Sony Alpha a7R II Review
Full Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- 3.0" 1,228.8k-Dot Tilting LCD Monitor
- 0.5" 2.36M-Dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF
- Durable Reduced-Vibration Shutter Design
- 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
- Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity with NFC
- ISO 102,400 and Silent Shutter Mode
- 399 Phase-Detect AF Points & 5 fps Burst
- 42MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
- Internal UHD 4K Video & S-Log2 Gamma
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 14,220 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Sony Alpha a7R II. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Sony Alpha a7R II. For example, 96% of 993 users who have commented on the Picture quality of the Sony Alpha a7R II have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 61 to 80 of 517 Reviews
Better than I thought it would be
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by James on B&H Photo Video
I finally decided to sell my Canon 5D III and invest towards this Sony A7rII. I don't regret anything except for not doing it sooner since my Canon probably would've gotten more in resale. The first thing I noticed was that the Sony was very solid. I accidentally dropped it yesterday and it hit the foot-well of my car and then onto the ground. it was fine. I didn't know it was capable of sending files directly to Facebook or Flickr, but with an optional app, it can, which is really cool. Also the smart remote control app is better than anything I've used from Canon, Ricoh, or Fuji. Quick response and a lot of options. Also image transfer is insanely fast compared to the long wait times from Fuji, or Canon or Eye-Fi. But, there is a but...The images are small, so no wonder huh? However they are fine for web, and we ALL know that is why you are sending your photos to your iPhone or iPad anyways, not to send to some photo lab to order prints. I think there is a way to send larger images. I tried the three various setting, but they all look the same. Perhaps if I was shooting in JPEG and not in RAW they would have better IQ, but that would require a little more testing, and Ive only had the camera for two weeks. The main reason I switched to Sony is because with the right adapters, I can use my Leica M lenses. The Sony A7rII has a feature that assists in manual focusing with is very cool. you selec the area you'd like to focus on and it will digitally zoom in, allowing you to focus any manual lens. Once you become accustomed to how to do it, it it pretty intuitive and becomes faster with experience. The custom function buttons are a BIG help. Customize them the way it makes sense to you. Battery power is disappointing, but there is two included in the package, and it is pretty convenient to charge the camera on the fly using a micro USB cord directly tethered to the camera while you are charging the other battery in a supplied charger. ... More
First fullframe camera
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by Sam on B&H Photo Video
I've used Canon APS-C cameras for a long time and wanted to make the switch to mirrorless FF. When they announced this camera, I knew I had to get it. I've only used this camera for one weekend now but I can tell you it is a pleasure to take pictures with. The menu system takes getting used to if you come from a Canon or Nikon setup, so it took me a while to be comfortable with manual mode. Pros:This camera has an extremely high quality build. It feels incredibly solid. The dials are heavy and have satisfying 'clunks' when you spin them. The image quality seems amazing, though this is my first full frame camera. The auto-focus is lightning fast using the Sony 35mm F2.8 lens. The EVF is pleasantly fun to use, I almost couldn't go back to optical now. The low-light capabilities are excellent given the fact it has a 42MP sensor. MY EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN AMAZINGCons:Some options in the menu are limited / don't exist. For instance, I want turn off the monitor screen when im walking around with the camera, but it just stays on until it goes into power saver-mode. The power-savor mode timeout options are between 10sec and 1min,2min,etc. When shooting in manual mode/auto ISO if the scene ISO is maxed out it doesn't show the exposure differential, that's really annoying. For instance if the scene is dark, and the ISO auto is maxed at 6400, I want to see how under exposed the scene is. All the exposure does is flash at 0.0 indicating the settings are not ideal. Sony RAW is compressed.But these are minor cons, there's really nothing that I can complain about too much.I have sample pictures up at my website: ------------------ ... More
Outstanding Camera, well worth the wait!
