This is a follow up to a recent post welcoming the return of the Techart TA-GA3. A lot of words were written. Most all of it is good. After bouncing around with my other G lenses I have pivoted back to my favorite.
Further, this adapter/lens pairing has accomplished something I had not expected. It has gone from novelty status to an actual daily carry contender. This was not the case last time. I believe this is because:
- AF performance.
- Last time around I used this adapter with the A7RII. A great camera, but the AF lagged behind newer bodies like the A7III that eventually replaced it. The surprise for me was that such an adapter worked at all. But after that initial buzz wore off it was not what one would consider swift or consistent. Not so here. I thought the A7C might work, even though it was not listed as a compatible body, as well as the A7III since that AF system was closely related to the A7III. Fortunately, it seems I was right. Works much better than the A7RII in fact. So much so that I was able to catch some quick pics like this one where Venu realized that Contax G AF on a Sony was a thing. Not as fast as a native Sony lens but far more usable than the A7RII.
- It is purdy/ergonomics.
- I have stated in this space how well pleased I am with the A7C especially when you add a thumbs up grip and half case. Both combine to make for a solid, compact setup that is a pleasure to hold in hand. Well this is my current favorite lens to pair with it. A great look and feel to it. The A7RII always looked like a mismatch for this lens with its standard A7 faux DSLR hump design. This feels all of one with no wobbles or gaps.
- Zeiss.
- As with other storied lens names there is just something about the IQ of a Zeiss lens. Pair that with serviceable AF, small size, and film era aesthetics all for hundreds rather than thousands and I really like it.
Ok. Enough of that. Yesterday’s milling about included stopping by the electronics Googleaplex to get a warranty stereo issue dealt with and a run through the sticks to deliver a ticket to an upcoming chorus concert. Brought this setup along, and here are the results.
More on Zion here.
Radio back in working order so out to the sticks.
Paying my respects to a great man.
Conclusion
<Edited cut and paste from last post.>
The more I think about this the less I feel a need to render an opinion or a recommendation.
That was in reference to the G 28mm f/2.8 but it applies here as well.
Taken as an exercise in logic none of this makes sense. Once again any number of cameras of varying sensor size could have been used. And film could have been used instead of digital.
But once again I will say this. I am having fun.
And that is my point nowadays.
Not to say this is better than that. Not to impress anyone. Just… Fun.
And this setup provides it.
As for others use whatever it is that floats your boat.
Once again I had someone say to me recently that they “Only have a phone.” to which I responded that a phone is a perfectly viable tool to use. To me, the goal of casual photography should be to have fun, not impress others or use this gear or that. Anyhoo.
Happy capturing.
-ELW
Eric L. Woods 