Search found 15 matches

by Brad Smith
Thu May 07, 2009 4:57 pm
Forum: Opinion Polls
Topic: APS-C Primes
Replies: 62
Views: 34121

Re: APS-C Primes

I would have loved the A300 to come with a prime when I bought it but 99% of entry level DSLR buyers would prefer the zoom. You can't take away something they had on their P&Ss.
by Brad Smith
Tue Apr 28, 2009 10:39 am
Forum: Alpha A-mount System
Topic: A200- AF accuracy.
Replies: 8
Views: 2918

Re: A200- AF accuracy.

Oh well, we got there in the end!
by Brad Smith
Mon Apr 27, 2009 5:07 pm
Forum: Alpha A-mount System
Topic: A200- AF accuracy.
Replies: 8
Views: 2918

Re: A200- AF accuracy.

My A300 lights up the correct AF light when focusing in the wide mode. I thoguth the A200 and A300 were basically the same bar Live View?
by Brad Smith
Thu Apr 23, 2009 11:47 pm
Forum: Lens Lore
Topic: Focus problems with SAL 50mm f1.4 (on A350)
Replies: 14
Views: 6811

Re: Focus problems with SAL 50mm f1.4 (on A350)

Hi Chris, I've found that 1/30th is just about the worst shutter speed there is for mirror vibration effects. Sony's IS doesn't help in this situation either sadly
by Brad Smith
Mon Apr 06, 2009 4:48 pm
Forum: Opinion Polls
Topic: APS-C Primes
Replies: 62
Views: 34121

Re: APS-C Primes

I've already got one. If I made a move to a 36 x 24mm sensor camera then I'd consider that a format change and would factor that into the decision. Both my zooms would be useless as well so I'd probably just start again. If you bought only 'full frame' lenses for your current APS-C bodies then you a...
by Brad Smith
Mon Apr 06, 2009 2:35 pm
Forum: DSLRs pre-2006
Topic: Aperture of focus sensor
Replies: 15
Views: 6497

Re: Aperture of focus sensor

Interesting read. Would it make sense that my slow (f/3.5 I think), cheapie Tamron 55-200 seems to require a larger 'item' to focus on (using the centre focus point) than my faster (f/1.4)Sigma? The Sigma seems to be able to focus on very small items in the centre of the frame but the Tamron will qu...
by Brad Smith
Mon Apr 06, 2009 11:08 am
Forum: Lens Lore
Topic: Sigma 28mm F1.8 or 30mm F1.4?
Replies: 15
Views: 7411

Re: Sigma 28mm F1.8 or 30mm F1.4?

Glad you like it Tom. I agree with your conclusions in that the vignetting is a non-issue in real world use. It is a shame that it doesn't sharpen up more in the corners but by the time you get to F/8 I've found the kit lens to be sharp enough most of the time. For its intended use I think the 30mm ...
by Brad Smith
Fri Mar 27, 2009 1:29 pm
Forum: Lens Lore
Topic: Focus problems with SAL 50mm f1.4 (on A350)
Replies: 14
Views: 6811

Re: Focus problems with SAL 50mm f1.4 (on A350)

David I'm not sure what you are saying with regard to the 3 screws. I'm concerned I may have adjusted my A300 incorrectly. I had a back focus issue but the problem was constant across the sensor plane. I adjusted all 3 allen bolts the same amount. Was this the correct thing to do or should I have on...
by Brad Smith
Fri Mar 27, 2009 11:50 am
Forum: Lens Lore
Topic: Sigma 28mm F1.8 or 30mm F1.4?
Replies: 15
Views: 7411

Re: Sigma 28mm F1.8 or 30mm F1.4?

Hope you enjoy using it as much as I do Tom. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on it.
I'll try to post some shots from mine soon.
by Brad Smith
Sun Mar 22, 2009 9:19 pm
Forum: DSLRs pre-2006
Topic: olympus DSLR gear
Replies: 9
Views: 4546

Re: olympus DSLR gear

I had an E-300 from launch. It was lovely to use and I have to say that Olympus's anti-dust system is incredible. No dust in 2 years whereas my A300 had dust on the sensor within weeks. The build quality of the E-300 surpassed everything else in the price range too. I abandoned the system because Ol...
by Brad Smith
Sat Mar 21, 2009 1:05 am
Forum: Lens Lore
Topic: Sigma 28mm F1.8 or 30mm F1.4?
Replies: 15
Views: 7411

Re: Sigma 28mm F1.8 or 30mm F1.4?

Yes, I'd certainly like it to focus closer than it does. I didn't even consider the 28mm when I was buying but I can't remember why! The lens is certainly very expensive now (I got mine before the huge price rises).
by Brad Smith
Fri Mar 20, 2009 10:12 am
Forum: Lens Lore
Topic: Sigma 28mm F1.8 or 30mm F1.4?
Replies: 15
Views: 7411

Re: Sigma 28mm F1.8 or 30mm F1.4?

Really? I'll try that although I don't see that being a problem in real world situations. If I'm focused on infinity then I'm probably going for a landscape type shot and would stop the lens down. I think the number of times you'd find yourself in a situation where you're focused on infinity with it...
by Brad Smith
Fri Mar 20, 2009 1:35 am
Forum: Alpha A-mount System
Topic: Bother with back focussing
Replies: 52
Views: 17395

Re: Bother with back focussing

Hi strobeweaver,

My A300 back focused with all 3 of my lenses as soon as I got it but I fixed it myself and you can too if you're feeling a little brave.
It's a fair bit to type up but if you want to give it a go let me know and I'll post how to do it.

Brad
by Brad Smith
Fri Mar 20, 2009 1:11 am
Forum: Lens Lore
Topic: Sigma 28mm F1.8 or 30mm F1.4?
Replies: 15
Views: 7411

Re: Sigma 28mm F1.8 or 30mm F1.4?

The 30mm f1.4 has very strong vignetting at full aperture and did not focus well on any body I tried when it was first launched. The 28mm will give you much better corner to corner sharpness and geometry. David I'd have to disagree. This is the 30mm wide open (f/1.4) uncropped and untinkered with: ...
by Brad Smith
Fri Mar 20, 2009 12:42 am
Forum: Welcome and well met!
Topic: Hello
Replies: 6
Views: 2977

Hello

Hi everyone,

Seems nice here.
Recently bought an Alpha 300. Long time Canon film user. Not regretting the switch so far!

Brad