NEX-5N Today
Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 21:12 ;)
NEX-5N + Sony E 30mm F3.5 MacroOK, so I didn't defer investing in the external viewfinder. It was sitting in the store next to the camera and I couldn't resist. I picked up a black NEX-5N kit with a 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 stabilized zoom and a 30mm F3.5 prime lens. Kit zooms are usually not my cup of tea, but I thought it could tide me over until 2 other lens I've ordered are available: the stabilized NEX 50mm F1.8 and the Voigtländer 15mm F4.5. Kit zooms also don't cost much extra and are useful if/when you need to sell the camera. Not every potential buyer already has a lens.
;)
NEX-5N + Konica Hexanon AR 40mm F1.8I'm not going to write about the NEX user interface yet. I need to customize it and get comfortable with it first. After that I'll evaluate how the system meets my particular shooting needs.
The electronic viewfinder is good, but there isn't the quantum leap in quality that its 2.4 million dot specification would have you believe. It does seem to show a little more detail, but the difference with the one in my GH2 is subtle. I still need to have a look at how the respective viewfinders handle high contrast and low lighting.
;)
NEX-5N + Sony EV1SThe rubber eyecup of the EVF blocks rear LCD when the screen is tilted up. So you need to tilt the viewfinder up along with the screen (if you've been using the viewfinder in a horizontal position).
As a wearer of eyeglasses, the Sony viewfinder is less comfortable than Panasonic's built in EVF. With the Sony, I need to press my eye into the rubber cup in order to see the whole frame. This can cause the EVF to tilt up unintentionally. But it's possible to secure it in the horizontal position with my left index finger. That still leaves the rest of the fingers and a thumb to cradle the lens and rotate the focus ring as necessary. I think I can get used to handling the camera this way. Overall though, the external EVF is a very useful accessory. Today, when the low sun (rare this time of the year) washed out the rear screen, I was glad to able to focus my Konica Hexanon in the viewfinder.
;)
Out With the Old │ NEX-5N + Sony E30mm F3.5 │ 30mm F4.0 1/160s ISO100And while I'm on the subject of the Konica 40mm F1.8, this lens seems to perform very well on the NEX-5N, despite being the most compact lens (including the adapter) that I currently have for the system.
On a side note, it dawned on me later that it probably wasn't the best idea to take photos in a graffiti covered underpass with both my system cameras and most of my lenses.
Reader Comments (24)
Congrats! Use Zeiss or Leica Glass - I currently have 50 sum micron, 35 summarit, Zeiss 28 F 2.8, and 90 summarit - all work very well on the 5N. It is great sensor - I have been very impressed. We are back in camera sync! Joan
Hi Joan! Those are all not only good but great lenses. Unfortunately, while we may be in sync camera wise, our budgets don't seem to be.
What?! This is a strange turn of events. Haven't been here in a week or so. Are you dumping your GH2 rig and lenses for a Sony?
I haven't looked at cameras in many months. Been shooting a little Olympus XZ-1 and almost never use my dSLR unless I have to. What's drawing you to the Sony cams?
Nothing so drastic, Skip. The GH2 and Micro Four Thirds lenses will continue to be my primary camera. Lens selection and performance is better and the Lumix cameras remain more responsive.
I wanted a casual camera with different strengths - maybe like you use your XZ-1. Why the Sony? The sensor offers better dynamic range and high ISO performance compared to my GH2. I also really like having a compact camera with a tilting screen. You can shoot unobtrusively from the hip or from unusual angles without having to lie on the ground. Try lying on the sidewalk somewhere in London only to have security come rushing out of the nearest building. Of course my GH2 also has an articulated screen, but it's still a relatively rare feature in the compact models. I'd also like to use some manual focus lenses (I have a nice and inexpensive Konica Hexanon 40/1.8 and a Cosina Voigtlander 15/4.5 on order) and the Sony's high resolution screen and EVF coupled with focus peaking (colored outlines in areas of highest contrast/sharpness) make MF more efficient.
So the NEX-5N will replace the GF2 as my secondary camera. The GF2 is basically just a stripped down version of the GH2. The NEX-5N adds different capabilities to my kit. But it can't replace the GH2; Sony doesn't have the lenses I need (especially the ultra wide Lumix 7-14).
I'm interested in your opinion because I think we share a lot of opinion on usage and visual style. You went more the direction of a system than I currently want. I'm really loving not carrying around lenses or extra gadgets. I like having everything I need in my hand without having to change lenses, etc.
