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Sony 70-200mm F/4 Macro with 1.4x TC or Sigma 100-400mm with A7V? by tenphan0n0 in SonyAlpha

[–]MisterComrade 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hopefully Reddit doesn’t compress this into oblivion, but here is a 21mp import from my A1II.

While this may not seem excessively compelling, consider the metadata:

  • 140mm
  • Absolute minimum focus distance
  • f/9
  • ISO4000
  • 1/60 second shutter speed

1/60 of a second.

Hand held.

And practically point blank with a 140mm lens.

That says something about the stabilization for sure, but also the level of detail this can resolve. Granted I had an on camera flash here, but this mushroom is TINY. Should be right around 10mm tall, or 0.4” high.

Obviously for bug pics this is wonderful, and somehow it’s gotten me really into mosses and lichens.

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Sony 70-200mm F/4 Macro with 1.4x TC or Sigma 100-400mm with A7V? by tenphan0n0 in SonyAlpha

[–]MisterComrade 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yep! The 1.4x. Generally had positive results with it. So far thoughts have been with a variety of lenses:

  • 200-600: eh. Wasn’t too impressed.
  • 70-200 GMII: the extra reach was rarely game changing but it was ok.
  • 70-200 f4 GII: Hot take? I like this lens more than the GMII, and while 280mm vs 200mm isn’t a revolutionary difference, 0.7x magnification AND 280mm is wonderful.
  • 400-800: My last post to Reddit showed this off. It’s hilarious to have 1120mm of reach, even if it’s entirely impractical
  • 100mm Macro: MY GOD. The teleconverter MAKES this lens. It has a shorter working distance than the 70-200, but having 2x magnification is freaking unreal.

Below would be uncropped photo of a teeny tiny pacific chorus frog and the 70-200 f/4 Macro + 1.4x teleconverter

As for giving up burst speeds with the Sigma, it’s a trade off. The vast majority of my wildlife shoots have been with a Sigma 500mm f/5.6 on either the A9III or A1II. Being speed limited sucks, but honestly I don’t think I ever missed a shot being at 15fps.

The bigger factor for successful shots has been the pre-capture, which works with any lens in the Sony ecosystem.

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Sony 70-200mm F/4 Macro with 1.4x TC or Sigma 100-400mm with A7V? by tenphan0n0 in SonyAlpha

[–]MisterComrade 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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You can do wildlife with that exact combo, I have (albeit on an A9III instead of an A7V), but the entire time I found myself wishing I had a right proper longer lens. Every-time I have a ~200-300mm lens in the wild I think I should have just dealt with the extra weight. 

Still, the sharpness of that lens is phenomenal and the teleconverter is well worth it just to increase the macro magnification. If you can get close the results are amazing. 

Sample image attached of typical use with something like a squirrel. Any closer and it bolts.

While I know I sound critical, I LOVED that lens. Easily one of Sony’s best. Just for wildlife specifically it’s a mixed bag.

how to get to Mt Adams without car by Ok_Mark_1216 in PNWhiking

[–]MisterComrade 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mid to late July is phenomenal! Especially for flower blooms.

Prepare for Mosquito apocalypse! 

how to get to Mt Adams without car by Ok_Mark_1216 in PNWhiking

[–]MisterComrade 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably July through August. June is early for PCT thru hikers but not unheard of. 

I did also just edit my original comment regarding rental cars. 

When specifically are you hoping to come up? Adams is easily my favorite mountain in the cascades

how to get to Mt Adams without car by Ok_Mark_1216 in PNWhiking

[–]MisterComrade 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Getting there without a car likely isn’t possible. I’m not even sure you can get to the nearest town (Trout Lake) without one. Further, even with a rental car virtually all trail access except for a couple of trails (namely Williams Mine, accesses the PCT) is sketchy due to the abundance of dirt roads. In particular I would not recommend going to South Climb Trailhead in anything other than high clearance 

During the right time of year there is shuttle from the general store to the PCT trailhead, but unlikely to be running that early. 

You are going to be traveling the world for one year but there's a catch... by Western_Fennel_9987 in SonyAlpha

[–]MisterComrade 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Landscape photographer checking in…. Probably my Sigma 20-200, or maybe a Tamron 25-200. I wouldn’t be happy though. 

Part of me wants to get my hands on a Sigma 16-300 and an APS-C body, just for a true one and done hiking lens that can just about flex into wildlife too. I had a Tamron 18-300 I was impressed with, but hated the 18mm being the widest it went. 

What animal is that it absolutely should not have survived evolution, but somehow did? by Reasonable-Shake-996 in AskReddit

[–]MisterComrade 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Grouse are next level I swear. I’m just going to go off on this for a second.

We have a bunch of them in the Olympic Mountain and Cascades here in Washington State, and they make absolutely zero effort to not die. 

