Clean Glass With Sony Lenses

That may seem a fatuous headline, but I can assure you it is not. I have just seen the most marvellous sight at the new Camera Electronic premises in Murray Street - 6 clean shelves loaded with clean Sony lenses and cameras. As an old employee who worked his way through the wooden-shelf era at CE, this is a glorious thing to see.

The Sony lenses are somewhat of a mystery in actual use - I operate a different mirror-less system and the mount is not compatible. But I can readily form a judgement about the design of the barrels and the finish - and if I were a Sony system user I would not hesitate to experiment and assemble a complete optical layout with these choices. They look superb.

 

At this point I remember reading a weblog column written by another photographer who took time to compare Sony full-frame camera bodies and lenses when assembled with similar full-frame Canon equipment. Of course one is a mirror-less system and one a DSLR outfit - and the writer did not belabour any of the optical or electronic results for the two - he concentrated solely upon the size and weight of the devices.

We always have an idea in our minds that the mirror-less system cameras will be smaller, lighter, and handier than their DSLR cousins. This may very well be the case with the Micro 4/3 and APS-C sensor cameras. But when it comes to the full frame the geometry of the lenses and the design of the light paths within the lenses seems to bring the size and weight back up to the DSLR range. The direct comparison he did showed it to be so, and left the choice of the two approaches to be settled on other grounds.

I won't cheer for one side or other of the full frame fight as I use APS-C. At one time long ago full-frame for me was 10" x 12" and I remember the negatives fondly. But I'm not dishonest enough to say that it was easier, quicker, or more successful than the current digital work....

Anyway, back to the Sony shelves, The reason they are so cheerful is they are fresh, and the staff have carefully cleaned both the glass and the lenses to make them appealing. Once the holiday and summer rush starts there will be fingerprints enough to go around so if you are a Sony shooter who would like to see your favourite optics in their best light...go round to the new shop and enjoy yourself now. No fair drooling on the glass doors.

If you visit the new place with your credit card or wallet, you can take a new lens home and continue the good times on your own territory.

PS: Note how Sony have been smart enough to put a clear warning panel on the lens cap of their teleconverters. Like many lens makers, they have converter designs that are incompatible with some of their own lenses - protruding elements or inappropriate light pathways come to mind - and they know that they have to prevent people from damaging the gear by incorrect assembly. Thank goodness they have gotten in before the damage can be done.

PS Again: Can you spot the differences in the Sony RX series of cameras?

Visit the new Camera Electronic store at 2/324 Murray St, Perth
For opening hours, click here