Can’t Decide on the Best Travel Lens? | Sony 40mm f2.5
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
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#bokehtherapy #streetphotography #sonya7c #sonya7cr #photography #relaxing #relaxing #40mm #sonyalpha
0:00 Introduction
0:42 Build Quality and Size
1:27 Why 40mm?
2:57 Does f2.5 give you enough bokeh?
4:37 What about the Sony 35mm f1.8?
5:53 Sample images
Jack, I just discovered your channel and you…I am so impressed..and I feel connected to your analysis AND your thinking. I empathize totally with your dilemma and coincidentally shoot Sony. In fact making this exact decision now for a trip to Europe. What blew me away though is the illustration technique used throughout. I am retired from a career leading data and analytics consulting around the world. One of my greatest accomplishments was teaching scores of people why drawing a picture is the most powerful tool humans have to communicate ideas and concepts. When watching folks on you tube I often am saying (to myself of course! I know they can’t hear me!), “draw a picture! Draw a picture!” You did it brilliantly. Well done sir!
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and constructive feedback Steve. I am still new to this channel, but connecting with other photographers is why I started it to begin with. Drawing on a notebook is much quicker than hours in motion creating animations - glad to know this workload hack is resonating. More content to come, thanks for watching!
Just subscribed. I ran through half a dozen of your videos. You make videos that are the perfect mix of length, content, and quality. Thank you!
Thanks for watching and the sub! Next video from Japan goes live today
Love how your life/profession is intertwined with the camera stuff in this video!
Thanks for watching - photography helps us process the everyday chaos, hope you’re out there shooting too!
I have this video in recommendations and man... It couldn't be more accurate as my current situation: being a scientist and photographer later; indecisive when there are two options regarding gear and career. For the lens, sometimes is nice to experiment new perspectives and have the mindset open to be sorprised in the end. Cheers
Glad it was helpful! Great to connect with other photographers
Thank you!! Seriously, your videos are so relatable, and informative! 🙏🙏
Love your visual style and storytelling.
My only subscription with notifications on CZcams.
Such high praise Martin, thank you! Grateful for every view and sub
Wow I really like how you bring your own style to the photography industry. That’s so unique. I just subscribed because you bring a different perspective to photography and i like that. Thats my first video, looking forward to watch more of you.
Trying to connect with more photographers and enthusiasts is why I started the channel. Great to hear from you and thanks for the sub!
I love your story telling. The pace is a little fast for me, but I understand why it's necessary.
Thanks for your feedback. I really try to slow the pace down through the edit but all the engagement analytics show most viewers have very little patience! Once the channel grows there will be more chances for longer form content
Excellent video! I rented this lens last week and it's what I've been wanting all along. I'll hopefully be able to buy it next month.
Hi Ryan great to hear - this lens series is what will convince a lot of people to switch over to Sony for street photography. Hope they convert their f1.8 line over to this form factor. Let me know once you have it in hand, happy shooting!
That was great! Have never seen a camera lens video like this!
Thank you so much - trying to build my
own niche on CZcams. More to come!
Thank you, just thank you. I loved your video and instantly subscribed. Cheers from Montreal
Great to connect! Wonderful to hear from you, happy shooting!
You are a great story teller and produced a really nice video! My compliments!
Thanks so much Peter - more to come!
Definitely a new subscriber here! I absolutely loved your filming style, you are an absolute genius.
Thank you so much for the feedback, new video goes live today
Wow, amazing story telling and review. Instant subscribe.
Thanks so much!
Great content dude! I'm looking into this lens so i appreciate your review.
Thanks! Been watching your Fuji videos for a while, great work all around!
Life coach and lens commentary all in one video. Giving me lots to think about. 🙂
Thanks so much, welcome to the channel! More to come this week
Wonderful video Jack, Keep at it!
Thanks for watching!
Interesting story. Well done, Jack.
Glad you enjoyed it - more content to come!
Jack these videos are such a treat.
Ps been battling the temptation of a 40 2.5 too.
It’s a great lens - wait for a sale! Hope you’re doing well Phill, great to hear from you
Good quality content! Will be here for your inevitable silver button. Thanks for your videos
Thank you so much - silver button is still very far away but gotta enjoy the journey!
