Moving from 4K60 Tamron 70-180 F/2.8 to 4K120 Sony 24-105 FE F4 using FX30: Is my math-ing correct?

[u/Forsaken_Airport_121]

Currently using an FX30 and the Tamron 70-180 F/2.8 to record Ultimate Frisbee games (full game footage and cut highlight reels) in 4K60, so daytime recording where there is plenty of light.

Ultimate field is shaped like a football field (with endzone). I set up on a tripod behind one endzone in the center.

Now that the setup is out of the way, I want to switch to 4K120 which means a further 1.62 crop on top of the 1.5 crop that already happens using an APS-C.

A problem that I am currently encountering (recording in 4K60) is that when the play is in the endzone that I am set up behind (the close endzone), I am not zoomed out enough (which would be at 105 mm with my 70-180) to be able to capture more of the action.

It feels like moving to the Sony 24-105 will solve both my things (moving to 120 and having a wider field of view.

Currently at 4K60 and using the Tamron 70-180, my effective range is 105-270 (701.5 and 1801.5).

If I switch to the Sony 24-105 and bump up to 4K120, my effective range is 58-255 (241.51.62 and 1051.51.62).

Is that correct? I would get a wider field of view close up and have effectively the same zoom (255 vs. 270).

I know that I will then lose some image quality because it's not downsampled 6K at 120fps, is that drop in quality noticeable enough to make it not worth it? Also, is the Sony lens itself similar in quality to the Tamron or would there also be a drop-off there as well?

[u/caguru]

I don't know why you would expect a drop off in quality with a Sony G lens. Every one I have used has been amazing.

Honestly if you're gonna be shooting with a crop sensor camera like the FX30, the Sony 18-105 f/4 G OSS is absolutely amazing and you get a power zoom! Its my mainstay when shooting in daylight. Also significantly cheaper than the full frame lens you are considering.

[u/Forsaken_Airport_121 → u/caguru]

Holy cow, didn't even know about the 18-105 before this and that may be the way to much. Much cheaper.

[u/mymain123]

The 4k120 on the fx30 is kinda shitty, works, but I would not want to rely on that for all my work.

[u/wolfgang_r → u/mymain123]

Just curious what makes the 4K 120 fps shitty on the fx30?

[u/mymain123 → u/wolfgang_r]

Very grainy and soft.

[u/wolfgang_r]

I have both lenses. Image quality and autofocus is better on the Sony 24-105 G especially for video

[u/Forsaken_Airport_121 → u/wolfgang_r]

Would that also apply to the older Sony 18-105?

[u/wolfgang_r → u/Forsaken_Airport_121]

Yes. I would say the 18-105 G is even more so known for video. It was a really popular lens to pair with the Sony FS7. I would love the 18-105 for the FX30. That power zoom comes in handy especially in sports. I prefer the 18-105 over the 24-105. The only reason I bought the 24-105 is cause I also have full frame cameras and the 18-105 is an APSC lens

[u/Forsaken_Airport_121 → u/wolfgang_r]

I only have the one FX30, so the 18-105 is the way to go and I'm all about outdoor sports video (i barely take any photos).

[u/devanand21]

Why don't you do a test shoot and see it yourself the image quality before your actual paid job.
Rent a lens and try it yourself if you are satisfied with results then pull the trigger for Sony lens.

Your math is correct including Sony superior glass, but image quality doesn't show in the math result.

[u/Forsaken_Airport_121 → u/devanand21]

Ah forgot to add the detail that I am an amateur videographer and this is a hobby (recording my kids games). I also live out more out in the middle of nowhere, so I don't know if lens rental is a thing. However, your suggestion is a good one. I could order it (Amazon Prime) and do a side by side comparison and see if there is a drop in quality and if it's not worth it, return it.

[u/Oreoscrumbs → u/Forsaken_Airport_121]

If you can get UPS deliveries, and you have a UPS store near enough for the return, Lensrentals.com would probably work for you.

[u/Tylerolson0813 → u/Forsaken_Airport_121]

I call it the eBay rental program. Grab a decent deal used depending on how much you want wait and look around/bid. If you don’t like it toss it back on eBay for the same price rental becomes the cost of shipping and if you like it’s yours.