Serious GAS problem: I shoot primarily with a Canon 70D and a Canon 15-85 lens. I like the setup, but I'm searching for something lighter. I'm considering a Sony Alpha A7II, with a FE...

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

I shoot primarily with a Canon 70D and a Canon 15-85 lens. I like the setup, but I'm searching for something lighter. I'm considering a Sony Alpha A7II, with a FE 28-70mm OSS Lens kit lens. Should I be please with this purchase? Anything else I should consider, such as an Olympus OMD 5 (?) camera which has a 4/3 sensor but has received wonderful reviews on UHH and elsewhere? Why am I even considering another purchase???

I'm an amateur of some 40 years. I primarily shoot grandchildren, landscapes and travel.

seymour

i am also amateur- found my canon 1 d mark 2 a lot to
carry- while looking at Canon web site found a
G1 X refurbished for $275

Great price- camera like new- Great size-super
features- they should have more
1 year warranty
good luck
Seymour

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

lwerthe1mer wrote:

I shoot primarily with a Canon 70D and a Canon 15-... (show quote)

You might also look at a Canon SL1 and keep using your existing lenses. ;-)
SS

Shadetree Loc: Chattanooga, TN

lwerthe1mer wrote:

I shoot primarily with a Canon 70D and a Canon 15-... (show quote)

I have been shooting with Nikons for years but recently got an Olympus OM-D E-M5 to give it a whirl and really like it. The smaller size with the lighter weight made it attractive along with the smaller lenses, what's not to like? Have been happy with mine and it takes great pictures when I do my part.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

lwerthe1mer wrote:

I shoot primarily with a Canon 70D and a Canon 15-... (show quote)

I have two Nikon bodies which I love but wanted something more compact when it is impractical to take all the gear with different lenses. I picked up a Sony A6000. Still learning to use it but so far, like what I see and appreciate the portability.

Newsbob Loc: SF Bay Area

The Sony A7 series is nice and light, but they have few zoom lenses. The 24-240mm is just as heavy as the Tamrom 28-300 on my Canon 5D. I'd like to take the Sony when I travel, but the weight advantage of the body is gone with the heavy lens. I'm not commenting on their primes, which are light and high quality.

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

Newsbob wrote:

The Sony A7 series is nice and light, but they have few zoom lenses. The 24-240mm is just as heavy as the Tamrom 28-300 on my Canon 5D. I'd like to take the Sony when I travel, but the weight advantage of the body is gone with the heavy lens. I'm not commenting on their primes, which are light and high quality.

How about the 28-70 3.5-5.6 zoom lens? Do you know its weight and whether it is a good lens? If I gets the A7ii, I am gravitating toward that lens.

Available, light lens may be the issue with the A7ii. If the lens are too heavy, the A7ii would not accomplish my goal of reducing the weight of my equipment. I appreciate your comments.

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

Any comments on the Olympus EM 5 II? It would appear to be a lighter choice, but how do you compare a 4/3 sensor with a full frame?

tdekany Loc: Oregon

lwerthe1mer wrote:

Any comments on the Olympus EM 5 II? It would appear to be a lighter choice, but how do you compare a 4/3 sensor with a full frame?

At this moment, if interested in M4/3, I'd buy the EM5II - best M4/3 camera overall.

Here is one man's opinion:

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2015/02/23/mirrorless-battle-micro-43-vs-aps-c-vs-full-frame/

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

tdekany wrote:

At this moment, if interested in M4/3, I'd buy the EM5II - best M4/3 camera overall.

Here is one man's opinion:

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2015/02/23/mirrorless-battle-micro-43-vs-aps-c-vs-full-frame/

I have read Steve Huff's review, which was very enticing. Is it crazy to consider a 4/3 camera over a full frame? Prices are not that difficult, but the lens choices for the Olympus are much better, and the Olympus together with lens is probably much lighter than the Sony.

Newsbob Loc: SF Bay Area

lwerthe1mer wrote:

How about the 28-70 3.5-5.6 zoom lens? Do you know its weight and whether it is a good lens? If I gets the A7ii, I am gravitating toward that lens.

Available, light lens may be the issue with the A7ii. If the lens are too heavy, the A7ii would not accomplish my goal of reducing the weight of my equipment. I appreciate your comments.

I got the kit lens that came with the original A7. It's extremely lightweight and sharp enough for me. But for travel, I need more than 70mm, which is why I bought the 24-240mm. It's okay around town, but I think I'll keep lugging the Canon 5D. It's a tad heavier with the Tamron 28-300, but I've had really good luck with it so far (3 longish cruises).

tdekany Loc: Oregon

lwerthe1mer wrote:

I have read Steve Huff's review, which was very enticing. Is it crazy to consider a 4/3 camera over a full frame? Prices are not that difficult, but the lens choices for the Olympus are much better, and the Olympus together with lens is probably much lighter than the Sony.

No one should argue that full frame ISN"T the best right now. The question is what your needs are. How big do you print? How much DOF do you need? How fast of a camera are you looking for? How does it feel in your hands? Etc...

ANY of the choices you are considering will be more than good enough. Usually we are the weak link not so much the equipment we are using.

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

Newsbob wrote:

I got the kit lens that came with the original A7. It's extremely lightweight and sharp enough for me. But for travel, I need more than 70mm, which is why I bought the 24-240mm. It's okay around town, but I think I'll keep lugging the Canon 5D. It's a tad heavier with the Tamron 28-300, but I've had really good luck with it so far (3 longish cruises).

I wonder about the weight and size of the Sony 28-70 lens?

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

tdekany wrote:

No one should argue that full frame ISN"T the best right now. The question is what your needs are. How big do you print? How much DOF do you need? How fast of a camera are you looking for? How does it feel in your hands? Etc...

ANY of the choices you are considering will be more than good enough. Usually we are the weak link not so much the equipment we are using.

Sound advice. I do not envision printing anything larger than 11 x 14. Being an amateur taking photos of grandchildren and travel photos, I am flexible with DOF and the speed of a camera. I have no specific requirements. Touching the cameras is problematic, however, because my city does not have a good camera store. I am relegated to ordering equipment, then touching it and perhaps returning it to the sender within 30 days.

Since both of the cameras cost approximately the same (within $300), my decision will not be limited by $$$.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

lwerthe1mer wrote:

I wonder about the weight and size of the Sony 28-70 lens?

Light, it isn't a"high quality" kit lens like their 24-70. Should be good enough to start with.