SHOOTOUT: Sony FE 14/1.8G vs Sony FE 12-24/2.8GM: Bristlecone Sculptures, View to White Mountain Peak
Related: Dr S, focus stacking, hard core, Inyo National Forest, peak bagging, Pinus longaeva, Sony, Sony A7R, Sony A7R II, Sony A7R III, Sony A7R IV, Sony A7R V, Sony FE, Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM, Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM, Sony Lenses, Sony mirrorless, White Mountain Peak, White Mountains
Prime or zoom?
This page compares the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM to the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM on a near-to far landscape scene that is excellent for assessing not only lens performance but also focus shift and field curvature.
Sometimes it takes the right subject to see lens behaviors emerge in a way that can be understood, and this is just such a scene.
Includes images up to full camera resolution from f/2 to f/11, plus crops.
UPDATE: a 4-frame focus stack at f/8 has been added for the 14/1.8G.
Dr S writes:
I would think focus stacking may be an approach to the Sony 12-24 or 14 for near to far focus? Is field curvature the reason for not considering it? Sorry if this is a basic question. Also, the 14 may be preferable for someone like me.....a little lighter to minimize as much weight as possible for lifelong back and neck issues.
DIGLLOYD: yes, focus stacking is ideal for this situation and anything like it, even at 14mm. Four frames are required in this scene. I shot this as a comparison; had I wanted to make a better composition I would have moved closer for less foreground and probably 8 shots would have been needed.
I emphathize with the size/weight concern—it definitely is nicer carrying that smaller lens around hiking—I’ve done so. OTOH, it’s giving up a ton of flexibility and then maybe another lens is required too, such as the 16-35. Not sure it's a net win; I’d rather carry one lens.
Sony A7R V + Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM @ 14mm
ENV: White Mountains, altitude 11700 ft / 3566 m, 60°F / 15°C
RAW: Adobe Color, Enhance Details, LACA corrected, vignetting corrected, WB 4900°K tint 16, push 1 stops, +30 Shadows, +20 Whites, +30 Dehaze, +10 Clarity, AI Denoise 10, diffraction mitigating sharpening, +10 Vibrance
[low-res image for bot]
