NEX 6 Sony E kit zoom versus Sigma 19mm f2.8

There is considerable interest in the newish Sony 16-50 lens that is being packaged with the NEX 6

In this posting I show actual pixel crops from both that lens taken at 19mm and  f5.6 and from the Sigma 19mm also at f5.6. The approximate overall view is also shown. Camera mounted on sturdy tripod and timed delay used to activate shutter. The photos were taken within minutes of each other but from very slightly different positions.

Developed in lightroom using default settings, but with lens correction applied in each case.

There is clearly a differential in the focal lengths!

Actual pixels from left, centre and right of main image.

Click for enlarged view.

Overall View

Actual pixels Sony 16-50 at 19mm and  f5.6

(Full view processed JPG 8.5M )

Actual pixels Sigma 19mm f2.8 at f5.6

(Full view processed JPG 10.3M )

My interpretation. The Sigma lens is gathering more detail and at a higher level of contrast. It has a significant advantage in the centre, but the extreme edges are not great. The Sigma is a clear winner here. Having taken a number of shots with the Sigma now in a variety of conditions, it produces very pleasing results, and unless extreme edge definition is critically important, is a very good choice.

I have to say that my Sony 16-50 lens has proved to be reliable, despite considerable abuse. I regularly carry this lens when cycling and the camera has been dropped etc. However a friend of mine recently bought a used copy and, despite a pristine external condition - mine has been through the wars, it has ceased to work. Taking it to a local repairer he was advised that economic repair was not possible, and that this was a relatively common problem with the lens. 

Edit 08-12-16 See also  Problems with Sigma 19mm lens

Workfit Cycling Challenge Newcastle

The Workforce Workfit cycling challenge took place in Newcastle's Eldon Square shopping centre.

People signing up

Two ladies pedal while watching their virtual progress on a TV screen

A representative of Durham County Council nears the end of his stint encouraged by colleagues.

Sony NEX 6 16-50

Snow in the Toon

Having acquired a decent quality camera that you can carry in a coat pocket I was able to take a few night shots of the snow in Newcastle after leaving a concert at the Sage.

Sony NEX 6 16-50

Bowburn Miners' Banner

The National Union of Mineworkers - Durham Area, Bowburn Lodge, banner. 

Now housed within Bowburn Community Centre. We visited Bowburn Community Centre for a Ceilidh and spotted the Banner, actually you can't miss it as it occupies the end wall of the hall. 

The table before the banner holds raffle prizes.

Sony NEX 6 16-50mm  iso3200 1/40th f8, the detail is incredible for this rating!

Roker This Morning

We took the camera for a walk along the seafront this morning. There was a strange dark sky, almost like twilight. Here's the photo: -

Canon 5DII 24-105 f4

Newcastle New Year's Eve Party

While the national papers chose to show images of drunken people staggering around the streets of the city, the Newcastle street party or carnival, was a very successful and colourful event, which as far as I could tell, went without incident but rather with good humour. Here are some photos.

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