Man, this video hit home! I’m also turning 40, also a PhD, also considering working not in academia, and also looking at the a7cr or cii and 40mm as alternatives edc to x100vi.
So it’s not just me! Any of the Sony A7C bodies will work great as EDC, I think the Fuji is wonderful if you can pay retail (or lower). Hope you find the right camera for your use case!
I can't tell if this is a lens review or an audio visual poem, but I'm for it. I love my 40mm 2.5
That’s high praise! Thanks for watching, 40mm is a great focal length
Similar story for me, going to Europe on the 25th this month with my A7cII but I've narrowed it dow to the 40mm 2.5 and 85mm 1.8 Sony lenses. I have a lot of options including other bodies/premium lenses but decided to travel light while still have some flexibility. Cheers
Same kit! Sounds like an amazing trip, happy shooting!
Great video with great story telling riven into a review
Thank you Chris - more videos to come!
so cool seeing this as someone in melbourne going thru a similar thinking process haha
A fellow Aussie photographer! Thanks for watching and commenting, my camera bag is packed for better or worse. Hope you’ve finalised your setup!
Wotancraft products are exceptional!😊
Yes they are! Great brand that works with content creators too
wow...love your photos! They could have more time, to be seen in your videos...love also your thougts
Thank you! Will take this feedback on board, more videos to come!
Zf and the 40mm are amazing.
I have been a 50mm guy for years and then tried to get uncomfortable with the 35mm which I enjoyed. However I got the 40mm, which I suppose is not as technically good as the others I mentioned, and as soon as I was shooting for me went on the Z6.
Now I have the Zf it and the 40mm are partners. Don't get me wrong the Zf is used professionally in conjunction with my Z8 but as soon as I finished my last job the 24-70mm 2.8 came off and the 40mm came back home.
I am testing it out this week! Would love to hear your thoughts on the next video, all about the Zf and 40mm combo. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for your video. While a little bit bigger and heavier than the 40/2.5 G but I think works well on the A7CII size bodies is the Zeiss Batis 40/2.0 CF which I have. So it gives you f/2 if you really want it on Sony. Who knows maybe Sigma will add a 40/2 to their I-Series lenses in between there 35/2 and 50/2. I like your analysis approach to avoid paralysis. Take care.
Ohh the Zeiss Batis! I loved the 85mm, a bit pricey but really nice build and character. Will need to try out the 40mm next time. Thanks for watching!
I love your vids so much🙌.
Glad you like them! More to come next week
Have you consider the Sigma 35 F2 Contemporary? TBH, I feel you might want the extra width. When I was in Japan, I felt I wanted a wide angle. I could always crop in.
I have tried the sigma lenses - love the form factor! The AF takes a hit, especially for video so I try to stick with native glass where I can. Thanks for watching!
Did the same. Loved 35 and 50
But then found the 40mm Zeiss and fell in love.
Since then
Sony 20
Zeiss 40
Zeiss 85
All great lenses! Thanks for watching
Hi Jack, for travel on my A7CR I've gone off all of the Sony Lenses. My GM 50mm f1.2, 35 f1.4 all stay home. I only bring my Samyang 45mm f1.8 and 24mm f1.8 - give them a try
I’ve heard great things about Samyang - will need to give them a try!
I love your videos Jack, each one is like a mini-movie! I would love to know if you've considered a pairing of the Sigma 35mm and 65mm F2 lenses? They could be the middle ground between a pair of 1.4 GMs and a pair of 1.8G lenses..... or I should rewatch your video and stick to one lens... like this beautiful 40mm. 🙂
I have tried both of those Sigma lenses - they are beautifully designed and very sharp! I do a lot of video work though, so first party lens support matters for Sony (focus breathing comp and IBIS). Thanks for watching, more content to come this week!
@@BokehTherapy thank you for the reply and great to hear your thoughts. I will look forward to your new video. Best wishes 🙂
Great story telling.
Thanks so much for watching!
What song did you use in this video? Also, looking forward to more of your stuff! In the short time since I stumbled across your channel I've really enjoyed going through all your videos!
