Sony A900 DSLR Sony 28 75mm F2 8 SAM Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview evaluation of the Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 highlights a photography-centric camera featuring a 24.6-megapixel full-frame sensor, built-in SteadyShot INSIDE stabilization, a durable weather-sealed body, and a 100% viewfinder. Key advantages include exceptional resolution, accurate JPEGs, intuitive Quick Navi menus, and a solid 5 fps burst rate. Conversely, the review notes the lack of Live View and video recording as major omissions compared to contemporaries. Further disadvantages include higher noise at elevated ISO settings, a demand for high-quality lenses, and slow write speeds without fast CompactFlash cards.

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Sony Alpha A900 highlights the 24.6-megapixel, full-frame DSLR as a powerhouse for detail resolution, boasting a fast nine-point autofocus system and built-in SteadyShot stabilization. Performance is a key strength, with dual Bionz processors allowing five frames per second shooting in raw, while the camera delivers exceptional dynamic range and color reproduction. However, the camera suffers from high-ISO noise, with significant image noise appearing at settings above 800 in JPEG mode, along with noticeable mirror vibration when using long lenses. Furthermore, the buffer limits continuous shooting to 10 frames when capturing uncompressed RAW+JPEG, creating a bottleneck for high-speed shooting. Trusted Reviews

Conversely, the review notes significant limitations, particularly regarding high-ISO noise performance, with grain visible at lower settings compared to competitors. The camera also lacks modern features such as Live View and video recording capabilities, while offering a subpar implementation of DT lens support.

On the downside, the camera lacks modern conveniences like Live View and video recording capabilities. High ISO performance is a significant weakness; the image quality is poor at ISO 3200 and virtually unusable at ISO 6400, falling roughly 1 to 1.5 stops behind competitors like the Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D3x at higher speeds. Sony's proprietary "Image Data Converter" raw software is also highly criticized for its subpar user interface and output quality, forcing photographers to rely on third-party programs like Lightroom or Aperture. Finally, the camera suffers from low battery life, yielding fewer than 400 frames per charge when shooting in raw format.

The Sony 28-75mm f/2.8 SAM (SAL-2875) review highlights it as a highly affordable full-format alternative to the premium Zeiss ZA 24-70mm f/2.8, sharing a nearly identical optical layout with its cheaper counterpart, the Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR. Optically, the lens delivers a mixed performance; it suffers from soft corners, weak contrast, and heavy vignetting exceeding 2EV at its wide-open f/2.8 setting, especially at 28mm. However, stopping down to f/4 at 28mm or f/5.6 at longer focal lengths significantly boosts central sharpness and global resolution, peaking across the frame at f/8. The bokeh is merely acceptable, exhibiting onion-like structures and "cat's eye" deterioration at the image edges. A recurring mechanical concern noted throughout the test history is a high prevalence of sample centering issues, which may deter potential buyers. Pros Affordable price compared to premium options like the Zeiss alternative. Excellent resolution and contrast when stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6, reaching peak sharpness around f/8. Virtually non-existent bokeh fringing (longitudinal chromatic aberrations), which is rare for a fast zoom lens. Well-controlled distortion for a standard full-frame zoom, with fuerzas...

This review evaluates the Sony SAL 28-75mm f/2.8 SAM A-mount lens used on a full-frame mirrorless Sony A7R II via an LA-EA3 lens adapter. As an affordable alternative to costly native G Master standard zooms, this 14-year-old Tamron-designed lens offers a highly compact and lightweight setup, measuring 115mm in length and weighing just 683g with the adapter and lens hood included. Centrally, the lens is capable of matching a 42-megapixel sensor across its entire zoom range, delivering superb sharpness over the APS-C image area and a pleasant, non-nervous bokeh. It provides fast startup, reliable continuous tracking focus in low-light environments, and slick, quiet aperture actuation. However, the lens exhibits several clear compromises, particularly a lack of modern tracking features and weatherproofing. Optically, a strong "cap shape" field curvature causes severe softening in the corners on flat subjects and landscapes at 28mm, along with a pixel-level "glow" wide open at f/2.8. Ergonomically, the autofocus does not support advanced modes like Eye-AF, lacks Direct Manual Focus (DMF) or auto manual magnification overrides, and is slightly too noisy for in-camera video audio. Furthermore,...

The review outlines that the Sony Alpha A850 and A900 are full-frame, 24.6-megapixel DSLRs occupying the top end of the Alpha system lineup. Because they share virtually identical bodies, performance, and ergonomics, they are reviewed simultaneously as near-identical twins. The pros highlighted in the review include their exceptional, high-resolution image quality and accurate color reproduction when shooting in well-lit conditions, making them excellent choices for studio environments. They feature highly comfortable, rounded body grips, intuitive controls with quick-access buttons, a physical switch for the SteadyShot image stabilization, and a robust dual card slot system supporting both CompactFlash and Memory Stick formats. Additionally, the cameras feature a competent 9-point autofocus system (with a dual-cross center point), an advanced wireless flash system, and a competitive price tag—particularly for the $2,000 A850, which offers massive value over the $2,700 A900. However, the review details several notable cons, particularly regarding low-light performance and design limitations. Both cameras struggle significantly with image noise once pushed beyond ISO 1600, falling one to two stops behind competitors like the Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D700. While...

