Small or pancake lens for SONY NEX-7, NEX-5T to make it pocketable (Page 2): repleo: The SONY a6500 is a strong candidate for my next camera--we'll see if the anticipated a6700 drives...

DrJ

repleo wrote:

Yes I do like 18-105 F4. It is the lens I use most. You can use the manual zoom ring on the lens if you don't like the powere zoom. I have considered changing it for the new(ish) 18-135 which is about 4oz lighter and is physically a little shorter and narrower, but I think I would miss the constant F4 of the 18-105.

repleo: The SONY a6500 is a strong candidate for my next camera--we'll see if the anticipated a6700 drives the price down. The 18-105 is often bundled with the a6500.
I've taken some wonderful, sharp photos with my NEX-7 and legacy MF prime lenses. The focus assist enables me to get a critical focus quickly.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

I have had both the 16-50 and 18-55 sony lenses. They both have their faults. I sold my 18-55. I have come to really like the 16-50. For the price on the sony 16mm pancake lens used...under $200 how can you go wrong?

DrJ

ORpilot wrote:

I have had both the 16-50 and 18-55 sony lenses. They both have their faults. I sold my 18-55. I have come to really like the 16-50. For the price on the sony 16mm pancake lens used...under $200 how can you go wrong?

Thanks ORpilot. i suspect there are quality control issues with the entry level kit lenses. I have over 100 lenses in my collection (I'm such a HOG!) and i find that lenses are individuals. The tolerances can stack in ways to make an inexpensive lens quite good and an expensive lens disappointing. I've found that the old Nikkor lenses are typically quite good. My two copies of the Tamron Adaptall SP 90/2.5 are superb.
I have two SONY 18-55 lenses and they are both surprisingly good. I'll place a bid on a SONY 16-50 soon. DrJ

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I have the Sony A6300 with the 16-50 and 55-210 zoom lenses. I find the 16-50 to be a surprisingly good lens, and while it may not be up to the performance of some of the Gmaster lenses, it works well for me. Then again, perhaps I just happened to get a good one. In any case, it makes a very nice, relatively compact kit, and while it's not exactly pocketable, it will fit in a large jacket pocket. The 55-210 isn't bad, either. And I am considering either the 18-105 or the new 18-135, as I could use a little more reach than the 16-50 gives, but I rarely need anything much longer than 135. The 55-210 doesn't get used much.

DrJ

Wingpilot wrote:

I have the Sony A6300 with the 16-50 and 55-210 zo... (show quote)

Thanks Wingpilot. I've been happy with my 55-210. With the AF assist and focus peaking on the a6300, consider a fast MF prime 90, 100 or 135-mm. You can get excellent IQ for a used $20 MF prime. I use fast MF primes to complement my SONY zooms in low light. Pilots have good eyes so focusing should be easy!

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

DrJ wrote:

Thanks Wingpilot. I've been happy with my 55-210. With the AF assist and focus peaking on the a6300, consider a fast MF prime 90, 100 or 135-mm. You can get excellent IQ for a used $20 MF prime. I use fast MF primes to complement my SONY zooms in low light. Pilots have good eyes so focusing should be easy!

Well, this old pilot's eyes aren't as good as they used to be. I'm still recovering from some eye surgery I had done recently. But thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I assume you are referring to Minolta or early Sony E-mount MF lenses? I don't have a problem with manual focus. It's what I learned with years ago.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I have the Olympus pancake for my E M5 II, I got what I paid for — a fun lens. Pros: Better than you’d think. Pocketable. Cheap Cons: image quality not awesome, distortion a possibility unless you’re spot on level, limited use, poor in low light, manual focus. A better choice is to take a 25mm 1.8. Light, inobstrusive, nearly pocketable. Too nice a trip to take a lens that’s only OK and of limited utility.

DrJ

Wingpilot wrote:

Well, this old pilot's eyes aren't as good as they used to be. I'm still recovering from some eye surgery I had done recently. But thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I assume you are referring to Minolta or early Sony E-mount MF lenses? I don't have a problem with manual focus. It's what I learned with years ago.

Virtually any legacy lens will fit the major mirrorless cameras with a cheap adapter. I use Nikon, Canon FD, Pentax k, M42, Tamron adaptall, Minolta, Olympus, EBC Fujinon and other lenses on my NEX-7 and M 4/3 bodies. Effective adapters range from $6- $15. DrJ

DrJ

mizzee wrote:

I have the Olympus pancake for my E M5 II, I got what I paid for — a fun lens. Pros: Better than you’d think. Pocketable. Cheap Cons: image quality not awesome, distortion a possibility unless you’re spot on level, limited use, poor in low light, manual focus. A better choice is to take a 25mm 1.8. Light, inobstrusive, nearly pocketable. Too nice a trip to take a lens that’s only OK and of limited utility.

Which 25/1.8 are you referring to? Thanks, DrJ

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

DrJ wrote:

Virtually any legacy lens will fit the major mirrorless cameras with a cheap adapter. I use Nikon, Canon FD, Pentax k, M42, Tamron adaptall, Minolta, Olympus, EBC Fujinon and other lenses on my NEX-7 and M 4/3 bodies. Effective adapters range from $6- $15. DrJ

Thank you.

repleo Loc: Boston

DrJ wrote:

Thanks ORpilot. i suspect there are quality contr... (show quote)

If you like using legacy lenses, I find the Olympus OM film lenses are great on the A6xxx. Even with a manual adapter, the OM lenses look and feel just right. I now use mine mostly with a $100 Fotodiox shift adapter for perspective correction.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

I have a 25mm f1.8 That I only used once or twice. I prefer my 18-50. I will gladly sell it with the E-mount adapter. Front lens cap but sorry, no rear cap. USPS if it fits it ships should only be about $7. Don't be bashful, Make me an offer and it is yours.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

For that use with Olympus, I would recommend the 9-18 lens. It starts out as pancake and you have to expand it prior to shooting. But nice wide angle photos!

ecar Loc: Oregon, USA

DrJ wrote:

I may go on a trip to Europe and have to travel li... (show quote)

Sony makes a wide angle pancake lens, a 16mm X 2.8f.

Ratta Loc: California

le boecere wrote:

Can you ignore the power zoom and just zoom manually, with that lens?

Very smooth manual zoom and the focusing is quick and silent. Excellent lens for still or video.