Re: Initial Comments - 50/1.8 for weddings
 

Steve I think it depends what flash unit, from what source and for what purpose. In the studio or using flash to stop motion you are correct and it can be even faster. If the flash is from a Compact CMOS camera with an integrated flash unit it is likely to be a lot longer as the camera will have the same scan issues as the CMOS video camera the flash will be extended just the way it would be for a focal plane shutter sync. A focal plane still camera is close to how the data is read from a CMOS sensor in a video camera. A studio flash unit at max speed may not be noticeable on the CMOS video camera but a bunch of people with Compact cameras set on EASY mode all shooting at the same time will be noticed I think with varying degrees of effect. I don't shoot weddings, except my two daughters weddings. Flash on these showed anywhere between 1/4 to half the frame overexposed. Clearly in the dark the cameras were shooting at 1/60 sec ( all were shooting 60i AVCHD for the last daughters wedding) so flash must have been there for up to half a field. 1/120 sec in the worst case less time for the shorter effect. Simplistically each row of the sensor is read in 0.000016 sec so a 1/1000 sec flash would have the effect of overexposing about 10% of the 1920x1080 image as an over exposed horizontal band. In my daughters wedding case all still camera flashes were from compact cameras or cell phones no fancy high end camera flashes.

Ron Evans

Re: Initial Comments - 50/1.8 for weddings
 

Thanks for the update Ron. I will refrain from stating facts 25 years old when I "studied photography". I should have known better. Does Vivitar 285 mean anything to you. I think there is still one in my bone yard. Best damn flash ever made!

Steve

Re: Initial Comments - 50/1.8 for weddings
 

For anyone considering the Sigma 19mm, B&H currently has a special - the 19mm *and* 30mm for $199, what either one costs normally. Currently out of stock, but if you order, they will ship when in stock. For 50% off, probably worth a short wait!!!

Since neither of the Sigmas are image stabilized, I was wondering if anyone has considered or tried the Sony E-mount 35mm f1.8?

The only non-stabilized lens I own is the Sony E-mount 16mm, and personally, I don't find it usable except on a tripod, so while the Sigma lens deal is tempting, I'm just not sure if I'd get any real use out of it, as most of my work is hand held / run & gun.

Disappointing that the new Sony 20mm f2.8 is not image stabilized, but I guess they are aiming that one at the NEX stills camera owners, what with the pancake format / size and all.

Re: Initial Comments - 50/1.8 for weddings
 

Yes I remember those. Showing my age again my early flash memories are of buying a box of flash bulbs for my cameras !!! My Minolta Maxum 7000 is still in its case. Went to check if it was a Vivitar but the flash is a Minolta Maxum 2800AF. It looks like a have two lenses too. An AF 70-210 and an AF 35-70 . My Sony HX30V is a lot more convenient has a 20x optical zoom and shoots 60p video as well or better than my CX700 and fits in my pocket !!!

Ron Evans

Re: Initial Comments - 50/1.8 for weddings
 

Strange, no one has mentioned the E mount 35mm f1.8 with OS, is a nice focal length and with a price between the Zeiss 24mm and the SEL50mm.

Re: Initial Comments - 50/1.8 for weddings
 

I agree with Chris. The kit lens is terrific. Sharp, steady and very well made. Is it the fastest, no, but for the money, you can't go wrong. I sue mine all the time, in conjunction with primes, as needs warrant. 'Nuff said.

Re: Initial Comments - 50/1.8 for weddings
 

Hi Rob

It also, of course, depends on what you are doing...with weddings when I'm in tight spaces, no time and rushing around then yes I need a quick lens with OSS and AF....If I'm shooting masterpieces like Noa does and have the time to set up the camera, use a slider or redo the shot a few times then a prime lens is the obvious choice!!

James is selling/has sold his stock lens so he obviously is doing stuff like Noa does only and doesn't have the need for a zoom or AF and can afford the time to not have to "shoot from the hip" like event guys do!

Chris

Re: Initial Comments - 50/1.8 for weddings
 

All I do is use a wide prime, my fisheye lens for the introductory shots of the venue and then a manual portrait prime for a few close up face shots.

Other than that Im always using my SEL18200 non-powerzoom lens which came with my VG20.

If I didn't own the SEL18200 I wouldn't have sold my SEL-P18200 which came with the EA50.

They are both identical. One has power zoom the other is a manual zoom. But both have autofocus and OSS.

I even kept the hood that came with the SEL-P18200 and use it on the SEL18200.

If I was being really picky, I would say the kit lens on the EA50 may be slightly sharper and more contrasty ... but nothing I have noticed. Only because it's newer tech do I say this.