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by Brent on B&H Photo Video
I have waited a long time for this camera! My prior Sony experience includes the RX-1, A99, and a6000. All excellent cameras but each had some drawbacks that the A7RII has pretty well resolved. I was tempted to get into the Sony A7 series many years ago but at the time did not feel the specs were good enough to justify the expense of replacing what I already had, namely the RX-1. I am glad I waited for the A7RII. It has the right mix of speed, high res, and other capabilities that I utilize often.So far I have been able to figure out most of its features without the aid of the manual. Most of the menus and functions are similar to those of the a6000.Off-camera or wireless flash continues to be a limitation. Even though some Sony cameras and flash units say they have wireless capability, I have not been able to figure out to operate it (the manual doesn't help). Sony does not make a wireless flash triggering device and I am not aware of any third-party systems that are Sony compatible. Hopefully that will change in the future.With the aid of the Sony LA-EA4 A-to-E mount adapter, Sony/Minolta A-mount lenses, including my beloved Tamron 14 f/2.8, work superbly without any apparent limitations. Autofocus with these lenses on the A7RII is actually better than with the A99. I also purchased the Sony/Zeiss 16-35 f/4 and 35 f/2.8 FE lenses, which perform very well on the A7RII. These two lenses plus my A-mount lenses give me a pretty broad arsenal to work with, though I look forward to the expansion of the FE lens lineup.Like the a6000, battery life is a bit short (not surprising since they use the same type of battery). I recommend packing at least two spares for a full day of shooting and planning to recharge them for the next day. Overall a great choice. I greatly look forward to taking the Sony A7RII along on my travels. From what I have observed so far, I am confident, the A7RII will help any photographer produce the images he or she desires. ... More
Everything I wanted
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Coming from the A7r this is everything I've wanted. The image quality is excellent (as good as A7r or better), IBIS produces sharp results at low shutter speeds, AF is excellent, 4K video is very good, beautiful (no overheating so I don't know what the others are doing here), well built/sturdy, better handling with wide RF lenses, new functionality in menus, when you get to the right settings. On a 4K TV, I'm getting the full resolution played from HDMI. WiFI and NFC are great for sharing smaller versions of raw images. Capture One 8 does a beautiful job with Sony raw images. The flexibility and latitude for adjusting these 42mb files is really something to see. ... More
Excellent camera
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by Brian on B&H Photo Video
I use my camera for photography only. I don't know why people are having overheating problems. I've burned through batteries never turning the camera off, doing continuous long exposure for Astro photography and never had problems. I recently got back from the Sahara desert where the temp was 104 and had no problems. I did however get a lot of sand around the camera which took some time to clean out. Definitely carry some sensor swabs. The picture quality using Sony lenses are outstanding!!! I previously owned a canon 70D and this camera has been a wonderful upgrade. Being able to use your iPhone as a remote is great! Getting someone to frame you properly in a picture is no problem now. Just have them hold your camera and use your phone to see what the camera is seeing, make adjustments and snap the photo yourself! Another great option unlike other cameras is you can see how exposed your picture will be as you change the aperture and shutter speed in real time. My other mirrored camera I had to shoot a picture then look at the screen to see if the picture turned out over or underexposed before making another adjustment. Love this camera! ... More
Ads
A fantastic camera
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by Graham R. on B&H Photo Video
I've now had this camera for about 9 months and changed from a Canon 5D mk11 This is really worth the change, the image quality and dynamic range is just amazing and I can now get in one shot what I used to have to blend. I've attached a couple of pics but I'd highly recommend this camera. I also have the Zeiss 85mm f1.8 which is a lovely lens and the Sony 35mm f2.8 which is a great small walkaround lens.
