Welcome to Michael's blog. Michael Andrew, (aka Michael The Maven) is a freelance producer, photography instructor, tech innovator, and when needed, disaster aid specialist. Disclaimer: Michael is a participant in Bhphoto & Amazon affiliate programs that provides an advertising commission if you purchase through links on this website.
Im often asked about lenses for Sony Cameras. In the beginning, it was simple because there were so few. Not the case now. Here is a long list of available FE (Full Frame E Mount) lenses, with comments next to the ones I have owned or used.
G-Master These are generally regarded as the best in the class of FE lenses, that said, others offer tremendous value.
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM = $2,198 - This is my bread and butter lens and lives on my Sony A7IV. I use it 80% of the time for all video shooting & landscapes and has become my walk around lens as well.
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM = $2,198 - An absolutely incredible wide angle zoom. One of the best I have ever tested. Amazing for landscapes and wide angle video.
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS = $2,498 Probably a better tele-zoom than the G series 200-600 for general sports shooting. The 200-600 is significantly larger, heavier, but less expensive and is more suited to wildlife and bird shooting.
Sigma 150-600 DG DN OS Sports Lens for Sony E - Ive used the Sigma 150-600 on other cameras, not specifically on the A7iv. Definitely gives you a lot of reach at an affordable price, its one of the best values out there. That said I wasn't thrilled with the performance of this lens on the extreme ends, especially anything over 500mm. I would really consider this a 200-500, but the price makes it one of the most purchased zoom lenses ever.
Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens = $1,299 This is a very heavy, well built wide angle lens- has some of the best optics of any wide angle zoom on the planet. Better for interior shooting than landscapes, as it has a fixed petal hood that is not friendly to filter accessories.
If you prefer to stream videos and not download the large files we will be adding a streamable version of the course in the next day or soHERE
The first version of the Sony A74 Crash Course is finished! Being the Advanced training for the camera, you can expect to learn all of the secrets of:
- A Complete Crash Course of Digital Photography
- Composition Crash Course
- Lightning Crash Course
- Sports Shooting
- Portrait Photography Techniques - Including the ones pros don't want beginners to know
- Landscapes, Sunsets - Including the tools used for print quality results
- Product & Food Photography - The Secret to Sharpness with Deep DOF
- Long Exposure Techniques
- Time Lapse
- Using Flash With the Sony A7IV
- Cleaning the Sensor
- Focus Stacking
- Video production with the Sony A74 IV, including using with a Atomos Nina V
- Documentary Shooting Techniques
- Using a Gimbal With the A7IV
- Narrative film & Commercial making with the A7IV
- Vlogging with the A74
- WIFI Connections
and much, much more!
The A7IV Crash Course will available, at $20 discount - $39.95 (normal price is $59.95) - take advantage of this price before March 31st!
If you have suggestions for future lessons, leave them in the comments below and we will add them if enough are interested at no extra charge for those who previously purchased the course!
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By now most of you have seen this, but because Im guessing some haven't, have set up a spoiler section & my thoughts with the password "Spiderman". I consider this a must see if you are a Marvel or Spiderman fan. The chances I will see it again in theaters is nearly 100%.
While I am huge fan of the original, none of the sequels ever matched up. I gave it a good effort and was asleep within 15 minutes of the film starting. I never fall asleep during good movies. This is a no, or rental at best.
This movie is a few edits of removing about 10 minutes away from being the sleeper thriller of the year. Some parts of it were just so perfect and the end...lol wow...never saw it coming. If you are into Thrillers, albeit with many adult themes (just as a heads up for those of you who aren't into this), it nice that we are getting some good movies again. Highly recommended to Thriller lovers.
For those of you who are interested, this is an accountability documentary put together about the work we did in Indonesia using the Credo boxes. We are continuing to use these boxes in other parts of the world.
For those who are curious, yes I am vaccinated and believe every one in the world should have equal access and freedom to choose for themselves.
That said, I am also anti-mandate. I believe consulting with your doctor is the best way to start, but I do not believe in coercion to do so.
Most out side of first world countries do not have the opportunity or access to COVID vaccines and I feel strongly that we should do everything in our power to try give this fairness of choice to them.