Sony PZ 28-135 macro "trick"
 

I haven't seen this posted anywhere while searching, so I thought I would throw it online for others looking into this lens.

Minimum focus distance at 28mm is something like .5m/1.6' in manual focus mode. When you push the focus ring forward for A/F, BUT switch the camera body to manual focus, you can keep turning "past" the minimum focus hard stop, and reach focus to about 5-6 inches. That trick doesn't work at 135mm, but does work in full A/F at 28mm as well.

My PXW-X180 XDCAM has the same focus ring mechanism, and operates the same way, which is what gave me the idea to try this out on the 28-135. I do a lot of wide angle, close in, on camera audio interviews at news scenes, so I was getting rather annoyed by the close focus limitations. If the interviewees nose doesn't leave a smudge on my front element, I am not close enough. :)

Paul

Re: Sony PZ 28-135 macro "trick"
 

This is cool. Any issues with the mount on the back of the lens? I've been seriously considering this as my daily run-and-gun lens, but a review on B&H said the lens mount detached from the lens body as its just screwed into plastic. This gives me pause..

Re: Sony PZ 28-135 macro "trick"
 

I actually DROPPED my A7 with lens attached from my lap while trying to put on a microphone. It landed hard on the flat carpet, nothing damaged. ALL of the reported lens mount failures i have read have been with the full lens weight being supported by a heavier camera. I have a feeling my A7s lens mount would go before the lens mount on the lens.

Paul

Re: Sony PZ 28-135 macro "trick"
 

I will throw this in as additional information on the manual focus when in A/F ring mode. I am finding the ring is a bit stiff and sticky when in forward/AF position. Feels like plastic on plastic friction, unlike the smoothness when in pulled back full manual mode. I noticed this while attempting some rack focus shots tonight. The stickiness made it hard to smoothly rack to a specific point, because the friction would slow my rotations as I neared my focus point.

Paul

Re: Sony PZ 28-135 macro "trick"
 

Thanks for the info. I'm gonna rent one to see how I like it. Right now my standard zoom is a Tokina/Angineux 28-70 F/2.6-2.8 that I like a lot, but I wish it had more range - even with the A7rII in S35 mode.