Love it
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I am a photographer who usually shoots 35mm rangefinders. I wanted a camera that felt similar to a film set up and bought the A7 when it first came out. I loved the camera but was ready for the big upgrade plunge. I chose the A7ii because it it has a built in stabilizer, the dynamic range is amazing, and its over 40 megapixels, so I can feel comfortable cropping the images in post if I want to. Its light weight and smaller which I also love. Not only are the Zeiss lenses made for the e-mount amazing, but I can use all of my film lenses on it too. I cant think of anything negative to say about the camera. Im not a super fast sports multi shot photographer, I shoot fashion - but at a film type of pace, so the memory card size doesnt bother me. I never feel that it is slow. I love love love this camera. ... More
Overheating is a HUGE problem for video
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by Jimmy on B&H Photo Video
I was really excited about this camera and pre-ordered it as soon as I could. I have a video production business and was looking for a compact full-frame 4K solution that I could take on the road and use for interviews and b-roll of various sorts. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed after taking the camera on three major shoots. Though the image quality was fantastic and I loved the camera's photo features, 4K just wasn't up to par. In both 4K 100mbps and 60mbps, I had significant overheating issues. At certain points, the camera wouldn't last for more than 5 minutes of continuous recording before shutting itself off. This was quite embarrassing in the middle of an interview and it really disrupted my shoots. I found that by quickly replacing the battery, I could get things rolling again fairly efficiently, but this was a big enough problem that I decided to return the camera last week. I also noticed some moire issues in full frame 4K mode (didn't try Super 35). And I found that the camera ate through batteries very quickly. Hopefully Sony will address these issues in future updates, but I would seriously caution any live video shooters to think twice before buying this camera if you plan to shoot takes in 4K over 5-min long. ... More
Horrible Video problems, erros and crashes.
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by Alex on B&H Photo Video
If your thinking about getting this camera consider first this not a camera for a beginners. The specs on paper are amazing. But after having it since last fall Ill tell you this is nothing but headaches. Its really sharp for photos but video. Video has has dozens of issues. Rolling shutter is super high in the sharpest cleanest mode of 4k Apc. In Full Frame and Apc 4k, 1080 24p and 60p noise level is really high beyond 800 iso. Motion cadence is awful and even when set low at 1/50 it judders like your at 1/1000 shutter speed. Not a very cinematic pleasing image. It over heats, drains battery's like nothing, and I keep getting white balance error messages even when white balancing on grey cards. Its really frustrating not being able to properly white balance ever in video mode and just have dial in the setting and guess the color temperature. ISO exposures are all off by 1-2 stops and you have to over expose or even at ISO 100 you'll get lots of noise. I bought mine few months ago and already sold it. It was so unreliable of errors and over heating or being over noisily in low ISO I rarely got to use it on shoots. I wasted time and money on this its is not a all in one camera. Its is a list of trade offs, one setting is good at one thing but bad at 3. Also the menus are horrible to find things. Color science is better than the other A7 but still far off from canon, nikon, black magic. Not to mention random errors messages and crashes. weird highlight aliasing in FF mode. Its just a really unreliable camera. Sony tried to cram some very impressive tech at a decent price. But half assed so much on the software it feels like your using a camera that is still in development and will be frustrated at every turn. ... More
a7R II really delivers quality images and ease of use
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I have had the camera for almost a month and so far absolutely love it. I wanted a small camera to shoot great photos and 4k video and this camera certainly delivers. I was not sure about the mirrorless aspect of the camera until I started using the viewfinder and had the focus assist in the viewfinder as well as in the monitor on the camera. I am a Director of Photography by trade, but began my career as a photographer and taking photos with this camera is a pleasure. Often times, I need to get down low to the ground to take a photo and having the tilting monitor makes that much easier and the focus assist helps with focus on the monitor even in bright sunlight. Having 42 mega pixels makes for great time lapse photography as it gives me some latitude to re-frame, even at 4K. The only negative is the low light noise, but I knew that going in and decided it wasn't important to me. I was also afraid of the Sony menu structure, which is generally counter intuitive, but found the menus on the a7R II easy to navigate and I quickly got used to where to find each function. I've also been told you can customize all the buttons, so that's even better. I'm still getting to know the camera, but just the focus assist, cine gamma profiles, and tilting monitor makes this camera a winner in my book. ... More
Just what I expected. Excellent camera
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by Dean on B&H Photo Video
I bought the a7R II for its excellent sensor and general features. I mainly do landscape photography. It's very small and light compared to comparable DSLs, which is also important to me since I backpack with my gear. Drawbacks are the fact it's not completely weather sealed, limited lens selection, and software for iOS and Mac OSX that I simply could not get to connect to the camera. Those are not important issues, in my opinion.
