jscudder Loc: Sycamore Illinois

This is my first post. Forgive me if I don't understand the rules. I did read them.

I am reluctantly moving more to the digital camera world from the Mamiya medium format film world. I know I could move to the digital Mamiya 645 if I wanted to pay over $10,000. Having several Mamiya 645 film cameras and earlier 6x6 twin lens models, I really like my my Mamiya 7 in the 6x7cm format best for landscapes (terrible for people pictures and close work).

The new Carl Zeiss lenses for the new Sony full-frame cameras intrigue me because they may have potential to approach the quality of a Mamiya 7 lens. I know it is unlikely I will be able to match the detail in the 6x7mm format and the very large scans I get.

My first love is B&W landscape photography that can make a great 16x20 print. Do you think the new Sony full-frame cameras with Carl Zeiss lenses will surpass the quality of pro-level Canon or Nikon lenses? I know it is early and many of the lenses are not even released yet.

On the digital 35mm side I have only invested in the Nikon 7000 body and no pro lenses taking a wait and see approach for something promising.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

The camera body you have will give you great results. Why don't you invest in a good lens by Nikon in the focal length you need for landscapes and see what it will do? I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

amehta Loc: Boston

If you want the best lens quality for a DSLR, you're looking at primes, and Zeiss already makes those for the Nikon and Canon mounts. For a 16x20 print, I don't think the Sony A7r with a Zeiss lens will surpass the Nikon D800E with either a Zeiss or Nikon prime. If you rent the Nikon 24mm f/1.4 and shoot it with your D7000, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the results, and the D800 would do even better.

amehta Loc: Boston

I swear, I didn't see your response before I posted mine! :-D

kwbybee Loc: Oklahoma City

I shoot with the Nikon D7000 and enjoy it. I am looking to some day moving to full frame and the cameras I'm considering are the Sony a99 and the Canon 5d mark iii. The Nikon D800 and 800e have too big of files for my liking, I think it's over kill with the pixel count, and the D610 I don't care for the focus system.

Shot with a77 panorama mode, my wife's camera

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum! Use common sense, and the rules should take care of themselves.

If you buy a good quality camera and shoot with a good quality lens, the differences between 16X20 prints would be hard to spot. You would expect more from a 24MP camera than a 10MP, but cameras with similar specs should give similar results. Brand preference and equipment owned would play a larger part in my decision.

jscudder Loc: Sycamore Illinois

Thanks everyone for the great advice. I will take a look at the Nikon 24mm 1.4. I am going to Southern Africa in May and want to carry a small prime for landscapes.Victoria Falls and the southern coast of Africa on the Indian Ocean are my two photo targets.

One of the reasons I am attracted to the new Sony full frame cameras besides the Zeiss lenses is the weight. That is one reason I bought the Nikon 7000 as an interim solution. When you are gone for over a month, the extra weight starts getting to you.

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

The Sony a7r has the same sensor as the Nikon d800e, and the Sony A99 has a very similar sensor (slightly different software) than the Nikon D610. The Zeiss glass was the difference-maker for me, as I love the color-rendition, the contrast and the "dimension" of the Zeiss images. I also like the Sony color engine better than the Nikon's, but having said that, if you shoot only in RAW, you can make your own adjustments in PP. The Sony A99 has been a jewel for me, especially for portraits, and the Alpha series will have a high megapixel unit released that should be on a par with medium format, later in 2014. For your Africa trip, I would suggest renting some equipment and getting familiar with it before dishing out the money for the purchase.

amehta Loc: Boston

The Sony A7/A7r do have a big weight advantage. Zeiss lenses aren't light though. :-)

Here's a shot with the Nikon 24mm f/1.4 on D800, straight out of camera, full resolution, so you can see the level of detail. If you can't sleep, you can almost use this picture to count sheep. :-D

(Download)

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

Take a look at this listing:

http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Ratings

The Sony A7R was designed for people like you with legacy lenses from other manufacturers that are interested in moving to full frame digital photography.

With the appropriate adaptors, you can use almost ANY lens on the A7R and have it FULLY FUNCTIONAL.

Image quality from the A7R is OUTSTANDING... especially for the type of photography you plan.

Additionally, the Sony A99 is ALSO a great alternative. It is one of the lightest full frame DSLR style cameras on the market, and a full lineup of FULLY FUNCTIONAL Carl Zeiss lenses are available for use in any situation.

Sony cameras are well designed, easy to use, and VERY dependable. Additionally, IF you encounter a problem, customer service is excellent.

Give both the A7/A7R and A99 full framers a good hard look; you might be surprised at the quality you'll see. ;)

jscudder Loc: Sycamore Illinois

Thanks for the shot. When I clicked the zoom button, I could count the sheep.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

Both the Nikon D800/800E and the Sony A7R use the SAME Sony sensor. The image quality from all three models is simply OUTSTANDING, but the D800 twins are full size full frame camera bodies while the A7R is much smaller and lighter.

More for you to read:

http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment/advice/542125/nikon-d800e-vs-sony-a7r.html

http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Sony-A7R-versus-Nikon-D800E___917_814

jscudder Loc: Sycamore Illinois

Cholly, the first link is an exceptional article. I think it is the best I have read so far about the new Sony full frames against a great Nikon camera. It gives me a lot to think about.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

Cool!

I've been using Sony Cameras ever since my Minolta gave up the ghost and have been VERY, VERY satisfied. :thumbup:

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

I shoot exclusively Sony. I have one Carl Zeiss lens and it is the 28-85. I use it on my a580 which has a crop sensor. The lens weighs more than my camera. Lol. But the quality of this lens is 2nd to none. I imagine the same goes for other brands. So, if you go full frame with a Carl Zeiss lens, you will have a tiger by the tail and love it! Check out James56 posts. He is using the Sony hx300 bridge camera which has a built in Carl Zeiss lens. The I.Q. is phenomenal! This might help you in your decision making.