The Best Lens I've Ever Bought.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

My new book is now available for pre-order: www.jamespopsys.com/human-nature-book 🙂

[@zaddy6960]

Most photographers, at least on KZbin, are on the hunt for epic shoots, in epic locations, with epic lighting. You stand out by making the mundane interesting. You editing is so subtle, almost pastel. I will have to go back to one of your editing videos for your tips.

[@lukaszbrozek]

I cannot agree more with you.

[@jeroenrotty]

Spot on!

[@ZaZu2k9]

Agreed. Reminds you daily life is worth photographing. I also love the goofy labels on the Sony. “CAMRA” upgrade from “LEICA”

[@simonmaney3438]

Well put. I ponder this a lot. I describe this as 'type one' photography, where the skill is in making a compelling image, or good photograph, out of just about anything. It leans towards the creativity of the photographer. I'm more 'type two' (perhaps confusingly, more your first example) where ultimately, a good photograph relies on the subject itself, and how well I might capture that.

[@chrisfrye5730]

@@simonmaney3438I’m the same way. I admire people like James that see photo opportunities when I don’t. But I’m working on it…

[@MatthewMorse]

Lenses like these are a big reason I've considered switching to Sony. I love that they're finally focusing on creating small, lightweight, high quality lenses to pair with their full frame bodies.

[@ladyethyme]

Same here.....

[@bondgabebond4907]

Sony is seemingly focusing on the future. I just got the A7CR and that lens (24-50) would be a jewel on it. Funny thing is I shot film since 1972. I got back into photography after about a 10 year layoff and chose Sony solely based on the a6000 series. OMG, what a cute Leica like camera in a tiny, compact body. So happy to see Sony start making their FF compact cameras that are about the same size as my a6700. I often confuse the two and have to look twice to see which is which. Happy photography.

[@USGrant21st]

I don't need 2x zooms, I'm perfectly happy with primes in such cases.

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

@bltelysian i used a 40 summicron & a 40 f/2 rokkor on the a6000 for a few yrs. great except sometimes u wished there no 1.5 factor.

[@SimCreatesStuff]

the image at 1:33 of the cottage and cloud framing the blue sky and town below is absolutely stunning.

[@Bloggerky]

You have to love a KZbinr who can effortlessly (and properly) use the word “penultimate.”

[@lordbalzamore7692]

Ok but he did struggle with 'inconspicuous'

[@terrygoyan]

The word penultimate is much more commonly used in Britain etal. Here in America you rarely hear it, but if you watch any British motor racing they use the word to describe the next to last lap all the time.

[@kenjonesstudio]

Thank you for taking me home. Been in New York 10 years now and I so miss the rolling hills of Ireland. 😊

[@fiskemannen]

Apparently you can fly direct to Shannon.

[@GunslingerMediaCo]

I completely feel you on this, I sold my 24-70 GMii for the 20-70 G f4. Smaller profile, but i miss the bokeh from time to time. I am a bit jealous now that the 24-50 and 16-25 came out.

[@andreasschaefer8613]

For me it's my 20-70/4. Fits so many situations, don't need to switch lenses very often.

[@geopapa80]

great travel lens. uwa to standard zoom

[@paulhancock]

I remember when the lens launched with everyone saying it was a weird, pointless focal length. It made perfect sense to me! My favourite lens is the G-Master 35mm f1.4 but I rarely use it wide open, so this would be a similar size/weight while being more versatile... Worth a look. Anyway, lovely shots! Ireland really is beautiful.

[@user-pg5rt7ju4f]

I have used "weired" zooms for many years . a 24-35 f3.5 rokkor w/macro ( a R-mount version for leica r) an excellent tokina 25(yes 25)-50 (f2.8? don't remember) which I owned for less than 3 weeks, got snatched in front of a church in the wild 80's nyc & maxxum 24-50 A-mount. Currently the compact, very light retractable 28-60 FE is good daily carry. Did not get it as a kit, bought new separately @ almost $500 after finding about its quality & compactness. Had the 20-70 G f4 in mind last yr before these couple new ones show up, got the 3-yr older 16-28 f/2,8 tamron; quite v.good, the 20-70 is an "easier" gem. aside : older lenses for non-digital have less distortions? Camera manuf. count on digital corrections to keep cost down? I made huge (50") C-prints by hand (the last time as far back as 30.5 yrs ago) w/o ever having to worry about distortions.

