Tag: Sony A7iii

Tokina 28–85mm f/4, Reprise

ruminator
Mount Scott and Slide Mountain, shot from Silver Saddle Ranch with the Sony A7iii and the Tokina 28–85mm f/4 zoom at 28mm and probably f/8. Post processing in DXO PhotoLab7 to boost the colors a bit and to remove the vignetting of the Tokina at 28mm.

Back in 2013 I was using a Sony NEX-5N mirrorless body and a Nikon D300 dSLR. I know this partly because I remember and partly because of this entry. Both of those cameras are crop-sensor cameras. Each has an APS-C size sensor. The lens that was the topic of the 2013 entry (and this entry) offers an image circle sufficient to cover a full-frame sensor.

I still have the D300, although it has not seen much use the last few years. I traded the NEX-5N to my buddy Jimmy years ago for some vintage glass and a little cash. The NEX-5N was replaced by the Fuji X-T1 when I dove in to the deep end on Fujifilm products.

I had a couple of full-frame (35mm) mirrorless cameras in my inventory until I recently them to fund an upgrade. The first was the original Sony A7S that I bought as an experiment (it was not the current version when I bought it). I used it to shoot old 35mm lenses so they would render as they were designed to do on a 35mm frame. A couple of years ago I decided to buy a little newer model (the A7Sii) so I would get the in-body image stabilization.

I recently sold both the A7S and A7Sii bodies, after buying a Sony A7iii. One of the reasons I sold my Sony A7S and A7Sii bodies is because most of my use for the full-frame body is to play around, literally, with old lenses. Old can mean anything from 30-years ago or more. Much of my collection is from the 1970s and some from earlier, back to the 1950s.

The A7Sii was an upgrade to the original A7S (in my case) simply to get the in-body image stabilization (IBIS). IBIS provides a usable image at low shutter speeds without a tripod. A couple of months ago I decided I did not use the extreme low-light capacity of the A7S bodies and had intended to sell the original A7S anyway. I bought a Sony A7iii because I still intend to work with my old camera lenses, but wanted a little more resolution and an updated camera experience.

OK, that is the backstory so back to the lens. Jimmy loaned me the Tokina back in 2013 for a test run. The performance I got from it justified the asking price, so I bought it. I used it a bit with the D300, but moved on to other things a few years later. Then last year I started working with my cameras more (the story has been told) and am working through my lens collection, sorting, testing, and deciding what to keep and what to sell.

Sunday morning I noticed the fat, squatty Tokina sitting on my Nikon shelf and picked it up. I am enjoying playing with non-standard focal lengths and I thought the 28–85mm range might be interesting on the full-frame sensor. I remembered shooting this lens with the D300 on a hike around the Marina with Jimmy and Ki up in Sparks one warm summer evening. (That was a good, good day!)

I pulled the images yesterday. There were only a few as I was distracted in the field. What I learned is slightly different from my experience with the crop-sensor bodies — there is some substantial vignetting at 28mm and f/4. It is not apparent in the upper image because vignetting is trivial to fix in post processing. There is a slider in PhotoLab and it takes only seconds to get it corrected.

The lens is reasonably sharp (for a zoom). The Sony colors are a little flat (in my opinion), but again that is trivial to fix in post processing. The range of focal lengths the Tokina provides is useful and I do not have a Nikkor zoom lens in that range. (That is a problem with a solution. I also have prime lenses that cover the focal length range.) So, although my thought was to sell the Tokina, I think I will keep it for now. If I can find a nice Nikkor or Tamron in that focal length range, then I might sell the Tokina. It would not be a good lens for a film camera unless one likes the vignetting.

The bottom shot is from the other end of the focal length range, 85mm. The light is not particularly good, but there was no vignetting and the lens is, again, reasonably sharp. It is certainly sharp enough for general photography.

In the end, my outing Sunday was good. The Girl and I got exercise. I chatted on the phone with my ham buddy, Dick, while walking. I made a few images, although none are portfolio grade. The captures gave me an idea for a post and that was tickled by the original post from 11-years ago.

I am grateful. Life is good.

Mount Scott and Slide Mountain, shot from Silver Saddle Ranch with the Sony A7iii and the Tokina 28–85mm f/4 zoom at 85mm and probably f/8. Post processing in DXO PhotoLab7.

A New Week in Mid-November

ruminator
The Girl was on the hunt when I called her back in. When there is little traffic where we hike, she is permitted to range out while I try to keep up and watch for danger. I also pause to make an image now and again and will call her in. I often get this squirrely face and sometimes we break into a big play. Shot with Sony A7iii. Lens and settings unrecorded, but probably the Nikkor 80-200mm f/4. Light post processing in DXO PhotoLab.

I closed another week yesterday. It went out with a bang! My buddy Greg called and asked me to lunch. The old radio-gang was to gather at the restaurant in Bodine’s Casino.

