Minolta / Sony A mount & E mount A99ii, A7Rii, 80-200mm f2.8 G, 70-200mm f2.8 G SSM, LA-EA3, LA-EA4

Just sharing some info I have learned after using these cameras and lenses. Note that I shoot action like rodeos, barrel racing, pole bending, bronc riding, ext. Most people around just shoot a mega zoom f5.6 - 6.3 something-or-other and are happy with everything in focus. That is a lot easier but I really don’t like that look. I like a blurry foreground and background and a very narrow files of focus. However that makes it very difficult to keep the focus on the riders face. That is the challenge and that is what I love.
Thankfully the seller of the 70-200 SSM agreed to take it back for repairs.

[@TheReignharder]

JUST what I was looking for - thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@cadmus777]

My heart broke when my 80-200 fell and stopped focussing, and I couldn't get it repaired. I've moved to the Sony 70-200 2.8 (the rebrand), which is MUCH quieter, but I also think it's slightly slower and maybe not quite as sharp (on my A99ii), although I have found it to be reliable and smooth, so either Sony fixed that issue or it's just your copy. I've avoided moving to E-mount, as it feels like the A1 is the only real upgrade from the A99ii, and I definitely can't afford that. Great video, thanks!

[@nicedward7544]

Try a used a7Riii. Best bang for the buck camera ever

[@cadmus777]

​@@nicedward7544Not even an upgrade from the A99ii, considering it has the exact same sensor as my two cameras now, and it's a tiny little toy in my hands.

[@rlpring78]

Get the 70200G2. Get a used A9 or A9II. No blackouts, 20fps on native Sony e-mount lenses and 10-15 fps on Sony A-mount lenses with the LAEA3 or LAEA5 adapter. Sony A99II feels slow compare to the A9 or A9II. The EVF is also better and there are no blackouts. Night and day difference. The A99II feels better on the hand and is more ergonomic.

[@cadmus777]

@@rlpring78 I can't disagree with you on anything there. I don't think I could go back to 24mp though, and the ergonomics on the A9 bug me - I have big hands. Having said that, I'm also getting old and my hands are giving me a bit of trouble lately, so E-mount is looking more attractive, with the new body format on the A9iii and A7Rv - plus they've finally brought back the A77ii/A99ii screen mechanism (sort of)!

[@rlpring78]

@@cadmus777 There is no replacement for displacement. The A99 bodies always felt better in the hands. The controls, buttons and wheels feel smoother and more tactile. But having shot with the A9, with no blackouts, 20fps and ultra fast and sticky AF, it’s hard to shoot on something else that doesn’t have those capabilities. Ultimately, Sony will need to release a bigger body for their flagship models. However, it goes against their plan and philosophy of choosing small bodies for portability and weight-saving.

[@351linzdoctor]

The Minolta 70-200 SSM and Sony 70-200 SSM ver 1 are slower than the Minolta 80-200 HS I've tested them years ago but the Sony 70-200 SSM mark 2 is the same focusing speed as the Minolta 80-200 HS!

[@PolioVitruvius]

Thanks! Of course the price of the SSM v2 is insane when the 80-200 is about $700. And the 70-200 is much larger too especially with the hood.

[@351linzdoctor]

@@PolioVitruvius Yea I have the 70-200 SSM mark 2 it is heavy! 💪💪💪

[@raitshots]

Used old Minolta lens every camer . Very beautiful photography and movies 😎👍

[@kingghidorah8106]

Hello, how can I get my hands on an a99II? I've seen one used for 3000 euros on eBay... and nothing more else. I am thinking between switching to a6700 or to a99ii and since a99ii is basically an a7r3 with alpha mount i considered it the most viable since all my lenses are minolta fullframe.

[@PolioVitruvius]

@@kingghidorah8106 same as the A77ii, they are hard to find because they are really nice and they don’t make them anymore. Sorry. Have to pay lots to get one.

[@PolioVitruvius]

@@kingghidorah8106 the A99ii is NOT like the A7R3! Totally different cameras. I LOVE holding and handling my A99ii. I hate holding and handling my A7R2 which has the same sensor. Mirrorless feels like tiny kids toys and I hate them.

[@kingghidorah8106]

@@PolioVitruvius yeah it's not loke the a7r3 but it fulfills that niche, of course the a7r3 is much better as far as image quality goes but the a99ii is overall a much more powerful camera

[@kingghidorah8106]

@@PolioVitruvius both a99ii and a6700+ LA-EA5 cost around 2000. The A6700 offers more flexibility but i am already pretty much complete as far as photo gear goes.