[@justcooke]

I came here for vindication of my recent purchase of the 24-50 and left inspired, motivated and hungry for my next trip. Brilliant work! Thank you!

[@driverofcar]

Man, the shots you take are just incredible. Fantastically inspiring.

[@CarterCommaJ]

We're in Ireland for a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way later this year (September), so this was a perfect guide video. Thanks!

[@Life_Of_Gal]

I also got this lens a few weeks ago. And I totally feel the same! The best lens I have ever owned. It’s so good, so versatile, light weight and produce off the charts image quality!

[@bondgabebond4907]

I love your Camera brand Camera. Finally we see someone actually use the 24-50. Thanks for this review. I might have bought this instead of the 20-70, but it wasn't announced at the time. I'm happy with the 20-70mm, another excellent lens from Sony.

[@AlChered]

20-70 is my best buy. Shooting video most of the time with it and couldn’t be happier.

[@jharrelphoto]

I kinda think the 20-70 is better for an all rounder lens.

[@rphandler]

@@jharrelphoto I use mine at 70 for more than half my shots, and nearly all when doing wildflower close ups with it. Using it mostly with my a7CR which has relegated y a7Rv to backup status.

[@Satysatonachair]

I LOVE the colors on your pictures. Great job with the really subtle edits!

[@ChrisGower]

Couldn't agree more. Not least because I have the A7CII. the 24-70mm GM II might be the smallest 24-70, but it's still bigger than I'm used to as primarily a prime shooter, and whenever I zoom to 70, it's never far enough - otherwise, I typically live between 24-50, so this lens is perfect. In much the same way that the 35-70 was pretty great on the GFX system - though ideally I'd prefer it was 30-70. The reviews seemed to be lots of people rhetorically asking 'what's the point in this lens' rather than, you know, actually trying to think what the point might be. Your video makes that point.

[@MrQuirke9]

That fella sitting by the side if the roads name is Denny. If you see him in Stradbally, beep and say hello

[@ThomTopics]

I can't tell you how much this has made me want to go to the West coast of Ireland, incredible looking scenery. Great video James.

[@chrisjones5965]

We're headed to Killarney from the US in a few weeks for a family vacation. Bringing my recently (Christmas) acquired Sony A7IV and even more recently (last month) acquired 24-70. This will be my first attempt at trying photography in a destination as opposed to snapshots of kids soccer games. Looks like I have a lot to look forward to! Love the channel. Signed, Total newbie photo taker person

[@lighthousephoto7143]

The Irish tourism board should pay you for this video. Lovely shots and very kind words about Ireland. ❤

[@achtfuenffuenf]

24-50 2.8 G and 85 1.8 = dreamteam an makes more sense for me than heavy and expensive 24-70 GM II. thank you for the video.

[@RandumbTech]

That's my current EDC along with the A7Cii - it's amazing!

[@USGrant21st]

24-70/2.8 is not heavy, and it's not pricy if you go with a new Sigma lens, it's almost the same price as Sony 24-50/2.8. And the truth is that 24-70 is a much more useful range, while 24-50 is not much better than a single prime. There were many times when I was shooting with a single 24/1.4 or 35/1.4 the whole day and I'm sure this 2x zoom advantages would be less than disadvantages.

[@me-rfc2024]

@@USGrant21st Not for me it isn’t. 24-50 all the way.

[@USGrant21st]

@@me-rfc2024 who told you that the world revolves around you? 🤪

[@petrpohnan875]

@@USGrant21st I fully agree with you. Also I do not get the anger of the two haters of yours above. The new Sigma 24-70/2.8 II is clearly a better lens: it does not suffer from the terrible distortion at 24mm as the Sony, it has much longer reach to 70mm instead of 50mm, it is sharper, has less aberrations and costs only fractionally more.