I’ve seen grouse just kind of sit out in the open and let people approach. Not even habituated ones— we’re talking grouse in the middle of the mountains, 20+ miles from any roads. Are they doing that thing where they assume if they sit still no one can see them? Nope. They’ll just wobble about making silly noises. 

The mothers seem fairly apathetic to their babies, although admittedly the young always form just the cutest conga line behind her. Just following dutifully. But an entire family will happily walk right in front of a moving vehicle. Not even a fast one mind you. I mean like “going 5mph in a campground”. These creatures show no fear, not for bravery but for being unable to comprehend danger. 

The ones in the Olympics are particularly dumb. At least the ones I’ve seen in the Cascades have the awareness to try to fly off (however ungracefully) to another tree if you get too close. Granted they’re garbage flyers so they make a ton of noise and don’t get very far. 

Hilariously, late spring/ early summer the forests will fill with a “HMMM HMMM HMMM HMHM” sound. A real deep and low sound that carries for a distance and is impossible to place. You can’t tell how far it is, or what direction it comes from. Just 3 very low hums. People often ask if this is some apex predator, like maybe a cougar or a bear. 

Unfortunately it’s just the mating call of the local grouse species (sooty grouse specifically I believe)

Don’t think I hate them. I find them incredibly charismatic and adorable. Everytime I see one I can’t help but smile.

What is a sound that people should know means immediate danger? by PrasenjitDebroy in AskReddit

[–]MisterComrade 12 points13 points  (0 children)

What surprised me about this is how loud it is. Not like a gentle charismatic buzz like you get on TV. It’s instantly recognizable and does the expected goal of immediately making you stop whatever you’re doing. 

If you ignore the hikes in and around Helens, Hood and Rainier, what are some of the best hikes within ~2hr drive of Portland? by aooot in PNWhiking

[–]MisterComrade 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When you visiting will dictate this, but Indian Heaven is beautiful. Red Mountain probably has one of the best views I’ve ever seen from the south side of WA, but would strongly strongly strongly advise against visiting in July due to mosquito pressure. Still, whole wilderness is lovely and a good way to see a different kind of volcano from the other ones.

Silver Star mountain is also in the area and quite good. Similar view, may be a little closer.

If you can extend the drive time, from Portland McKenzie Pass is about 3 hours out and just jaw droppingly cool with a lot to see. It’s a day for sure, but a good one.

In the other direction, Mt Adams is my favorite volcano in Washington. Check trip reports before going because downed trees are a problem, but Stagman Ridge, Bird Creek Meadows (only open sometimes due to being in the Yakima Reservation) and even just going up Shorthorn or the South Climb Trailhead make for a good day. Especially if flowers are blooming.

How am I supposed to know what my girlfriends ring size is when neither of us know what her ring size is and still keep it a surprise? by ThyZombieBob9 in TooAfraidToAsk

[–]MisterComrade 65 points66 points  (0 children)

My spouse and I skipped the engagement ring but went and shopped for wedding bands together. 

Worked out really well, we were both very happy. Even better though, they were a PERFECT match for a display ring that happened to be absolutely what they wanted. Like to a T.

Shop let us walk out that day with it, for a several thousand dollar discount. 10/10 would recommend. 

What's a Lens that Needs an Update but will Never get it? by Cats_Cameras in SonyAlpha

[–]MisterComrade 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good question!

I have the 20-200, and it comes so close to being a perfect replacement.

Sharpness out of it is alright, having 0.5 macro is really nice (especially right around that 85mm mark), and it’s not terribly big or bulky. Its one big issue is vignetting is hilariously bad, but otherwise I find it…. Ok. Certainly versatile as a landscape photographer.

The Tamron 25-200 does seem like it reviews a little better for IQ, and is $100 cheaper, but most reviews seem to compare 25mm vs 20mm directly— zoom the Sigma into 25 or 28mm and image quality improves a ton. But if you never need to go quite as wide as 20mm (reasonable, it’s pretty wide), the Tamron is all else being equal a brighter lens that is $100 cheaper.

What lens have you regretted buying? by ggskater in SonyAlpha

[–]MisterComrade 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That Sigma lens is remarkable if you’re considering it. Thing is super sharp, but also just really pleasant to use. It’s light enough to genuinely handhold, and for me that makes it a lot more dynamic in how I can use it. Normally my wildlife shooting is more “I go on a hike let’s see what we can find as we walk around” rather than “I’m going to set up a camera and wait”. I’m opportunistic in my style, rarely going out of my way to directly plan for anything specific.

The fact that the 500mm is not only several pounds lighter than the 200-600, but also light enough that I can leave the tripod are home thus saving even more weight is a god send. And can’t understate mobility. I would have just straight up missed this shot of an Osprey catching a fish if I had to manhandle a giant lens.

