Sony DSLR A900 at Dakar Rally

The real problem in such a lens battle is the protection of the glass, and more precisely - the front and back lens. While the body itself and lens barrels are resistant to hits, front and back lenses have one defect ? they are made of glass. They are additionally covered with anti-reflective coating. In the case of the Zeiss optics (T* coating) is their key advantage. These are fortunately tough coatings, but they are better left untested. I am an strong opponent of UV filters, especially the cheap ones. However, something has to protect the lens. In my case, that was a polarizing filter, also Zeiss-made and also with T* coatings. To be honest, I could perhaps use such a UV filter, but a lens in fact is not damaged during shooting but rather in transport or when it flies from the back seat to the dashboard. In such situations, a lens cap is the best protection, but only when it is on the lens, not in the jacket pocket.  Therefore, lens caps must always be attached with a wire to the lens. Similarly, the back lens covers. Unfortunately, it is not so obvious with me. Fortunately, as I have already said, the coatings are tough. Another important protection against bumps and knocks is a lens hood. It should always be on the lens, but where will you put a lens with a lens hood on?  When I examined my lenses after the rally, I was really amazed that they were operational and looked surprisingly good.

Fot.: Jacek Bonecki

At the end ? a comment that should be considered by all the fanboys of a specific brand. I don?t mean that the Sony DSLR A900 is the only exceptional camera. Equipment from other brands that other photographers used, worked in the same conditions. After all,  reliability is one of the parameters of the professional equipment for which every photographer pays extravagant prices. With respect to reliability, no photo company does it for free. But Sony delivers what is important as well. The difference is that brand X or Y cameras have been on the market for a long time and they have more than once proven their durability. Sony, as a the first-timer in the professional camera segment, must work hard for that opinion. For me, the whole issue is much easier. I photographed one of the Dakar rallies with a Minolta, which after all, was the father of the whole Alpha family. The company?s experience in this field is the best recommendation for the related photo products.
 

Fot.: Jacek Bonecki

Finally, the ?most important? parameter of a professional photojournalist camera, which I mentioned earlier: AF speed ? was excellent. The photos were sharp, even when a car was coming in our direction at almost 200 km/h, however I did not take many such photos. In most of the other cases, I could probably make do even with a manual focus if I was stubborn ? but I?m not. So, what?s the deal with the AF and photojournalism? You will probably hear about it the next time.
 

Fot.: Jacek Bonecki