[@CalMukumoto]

I bought the 24 to 50 for my Sony A7CR. A perfect lens for a smaller package.

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

You brought back wonderful memories from when I was last in Southern Ireland 1996. Macgillycuddy's Reeks, I drove the car down the most boulder ridden road you can imagine, when we got to the bottom the sign said "not suitable for vehicular transport" sure it did't have sign at the top. Spectacular none the less. Thank you for a quick review of this lens. I am about to move to Sony with the A7RV and the A7CR with the Sony 24mm and 40mm primes. However, can't decide between 20-70 F4.0 Or the new lens you have. I think you have made the decision for me. If there is one thing you have taught me, is to see the world through prime lenses. I'm hooked. Thank you.

[@terrygoyan]

I love the compositions and pastel colors. Reminds me of old 60's post cards. In a good way!

[@Michael-Bennett]

At 4:13, I watched in fear just waiting for the lens James placed under his arm to crash to the ground! Anyone else?

[@ThomasFreie]

Ever a source of inspiration. Have some banana bread or carrot cake on me!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much ❤️❤️

[@pastapleton]

Awesome to see a video from my homeland James! I only appreciated it as I got older, but what a place indeed ☺️☘️ By the way, your intuition is correct… winter on the wild Atlantic way is special!

[@Herfinnur]

I'm just back on the Faroe Islands now for holidays and I'm so excited to try and photograph the locations I grew up in with your eyes instead of the instagrammy motives I've tried to get in the past. (Don't worry, you'll get them back) I don't think I ever posted any of those photos anywhere, but I was still convinced that that was the only way to improve my photography.

[@BehindTheNeedle]

Great video! The 24-50mm is my favorite lens too. Using it with my Sony ZV-E1 and A7S2 for run and gun video. Just awesome.

[@tpf1952]

You’re my favorite photographer in You Tube. Your images are gorgeous, subtle and sublime. From other videos where you share some of your Lightroom techniques, your mastery of post production is informative. And then there’s that dry wit. I’m always listening hard to make sure I don’t miss it. Keep it up!

[@darrienmccoy592]

The 24-50 in crop mode gives you 24-75 w/ 75mm at f4.2 so with an a7rv that’s not bad You can always add blur

[@IOSARBX]

James Popsys, Subscribed because your videos are so much fun!

[@aqwzsxedc993]

I very much enjoyed seeing you talk about your trip, something i missed in the past months or so. Nice to watch this kind of video again !

[@MichelBosch]

Love the images, and your tongue in cheek humour. That CAMRA decal is brilliant!

[@PRTPHO]

Love this video! definitely talked about all the points I was looking for about this lens, What are you using to reccord youself? what lense/Camera?

[@domtomas1178]

thanks for the video James. And the sense of humour! 😁

[@therealMrJoey]

James just found your channel and very happy I did. All these locations you went to brought back memories of my journey back in 2015.Looking forward to viewing more of your videos mate. Cheers Joe

[@suew6307]

James, great video, loved the photos and your itinerary review. Had you ever considered doing a photo workshop in that area? I think it would be great fun. (maybe not in winter though). Thanks for all the great content you provide!

[@davidnaylor83]

Lots of great photos! Great video. As many others, I really like your style and humour.

[@vermis8344]

Soon as I saw the tractor on the beach, I thought, 'he's over here'. And I was right. Tractors. Tractors everywhere.

[@Cheryl407]

KZbin just popped you into my feed and I couldn’t resist. What a wonderful review of this lens with the added attractions of your beautiful photography and personality. I’ll be back! PS I also use several G lenses and I worry about distortion, but I always shoot wildlife and nature so in the end I don’t really see the distortion.

[@jpbarcelos]

I have the Tamron 20-40. Love that it is compact and light too. Great little lens, has become my all-round. It's a tough choice between having 20 and 50, though. Not really sure which is better.

[@shittytownguides1910]

Same dilemma for me, but I love having 20mm on hikes, and 40mm is good enough to get portraits at the campsites and the lens gets close enough for detail shots and what not. Also… the price is hard to ignore.

[@lighthousephoto7143]

The 20-40 for me, but I'm a fan of cropping heavily when necessary.

