This is a follow up to a recent post welcoming the return of the Techart TA-GA3.
Third post now. A lot of words were written in the first two. Most all of it is good. But I ended both by saying that I could not recommend the TA-GA3 with a clear conscience. After day 3 I may have changed my mind. What changed is the lens used. The Contax G Zeiss Sonnar 90mm f/2.8. I do not have many photos to offer since this was a day at home. First, those few photos of our house mascot followed by my thoughts.
Then I revisited some of the pics taken with the TA-GA3 and the G 90mm from a few years ago during my first go around.
Conclusion
Respectfully, what the heck?
It took only a few pics to realize something I did not fully appreciate the last time. This setup, consisting of two disparate parts never meant to work together mated with an adapter that is no longer produced, should not work this well.
- AF w/ Eye AF even in animal mode.
- IBIS.
- Zeiss portrait lens.
But it does. Why does this change things I imagine you asking? Easy. Those three last words I mentioned above.
Zeiss portrait lens.
- Relative value.
- The other G lenses in question, the 28mm and 45mm, have numerous less expensive or comparably priced options. For this reason, I would say that any of these other lenses would be a reasonable alternative.
- A modern Sony FE mount Zeiss portrait lens costs well over a thousand dollars. One lens does not offer AF.
- As I have mentioned before the Contax G Zeiss Sonnar 90mm f/2.8 is a bargain in my eyes. At around $250 even when you add the price of the TECHART TA-GA3 on to that the two together cost about a thousand less than the new MF Zeiss offering linked above.
- But I must say that if Zeiss was not a requirement the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 is the best Sony FE portrait lens value overall. Now that I think about it a Rokinon/Samyang 75mm f/1.8 bought used is a better value than that.
- Forgivable performance.
- In short, I do not expect a portrait lens to be blazing fast. It will not be used for candid photography.
- That is not to say that this combination focuses slowly. While not nearly as fast as a modern Sony lens it is plenty fast for portrait purposes.
- Additionally, the chirping noise that accompanies AF is less of an issue when taking portraits.
But to be clear I do not say this is a sensible choice. Any number of lenses would be a more sensible choice. But none would look this cool to me.
And if you have the necessary pieces already, a compatible Sony FE or Nikon Z body and G lens, it is close to a no-brainer in my book. Team that with the samples above and I am a pretty happy camper.
Would I recommend this adapter now?
Yes. Tentatively. With a few qualifications. But yes.
Happy capturing.
-ELW
Eric L. Woods 