Fantastic upgrade from a Fuji X-Pro2
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by Geoff on B&H Photo Video
Just a quick background, I used to be a long time Canon shooter who switched to Fuji from a 5D Mark III. I wasn't thrilled with the Fuji, and debated if I should go back to Canon or give Sony a try. I decided to stick with mirrorless for the much more compact and lighter body and lenses, and I have to say I think I made the right decision! This camera has so much detail, even when heavily cropping photos my keeper rate is significantly higher. The menu system does take some getting used to, and there are little quirks like not being able to quickly change focus points or toggling the rear LCD on/off, but every camera has it's little quirks. I would highly recommend this camera. ... More
Not for Wedding Shooters
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by Charlie on B&H Photo Video
Amazing natural light images, however, has a very tough time focusing in not so low light. Additionally, when paired with it's Sony Flash, there is an extensive viewfinder blackout while making a flash image. Hence, you can't quickly compose another shot. If all you do is natural light photography of things that don't move too fast, like a bride, you'll be fine. For event shooters that depend on flash forget it. I am one of those that sold all of his Canon professional gear and is seeking a mirrorless solution. So far the Leica SL is the tops, but so is the price. ... More
Great features, questionable durability and build quality
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I bought the a7RII new from B&H in December of 2015. I shoot roughly 1x a week and have put 2,000,000 or so shutter actuations on it. I treat the camera carefully and don't shoot in extreme conditions. Within the first year of owning it, it broke twice - the first six months later when the shutter speed could not be adjusted. No firmware update or other adjustments could fix it. Precision Camera replaced the cover assembly and the mounted c board. Four months later, the sensor malfunctioned, leading to a ton of white and red pixels on images. Precision repaired the sensor. Recently, the LCD board shorted out, turning the camera into a brick. The pricetag to replace it is $600. Prior to owning the a7RII, I owned two Canons, and neither of them ever needed a repair. My take on the a7RII is that the image quality and features are superb, but that it lacks in durability and build quality. I plan to give Sony one more chance and will buy the a7RIII, in the hopes that I simply had a faulty unit. (Having three very nice e-mount prime lenses is the main reason why.) I certainly hope that my next Sony alpha camera performs more reliably over time, as I would like to continue shooting with Sony mirrorless. ... More
Attempted to overheat the camera
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by ianrosaaen on B&H Photo Video
After reading about the experience of others, I decided to conduct a short test. Variables: Room temperature: 84.2 deg to 85.1 deg. F No circulating air source (fan) Relative humidity: 41% to 43% Airplane mode: ON File format: XAVC S 4K Monitor was fully extended away from camera body and positioned parallel to the camera body Test: Shot for 30 minutes. No problems. Turned off the camera (1 to 2 minutes). Replaced battery. Turned on camera. Continued shooting for another 30 minutes with no problems. The camera seemed to get warmer and warmer during the test. Had I continued, it's possible the camera would have overheated. Final thoughts. Five stars as a still camera. Two to three stars as a video camera. ... More
Alpha7RII Delivers!!!