[@zulyarturganov1163]

One of the best content in KZbin! Hope you will get more subs because you absolutely deserve it! Good luck and thanks for your hard work

[@ashzhu3085]

I use mostly manual primes on my L mount camera. My dream AF zoom lens is something small, around 28-55 mm, f/4 ish, with an aperture ring.

[@ThePurple1968]

I agree. I only really shoot in the 24-50mm range, actually the 28-50mm range

[@jordantaylorreed]

Such a nice surprise to see you having a fun and photo-filled Dingle Adventure, James ✌

[@OfficialCharcuterie]

You're always putting out fantastic content, but this may be my favorite video of yours yet! ❤

[@RikMaxSpeed]

My current favourite lens is a Voigtländer 40mm F1.2. No auto focus and not weather sealed, but the shooting experience, sharpness and bokeh are second to none (on A7CR).

[@mynameisnotcory]

Im like fiending to sell a few lenses and poke at a voightlander 50mm 1.4…

[@pughenry1588]

Nice lens. I recently got the Voigt 35/1.2 SE and 50/1.2 SE. Both are now my favorites even over all the GM lenses I have.

[@michaelcummins6136]

Hi James - really enjoyed the vid as we now live in North Kerry and know much of the area featured - including the old chap, roadside, at Stradbally (Castlegregory area). Wanted to let you know about Kerry airport (Farranfore near Killarney) with 1 hour flights from Manchester (very cheap Ryanair). You might know already. Your work is refreshingly original and inspiring. All the best.

[@EoghanBell]

Spot on with the Achill island. You really need to get up to Donegal and check out the Inishowen peninsula. Home sweet home but I’m living in Canada now. Love seeing you shoot some places I have done myself over the years

[@evrythingis1]

You've got a high key pastel look, love it.

[@dylancurcio5388]

I think you would love to photograph New Jersey. Next time you're in NYC you should take the Seastreak ferry to Highlands, NJ. More specifically Sandy Hook and Sea Bright. Its where Im at and its right up your alley!

[@PixeloProGear]

Another underrated travel lens is the 20-70mm f4. Super small/sharp/lightweight. Nice wide angle and great subject separation at 70mm

[@DanaPushie]

Thanks for another great video James. I'm sure you know you are allowing me and, I'm guessing, a lot of others to live vicariously. Thanks for letting us tag along. I can understand your interest in the 24-50mm lens as I find I also shoot in the upper part of this range more often than not. Is this range, say 35-50mm, not akin to the human eye? Cheers and safe travels.

[@bneil4059]

A used one hit my local camera store and had to get it, even though I have a 24-70gmii. We’ll see how it works out and which one I eventually settle on, but so far so good.

[@amandeepanand9972]

Any updates? I am on the fence between the two and would love to get your experience since you may have spent time using both.

[@bneil4059]

It’s been on my A7RV more than any other lens I have. It balances well with quality results.

[@francisco_tirado]

You mention the distortion and why the lens is a G rather than G master, I own a 14mm G Master, incredible lens, and I also own a 12-14 G F4, sometimes I need those extra 2mm for interiors but the difference in distortion from a G to a G master is huge... I guess that's why is so expensive.

[@amandeepanand9972]

Why does distortion matter if can be corrected in post or automatically for jpegs?

[@davesnow]

For all of the outdoor shooting you’re doing, an OM Systems body paired with a 24-80 (equivalent) is a smaller package than this, has exceptional optical clarity, and costs less. I own Sony full frame, but travel exclusively with the OM-1.

[@me-rfc2024]

But if you are using the Sony system, which is the point of this video then the 24-50 is a stonking good lens! What has having to buy a second system got to do with this video?

[@davesnow]

@@me-rfc2024 The video spends a lot of time talking about size and weight of lenses. The OM-1 and OM pro lenses are both high quality AND smaller.

[@willoolliw]

Not the point of your video, but jeez your colors are so nice, also what lens are you using to film? Really dig the vibe!

