New Sony 28-70mm f/2 Lens, and a new flagship camera the Alpha 1 II

[IronFilm]

 Obviously is a lens that exists to compete against Canon's 28-70mm f2

Are Panasonic and Nikon going to bring out their own versions of this next as well??

Is this lens going to make @MrSMW once again rethink his wedding filmming / photography setup? (or no? Too heavy?)

Is going to have a RRP of US$2898, and will be shipping this Decemeber. 

You can see here what the lens looks like on a FX3, not too badly sized:

Sony also announced a new Second-Generation Flagship flagship camera, the Sony Alpha 1 II

Also will be shipping in December, and is priced at US$6,499 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1861705-REG/sony_a1_ii_mirrorless_camera.html 

 

Key Features:

Quote

• High-resolution full-frame Exmor RS® stacked CMOS sensor with an approximate effective 50.1 MP (megapixels)
• Up to 30 fps (frames-per-second) blackout-free continuous shooting with AF/AE (autofocus/autoexposure) tracking[i]
• AI processing unit bringing advanced AI-based subject recognition performance and a new “Auto” recognition mode that automatically detects subjects
• High-speed anti-distortion shutter reduces rolling shutter effect for clear undistorted images
• Pre-Capture of up to one second[ii] and Continuous Shooting Speed Boost
• Improved optical image stabilization of up to 8.5 stops (center) and 7.0 stops (periphery) for still images and a new Dynamic active Mode for videos
• Updated processing algorithms for improved image noise reduction at mid-to-high ISO sensitivities
• Up to 8K 30p / 4K 120p and 10-bit 4:2:2 video recording with Breathing Compensation, Auto Framing, and import User LUTs
• Updated ergonomics and a lightweight design of approximately 743 grams (1 lb, 7.3 oz)

From a videographer's perspective, not really a huge upgrade from the mk1? 

[Ninpo33]

29 minutes ago, IronFilm said:

From a videographer's perspective, not really a huge upgrade from the mk1? 

Yeah, I was disappointed in the same/similar video specs but also relieved. If prices come down considerably on the A1 mk1 that will be worth this release alone I suppose. The A1 is a sweet camera and was ahead of its time on release but priced high. I’ve been waiting for a deal on one so hopefully the new model should force the mk1 down on the used market.
 

Sony is known for its slow, incremental releases but the photo specs are a nice step up with this model. However I can’t help but feel like maybe we are at a slow time in sensor/camera evolution with not much development in the space. Feels like all the major brands are releasing recycled parts with old sensor tech. And if Sony isn’t revolutionizing things with their flagship model I don’t know what to say. Would be nice if the other companies can get their own sensors going so everyone is not dependent on them. 
 

 

[IronFilm]

26 minutes ago, Ninpo33 said:

If prices come down considerably on the A1 mk1 that will be worth this release alone I suppose.

It's honestly what makes me the most excited about new camera releases these days, it helps push down the prices of the older secondhand models. Bring on the Nikon Z6 mk4 & mk5! (and a Nikon Z60 pretty please!!)

Will make the Nikon D750 and D500 that much more affordable on eBay

[ND64]

1 hour ago, Ninpo33 said:

Feels like all the major brands are releasing recycled parts with old sensor tech.

But when Nikon keeps an old sensor in a sub $1000 APSC body and upgrade everything else, the internet says "what a bummer". When Sony does the same, in a $6500 body, YouTubers call it "mind blowing", "perfect flagship". If Canon does the same its called "corporate greed", but when it comes to Sony its called "strategy".

It also debunks the old stupid notion, again, that Sony Semi keeps the best and state of the art sensor for Sony Imaging! Sony Semi can't send the best when Sony Imaging says "We don't want the best, cause its high development price lower our profit margin, thanks". So Sony users are stuck with 8k30p, and non downsampled 4k, for the next two years, while users of the other Sony Semi customer have 8k60p and downsampled 4k60. 

[MrSMW]

4 hours ago, IronFilm said:

Is this lens going to make @MrSMW once again rethink his wedding filmming / photography setup? (or no? Too heavy?)

