Sony PZ 28-135 macro "trick" at DVinfo.net

Paul Anderegg · October 4th, 2015, 03:18 AM

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

Chris Joy · October 5th, 2015, 09:54 AM

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..

Paul Anderegg · October 5th, 2015, 10:19 AM

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

Paul Anderegg · October 6th, 2015, 02:05 AM

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

Chris Joy · October 14th, 2015, 11:00 AM

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.

October 4th, 2015, 03:18 AM	#1
Paul Anderegg Trustee Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Diego, Califonia Posts: 1,559	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

October 5th, 2015, 09:54 AM	#2
Chris Joy Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tampa Posts: 220	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..

October 5th, 2015, 10:19 AM	#3
Paul Anderegg Trustee Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Diego, Califonia Posts: 1,559	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

October 6th, 2015, 02:05 AM	#4
Paul Anderegg Trustee Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: San Diego, Califonia Posts: 1,559	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

October 14th, 2015, 11:00 AM	#5
Chris Joy Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tampa Posts: 220	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.