The Sony A900 is an innovative full-frame DSLR from 2008 that stands out for its high-resolution 24-megapixel CMOS sensor and built-in image stabilisation. On the positive side, its resolution remains perfectly acceptable by modern standards, offering excellent image quality with a punchy, highly saturated, film-like colour science in the reds and greens. It boasts a large optical viewfinder with 100% coverage, a solid 5 frames-per-second burst speed, and full compatibility with older Minolta A-mount autofocus lenses. Additionally, any modern shortcomings regarding sensor noise can be easily rectified by processing the files through software like DxO PureRAW. However, the camera has notable drawbacks, particularly its complete lack of live-view and video capabilities, which makes specialized shooting methods like the Brenizer bokeh panorama technique difficult to align. The fixed 3.0-inch rear screen suffers from dated viewing angles and weak dynamic range, and the camera relies on outdated CompactFlash (CF) and Memory Stick cards. Ergonomically, the reviewer notes that the body design is bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable to hold compared to rivals like Nikon. Finally, the reviewer experienced a high volume of blurry...

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 stands out as a historic flagship camera, being the world's first full-frame DSLR to feature built-in sensor-shift image stabilisation. Released as a high-resolution pioneer, it boasts a massive 24.6-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor that surpassed its contemporary rivals in pixel count while offering a significantly lower price point. Backed by dual Bionz image processors, the camera delivers an impressive continuous shooting speed of 5 frames per second. Its high-end physical design is rounded out by a high-quality VGA screen, an HDMI port, accurate battery feedback, and a large optical viewfinder that uniquely provides 100% field coverage. The camera's primary advantages lie in its exceptional resolution capabilities and its versatile SteadyShot stabilization system, which effectively counteracts camera shake across any attached prime or zoom lens. Additionally, the large 35mm-format sensor eliminates the field-reduction crop factor, allowing wide-angle lenses to retain their true focal lengths. However, the A900 is not without notable omissions; it entirely lacks a Live View mode and has no video/movie recording capabilities. There are also potential performance questions regarding image noise when shooting at higher...

The Sony A900 is a 24.6-megapixel full-frame DSLR tailored for high-end enthusiasts and landscape photographers seeking class-leading resolution and an alternative to Canon and Nikon. Its primary strengths include an exceptional, highly resolving sensor, a remarkably large and bright viewfinder, a robust ergonomic build, and wide dynamic range capable of pulling rich details from deep shadows. Additionally, its built-in sensor-based stabilization extends anti-shake benefits to every attached lens, and the camera achieves a fast 5 frames-per-second raw shooting rate despite the massive file sizes. However, the camera has notable drawbacks, particularly its poor high ISO noise performance where chroma and luminance noise become aggressively apparent above ISO 800. The A900 also completely lacks modern features like Live View and video recording, utilizes a restrictive 12-bit depth compared to its 14-bit rivals, and exhibits underwhelming battery life. Reviewer Michael Reichmann also criticizes several design choices, such as Sony's reliance on Minolta's proprietary flash hot shoe, a poorly thought-out wireless remote sensor placed only on the front of the body, a second card slot limited to more expensive, proprietary Memory Stick Duos,...

The Sony 28-75mm f/2.8 SAM (SAL-2875) is a large-aperture standard zoom lens designed for full-frame Alpha-mount cameras, serving as a budget-friendly alternative to the premium Zeiss ZA 24-70mm f/2.8 SSM. Reviewed by Klaus Schroiff on OpticalLimits (formerly PhotoZone), this lens shares its 16-element, 14-group optical design with the Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8, incorporating three low-dispersion, four aspherical, and two extra-refractive elements. While it incorporates cosmetic changes to align with Sony’s design aesthetic, its signature upgrade is the integration of a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) built directly into the lens, replacing traditional screw-driven autofocus systems. The lens presents distinct pros and cons regarding its build, usability, and price. On the positive side, its consumer-grade build features smoothly operating zoom and focus rings, alongside an internal focusing (IF) layout that keeps the front 67mm filter thread from rotating—a convenient attribute for filter users. It is also significantly cheaper than the high-end Zeiss alternative. On the downside, the review highlights that its material finish lacks premium appeal, and the AF speed of the micromotor is considered a "shadow" of the Zeiss SSM system....

Ken Rockwell characterizes the Sony 28-75mm f/2.8 as a basic, consumer-grade lens, highlighting its fast constant f/2.8 aperture, exceptionally low distortion, and accurate autofocus. While it offers well-geared manual focus and average bokeh, it is noted for being very soft on the sides and corners at larger apertures. Ken Rockwell The lens suffers from significant corner softness and noticeable coma flare, causing bright points of light to blur at the edges. Additionally, the autofocus is only moderately fast and produces a "wheezy" sound, distinguishing it from professional-grade glass. Ken Rockwell