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In late October/early November, I started seeing various “rumor mill” sites teasing some new cameras from Sony. While my initial hope was for something in the Alpha 7 line, it was quickly determined that Sony was updating the A1, their sports/action camera line. This new camera has been dubbed the A1 II, although I’ll frequently refer to it as “Mark 2” to avoid any confusion when comparing models and specs.
One of the best ways I’ve found to describe this camera is that it updates the A1 with features from other flagship models, which should position this camera as the “go to” professional camera for both photo and video, if you’re in the market for such a camera. One of the newest features, a first for the Alpha line of cameras, is a “dynamic subject recognition” which allows it to switch between various modes, without any intervention from the photographer. Additionally, the new mark 2 features impressive in-body image stabilization, offering 8.5 stops for the center of the frame. Among the list of features that have carried over, the mark 2 has the newest AI chip which boosts auto focus capabilities (30% improvement in eye detection for animals and humans and a 50% boost in bird eye detection), 30 frames per second image capture, and a 50 MP sensor. It’s my understanding that Sony has targeted wildlife and action photographers with the A1 line, and this mark 2 should suit the needs of these photographers with ease.
Just as every watch needs a strap, I believe that every new camera body release should be accompanied with a new lens, and it seems like Sony feels the same way. Alongside the A1 II, Sony released their first constant F2 zoom lens, the FE 28-70 MM F/2 GM. Among photographers, twenty-something to seventy millimeter lenses are considered to be some of the best “all around” pieces of kit, as they are often wide enough for landscape work, while having enough “zoom” to photograph from a distance. While this new lens shaves a few MM off on the wide side, it essentially covers the same focal length but offers increased lowlight performance thanks to the wider aperture of f/2, where most other comparable lenses only offer f/2.8. This might not seem significant on paper, but in real life, this will be game changing. Additionally, Sony made a big claim with this lens, calling it “an F2 standard zoom that rivals prime lens quality.” Looking for something to compare it to, I found that the only “equivalent” lens on the market is from Canon, which is also a 28-70 f/2, and I believe the new Sony lens crushes the competition. While the lenses are almost identical on paper, the biggest difference is that Sony has managed to shave over 1LB of weight, making a lens that’s easier to carry and use on those long shoots.
Through an event hosted by Sony Creative and B&H Photo, I was able to spend a few minutes with this new camera and lens, giving me two distinct impressions. First, this camera feels great in my hands, although it’s much larger than my personal Sony A7CR, and only marginally bigger than our studio A7IV. I was also able to locate and utilize each of the customizable buttons, without pressing them by accident. I have no doubts that this camera would be a breeze to use for hours on end without any hand cramping. While I won’t be picking up an A1 II anytime soon, the new 28-70 F/2 already has a place on my gear wishlist. I’ve stated previously that my Sigma 24-70 Art (gen 1) is the workhorse of my kit due to its versatility, and fast aperture of f/2.8, but I’d happy sacrifice a little on the wide end of my lens for the larger aperture, as I do find myself in relatively “dark” rooms as times. Having a fast, sharp lens when in these situations would be extremely useful, and I’m happy to see that Sony has recognized the need for such a lens.
The new Sony A1 II will be retailing for $6,500 with the FE 28-70 MM F/2 GM coming in at $2,900. Both the lens and body are slated to begin shipping in mid and late December (respectively). Sony
