 4s shot of the camera pimped out with a Konica 24/28 lens hood. Looks really nice and really works!
2tcreative
Established
These were all shot with the OM Zuiko 28/3.5. Had it zone focused for f8 and aperture auto.
2tcreative
Established
And these are from the OM Zuiko 50/1.8, also zone focused at f8.
I believe the iso was 400 for these but not certain.
All of these are just resized and no cropping, contrast adjustment, etc. done to them. Wanted to see what kind of IQ they had right out of the camera.
I believe the iso was 400 for these but not certain.
All of these are just resized and no cropping, contrast adjustment, etc. done to them. Wanted to see what kind of IQ they had right out of the camera.
2tcreative
Established
A mixture here, some have been cropped, no color/saturation changes or sharpening.
Pablito
coco frío
fantastic lens. shame it's so big.
2tcreative
Established
And so expensive! So the question is, is it that much better at nearly 3 times the price of the SEL35F18?
I have been really impressed so far with the SEL20F2.8. Sure, I wish it were a 1.8, but so far I love the tonal range and contrast in it. And it is so small. Wish it were built as well as my OM Zuikos but we shall have to see how it holds up.
Pablito
coco frío
I know this is not an irrelevant question to many, but I use it professionally so the price of the Zeiss 24 1.8 is mitigated by that fact. Incidentally, beides being very sharp it has minimum distortion, almost none.
What does seem irrelevant is comparing it to a 35mm lens, which is a different beast, no matter the manufacturer or price.
The two Sigmas (19mm & 30mm) are so good I have no interest in the Sony offerings in similar focal lengths.
The Sony ultrawide zoom is very, very good and the moderate distortion straightens up very well in ACR.
The real dog seems to be Sony's 16 with very soft corners even stopped down.
What does seem irrelevant is comparing it to a 35mm lens, which is a different beast, no matter the manufacturer or price.
The two Sigmas (19mm & 30mm) are so good I have no interest in the Sony offerings in similar focal lengths.
The Sony ultrawide zoom is very, very good and the moderate distortion straightens up very well in ACR.
The real dog seems to be Sony's 16 with very soft corners even stopped down.
David_Manning
Well-known
Looks cool, Tim.
Let me know if you ever want to photo-walk. I'm just west of Fort Worth and can bring an X-Pro 1 to the party
---David.
david.manning@me.com
Let me know if you ever want to photo-walk. I'm just west of Fort Worth and can bring an X-Pro 1 to the party
---David.
david.manning@me.com