Sony Alpha 7R review – Autofocus

Image: The Alpha 7R is great for travel and street photography, although the shutter is loud

Unlike the Alpha 7, which has on-sensor phase-detection autofocus, the Alpha 7R uses contrast-detection AF. As with the recent entry-level Alpha 3000, contrast-detection AF is very fast and snappy, particularly when using the fixed lenses. In low light the AF is a little slower, but still usable. There are a total of 25 contrast-detection AF points in automatic selection modes, and it is also possible to manually choose any area of the screen to focus on, with three different sizes of AF point.

Those wanting to use their existing Alpha-mount lenses via the LA-EA4 adapter will be pleased to know that focusing is almost as quick as when using a Sony Alpha 99. I used the 85mm f/1.4 lens, which focused fast enough for documentary and portrait images, although it lacked the snap of the 70-200mm f/2.8, which has an SSM lens.

The Sony Alpha 7R is good enough for most situations, except sports or wildlife. If you are planning to take any sports or wildlife shots, you really need the LA-EA4 adapter and an SSM lens. The Alpha 7R is not really designed for these types of subjects, but it is nice to know you have the option if you already own existing lenses.

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