The XZ-1 is the closes I've found that fits that bill. What else you you suggest? You seem to do a high level of technical research before you make up your mind. Does the new GX appeal to you?
Has there been any new cameras announced or released in the last few months that you'd take a look at that might meet my needs better than the XZ-1?
I think that we both work to see the world around us from a different perspective (in the broader sense). One simple way is to frame photos from unique vantage points. In that I've found tilting screens very liberating: they remove the camera from the vicinity of my head. This makes the process of framing photos much more flexible and fluid. Taking photos of people is also less obtrusive than holding a camera in front of your face; they're usually less aware of me when I'm framing shots from the hip. In short, I really like the framing flexibility that tilting screens give me and wouldn't want to be without one anymore.
That's why I rejected the GX1. Of course the Sony has other problems, most notably the lack of any compelling native lenses. I plan on using a 15mm and a 40mm manual focus lenses via adapters and the native, not too bad 30mm macro. But of course if you don't want to carry around extra lenses and have the hassle of swapping them in the field, this route isn't for you. I suppose you could use a NEX with a single 16mm (24mm equivalent) pancake mounted to it permanently. That's certainly not as flexible as your XZ-1 in terms of zoom range though.
At some point you may want to try a camera with a tilting screen, but if the XZ-1 is serving your needs, why not hang on to it. Panasonic itself has hinted that they are thinking about an LX model with a sensor size between that of the LX5 and that of the G cameras. Maybe that'll be worth waiting for?
Bjorn -- congrats! Please update on your adventures and discoveries with body and lenses. Hopefully that doesn't include any mishaps related to underpasses.
Joan -- NEX seems like such a no-brainer if you have great Leica, Zeiss, etc. glass! Totally removes the native lens selection issue. Great position to be in! Which is your favorite between the 28/35?
Not looking for a replacement at the moment. 100% satisfied with the XZ-1 for now. I have had a titling screen before and yes, it is liberating. Haven't found one in an all inclusive that I liked yet.
I'm only asking because you evidently spend MUCH more time checking out every camera on the horizon than I do ;) and I was just asking your opinion since you have a very good idea how and what I like to shoot. As you also know, the tech is always evolving. I've only had this XZ-1 for about 8 months, but that's a long time in the product cycle. As it gets closer to a full year, it's time to have another look and see if there's something better coming soon. And yes, I've got my eye on what the successor to the LX5 will be. :)
No, not every camera; just the ones that I think stand out from the crowd. I'm in the process of checking out how various systems and lenses work for me, after that I'm going to reduce everything back down to a light and compact kit. It's impossible to travel off the beaten path encumbered by too much gear. I definitely hear what you're saying when you say you don't like to carry around extra lenses and gadgets.
Steve, I don't know what it is about dark, graffiti covered underpasses that draws me to them. I'll do my best to keep you posted about my adventures with body and lenses, but there aren't a lot of lenses yet. I ordered the CV 15/4.5 which I'm really looking forward to using, but it's out of stock at the moment. So not much of a system yet.
Bjorn: you might find this article interesting on wide angles for NEX.
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/voigt_12_vs_sigma_8.shtml
I'm glad this topic is getting broader attention. As you know, that was one of my concerns about NEX.
Bjorn: quick update is that I ended up getting the X100. Considered the purchase as the cost of a good lens. It was very refreshing to not have the burden of a "system" purchase to consider! I'm glad I read all those negative opinions and problems with usability b/c I am overwhelmingly impressed. Still early hours, but the files are AMAZING (color rendition, tonal range,...) and UX has not been been an issue except for the initial shock with the awful menu system. I'm sure the old firmware was a disaster. So far so good. Maybe it takes more time for it to become a pain...I hope not. Not saying it's the best, but it's the most exciting camera I've ever used. As I'm sure you've seen elsewhere, the files that camera produces is quite amazing. I have decided to stop any more lens investment in m43 for now. It's only manual lenses from here out. I've never really been happy with the quality of stills with m43. I think the future is X100 and NEX for stills and GH2 for video. Looks like you're having fun with the 5N. Nice leaf pic!
Congratulations, Steve! It seems once we make up our minds, we move quickly. Yes, the X100 produces absolutely fantastic files; I have a number of the RAW files on my computer from the time I had with the X100 in August. The lens is very good and extremely compact. Of course that doesn't help me any as I'm still struggling with the decision of what to use on my 5N. You really sidestepped that issue very nicely.