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by Scott W on B&H Photo Video
I am a hobbyist photographer, and have been into photography since very young. I had 2 Nikon dSLRs previously, and wanted to switch to a mirrorless system because it is smaller platform. I will say with great confidence that the Sony A7RII is truly at the top of its game. I've never created such crisp, tack-sharp images. That was my goal. And I more than scored it. The 5-axis in body image stabilization, IBIS, is wonderful. It gave me the equivalent of about 2 stops of exposure during handheld low light photography. The continuous auto focus mode, AF-C, when used with lock-on focus points, is fabulous. Eye-detection is even fantastic, locking on to a subject's eye, ensuring that part of their face is always in focus. The one negative thing I am compelled to say about it is the battery life. Sony really missed the mark on their battery technology, and it shows. Be prepared to buy a backup battery or two, to ensure you aren't left with a dead camera during an important event. ... More
Overlooked gem for landscapes
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm f/4 Lens Kit
Reviewed by Jason on B&H Photo Video
I own and love many of the newer Sony full frame mirrorless cameras - the A7R III, A9 (great for action bird and sports photography), A7R IV (love the high res sensor and ability to use crop mode with a push of a button. Makes shooting with primes much more convenient) and best of all my A1 which combines best of A9 and A7RIV. However, my favorite for landscapes is the A7R II. The image quality is superb. The user interface and autofocus, especially continuous autofocus tracking is not as good as newer bodies but the BIG advantage is this is the last Sony Full Frame camera that can use the downloadable Sony Playmemories Apps including a built in software gradient density filter (called Sky HDR) where you can not only select the degree of darkening but you can adjust transition abruptness and position of the transition zone. There is also a Smooth Reflections App that works like a built in variable ND filter. Unlike a real variable ND filter you don't get color shifts and don't get the dreaded X artifact. Best of all, this works with any lens including the fantastic Sony 12-24 f2.8 GM which doesn't accept screw in filters. You don't need separate filters or adapters for different size lenses. Both these Apps work by combining multiple exposures so you need the camera on a tripod. In the case of the Smooth Reflections App, if you pick the highest degree of smoothing I think it combines over 100 images so this can take some time. Once the exposures are acquired it takes a little time to process in camera. You can set the camera to give you RAW in addition to jpeg files which I find useful since I may do some further tweaking in photoshop or lightroom. There are other APPS including ones for multiple exposures and Star Trails (creates a video and not a still image) which I haven't used much. Sony does charge to download the apps but it's only something like $5 or $10, depends on the App. Far cheaper though than buying gradient density or neutral density filters. ... More
Amazing!
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by 1truess on B&H Photo Video
Like most of you reading the reviews for this camera, I was a long time Canon user. I read all the reviews/watched all the videos and finally decided to pull the trigger. I sold all my Canon gear and got the Sony A7Rii. I am so happy for so many reasons but, I will only list a few. Pros: Sharpness, Focus, Photo Quality, Megapix, Smaller/Lightweight. Cons: Battery life is ok, just buy a couple extras and you'll be good. I've been really happy with the results and it has dramatically improved the number of photos that I keep. Just Do It! ... More
Amazing Camera!!!
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I sold my 5D3 to move over to Sony. I own the A7rii and the A7sii and I love them both. The a7rii blows the Canon 5D3 out of the water in my opinion. Would definitely buy again! B&H customer service is awful though.
Excellent
Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Professional Kit
Reviewed by Richard K. on B&H Photo Video
I'm a Canon guy, and have the Metabones adapter that allows me to use my EF lenses. The resulting combination can be both fantastic, but also frustrating. A couple tips: 1. Make sure you upgrade the firmware on the metabones adapter. (There's a tiny micro USB port on the bottom.) Helped performance considerably... 2. Don't expect great AF performance from long or particularly dark lenses. The 100-400 can be frustrating. BUT, with native Sony glass (I recommend the 16-35 Zeiss), or with wide-to-medium-tele Canon glass, the camera knocks out fantastic images. Better dynamic range than my 5ds R, much better low light performance, and resolution that's almost as good. I also have to mention that the side dishes aren't all quite there for the Sony. You get spoiled with the insane range of excellent lenses for Canon, as well as the radio-controlled strobes, etc. Sony will get there over time, but I couldn't recommend Sony as your only body. Yet. Bottom line for me: Having a 5dsR and an A7R ii is better than having two Canon bodies. I use each for its strengths. I generally use the Sony with the 16-35, and the Canon with the 100-400, 24-70 or 8-15, and especially when I'm using strobes or am in a well-lit area. My 135/f2 goes back and forth depending. ... More
