Tag: samyang 14mm f2.8

Is the Sony A7C Still Good for Vlogging in 2024?

If you’re in the market for a compact, high-quality camera for vlogging, you may be wondering: is the Sony A7C still a good choice in 2024? After testing it out with the Samyang 14mm f2.8 AF lens and the Rode VideoMic Pro Plus, these are the standout reasons I uncovered.

1. Compact Yet Powerful Design

One of the standout features of the Sony A7C is its compact size. Despite being a full-frame camera, it’s incredibly lightweight and portable, making it perfect for vlogging on the go. Whether you’re chasing a sunset, like I did in this test, or exploring new cities, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to carry without sacrificing image quality.

The Samyang 14mm f2.8 AF lens pairs beautifully with the camera, offering an ultra-wide perspective that’s perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or fitting more into your frame while holding the camera at arm’s length. The wide-angle lens also adds a cinematic feel to your vlogs, something many content creators are looking for in 2024.

  • Why it’s still good: The A7C’s compact size combined with the wide-angle capabilities of the 14mm lens makes it ideal for vlogging, especially when you need mobility.

2. Impressive Autofocus Performance

When you’re vlogging, one of the most important features is autofocus. You don’t want to be fiddling with settings while filming, especially if you’re capturing spontaneous moments. The Sony A7C excels here, offering fast and accurate autofocus that seamlessly transitions between your face and the background.

During my test, the camera performed flawlessly as I pointed it at different objects and back at myself. The autofocus remained responsive, keeping me in sharp focus without any noticeable lag. This is crucial for vloggers who are constantly moving and need their camera to keep up.

  • Why it’s still good: The A7C’s autofocus is reliable, even in low light, ensuring that your vlogs always look sharp and professional.

3. Low-Light Performance That Shines

Vloggers often film in various lighting conditions, and this is where the Sony A7C truly stands out. With its full-frame sensor and the Samyang 14mm f2.8 lens, you can capture stunning footage even in low-light situations. For example, as I filmed during sunset and well into the night, the camera was able to maintain impressive clarity and detail, even in dim lighting.

If you plan on vlogging at night or in environments with less-than-ideal lighting, the Sony A7C’s low-light capabilities will not disappoint. The f2.8 aperture on the Samyang lens also helps to let in more light, ensuring your shots remain well-exposed.

  • Why it’s still good: The A7C excels in low-light situations, making it a versatile camera for both day and night vlogging.

4. Audio Quality with the Rode VideoMic Pro Plus

No vlogging setup is complete without good audio, and the Rode VideoMic Pro Plus paired with the A7C provides excellent sound quality. Crisp and clear audio can elevate your vlogs, and this microphone does just that. Whether you’re talking to the camera or capturing ambient sounds, the Rode mic delivers a rich audio experience that complements the A7C’s video performance.

  • Why it’s still good: The Rode VideoMic Pro Plus offers professional-grade audio, making your vlogs sound as good as they look.

5. Versatile for All Types of Content

The Sony A7C is not just a vlogging camera—it’s a versatile tool for various types of content creation. Whether you’re filming a cinematic travel video, capturing daily vlogs, or doing in-depth product reviews, this camera can handle it all. Its lightweight build makes it easy to carry, and its full-frame sensor ensures you get professional-quality footage in a range of environments.

With the right lens, like the Samyang 14mm f2.8, and microphone, such as the Rode VideoMic Pro Plus, you have a complete vlogging kit that can keep up with your creative vision.

  • Why it’s still good: The A7C’s versatility makes it suitable for all types of vlogging and content creation.

Conclusion: Is the Sony A7C Still Good for Vlogging in 2024?

Absolutely. The Sony A7C remains one of the top choices for vloggers in 2024 thanks to its compact design, impressive autofocus, excellent low-light performance, and compatibility with a range of high-quality accessories like the Samyang 14mm f2.8 lens and Rode VideoMic Pro Plus. Whether you’re a seasoned content creator or just starting your vlogging journey, this camera will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Ready to up your vlogging game? Check out the gear mentioned in this article with the below affiliate links:

Happy vlogging!

Sony 10-18mm f/4 vs. Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 AF: Which Lens is Best for Full Frame Vlogging?

