A So… Sony Twofer: A1 II and 28-70mm f/2.
Do I think these two new offerings are cool? Yes.
Do I want them? In a “money tree in hand so sure” way, yes. Here in reality? I am good.
Not that there is anything wrong with these new releases. There is not. For those who are looking for these cutting edge capabilities here you go. I am happy for you. Me?
If I am honest the camera gear I have access to already shot past my basic needs. Nearly any Sony camera released since the A7III more than meets my needs. Even a still on sale A7II would work for me. So this is no ding on the A1 II at all.
The zoom? Once again it is a great product. By all accounts, it is lighter and performs better than the prior Canon release. Don’t come at me. That is what Chris and Gerald said. Take it up with them. A fine practical bag of primes proposition it seems, not just a vanity product swing for the fences.
So what is my issue? Nothing at all as far as the lens itself is concerned. It is just that I am smitten with another.
Yes. That lens again.
No, it is not as fast as the Sony across the focal range, but it does manage f/2 at 35mm.
Yes, it does not go as wide and 28mm but it does go to 150mm.
Personal preference but I happily trade 7mm at the wide end for 80mm at the long end.
Is the Sony better optically? Perhaps. Most likely. But in the real world I have not a single complaint about the Tamron. Often you are splitting hairs when discussing modern glass. Flaws are few and most can be addressed in post.
And it does that for $1,200 less.
And here is another thing. f/2 does offer a bit more subject isolation past 35mm, but given f/2.8 at 150mm I am ok. And light gathering past 35mm also but given the solid ISO performance of Sony cameras I am not that concerned about losing a bit of light.
Yes, the Tamron is a brick bat of a thing but that is added weight I will gladly carry. It has removed the need for a second body and lens or swapping lenses for me.
Again, personal preference but that is a no brainer choice for me. Tamron all day.
So to recap.
Sony A1 II. Amazing.
Sony 28-70mm f/2 G Master. Awesome.
Glad they made them. Happy for those who need such specs. But I am good.
Happy capturing.
-ELW
Eric L. Woods 