Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Sony Diaries #929: rekindling a love affair

Much has been said of the Beercan, the monicker for the 1980's Minolta 70-210F4. It is a legendary lens, all metal body, sharp centre at  F4, par focal, full frame, and best of all, compatible with today's digital cameras/sensors, up to 24MP (it maybe good for 36MP, I haven't tested it). It also comes with that unquantifiable quality, real or perceived: Minolta colours.
"It's all about richness and vibrancy… very hard to explain unless you manage to get an identical shot with and without a Minolta lens. The 'minolta colours' are warmer and deeper somehow, without being forced, false or over cooked"… natambo
"Minolta and (to a perhaps lesser extent) Sony DSLRs tend to have pretty strong Bayer masks, which means they are good at separating similar hues and will score well on a colour accuracy test. The drawback is poorer sensitivity compared to both Canon and Nikon that use weaker Bayer masks - they get less noise at higher ISO, we get better colour accuracy at low ISO"… polyglot
Personally, I think it is a combination of lens, lens coating, and camera sensor, and the current Sony cameras have retained the Minolta DNA.
These images are from a quick walkabout to see if the AF on my Beercan is up to the challenge of a fast-paced wedding gig.
Is it?
Yes and No. Yes for static segments like group shots, reception candids, and bridal prep. No for fast-moving segments like the processional/recessional. dances, etc.
All photos shot wide-open at F4, either at 70mm or 210mm.

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