He called just as Sera and I were about to head out the door (about 1000h). He said “How about 11:30?” I responded it would be that or a bit later as we were just heading out. “Good enough…”

We drove out to Silver Saddle Ranch, me not knowing what kind of mess of traffic we would find. Unsurprising, there were several rigs parked at the gate. I got out and scouted, then grabbed my heavy hoodie, my camera (Fuji X100V), and her lead. “Come out,” I called and she jumped to the ground, excited to go see who had been there since the last time we came (Friday).

There was a couple heading toward us with a couple of dogs. So, I turned us east to bushwhack to the other trail. She followed readily, darting from sage to sage sniffing. We humped it up to the upper staging area, where I used to park. (I park at the gate now to lengthen our walks.) She needed to be on-lead a bit because another party was unloading from their rig. But there was no dog so there was no risk of a negative encounter.

I greeted the new folks and we chatted briefly as we passed. They were driving a nice 4Runner (newer than mine) and they appreciated The Girl. (Who would not?)

I did pause once for a frame, but badly underexposed it for the film simulation I was using. The frame was interesting, but what I wanted from it.

We turned the corner and headed east to the Mexican Ditch. I had to call her in a couple of times because she ranged out too far. At the Ditch, we paused so she could get a drink.

On the way toward the ranch compound, I broke into a jog — in part just to see if I could. My gait was more of a jiggle and a jog, but I managed a few hundred feet before I returned to my normal gait. The Girl got very excited that I was moving, so I did it a couple-three more times along the trail.

She returned to the lead for the passage through the ranch compound, but there was no traffic. The other folks who parked at the gate must have gone up Dead Truck Canyon, another hike that I like and we need to do.

We hurried (just a bit) back to the rig and to the house. I did the two-minute shower, dressed, and was out the door as she fell asleep on the bed. I headed to Greg’s Place and we visited there for a few minutes before the last of our party checked in. So we loaded up and headed for Bodine’s.

The food there is decent, if not as good as it was a year ago. I have noticed the decline in quality and the increase in price. A favorite entree, the Cowboy Steak, on the $5.99 list migrated to the regular price menu a couple of months ago. The Spaghetti with Meat Balls and Marinara deteriorated to a watery marinara with little flavor. The Chicken Parmesan disappeared from the menu. The $5.99 menu changed to a $7.99 menu.

However, the specialty salads remain good. A couple of the soups are good. A number of the entrees remain good. So, I continue to visit the place and often meet by buddy Jimmy there for supper (more on that later). Sometimes I go if I want a specialty salad, am low on food at the house, or just am too tired to prepare my own meal.

When they are not too busy I put The Girl’s In-Training vest on her and give her another repetition. She is good to lie on the floor under the table at my feet. Sometimes she will sit for a bit and I scratch at her head. It is good to have her near even if she has not learned her service yet).

The group gathered at the booth I grabbed for us. We laughed and visited over iced tea and water until our food came. There were old stories, some told the first time and some retold. It was all good and the fellowship was welcome.

When it felt like the group was about to break up and go our separate ways, I excused myself and headed for the house. I still had some things I wanted to get done and I wanted to see The Girl (My Girl).

She greeted me at the door in her way, sleepy and soft-faced. I ruffled her ears and she shook. She checked my hands in case I brought a treat. “Not this time, Love, I ate it all.” So I took her into the kitchen and got out a doggie cookie. That raised her energy level a bit and she sat for her treat without being asked.

Then I got out the Sony A7S (original model) that had sold Friday late. I found a box and packing material and started the process. A few minutes later I had a parcel prepared and the postage bought. I deposited the now ready to ship parcel near the front door.

A text message from my buddy Jimmy came in “Supper at 1730h?”

“Sure” I responded. That meant I had a little time before heading back to Bodine’s, so I gathered up The Girl for a short nap. That was good and I had enough time, so we headed out to refuel the rig and drop the parcel at the Post Office. I knew Jimmy would want to see The Girl and it was not too cold, so she went along.

It is a good thing to see Jimmy. We visited over supper, with me eating a little lighter. I had plenty of food at lunch and so opted for a soup and salad. The visit was good and I love this old man like a brother. We have seen plenty of easy and hard times together, that is for sure.

He greeted The Girl a second time as we headed out. She checked me again for food (nothing), and we headed home. There she got her evening treat and we began the process of settling in for the night.

It was a very busy day, in a good way. It brought closure to a very busy week and a very good way.

Postscript: The image is one I made last week on walkies. I was running the Sony A7iii and probably the Nikkor 80-210mm f/4 zoom. That is a very good lens, particularly when equipped with a hood to reduce flare. It focuses fairly close and is quite sharp. I am pleased with this image.

And so begins a new week in mid-November. I am grateful, once again. Life is good.

All the Leaves are Brown…

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This rough capture was made with the Sony A7iii and the Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 at f/8. I did post-process the image on my iPhone 13 Pro Max using SnapSeed to produce a grainy film effect.