When it comes to vlogging on a full-frame camera, choosing the right lens can make a significant difference in the quality and style of your footage. Today, we’re comparing the Sony 10-18mm f/4 and the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 AF lenses to help you decide which one best suits your needs for vlogging. Both lenses offer unique strengths, and we’ll be testing them for stabilization, autofocus, and overall usability. Let’s dive into the comparison.

Stabilization Test: Walking and Running

The first test focuses on how stable each lens performs while walking and running, two common movements in vlogs.

Sony 10-18mm f/4
The Sony 10-18mm lens features optical stabilization, which is a major plus when it comes to handheld shooting. During the walking test, it delivered noticeably smoother footage. The wider angle (even though it’s an APS-C lens) gave it a natural advantage in stabilization, making it feel less shaky even during more aggressive movements like running.

Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 AF
The Rokinon 14mm lacks built-in stabilization, which resulted in footage that felt a bit more shaky when walking. While the video was still usable, the shake became more pronounced during the running test. Although the lens was able to keep up, it wasn’t as smooth as the 10-18mm.

Verdict: If stabilization is important for your vlogging setup, the Sony 10-18mm is the better choice. It’s wider, has built-in stabilization, and handles movement more effectively.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Next, we tested how fast and accurately the autofocus locks onto subjects in a vlogging environment, where switching focus quickly between yourself and the background is essential.

Sony 10-18mm f/4
The autofocus performance on the 10-18mm was quick and reliable, handling the focus shifts between the vlogger and the background well. There was a slight misfocus once, but it was due to the wide-angle nature of the lens—it kept part of the face in the frame when it shouldn’t have. Even with that, the overall speed and accuracy were impressive.

Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 AF
The Rokinon 14mm was a bit slower when it came to switching focus between the subject and the background. It took longer to lock onto the background in comparison to the Sony lens, which could be a drawback if you need to switch focus quickly while vlogging.

Verdict: The Sony 10-18mm lens wins again here, especially for vloggers who need fast and accurate autofocus while moving around or switching scenes frequently.

Image Quality: Field of View and Low Light

Both lenses produce great image quality, but there are key differences in how they handle certain scenarios.

Sony 10-18mm f/4
Since the 10-18mm is an APS-C lens, using it on a full-frame camera in crop mode affects the final image. However, it still offers a very wide field of view, which is perfect for capturing expansive backgrounds or fitting more into your frame when vlogging. The f/4 aperture isn’t the best for low-light situations, but it’s more than capable for well-lit environments, especially if you prioritize smoothness over bokeh.

Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 AF
The Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens shines in low-light situations, thanks to its wider aperture. This makes it the better option if you’re shooting in darker environments or if you want to capture astrophotography with beautiful background blur (bokeh). It also has a full-frame design, so you get the full field of view without having to crop, making it ideal for those who want the maximum use of their camera’s sensor.

Verdict: If you’re after low-light performance or creamy bokeh, the Rokinon 14mm is the way to go. For general vlogging, the Sony 10-18mm still holds its own, especially in brighter environments.

Conclusion: Which Lens is Right for You?

Choosing between the Sony 10-18mm f/4 and the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 AF ultimately comes down to your vlogging style and priorities:

  • Go with the Sony 10-18mm f/4 if stabilization, autofocus speed, and a wider field of view are critical for your setup. It’s an excellent option for vlogging, especially if you prioritize smooth footage and shoot in well-lit environments. Plus, it’s the more affordable option, making it a great value.
  • Go with the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 AF if you need superior low-light performance or want to create cinematic bokeh. It’s an excellent choice for creative shots that benefit from a wider aperture and full-frame coverage. However, be prepared to deal with some shake if you’re vlogging on the go.

Both lenses are strong performers, so your decision should be based on your specific needs. If you’re a casual vlogger looking for an affordable, versatile lens, the Sony 10-18mm is likely your best bet. On the other hand, if you need a lens for more professional, low-light situations, the Rokinon 14mm is hard to beat.

Here are the affiliate links to both lenses if you’re ready to make a decision:

Both lenses are great tools, and with either choice, you’ll be well-equipped for your next adventure!