[@PopovskiDarko]

Hi, so glad I this review, I just got used A7R II , , as far as Speed and accuracy , autofocus and overall better quality in general , what would be a better choice : Minolta 80-200 2.8 , Tamron 70-200 2.8 or Sigma 70-200 2.8 ? With LA-EA4 , A to E mount , would Sony internal stabilization be sufficient using the lens that does not have optical stabilization? Or I should look for a lens in case of Tamron or Sigma that have optical stabilization to work along with Sony built-in stabilization ? Will mostly be using the camera for portraits, with strobe mights or without , and sometimes occasionally moving objects, but nothing to extreme, I would really appreciate your input on this ,thanks much !!!

[@PolioVitruvius]

Get an E mount native lens. There are lots of E mount options now.

[@Ghien_Cong_Nghe]

Hi, I am using sony a7m1, would laea3 or laea4 be more suitable with ssm lens? thank you vẻry much

[@PolioVitruvius]

@@Ghien_Cong_Nghe SSM lens does not have the screw drive so the LAEA3 works best. The LAEA4 has the motor with the screw drive. I don’t think the LAEA5 works with the older cameras.

[@baron2022ph]

I had all 28-70 2.8G / 80-200 2.8G / 70-200 2.8G myself. 28-70G and 80-200G are having deeper color saturation and contrast. On the other hand, 70-200G is a very unique one with unique color and much smoother response then other two. I believe you got a faulty 70-200 ssm. This minolta 70-200 2.8SSM is somewhat different than newer generation SONY 70-200 2.8. For me, my favorite is minolta 70-200 2.8 SSM. I also use LA EA4 for the video auto focus. :)

[@johnanthonycolley3803]

Ok it's a heavy piece of Glass. But I absolutely LOVE my Minolta 80-200 f2.8 In my view it only lacks weather sealing and it would have reached perfection. Some of these are now 40+ years old, and still working like new .. I don't understand why they ever tried to improve it by adding internal motors .. I can only surmise that they felt the market perceived that shaft drive driven by the body was inferior 🧐 . Fellow Photographers, The MINOLTA 80-200mm is the finest lens Minolta ever produced.. ( id even put it forward as the finest lens ever produced ( full stop by ANYONE)) . Coupled with a native A-Mount body You have perfection.. In my opinion the discontinuation of A-Mount was simply a marketing ploy .. ( Nothing to do with reaching perfection Because that had already been reached ) There's lots of exceptional A-Mount kit out there at bargain prices right now ( 2023 ) Go out and grab yourself an A900 ( A99 ) plus a 80-200 F2.8 🤫 Enjoy 😋

[@PolioVitruvius]

Just spent the day at a dog show trying out my new Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 on the A7Rii. It has huge potential but the extra weight is a huge difference that drastically reduces maneuverability and the AF hesitates again with the MC-11 adapter. Does not work for candid action shot unfortunatly. Pulled out my A99ii with my Minolta 80-200mm f2.8 HS and I was back in business. The Sigma will be great for bronc and bull riding at a further distance.

[@rlpring78]

I can’t stand the screw-drive noise. I have the Sony 70200G2 which is silent (SSM) and works great with the Sony A9 and w/ the LAEA3 adapter. I get 12-15fps. If you have a A7IV and up body, A9 series and A1, the LAEA3 & LAEA5 adapters work the best. A-mount lenses feels native if not better on an E-Mount.

[@PolioVitruvius]

Ha ha, ya the 80-200 HS has some real torque and sounds. More than I anticipated. Now I actually love it. Real analogue feel from the 90s with all the benefits of the A99ii. The 70-200 SSM was very nice too but I got a bad copy and it is way longer. I can’t afford the newer E mount cameras and I wouldn’t buy one if I could. I simply hate the feel of the mirrorless cameras and my A99ii does everything I need it to.

[@rlpring78]

I still have the original A99. Wished Sony kept that body, as it holds three batteries with the grip. The E-mount bodies feel okay with smaller lenses. If you shoot sports and wildlife, A9 bodies & A1 is the best way to go. There’s no substitute for no blackouts and silent shooting. There’s also no substitute for the better buffer, AF and speed. Night and day difference versus the A99II.

[@PolioVitruvius]

@@rlpring78I will have to try a newer E mount some day. I have NO issues with AF speed on the A99ii and the 80-200 HS. I shoot very fast action redeo stuff and it has NO problem keeping up. IBIS OFF is clearer IQ.

