Driving there was uneventful. We took a 45-minute break half-way in the trip, and arrived in New York City in approximately 9 hours from Toronto, as there was some traffic jam. I had been to New York City a couple of times, but each time it was short and for business, so didn't really have much time to explore the city. Three words jump out of my head about New York City: Big, Busy, Chaotic. Regardless of time of day, at least where we stayed (West 32nd st. and 6th Ave), people are everywhere. It was even worse around Time Square. Definitely a huge change from the relatively tame and slow Toronto.
On the phone -- NEX-5N & Sony E-16mm f2.8. Click for larger.
Hot Dog Vendor - NEX-5N & E16mm f2.8.
I brought five lenses with me: E-16mm f2.8, E-18-55mm Kit lens, OM 24mm f2.8, OM 35mm f2, and Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f1.4. I ended up using only the two Sony auto focus lenses, but mostly just the 18-55mm kit lens.
I find the 16mm f2.8 lens more enjoyable to use, especially in low light (night time). It's perfect for street shooting, though it's slightly too wide for this purpose. To me, the optical quality is quite acceptable as a travel lens. On the other hand, I am less happy with the 18-55mm kit zoom lens.
Tiles for America - NEX-5N & 18-55mm Kit lens. Click for larger.
The distortion at the wide end on the kit zoom lens is horrendous, if you shoot RAW and don't have the lens profile (correction) turned on. The wide end, unfortunately, is the most used focal length in travel. When I first looked at the pictures I shot, I couldn't below how bad they are. Fortunately, Lightroom has a lens profile for this lens and it corrects the distortion quite easily.
Lower Manhattan - NEX-5N & 18-55mm kit lens. click for larger.
At the long end, the distortion is not as objectionable. The lens is actually quite sharp, but the distortion really destroys it. Even with lens correction, it's not perfect. There are other good qualities this lens has: small, light, and has image stabilization. It's a good choice for travel, but I think (or hope) the 18-200mm ultra zoom is better for travel and should be optically better, at least (hopefully) better at distortion control.
Statue of Liberty - NEX-5N & 18-55mm kit lens.
I have both kit lenses (16 and 18-55) and am disappointed every time I use either of them. Sure, the 16mm is small and the zoom convenient, but the results are just not good enough. And the AF misses more often than it hits while MF with these lenses is barely usable... :|
ReplyDeleteI think it's a difference of expectations. I find them optically ok (not the sharpest edges) but the distortion on the zoom is a real disappointment. I find the sharpness from both lenses are quite acceptable. Of course, your mileage may vary.
DeleteSony goofed with the system, big matrix (too big lenses) without internal stabilization and almost no lenses - buy micro4/3 instead ;))
ReplyDeleteCan't say I am not tempted. I still have the original G1, but it's dated and I have been looking at the EM-5! I will wait a couple of months and see what else is up.
DeleteAF lenses are very convenient, and much better for travel. I have the Sony 16mm and tend to agree with your synopsis. The Sigma 30mm f2.8 is much better quality wise, and apart from wishing it had an extra stop and was a bit smaller, there's not much to complain about. I usually travel with a Nikon D90 with a 18-105mm and a 10-20mm Sigma - a little bigger than a NEX, but covers a huge range.
ReplyDeleteJames, the Sigma has good reviews, but the up-coming Sony e-mount 35mm f1.8 will hopefully better in terms of optics.
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