So, this happened…….
Well, the bit in the middle anyway. I asked the question of the local camera shop, basically to match the internet price of the more aggressive, but genuine Australian store offers plus $50 for freight (generous). The security and piece of mind of the local guy is worth it. Oh and look at the Bokeh wide open (45mm), beautiful, but also practical.
Not an hour after I went into town to pick it up, the Smallrig “Black Mamba” cage arrived.
First impressions;
The body and menu was no surprise from having an S5 already, the cage is a perfect fit, the side handle is good as usual and the little top handle, something I had at hand, seems perfectly matched in form and function.
The reason I say this and something that will maybe deter me from looking at the 10-25 f1.7*, is balance. This is the action cam, the light runner.
I can hold it loosely and it just sits perfectly balanced front to back and sided to side. The hood is a screw on, because the one that comes with the Sigma is rubbish.
The three lenses in the picture, the under used 8-18 and 12-60 Leica’s and the Sigma 30 f1.4 are all a in perfect balance.
The little 15 and super light 9 are not, but that is hardly surprising.
Animal eye detect is impressive on all lenses and they seem roughly equal in performance up front.
Customising is slightly better than the older G9, a few little niggles fixed, but of course there is a lot more to consider. The Q menu will be important, so I have left that button as found.
There is still a 35mm coming for the S5, then all done.
*A few things at work here. The lens is expensive, very good, but maybe for video too good and I have effectively a whole reserve kit of good glass, just screaming to be used already. Size and weight have just hammered that home.