Thanks for watching! I get all my music from Artlist, they have a great selection for film makers. This week’s video goes live soon!
Great video! I was curious, what leather jacket are you wearing?
It’s a dark indigo jacket from a Japanese brand Double Helix Works. Thanks for watching!
The 40G has been my burden-free "casual" lens and is now permanently mounted on my system. Have not felt the need to switch it out for my other GM lenses thus far.
Interesting choice with the ZF, an entirely different ecosystem. The smallrig grip designed for the zf makes a whole lot of difference in handling. So much so they have it mounted on the display sets here. You should consider getting one. I've had the chance to play around with the ZF quite abit and mhmm definitely mixed feelings. A pretty camera but slightly chunky piece of kit. With the 40mm f2, it weighs almost 900g. AF was a little lacking at times but definitely useable. I'd say the ZF is miles ahead of the x100vi as a piece of kit but now you'll have 2 full frame cameras to carry along ;)
Yes I am surprised how much I like the Zf in hand! More testing to come, the low light ability so far is pretty crazy compared to what I’m used to.
@@BokehTherapy The lower MP sensors have always got the edge in lowlight. The ZF has the same 24mp sensor that was in the a7III. The ZV-E1/a7sIII's 12MP sensor is still the best low light performer I've experienced. I'll be in Tokyo the same period u're there, enjoy the bokeh therapy! Throw in some Onsen therapy as well for the complete package.
I don’t know how they’ve tuned the sensor but I’ve seen usable results up to ISO32000. 64000 is on the ZF’s dial! Some hubris there for sure. The A7SIii is still the low light king. Have a great trip in Japan, I want to know what’s in your camera bag!
@@BokehTherapy a7cR with its 60mp sensor definitely suffered on iso performance vs the smaller mp sensors like the a7cii or even the ZF. Thats the trade off.
I'll be bringing my a7cii + 24-70 GMii + 40G, x100vi and DJI pocket 3. The DJI pocket 3 is so good that i no longer film on my cameras keeping them solely for stills.
Yes! The Dji Pocket 3 has transformed my workflow, still working on color grading D-log but it’s so convenient. Might make a video about it in the next few weeks
great - what about a 35 prime and putting it in crop mode for the 50mm field of view when needed? best of both worlds. program it on a button. 1sec decision making. and in case you use ibis + digital ibis the 35 becomes roughly a 40 anyway.
Great call - I’ll need to try this with my 35mm GM. The Sony 40mm lens has a tiny form factor, best thing about it. Thanks for watching!
Hi Jack, Yet again a very thought provoking video... love the pace ... and have to say... You aint looking bad for a nearly 40 guy fella... all your own teeth and a good head of hair... whats not to like eh...lol .... Really looking forward to the upcoming vids on Japan... Sweet lens is the 40/2.5G.... best travel lens by far.. no need for anything else unless your after using telephoto for landscape... which I am guessing isn't on your "to do list"... Keep up the excellent well packaged vids Jack... the comments are getting good for you now... plus come on guys... click the like for Mr Jack...... Yoki..
Thanks Yoki - I am getting a lot of grey hairs these days, hoping to keep all my teeth for a bit longer haha. Lots of Japan content to come!
I adapted 40mm for a long time now. For some reason 40mm POV just looks more natural to me than a 35, 50.
Anyways! If you don’t mind adapted manual lenses. The old pentax 43mm is a a great choice. It is compact (even with an adapter), metal construction, and it has a F1.9 so it’s a bit larger aperture than 40G F2.8
Manual glass is the next frontier for me - thanks for the suggestion!
Hi Jack, which one do you recommend between nikon zf and sony a7cr? Thanks for sharing shooting experience on 40mm lens, it's amazing.
I love both, think I prefer the Zf because of the look and feel of the camera. A7CR is easier to use out of the box, but the Zf is more fun? Think Zf is better value unless you’re already in Sony ecosystem. What do you shoot with now?
@@BokehTherapy with sony a7, an old camera and I used it with old lens( those used with film camera) of Nikon 50mm. Now, I'm fascinated by zf but still value Sony's ecosystem, especially many compact lenses in recent years. I do love the quality of zf, but prefer lighter in carrying out, so I'm in a dilemma in between.