Monday on walkies the wind was blowing and it felt rather cold, although the temperature was mild and the Sun was shining. The combination of wind and colder nights means that most of the fall color is gone. The old cottonwoods have given up their summer and fall colors and taken on their winter look.

The Girl and I had a good hike out at Silver Saddle Ranch, even if the wind was blowing in my face part of the trip. She darted about hunting for lizards (now hibernating) or rodents (there are a few) with her intent, happy face. At least the threat of snakes is mitigated.

It was a good day. I came away with an acceptable frame. Life is good.

Wood Cut

ruminator
Freshly sawn, it appears. Shot with Sony A7iii and a Prakticar 135mm f/2.8 at f/8. Light processing in DXO PhotoLab7.

The Girl and I had a good walk at Silver Saddle Ranch about noon. I was a little overdressed, but so badly that I suffered. The wind was down and the sun shone nicely.

I had a a Pentacon Prakticar 135mm f/2.8 medium telephoto lens affixed to the Sony A7iii for some test shots. The near focus distance is about 1.3m, or a bit more than four feet. That is not bad for a portrait, but a little far for close work. I did come away with a couple of good frames, of which the above is one.

I did spend some time today thinking about Wife. She would have been 72-years old today, so Happy Birthday old girl! I would have teased you when we went out for dinner in celebration. I miss you. I always will.

But, life is good and I am grateful.

Remainders: 02 November 2024

ruminator
While walking with The Girl this afternoon, I asked her to pause for a portrait. Just after I made the capture with her sitting, she blasted off toward me at full throttle! She has a bit of motion blur because of her speed. Shot with Sony A7iii and a Carl Zeiss T* Vario-Sonnar 80-200mm f/4 at 200mm and f/8. Modest post-processing was applied.

Well, another week, another list of remainders…

  • Here is a lovely recipe for a white chili.
  • Mark’s story is inspiring.
  • I need a soft start circuit for the air conditioner in my camper. I thought I was going to have to find one that fits into the mechanical compartment, but this plug-in might do the trick.
  • I have the f/1.7 instance of the 50mm Contax, but the f/1.4 version appears to be a suitable object of lust.
  • I rediscovered MFLenses.com this afternoon. I have a lot of vintage manual focus lenses in my collection.

Nightingale Nevada

ruminator
The south end of a north-bound dog… a view that I see often. Sony A7iii and Carl Zeiss DDR 135mm f/3.5 wide open, SOOC.

It has been a busy week. I went camping last weekend with Greg/Subrina north from the Interstate and near Nightingale Mine. There was no particular radio event happening, I simply wanted to go camp with my friends, get away from the house after the previous busy weeks, and be outside.

I made a quick provision of the camper, bought a little food (too much, of course), and headed east on US 50 with The Girl. It is not much more than an hour to the site and I readily found their rig. I pulled up nearby, got out, and surveyed the site. I did not care for the stickery weeds growing on the site, but figured there was probably not much better available nearby. They were already setup, so I checked my camper for level (good enough), and deployed the stabilizers.

The Ryobi impact driver I bought makes deploying and recovering the stabilizers trivial. It sure beats hand cranking the bastiges. The driver will also serve should I need to remove a wheel from the rig for repair. That was a lesson learned from last winter when I struggled with a lug wrench on the shoulder of I-40 in the cold and wet.

I put up the Chameleon MPAS 2.0 so I could play some radio. I also got the Elecraft KX3 to chase some Zombies in the annual Zombie Shuffle. But I could not hear many Zombies and decided to go visit with my friends.

After supper, Sera and I returned to our mobile house where I fed her and then chased a few more Zombies. I managed to work a DX expedition station, CM21MM, although I did not know it was an expedition at the time. Sera settled on the bed while I enjoyed some radio time.

When I tired of that, I got out my Kindle and worked on a book I was reading, “A Cold Dish” by Craig Johnson. I loved the Longmire series on Netflix and a buddy suggested I read the books. They are better (and different).

There is more, but I have things to do this morning. So, I will table the story for now.

The image is of the south end of a north-bound dog… a sight I often see given the personality of My Girl. I shot it with a new-to-me Sony A7iii and a lovely Carl Zeiss DDR 135mm f/3.5 Sonnar vintage lens wide open. I like the way the lens renders the image.

Life is good. I am grateful.

Sera Over Shoulder Look

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The new-to-me Sony A7iii arrived today. So I made a quick test shot with it and the Canon 55mm f/1.2 SSC. This is straight out of camera.

The new-to-me Sony A7iii arrived today. There’s plenty of battery to take with me camping, so I will. But I paused for a quick grab shot and The Girl was looking at me. The message is: “What are you doing? I want to go walk!” (Laughing out loud…)

She is bossy.

I am heading out to camp for the weekend. I need to make a quick grocery run and then finish loading the camper. It will be a good weekend.

I am grateful. Life is good.