[@rlpring78]

@@PolioVitruvius Have you tried shooting with an A9 + 70200 G Master v2? 20fps with no blackouts and crazy AF is an awesome experience. Also, the amount of shots that are keeper is crazy!

[@PolioVitruvius]

@@rlpring78 No, I have no interest in spending another $6,000 to go from 42MP to 24MP and a less comfortable camera when my setup works perfect. My AF is instant and very accurate. The shutter and lens noises do not scare the animals so I am good with what I have. I know people keep thinking they need something better but I am extremely happy with what I have and I do not have any issues with AF speed.

[@GeorgeStar]

How do you program and use the AF/MF/AEL lever?

[@jd5787]

Hi! Thanks for the review of the lenses. Would you have the model of the tamron 2x teleconverter you mentioned previously please?

[@PolioVitruvius]

It is the Tamron-F AF TELE-CONVERTER 2X Mx-AF BBAR MC7. I have done lots of testing with it on a few different lenses. There is NO increase in image quality. When you compare a picture without the teleconverter at 200% digital zoom it is the same as a picture with the teleconverter at 100% zoom. And you lose some contrast and saturation because there is more glass. As much as I want to see a difference, I have not seen any. I think a 1.4X teleconverter might have a net benefit.

[@jd5787]

@@PolioVitruvius thanks! So it is "ok" but a 1.4x would be better?

[@PolioVitruvius]

I only have the 2X and I have not found any improvement by using it so I don’t use it anymore. I have not tried a 1.4x but it might provide some improvement. Not sure. I would only buy a high quality one and those are very expensive so it is not worth it for me. I would rather get a different lens.

[@jd5787]

@@PolioVitruvius got it thanks! I was considering for the extra reach on the A77ii which I just got this week. I am planning on getting the 80-200mm APO 😁

[@PolioVitruvius]

I have a video of my A77ii with the 80-200. Amazing combo! 8 years ago and there aren’t any new cameras with some of those features, like in camera adjustable front and back focus linter with a simple button and two dials. Seems like they discontinue features to bring them back again years later as “new” tech. Even Canon had eye control system in 1992 where it tracked your eye in the viewfinder and matched where you were looking to the AF point selection.

[@dkzx319]

I have a question here, I’m using the A7R2 with LA-EA4 if I’m only using SSM or SAM lens would it be good that I can just change it to LA-EA3? Does the LA-EA3 perform better that the LA-EA4? Thanks🎉

[@Alaminjos]

SSM lenses work better with LA-EA3 as it uses the camera focus motors. Most of the SAM lenses I know are screw drive hence would only autofocus on the LA-EA4 adapter albeit its slower than LA-EA3 due to its older autofocus tech from the A65 or A55 am not sure and the translucent mirror eats a tiny bit of light as well.

[@351linzdoctor]

@@Alaminjos Actually all Sony SAM lens have a focus motor in them that's what the SAM mean (Smooth Autofocus Motor) therefore they will work with LA-EA3, LA-EA4 and LA-EA5!

[@Alaminjos]

Thanks for your correction @@351linzdoctor

[@gregkempchannel]

I have the 80-200 and recommend it. Watching this makes me miss my a99 so much. Years ago I sold off most of my more expensive pieces but ended up getting an a7r and a6300 second hand when they came down in price. That lens is just too unwieldy on those smaller mirrorless bodies. I don't like how it performs with the EA4 on either body I have now. I am going to have to go backward and find another a99 or a99ii. I love the mirrorless but I have a nice collection of Minolta AF and I am not sure even the ea5 on the newest bodies will work as well as an a99 or a99ii, plus its just such a nice camera to use.

[@PolioVitruvius]

Thanks. Ya, I really didn’t like going from my A77ii to the A7R and I still don’t love my A7R2. The A99ii is absolutely my dream camera and I have not seen anything I would trade it for for any money. I do wish it had a pop up flash as a trigger for remote flashes but no big deal.

[@joey48442]

Would you say the a7rii with LA-EA4 is effectively pretty similar to an a99ii?