The best way is to test both out - can you try them at a local camera store? Or better yet borrow one for a few days? The A7Cr is the best camera Sony have made for street and travel I think, but still doesn’t quite have the fun factor of Nikon or Fujifilm
Really well put together video and very relatable! I always find 35mm a hair too wide and 50mm a tad bit tight so 40mm is perfect. As of this week I've moved to Sony (A7cii) from Fujifilm and I'm now really questioning my camera (and life) decisions. Did I really gain much moving to Sony apart from autofocus? Was the extra half a stop of bokeh really worth it? As for those ugly Sony colours.....
Thanks so much for watching! I managed to tweak the Sony colours to match most (not all!) of the Fuji look I like. The “IN” camera profile for Sony gets pretty close if you tweak WB in post? Happy shooting!
Tamron 20-40 2.8 is the solution 😂. It’s pretty light, not too big, and takes great photos. I had the 40 2.5g and loved it, and also loved my 20mm 1.8g but I don’t like switching lenses when I travel so I sold both, bought the tamron and have been happy with it traveling. Works for landscapes, city scapes, interiors, Astro photography, hiking photos (weather sealed), portraits at 35-40mm or up to 60mm with apsc mode, very close focusing for macro like photos of details, etc.
Yes I owned the Tamron 20-40! Great lens, interesting focal range. Autofocus for video not as good as native Sony glass but for photo it’s great. Thanks for watching!
@@BokehTherapy yea probably isn’t as good in specific scenarios. I don’t have any issues with auto focus and didn’t notice any obvious differences between it and the 20mm 1.8G. I’m sure maybe at tracking tricky subjects the Sony is a little better or something like that. No matter what though it’ll always be better than my Fuji was for video AF 😂
And no problem have enjoyed several of your videos now!
Weirdly it was when I used some ND filters - lost face tracking randomly on the Tamron but never on Sony glass. So probably to do with low light? I’m sure Sony will figure it out in their tenth camera release this year lol. More content to come!
Great points about breaking inertia, it's hard to combat comfort because we crave it despite yearning for something more aspirational. Great lens too. I thought I'd regret the 2.8 of the Ricoh GRIII, but I'm mostly shooting at 4.5 or 6.3. Turns out I don't take better photos with faster apertures, I take better photos with gear that I actually want to carry around. Excited to see more from the Zf. I think you made the better choice there in terms of quality. You might even attract a slightly better crowd to the comments section too. 😂
I am super bummed about my Ricoh GRIIIX, surprised they don’t have a program for repairing their cameras in my country. I am trying to custom order tension springs and solder myself just because no one has gotten back to me. I am pumped about the Nikon ZF, it’s been ages since a camera has made an impression. Thanks for watching (and commenting!)
@@BokehTherapy I'm always impressed when I see people DIY clean the sensor and such. I have a similar issue with my old X-T2. They won't accept repair requests outside of the country of purchase and I bought it in the US. So I'd have to fly over to repair it, which is pretty ridiculous.
I feel that. I'm excited to see the results. I hear the Zf gets people shooting black and white. I'm die hard colour shooter, so I'm curious if I'd be converted too. 😂
Fuji service seems to vary a lot across countries - in Aus they are OK. Maybe you can get a proxy via a friend in the states? Will report back on the ZF in the next video!
What about the new 24-50 2.8?
I haven’t tested it out! I really like how it is 50 at its most compact form because I shoot tele more than I shoot wide. But at that size I’d rather just shoot with one of the g master primes. Thanks for watching!
Bravo!
Thanks so much!
Do you have confident to switch your 35 50 GM into this? At least for traveling
Im on the edge of selling my 50 GM to get this lens
For travelling, yes. If you do any work remotely related to portraits (family photos) then the f1.4 GMs would take the cake. I wouldn’t sell my 50mm GM for this, hopefully you can wait for a sale! Happy shooting
Great video. I’m a lot older than you, but when I was in university, I was studying bio-chem. Working in a lab all day is not my idea day at work. My friends who graduated, the jobs are tough, depending on funding a few of my friends got laid off multiple times from their labs due to lack of funding. I’m so glad I switched to business, although not as difficult or boring, the pay is steady and better than in the sciences and it allows me to pay for my f1.2 lens. Maybe one day I’ll go back to finish off that bio-chem degree just for closure.