Nope, but…

Well I am interested in it and was aware it was coming and for me, it is another lens that I am VERY interested in except for one fact, it’s a bit expensive 🤔

Until 2024 came along, for my needs, lenses have always been the Achilles Heel for me and I have both wanted and needed fast do it all lenses.

At the end of 2023, the ‘best’ option I had in L Mount was the Leica 24-90 f2.8-4 which was; big, heavy, variable aperture and not especially fast for indoor / low-light work.

Since then, all under 1kg/2lbs, we have had; Sigma 28-45mm f1.8, Sigma 28-105mm f2.8 and now this new Sony.

My system has been L Mount for photo & video for 2 years with Sony coming in this year for stills.

Nikon is coming back for 2025 for me as a hybrid option, as in can shoot stills alongside my main Sony (A7RV) cam, plus video alongside my Lumix.

But, as I am down to just 1 camera and 1 lens for L Mount and STILL no sign of any S2H or S2R, I have decided to throw my lot in with Sony & Nikon for 2025 and onwards.

Why?

Lenses. 

More specifically because I can lens share across both Sony and Nikon bodies with any e Mount lenses including if I fancied it, putting this new 28-70 f2 on any Nikon Z body.

Except I won’t because for one single fact and that is whilst any e Mount lens can be adapted with near native AF and IBIS on any Nikon Z body, you do not get the in camera corrections that you get with using native lenses on Sony bodies, so I am somewhat wary of using e Mount lenses on Nikon bodies.

More for stills than video, but a couple of tests required on that department before fully committing…

But back to this lens specifically…

Faced with a choice of Sigma 28-45mm f1.8 for indoor and low-light work plus Sigma 28-105mm f2.8 for outdoor, for the SAME cost as this new 28-70, this new 28-70 does not make financial sense to me.

It’s a stunning lens in isolation and if you do not need longer than 70mm, possibly great, but as above, I can’t see how it could work for me with this pairing of Sigma lenses which cover FAR more bases for the same total cost.

The camera doesn’t interest me. The S5ii does all I need and the Z6iii, most likely my main video unit for 2025, arguably even more and providing it can work with the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 which I am going to test on my Zf, will almost certainly be my video A cam.

Actually, I have tested that combo for stills over several weddings earlier this year and for stills, worked very well other than the odd vertical distortion that was a bit of a PITA to fix in post, but for video should be OK.

Mostly I am happy to see these new fast zooms which were but a dream only one year ago.

[Davide DB]

From Canada they say it is the perfect camera....
Too bad Sony segmentation still doesn't allow open gate on these units. So perfect my as*

 

BTW price increase demonstrate that the market is shrinking, shrinking, shrinking...

[Ninpo33]

9 hours ago, ND64 said:

But when Nikon keeps an old sensor in a sub $1000 APSC body and upgrade everything else, the internet says "what a bummer". When Sony does the same, in a $6500 body, YouTubers call it "mind blowing", "perfect flagship". If Canon does the same its called "corporate greed", but when it comes to Sony its called "strategy".

Ummm, have you seen the Gerald Undone review? He refreshingly pulls no punches this time. 

[eatstoomuchjam]

Maybe a lot of the reviewers are just thankful to do an easy review so close to the holidays.  No need to do much work reviewing the camera when it's basically just like the last one.

"The last one was just fine and this one, being basically the same...  is also just fine."

[Kino]

The main improvements for video over the A1 include the improved IBIS (8.5 vs 5.5), stabilization modes, rear screen (resolution and functionality), AF performance, LUT support (importing function), high ISO performance, higher second-base ISO in S-Log3 (5000 vs 4000), and the new implementation of S-Log3 to match the Venice/Burano color space and detail (as a dedicated B-cam).

Also, the 8K insect 🦋 stock footage business will never be the same!

[Emanuel]

41 minutes ago, Kino said:

Also, the 8K insect 🦋 stock footage business will never be the same!

LOL : ) Right. And certain people are still wondering about how to detract the trend now...

[IronFilm]

1 hour ago, Kino said:

Also, the 8K insect 🦋 stock footage business will never be the same!

True. But not because of the A1mk2, but because of AImk2