Sony A7iii: Kit Lens Challenge & 135mm GM Review

Hey guys! It's been an awesome second week rocking the Sony a7iii, and I've been pushing myself to really explore its capabilities. This week, I decided to spend a significant amount of time with the kit lens (FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS) to see what I could really get out of it. I also had some time to play with the incredible Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM, which, spoiler alert, is a dream lens. So, let's dive into my experiences, the challenges, the triumphs, and the overall vibe of shooting with this fantastic camera system.

Embracing the Kit Lens: A Creative Challenge

Look, I know what you might be thinking: "The kit lens? Really?" And yeah, I get it. Kit lenses often get a bad rap. They're seen as the entry-level option, the thing you immediately upgrade from. But I wanted to challenge that perception and see if I could create compelling images using only the 28-70mm lens. My philosophy is that great photography is more about the photographer than the gear, and I wanted to put that to the test. Let’s dive into my experience with the kit lens and how I approached this creative challenge. First, I focused on finding interesting compositions. This meant really paying attention to lines, shapes, and textures in my environment. I experimented with different angles and perspectives, trying to find unique ways to frame my subjects. Secondly, I thought about lighting. The kit lens isn't the fastest, with its variable aperture, so I had to be mindful of the available light. I shot during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) to take advantage of the soft, warm light, and I also looked for interesting shadows and highlights to add depth to my images. Third, I tried to maximize the lens's capabilities. Even though it's not a macro lens, I experimented with getting as close as possible to subjects to create shallow depth of field. I also played with the zoom range, using the 28mm for wider shots and the 70mm to compress the background and isolate my subject. One of the biggest challenges was the limited aperture. At f/3.5-5.6, it's not ideal for low-light situations or creating significant background blur. To overcome this, I often had to increase the ISO, which can introduce noise. I learned to carefully balance the ISO with the shutter speed to get the best possible image quality. Another challenge was the sharpness. While the kit lens is decent, it's not as sharp as a prime lens or a higher-end zoom. To compensate, I made sure to nail my focus and use a slightly smaller aperture (around f/8) when possible to maximize sharpness.

The results? I was actually pretty impressed! I captured some images that I'm genuinely proud of. It wasn't always easy, and I definitely had to work harder than I would with a faster lens, but that's what made it such a valuable experience. It forced me to be more creative, more intentional, and more aware of the limitations and capabilities of my gear.

Unleashing the Beast: Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM

Okay, now for something completely different. After spending a few days with the kit lens, I switched gears and mounted the Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM. Oh. My. Goodness. This lens is an absolute beast. It's legendary for a reason, and it completely blew me away. Let's explore what makes this lens so special and how it elevated my photography this week. First, let's talk about sharpness. The 135mm GM is ridiculously sharp. Like, razor-sharp. Even wide open at f/1.8, the images are tack sharp from corner to corner. It's the kind of sharpness that makes you want to zoom in to 100% just to marvel at the details. Secondly, the bokeh is magical. The f/1.8 aperture, combined with the lens's optical design, creates a creamy, dreamy background blur that just melts away distractions. It's perfect for portraits, isolating your subject and creating a beautiful, professional look. Third, the build quality is superb. The lens feels solid and well-built in your hand, and the focus ring is smooth and precise. It's clear that this is a premium lens designed to last. Shooting with the 135mm GM was a completely different experience than shooting with the kit lens. The biggest difference was the aperture. At f/1.8, I could shoot in much lower light and still get bright, clear images. I also had so much more control over the depth of field, allowing me to create stunning portraits with beautifully blurred backgrounds. The focal length also played a big role. At 135mm, it's a telephoto lens, which means it compresses the perspective and makes distant subjects appear closer. This is great for portraits, as it creates a flattering perspective and helps to isolate your subject. It's also useful for landscape photography, allowing you to bring distant elements into the frame. Of course, shooting with the 135mm GM also presented some challenges. The biggest one is the size and weight. It's a big, heavy lens, which can be tiring to carry around for long periods. It also requires a certain amount of space to use effectively, as you need to be further away from your subject than you would with a shorter lens. Despite these challenges, the results were well worth it. The images I captured with the 135mm GM were simply stunning. The sharpness, the bokeh, the overall image quality – it was all just on another level. It's a lens that inspires creativity and makes you want to go out and shoot.

a7iii Reflections: Two Weeks In

So, after two weeks of shooting with the Sony a7iii, both with the kit lens and the 135mm GM, what are my overall impressions? Let's break it down. The a7iii itself is a fantastic camera. It's a true all-rounder, capable of producing high-quality images in a wide range of situations. The autofocus is incredibly fast and accurate, the image stabilization is excellent, and the dynamic range is impressive. It's a camera that gets out of your way and lets you focus on the creative process. First, let's talk about the image quality. The a7iii's 24.2-megapixel sensor produces images with excellent detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Whether I was shooting with the kit lens or the 135mm GM, the images were always sharp, vibrant, and full of life. Secondly, the autofocus is a standout feature. The a7iii has a hybrid autofocus system with 693 phase-detection points, covering 93% of the frame. This means that it can lock onto subjects quickly and accurately, even in challenging situations. I was particularly impressed with the eye autofocus, which automatically detects and focuses on the subject's eye, ensuring that portraits are always sharp. Third, the in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is a game-changer. The a7iii's IBIS system provides up to 5 stops of stabilization, which means you can shoot at slower shutter speeds without blurring the image. This is particularly useful in low-light situations or when shooting handheld. One of the things I appreciate most about the a7iii is its versatility. It's a camera that can handle just about anything you throw at it, from portraits and landscapes to sports and wildlife. It's also relatively compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around all day. Of course, no camera is perfect. One of the things I found a bit frustrating was the menu system, which can be a bit confusing at first. It takes some time to learn where everything is located. Another minor gripe is the battery life, which is decent but not amazing. I found myself needing to carry extra batteries when shooting for extended periods. But overall, the a7iii is an exceptional camera that I've thoroughly enjoyed using. It's a camera that inspires creativity and helps you to capture stunning images. The experience of shooting with both the kit lens and the 135mm GM really highlighted the camera's versatility. It can produce great results with a basic lens, but it can also shine with a high-end lens like the 135mm GM.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

This week has been a fantastic learning experience. Pushing the kit lens to its limits reminded me of the importance of composition, lighting, and technique. And experiencing the 135mm GM was a revelation in image quality and creative potential. The a7iii continues to impress me with its performance and versatility. What’s next? I'm planning to explore some different genres of photography, maybe some street photography or astrophotography. I also want to experiment with different lenses and accessories. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to see where this photographic journey takes me. Thanks for joining me on this adventure, guys! Stay tuned for more updates and insights from my time with the Sony a7iii. Keep shooting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun! Until next time!