I'm glad the user interface is working for you; I guess we all use our equipment in different ways. I agree with your assessment of m4/3 image quality. It's good but can't touch the image quality produced by Sony's very good APS-C sensor. I really like how that handles contrast.
I'm also going to give manual lenses a try. I'm now thinking about using the Sony with just one single 35mm prime (approximately 50mm equivalent). That's the focal length I prefer if I can only have one. Do you think the voigtlander 35/1.4 would be a good choice? It's not too expensive.
Once the answer is clear, why wait, right?!
I think that the NEX as a system is little like dark underpasses. Mysterious and exciting but also potentially a little off-putting :-) Unless of course you have the right gear (e.g., Leica / Zeiss lenses). But I think that the path is clear and there will eventually be light there!
That v35/1.5 gets rave reviews amongst B&H reviewers but Ken Rockwell rated the optics as awful. People can laugh all they want at Rockwell, but I find his views on m-mount lenses helpful. Other than that, I don't think there are too many other data sources available. I find the guy at Luminous Landscapes quite credible but he's not reviewed that lens. My sense is that for average use it's fine and the build quality and operation is so good that enthusiasts just love it if they haven't experienced that. However, I suspect that the actual results are probably just not that good. Considering that you are looking for something more than from your m43 setup, I'm not sure it's obvious that it's the right answer. But then again, it might be. Not sure how much the sensor makes up for the optics. Too bad your dealer can't let you try one in the store.
I will let you know if I come up with some other ideas...
I should add: of course, I don't have personal experience with that lens so am just thinking out loud based on available data. It could really be a great match. Saying any more and I'll sound too much like those folks on other sites talking about something they know nothing about based purely on spec sheets and web searches. In fact, I might have already crossed the line :-)
Some additional thoughts and questions:
- I like the single prime idea. The question is which lens. The more I think about it, the more I think there just aren't that many options if you want small, fast and 50mm equiv. I read good things about the V21mm but it's much slower and will be more like 35mm. Go with other mfrs and even if you find a smallish lens, the adapter will be much bigger than the m-mount adapter. To me, that's the big advantage of Voigtlander lens use. Small lenses and tiny adapters. Many of your pics look like they are outdoors. Why not a V12 / V21 combo? You already have a fast 40mm. Any new insights into this?
- I'm curious what led you to choose V15mm vs V12mm. Also, do you plan on using with your m43 as well?
- How are you liking your Konica 45 on the NEX? That one pic you took looks great
p.s. still enjoying X100. It's my "single prime" answer :-)
Great analogy, Steve! The NEX system is certainly a little off putting; it keeps you on edge. And I like that, so there won't be any Leica or Zeiss perfection for me.
I like Rockwell's sense of humor. His reviews have a unique viewpoint and are useful. Unfortunately he, and also Sean Reid, reviewed the CV 35/1.4 in the context of a rangefinder system where the lens suffers from focus shift. I have no idea how much focus shift is responsible for the Voigtländer's poor resolving power in these reviews. The few samples I've seen on NEX bodies certainly also look soft wide open. That would be acceptable to me as long as the lens performed reasonably well at F2.8 and was sharp at F4.0. Softness wide open seems like an acceptable trade-off for the lens' compact size. It's one of the few lenses that's reasonably bright while not simultaneously compromising the NEX-5N's compact form factor. But you could be right in your supposition that the lens is just not that good optically.
I'm also looking at the Zeiss Biogon 35/2.0. The Zeiss gets good reviews on NEX (Photozone) but it's also quite a bit heavier and larger than the CV 35/1.4. Then there's the cost, which would really stretch my budget for what intended as a secondary system. The Zeiss is not out of the question, but pushes the boundaries of compactness and cost. It has to be awfully good to get away with that. Who knows, maybe it is.
Keep crossing the line, I'm looking forward to it.
FWIW, he raves about some of the other lenses that work awfully on the M9 due to color shifts. However, as I'm sure you know, cornerfix apparently solves a lot of the issues.
Steve,
I somehow missed one of your comments above; hopefully you will forgive the bad manners ;-) I'll respond to your points in a list.
1) Single Prime: I'm convinced that's the best way forward. It doesn't duplicate my existing Micro Four Thirds system and gives me a compact and capable kit for everyday use. I'll call it single prime+, the idea being that I also have a compact wide angle in my kit.
2) Small, fast, 50mm equivalent options: I agree, there aren't many options when the primary aim is to have a compact, take everywhere kit without breaking the bank. On my list are the Voigtländer 35mm F1.4 about the excellent Zeiss Biogon 35mm F2.0. The Zeiss is really at the limit of what I'm willing to spend and the maximum weight I'm willing to accept. But it should be eminently usable at F2.0 and extremely sharp after that, including in the corners. I like what I see here, also from the samples.