[@PolioVitruvius]

That is what I am still trying to figure out. Same sensor and similar era but they handle very different. Trying to figure out how much is handling due to size and how much is the camera. I shoot events like rodeos and barrel racing where everything is moving in every direction very fast and the animals head is constantly crossing between the camera and the rider. I like shooting f.2.8 so it NEEDS to be focused on the rider or the shot is no good. I see most people, even the pros, just shoot f5.6 - f6.3 and everything is in focus and it is easier and safer. I just don’t think those images look any better than a cell phone image so what’s the point of that. The A99ii is “snappier” with AF set to center point. I just need to make sure to keep the center point on the rider. It will focus and fire INSTANTLY when I press the bottom. I love it because it is reliable and precise and I have control. Old school. The A7Rii seems to have better object tracking capabilities. If I let lock-on track the rider it will track pretty good BUT I shoot in bursts which means I completely let off the button between bursts and have to reacquire the rider every time really fast by half press during panning and zooming which doesn’t work. It seems to be able to track objects good with the sensor but then when I fully press the button it hesitates to fine focus before shooting. Very frustrating. I tried eye start AF tracking last week where it activates the continues AF when you put your eye to the camera. That was also very unreliable and used batteries. Perhaps a much newer camera has better tracking and more reliability but I can’t live that delay between full press and shot. I much prefer the A99ii for that reliability and it is way more comfortable. I honestly don’t understand what the advantage of mirrorless is. Smaller fells less comfortable and comfort is very important to my shooting.

[@joey48442]

@@PolioVitruvius thanks for the reply! I’m in a somewhat similar situation. I have an a77ii that I love. But I wanted to try full frame. I found a good deal on a nice a7riii, but I’m not sure about it yet. The 28-70 kit type lens is not exciting me. So I ordered an la-ea4, and I’ll start experimenting with the lenses I have. I suppose my a7riii with the ea4 adaptor could sort of be an “a99iii” 😂😂

[@PolioVitruvius]

Yes but for me comfort and handling are very important to get a good shot lying on the ground zooming and moving with the action. The mirrorless just isn’t ergonomic for me. I wish they made a A99iii but that won’t happen now with the global shutter of the A9iii.

[@joey48442]

@@PolioVitruvius agreed! I love the feel of the a7, as it feels like a film body, but the a77 is much more ergonomic. I started with an a100, had an a580, and the a77ii, and it feels much more natural in use.

[@nicedward7544]

Trying to figure out if a minolta 600 f4 would work on e mount for birds and sports. How's your experience with AF speed adapting a mount to e? I don't think i could even find one to rent. I don't want to dump $2500 if it's a slouch.

[@PolioVitruvius]

Thanks. I also have the Minolta 300mm f2.8 HS. I just tried it on the A99ii and then the A7Rii with LA-EA4. It focuses almost exactly the same speed. Very fast AND accurate. Using center point AF. I also sold my Minolta 70-200 SSM and put in a bit extra to get the Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 Sport with MC-11 adapter. IQ so far looks great but AF is TERRIBLE. Just got the dock and cable and updated both firmware. Hope that makes a difference. At the moment it is unusable which is a huge disappointment. Might have to stick with the two Minoltas.

[@RealTechGeek]

Have you ever tried too modify the LAEA4 monster kit you get too use all the af points of the A7RII.

[@PolioVitruvius]

No. I think you lose some functionality with some lenses through the conversion and it is expensive. Would be interesting to try.

[@RealTechGeek]

@PolioVitruvius Yeah you do for Sam lenses. Good too have an extra LAEA4. There's always the LAEA5 A7RIV A7IV. Which I what I want too do.

[@TheTensecondz]

I also used to use LA-EA3 and EA4 then I picked up a LA-EA5. I no longer use LA-EA4 adapter.

[@paperchaser159]

I’ve been watching videos all day to see if eye af is compatible and I keep getting mixed messages.

[@PolioVitruvius]

For which camera and lens and adapter? I can confirm what I have if you want. There is eye af that starts the af when you put your eye to the viewfinder or eye af that focuses on eyes.

[@paperchaser159]

@@PolioVitruvius eye af and or eye tracking. Using a La-ea4 with Sony G 70-200mm f2.8 SSM Lens A Mount on a Sony a7rII

[@Jan-eh7nf]

A7RII AF system with adapters w/o mirror is simply not good enough for adapted lenses.

[@kalleankaa7536]

I cringe how you handle your gear.

[@PolioVitruvius]

Well I actually use it a lot. I don’t collect it to sit in a case for 50 years. In 10 years every smart phone will out perform it anyway. I cringe when I see people NOT use their equipment.

[@PolioVitruvius]

Also note that none of my camera gear has a single scuff or scratch, not even the hot shoe or the tripod mounts.

[@kalleankaa7536]

@@PolioVitruviusi respect your opinion but you could atleast be bit more carfull. Its not really canon so… It just make people that likes to buy used having second thoughts….

[@pengzhang7007]

SO YOU NEED LA EA5?