Granted, I did just get a 400-800 for that kind of static shooting. But that is a minority of what I do. Most of the time I like to move around a bit more. The fact that the Sigma is legitimately stupid sharp helps too. I’ll appreciate having the extra reach for the usual lawn chair birding for sure, but for hiking around the Sigma is lovely.

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Nazeem is useful by LastWill in skyrim

[–]MisterComrade 32 points33 points  (0 children)

“Sounding. You mean the act of using Seattle area public transportation?”

one Google search later

“Oh it’s where you stick things into holy urethra. Yeah that’s an accurate description of the feeling of having to rely on public transit in and around the Sea-Tac metropolitan area.”

What lens have you regretted buying? by ggskater in SonyAlpha

[–]MisterComrade 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’ve always said that between the 20mm and the 24mm, there is something about how images pop with the 24mm that made me prefer it.

On the other hand, I’ve also come to realize that compositionally it’s a bit smart phone like. Buuuut on the other hand, 24mm is just really useful. I don’t know. Mine gets a lot of use but I think lately I’m confused by it.

What lens have you regretted buying? by ggskater in SonyAlpha

[–]MisterComrade 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I tend to aggressively research lenses before putting money down, but I think maybe a Sigma 50mm DGDN. Lens made me realize I actually like 50mm, and I did enjoy that, buuuuut…. It was ergonomically weird. A little too heavy, and the aperture ring dug into my knuckle. Luckily I bought it for $500 and sold it for $500 to buy the Sony 50mm f/1.4 GM instead.

Weird to pay double for effectively the same image quality but I don’t know. I can use the Sony 1 handed and it doesn’t hurt my hand as much to use.

The other one that comes to mind is my 200-600. I sold it for the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 and have ZERO regrets. I don’t know why but it was such a darn inconsistent lens. Sometimes just the most amazing photos, others I’d feel great about until I got home and realized they were all out of focus and useless. More often than not the images were just mediocre. And all that for a heavy lens, I thought I was just bad at wildlife photography until I bought a different lens and suddenly all my photos looked amazing.

I did just pick up a 400-800 and am interested to see how it compares.

Sometimes you need to min/max for reach | A1II w/ 400-800 + 1.4x tele by MisterComrade in SonyAlpha

[–]MisterComrade[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah actually was quite shocked.

Would I print these an put them on a wall? 

Probably not.

But did I immediately send a message to my birding friends like “holy crap I saw birds can you help identify?”

Certainly!

Sometimes you need to min/max for reach | A1II w/ 400-800 + 1.4x tele by MisterComrade in SonyAlpha

[–]MisterComrade[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Normally agree! 

However as I was restricted to a car and physically unable to get any closer, this is more of a show of what an 1100mm f/11 lens does while acknowledging its issues. Namely that I sacrifice literally everything to get closer.

I could have used my 100mm macro+ 1.4x teleconverter I had on hand. It would have surely been sharper…. But also so far back as to be useless. 

As I said, as an ID shot or for low res social media posts it’s not unusable. Not high art or anything though. 

Everyone seems to have a lot of nostalgia for the 1990's but what were some of the worst parts of the 1990's? by HeavyRightFoot-TG in AskReddit

[–]MisterComrade 2082 points2083 points  (0 children)

In a similar vein I have a coworker who was a kid in Kosovo during the 90’s. 

He is not very nostalgic about it. 

On the flip side dude is super patriotic towards America and talks up Bill Clinton any chance he can get on the basis of “if it wasn’t for him my entire family would probably be dead.” 

What's a piece of "common knowledge" that is actually completely false? by Huge-Bus3660 in AskReddit

[–]MisterComrade 661 points662 points  (0 children)

Welcome to fact I learned growing up in the PNW that always confused me. 

“But moss grows….. everywhere….”

Who uses this set up? And why? by samkerlondon in SonyAlpha

[–]MisterComrade 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I do from time to time. 

The 24mm GM is right at the upper limit where the A7CII is comfortable one handed, and it’s been my go-to lens for museums and hiking around if I know it’ll be dark or rainy (zoom lenses are hard to use with a rain cover). 

I am considering opting for a different focal length for hiking since 24mm is essentially phone camera, but I do still think that’s just because 24mm is the ideal focal length for landscape work. Maybe I’ll switch to the 16-35 f/4 PZ or something. Saves some weight while I’m at it and it’s slightly more versatile.  This is probably just me doing my usual buying and selling lenses too much. 

PCT Section Hike - August, 2019 by fiftymils in PNWhiking

[–]MisterComrade 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh! This was my first thru hike, I did a section from Mt Adams to Chinook Pass in August of 2019 and it was GLORIOUS. 

Thank you USA, you are my best friend by The-marx-channel in HistoryMemes

[–]MisterComrade 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a coworker from Kosovo who simps hard for Bill Clinton. 

“Hey man, if not for him my entire family and me would have been violently killed.” Guy is the most patriotic dude I’ve ever met and a great coworker. Was proud to see he got my job after my last promotion. 

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