Today I took my Sony Nex-6, Canon 135mm f/2 L Lens, and the Fotodiox Lens adapter out for some Raw Image Quality Testing. The Sony Nex-6 has a New 16mp sensor and it’s capable of pumping out incredible image quality, but the optics in front of the sensor is what focuses the light for the sensor. The better optics equals better image quality. Pretty simple really, but not necessarily practical 😉 The Canon EF 135mm f/2 L Lens is not exactly small or light weight, but it’s know for being one of the sharpest lenses in the Canon EF Lens Line-Up.
The Sony Nex Camera System has an 18mm Sensor to Flange distance (E-Mount), which allows it to accept almost all lenses with the use of a proper Lens Adapter. Owning a bunch of Canon pro lenses it was a no brainier to get a lens adapter asap, so I could use them on my Nex camera!! Be sure to check out my Sony Nex E-Mount Lens Adapter Guide >> to find out what Lens Adapter types you might need!!
Take a look at what the full frame 135mm lens looks like mounted to the Sony Nex-7 with my Fotodiox Lens Adapter.
Sony Nex-6 Camera and Lens Settings
For these Nex-6 sample images I had the Cannon 135mm Lens set to f/8. I did this by mounting the lens to my Canon 5D Mark II and setting the aperture to f/8. I then pressed the depth of field preview button and simultaneously took off the lens. This trick leaves the lens set to whatever aperture you were previewing, in my case f/8! I then mounted the lens to the fotodiox lens adapter and then to the Sony Nex-6.
I also had to change some of the camera default settings in order for the camera to work “without a lens”. By default the Nex-6 comes with a feature called shoot without lens, and it’s Turned Off. You will need to turn this ON! Next your going to want to turn on Focus Peaking which will help dramatically with manual focus. It basically overlays colored lines on the sharp spots to help you focus faster and more accurately. Not only does focus peaking work, it makes using manual lenses almost easy!!
I have a video tutorial that will walk you through the set-up process step by step if you need more detailed instructions: How To Set Up the Sony Nex Camera for using Lens Adapters >>
Sony Nex-6 Raw Image Quality Sample
Check out the image quality on these Nex-6 Raw Photos when using Top Quality Optics!! I was hand holding the camera when I took all these photos as well.
Be sure to Click on these Raw Sample Images for the true 100% Crops!!
Sadie Girl in direct sunlight. Note the highlight detail and natural colors the Sony raw file produces in Lightroom 4 default settings. Also, how sharp the whisker detail and eyes are!!
Be sure to Click on these Raw Sample Images for the true 100% Crops!!
The Sun was getting low and was painting some killer light all over the place. I couldn’t really find anything that good, but this had some sharp lines, shadows, and hot spots!! The Sony Nex-6 Dynamic Range is excellent!!
Tri-pod Shots
Lastly I took these Nex-6 Raw photos inside the house a few minutes ago using a tri-pod to make sure I got sharp shots!!
I shot this next Raw sample photo with the Canon 135mm f/2 L lens @ f/2 for comparison purposes, and to show off the super narrow depth of field!!
Closing Remarks:
Quality optics make a pretty big difference right??
I sure think they do, and these few sample photos illustrate what the Sony Nex-6 16.1MP Sensor can do with Pro Grade Glass!! I’ definitely get more sample photos before my full Sony Nex-6 Review, so don’t worry about that. I also need to get some photos in the studio with the wireless flash.
Be sure to check out my Sony Nex E-Mount Lens Adapter Guide >> to find out what Lens Adapter types you might need!!
If you would like to see more photos taken with the Sony Nex-5n and the Canon 135mm f/2 L lens, click this link: Sony Nex-5n, Fotodiox Lens Adapter, Canon EF 135mm f/2 L Lens – Sample Photos
Nex-6 (body only) ~$848 US@ BHPhotoVideo >> | Amazon >>