I really wish canon had these 40mm lens, compact lens or 3rd party lens. That 100vi looks tempting.
Being comfortable with the uncomfortable is such a great phrase that I try to live by.
I have a asia trip in dec for 3 weeks, specifically to hk, looking forward to a small kit of the 28mm/2.8 pancake with the 50/1.8.
I’m still deciding if I should get the 50mm/1.2 as that’s a focal length I use daily, but spending that much money on a ‘common’ length as you’ve mentioned, kills me inside.
Keep up the great videos!
Great to hear - studying bio-chem in university is already more science than 99% of people get exposed to in this day and age! If Canon opens their RF mount to third party lenses (maybe this year?) the dilemma will be solved. My 50mm f1.2 is magical but stays at home most of the time. Have a great trip - 3 weeks in Asia sounds amazing
@BokehTherapy thanks for taking time to reply. That's interesting, with that said do you use your 50mm 1.2 at home for family photos then? Or does it sit on the shelf and other lens used for family photos? I mainly focus on candids of my young children these days as I don't shoot anything else anymore heh
@@RWAquariumPages It sits in the studio for video work! A lot of my B-roll is shot on that lens. I did take it out for a photowalk last month and remembered why I bought it to begin with - I need to shoot with it more!
that's great, i've decided to get the 50mm 1.2 in about 2 weeks time for my bday. might as well, you only live once! and time for that 1.2 bokeh therapy@@BokehTherapy
The canon 50mm f1.2 is legendary! Congrats on your upcoming birthday, happy shooting
Got to ask one suggestion x100vI or Nikon z62 with 40 mm f2 lens
Price for both is almost the same in India
Which one should I go for?
I went with the Nikon Zf 40mmf2 in the end - pricing is similar in Australia too. It does have a very different form factor so as long as you are OK with a bigger camera. Happy shooting!
Is it possible to fit a filter on the lens under the lens hood?
Sure is! I use the B+W XS pro, a very thin filter, but ones from Nisi still fit too.
@@BokehTherapy thank you
No problem!
Haha love this one. On a recent trip I took a 35 2.8 SonyZeiss and the 35 gm… in the end could have only taken the 35 2.8 as night photography was not as much as I anticipated, but I was screaming at myself the whole trip when moving from place to place and packing both 35mm lenses…. I enjoyed the 40 when I had the Zf, maybe will have to get this one. But like you the 2.8 does bother me, when in low light it really struggles and yes with the sony you can hand hold close to a second long which in some cases will give you a decent low noise image, when you have a person to photograph it just does not work… why is there no perfect camera and perfect lens (for me)…
Oh no two 35mm! I think two identical camera bodies - one with 35mm, and one with 50mm or 85mm, would be a perfect travel setup. Two Sony A7Ciis with the f1.8 lineup could be very doable. Thanks for watching!
@@BokehTherapy yeah, could be. A leica m with 35 and sony with 85 is something I am considering. But I know I will want to take more lenses for each body and we are back at freaking out over what else to take. 😂
Yup it never ends, but that’s part of the fun!
40mm is my daily driver! I couldn't afford both a 50mm and 35mm, so I split the distance and haven't looked back
Yes 40mm is amazing. Thanks for watching!
The 24-50 f2.8 is interesting as it includes 24-28-35-40 and 50mm in one lightweight 440g and less expensive than two lenses 24 and 40. Mainly you get 50 for free. It is a bit heavier than the 173g only of the 40mm
Yes I am quite interested in that lens, haven’t had the chance to try it yet. Thanks for the tip!
Man after watching several of your videos I realized that you are one spider bite away from being spiderman in this universe.
Such high praise haha! Thanks so much for watching, more content lined up this week
@@BokehTherapywell deserved 👏👏👏
New video drops in 1 hour - thanks for watching!
Came for a lens review, left with a life lesson…
Glad to hear it’s resonating - thanks so much for watching! More content coming every week.