[@kentao4]

Thank you for this video. I’ve felt this need for a smaller setup and owned the a7rv with 24-70 gmii I also bought the a7cii and the a7rv just sat, so I sold it! Now I want a smaller lens so I don’t have to carry my gmaster everywhere. I think I’m going to get this and keep it as my main lens on my a7cii for normal stuff and travel.

[@RyanH0809]

This was a great podcast. I really enjoy getting the BTS thoughts after the reviews are out.

[@astralshore]

Interesting! I shoot crop sensors, and my all time favorite lens is the sigma 18-35. On full frame, that would work out as a about 27-53 - a similar range to your new lens. Also, since it’s f/1.8, it gives a similar dof on crop to yours on ff. Now (because of the aperture) it’s not particularly light, but I can totally understand why the range (including it’s limitations) has got you hooked.

[@gregorsnell]

Great video mate!! Love the mix of travel vlog and lens review. Awesome images too 🙂🙏📷

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for this video. I now have this lens and hope to get some great shots with when I use it on my A7CR or A7CII. A perfect fit. My wife and I visited Ireland, now too many years ago and spent two weeks from Galway to Dingle, to Kerry to Cohb, to Cork to Waterford and ending up in Dublin. A great trip. Think it’s time to go back! Take care.

[@theibecks]

Some stunning images in here. I’m considering the 24-50 for my A7C II so to see some real-world use was very helpful. I was actually really interested in your bland hotel room shot but only because I think I might have stayed there too! 😂

[@tonykeltsflorida]

I have a Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 lens. A lot of people complain about the weight. I like the ability to go wide or zoom in and stay at 2.8. Mine is EF so I adapt it to my M6 mark II.

[@ChrisHunt4497]

I love Ireland. Discovered it years ago before I was into photography. It is full of magic. Keep it to yourself 😂

[@CelestialWonders28]

I bought the same lens from pre-order and slapped on Shortstache filter on it. it's amazing.

[@mohanplays]

Beautiful location and beautiful photos ❤

[@andrewmontesinos5651]

Sooo glad you reviewed this lens! Don’t want to spend the 2k for the GM so I’ve been wanting a genuine opinion on this G lens.

[@aratafreecs3445]

For me, the best lens I've ever bought is the Voigtländer 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar. The experience using that lens is just incredible and the pictures are unreal. The colors feel more saturated, the sharpness is among the best you can buy and that build quality is just superb. Every picture taken with that lens just feels more three dimensional. The focusing action as well as the gentle clicks of the aperture ring and the design just round out that package in the best way possible. It's an absolute joy to use and I'm in love since I got it a couple of months ago. Sold my old 24-70 to get it and don't regret it for a moment.

[@rphandler]

I had one for several years but the lack of weather sealing deterred traveling with it. I was burned by a damaged camera when dust from a wind storm entered an unsealed mount. Gaffer tape around the lens mount is a good idea with CV lenses.

[@danielhenzphotography]

Glad you find use in this lens. For me I would rather have something between 30 to 100ish or something. But the Tamron 35-150 is way to much overkill. But on this rate, I would not be suprise to find something like this in the future. Oh and Ireland is a great place it seems. On my list for sure.

[@minus1db]

Thanks James as always just loose time watching your content, honestly think you could do a channel about watching paint dry and you’d make it thoroughly enjoyable ❤

[@Nanoiren]

Noticed the camera strap in a couple of the thumbnails and love it. Mind if I ask where I can purchase one?

[@thomassteibl1233]

would also be interested in that one. beautiful imagery mate 😮

[@brianmckeever5280]

Sounds like some great places! Nice images.

[@johnkeenan4184]

Great to see you in Ireland!

[@StevensonGphotos]

I like that range. I have a Sigma 18-35 f1.8 (which is a crop sensor lens) and in terms of both range and depth of field it's very similar on an APS-C body - nice! Thanks James :)

[@derekdelboy]

headed home to Dublin in August with family and we're headed out west as they have never been. Covering exactly what you've covered here, perfect. Mind you I won't be bringing my best gear as it's family time and not photography time lol. So for convenience I'll be rocking a RX100.