The Voigtländer's main advantage is its compact size (only 28.5mm long versus 52mm for the Zeiss 35/2.0) but it's not significantly lighter than the Zeiss (200g vs 225g). I've actually found a review for the CV 40/1.4 lens which should have similar optical qualities to the 35/1.4: http://erphotoreview.com/wordpress/?p=1556 Not really that great and hardly usable wide open or even stopped down to F2.0. I'm also worried about corner performance, even stopped down. Ergonomically, I'd also prefer a focus ring for my large hands instead of a focus tab. As an added bonus, Mr. Rockwell seems to like this lens.
3) Why not a CV 12/5.6 and CV 21/4.0 combo? That actually exceeds my budget rather than just stretching it like the Zeiss 35/2.0. Also, I'm beginning to duplicate the capabilities of my m4/3 system for which I already have a very nice and even wider lens. After reading up on the CV 21/4.0, it does appear to be a very capable lens. However, I prefer my prime lens to be closer to 50mm equivalent. In the years of shooting, I have usually preferred the more intimate view that a 50 provides. For example, I've hardly used my m4/3 14/2.5 at all. Finally, while I do take a lot of photos outdoors, I like the ability to create some subject separation at wider apertures.
4) Why not use my current Konica Hexanon 40/1.8? Although not the most important issue, I find the focal length a touch too long as a one+ lens solution. More importantly though, the lens is very soft wide open at F1.8. You also can't use an intermediate aperture because the next available aperture is F2.8 (where the lens performs quite well). For all intense purposes, this is a 40mm F2.8 prime, so not fast enough for me. Also not enough advantage over m4/3 where the 20/1.7 pancake is usable wide open.
5) Wide angle lens? While I intend to use my 50mm equivalent lens most of the time, I do need the added flexibility of being able to take the odd wide shot. Since I don't want my kit to get much heavier and since a lens like the Zeiss Biogon will gobble up most of my budget, the only answer is the Sony 16/2.8 pancake. Then, if I occasionally need a super light kit I can take just the NEX-5N and the pancake (only 336g).
Boy, you ask some though provoking questions :-)
Before I started writing this answer I wasn't sure what I was going to do. Reading it again though, it seems pretty obvious. I appreciate your input.
Bjorn,
I appreciate the thoughts. I had a feeling that we shared the same approach to this process, which is why I randomly posted here to begin with :-).
I'm glad this process is helping. I'm finding it helpful too, although not ending up with the answer I thought I would! The X100 is fully a part of my kit now. Even though it's still early days, it's here to stay and I consider it my 35mm lens. I'm keeping my m43 and using for video and GH2 is quite convenient for travel. I won't invest more in dedicated m43 lenses for now. Lense-wise, I am leaning more towards m-mount lenses which will be usable on m43, NEX and likely other future systems maybe forever and have the huge benefit of tiny adapters. Hence the interest in your continued adventures and my questions about the Voigt lenses. NEX sensor continues to amaze me and I'll continue to learn from what you and others experience. Meanwhile, as I'm sure you know the Fuji ILC, which Fuji has confirmed is coming, now has photos leaked and rumors which indicate 18 / 35 / 60mm lenses, which if it's APS-C means 24 / 50 / 90, which would perfectly complement my X100's 35. If those lens rumors are true, it goes to show that they really understand what enthusiasts want. With just 3 lenses + the X100, they cover all the key prime bases (ok, no 135 but many don't use that). And with that news (and Fuji's confirmation that they will disclose all details at CES in Jan '12, I'm holding off any decisions on NEX for now.
It's such an exciting time with so many new developments but the industry is in transition and this brings so much uncertainty. The added complexity is that m43 seems to be going in a direction that while I'm sure is maybe business-smart in these bad economic times and when people are becoming more interested in tiny cameras and video isn't really enthusiast friendly for still photographers.
Maybe the moves by Sony and Fuji will make m43 become more enthusiast friendly again. Then again, with Olympus' troubles, maybe not. That would be too bad as a Pro Pen with an improved sensor would be really a great body and really revive the m43 platform for me.
Please keep sharing your experiences with the 5N and your explorations with lenses!
p.s. by the way, I found a blog named soundimageplus by a UK photographer who's going through this exact m43 --> NEX thinking. you might find it interesting.