Still I am struggling to choose between a7c and x100vi for street and traveling! What do you think?
Can you get an x100Vi? If you can try for that, otherwise the A7C might be cheaper!
@@BokehTherapy@BokehTherapy, I already have an A7CR and X100v, and soon, an X100vi. But my question is: Do you think an A7CR with 40mm f2.5 or Ziess 35 f1.8 could provide the same feeling of photography as shooting with the X100 series?
No the feeling won’t be the same as the X100 series but you should know this as an X100V owner! If you’re just after the best results your A7CR will do great. I don’t think the shooting experience will be that different between the V and the VI
@@BokehTherapy@BokehTherapy I think a7cr provides the best functionality for AF system, interchangeable lens, hybrid photo and video productivity, sensor shield, and much more. As I own almost all of the Fuji cameras, the Point and Shoot by X100 series is fun because you don't need to consider which lens you should use. Also, on Aouto and JEPEG, all photos will be acceptable without spending time on post. Now, since the a7cr is a FF camera with all the pro-level needs in a compact body, why not use it as point and shoot camera, the same as the x100 series. it is possible to use a Sony tiny kit lens or even Ziess 35 f2.8 or 40mm f2.5 for this kind of experience. what do you think?
@@mrz1342 Definitely - that's what this video is about! Very useable, great results with the 40mm f2.5 and the A7CR. Never used the Zeiss 35mm f2.8, I hear it's very sharp and even smaller!
this video gave me goosebumps & not because of the lenses.
Thanks for watching!
Are you planning on taking the 40mm and leaving your 35mm and 50mm at home then?
A 40mm and 85mm combo is what I’m thinking for the moment. But yes still undecided!
Very good. And this is for a lighter setup I take it?
That’s the aim, especially as I’ll be testing out some new gear while I’m there. Got to keep the core kit light and versatile.
@@BokehTherapywhat else are you going to test? Shame about the Ricoh!
I just got a Nikon Zf! Very keen to test out its low light abilities for next week’s video. Yes Ricoh customer support is non existent in my country so it’s a no go
Would have prefer the sigma contemporary 35mm f2!!!
Great lens, super sharp! Autofocus isn’t perfect for video but great option
What about 45mm?
I haven’t used too many 45mm lenses - the sigma 45mm f2.8 looks great though?
@@BokehTherapy I have an a6000, just trying to find a good all rounder that's compact.. it's not easy
Hrmm, have you checked out TTartisan or Viltrox? The newer offerings are great value while you test out the focal lengths
@@BokehTherapy I am considering the TT 27mm f.28 which will give me 40mm, though I think I might be able to snag a Sony 28mm f2 which will give me 42mm for $50 more
Both sound like solid options - let me know what you end up with
Super nice video but I would remove this annoying background music in the future! Subscribed 😊
Thanks for the feedback!
I like the music. If this were simply a lens review, it might be superfluous; however, it is a life review through a 40mm lens. The contemplative music is apt.
Thanks for your input. Finding the balance between too much music and not enough music is every CZcamsr’s challenge!
Vid is fucking gold… subscribed.. I got the 40 because I was tired of carrying around the 35 and 50 gm all day in ny streets.. I’m a bokeh whore for street portraits.. 40mm 2.5 hits the sweet spot
Hey thanks so much! Surprising amount of smooth bokeh from the 40mm at f2.5 - looks sweet. Happy shooting!
Wait till you turn 50… ;-)
Haha yep can’t wait. More to learn for sure
People need to stop obsessing over bokeh - my favourite images don't have bokeh
Haha despite the channel title, I don’t shoot with that much bokeh either! F2.5 is totally fine. Thanks for watching
Nice video. I am on the fence to buy the a7r III as my first full frame Sony! Hesitant between the 35mm f/1.4 GM or the 40mm f/2.5 as my first lens for a quite while for mainly street/candid photography. I really liked the "cinematic" look the 35mm f/1.4 gives you, but the 40mm f/2.5 is perhaps a more fun and practical lens to use because of the overall form factor? Would like to hear your opinion!
40mm is super fun to use! If I had the budget I would still get the 35 GM first. Otherwise you’d always be wondering why you don’t have f1.4?