[@scrptwic]

James Last year I bought a 16-50 2.8 lens for my Pentax APS-C cameras which gives me a focal length of 24 -70 on a full frame it is a Star lens which is Pentax best glass

[@federicosequino3904]

I'm watching all your video, your thoughts... I really love your photography even if it's way more different to my photography, i love your style and your composition. I'm a fashion Photographer that mix the reportage stile into fashion world. You can't Imagine how much i love your photography Just because it's totally different to what i shoot.. It's relaxing, calm... A breathe... So thanks for each video you make... I can't wait tò see your next content! Thanks you and Sorry for my english😅

[@MarcoBlanke]

And the "Ooh, a dog". I felt that

[@LewaGaba]

I was having the same reaction to the announcement - it was lens made specifically for me

[@davidmill7289]

Great images James. No doubt a fab lens but as a hobbyist I’ll stick to the 28-70 f3.5-5.6 kit and primes.

[@marksmith-nb8bh]

I've been shooting street with this lens for the last month and absolutely love it but concur with the distortion gripe, noticeably along what should be straight pavements in front of tall buildings. Also look forward to taking it to the Dingle Peninsula, I go there at least twice a year and it never disappoints.

[@Lethorio]

For the sake of 200 grams, is it really worth it? I think I'd rather have a couple of pancake primes if I'm wanting something more inconspicuous and lighter, especially if f/2.8 is fast enough.

[@trevorbrooks813]

Love all of Ireland, thanks to my very Irish wife. Also really like that shot of the yellow clad cyclists on the Conor Peninsular, tops 👍

[@colmranger]

Long time fan of your channel I'm Irish well done top video as always :)

[@AaronWilson15]

I subscribed to you because this video is not like most dry photography related videos on youtube. like the lanyard for the camera, adds style.

[@paulliddement]

Nice video. I like your vibe and your pastel colours. Just come across this channel. What are your thoughts on the 28-45 1.8? Apart from the weight.

[@RolandWDunn]

I do like your authentic style. Keep it up. 😊

[@fabscams4136]

James! I'm in two minds - help a brother out - do I buy this 24-50 zoom, or just stick with my 35mm Zeiss and a pair of 24mm and 50mm 2.5 G prime lenses?

[@TehGems1]

Awesome video as always! I was in Galway probably around the same time as you were and took a very similar picture of the diving platform there! Quick question: what is that cuff you always use that is made of rope and has the Peak Design anchor attachments? Thanks!

[@GJuve1]

The west coast of Ireland certainly is an interesting location, and that Beara Island cable car was quite an experience, as an Engineer I found it a bit nerve wracking, but I really enjoyed the challenge of photographing the scenery. Do you ever wish you had a longer lens though? To capture the shots of scenes you just can't get physically closer too?

[@bobpaulson9r72fk24]

Thanks for the review. Now the question for me is, this or the tamron 20-40mm. I’d probably lean tamron. I tend to like the wider angles and the lower price makes it seem less crazy to add this to my kit since I already have the 24-70gmii

[@valpayne2963]

Oh my goodness, the WAW is stunning, notable for me was Doolin, Roundstone, the sky road at Clifden, Lisdoonvarna for the matchmaking festival, Cong, …Ballycroy National Park, and of course Achill.

[@bcostin]

We visited Ireland last year. Such a lovely place.

[@pierremaxted214]

The hills in the south of Ireland feel like what Snowdonia must have been like 100 years ago. I went for a walk up one of the bigger peaks on an Easter weekend and saw nobody but a shepherd, complete with crook, all day.

[@Madmarty1973]

Excellent vid James,you need to head further north to Co.Donegal,some unbelievable landscapes 😊

[@GuyRicheyGibbons]

you make me laugh hard dude. thanks for sharing some light

[@sebastiantierney7114]

Hello James! Long shot, but any chance you could talk through your edit on the photo at 12:52? I’ve always struggled with colours and tones in sunsets and that is just so soft yet crisp. Love your stuff :)

[@musiqueetmontagne]

That's very light for a sharp 2.8 zoom, cool. I shoot Nikon and they've done well with reducing weights on the great Z mount lenses but not nearly as much as Sony by the look of it...