Sony 7R2m performance review, SEA aquarium sharks challenge

I'm quite happy with the results 

from my last Sony 7R2M performance review,

 the Nyonya Needlework challenge. 

I managed to capture solid colours and details of stationery art pieces 

in dim ambient lighting situation without using tripod or mono pod.

Focal length restriction to address DOF requirement results in major image cropping

The  lens in used was Canon 17-40mm f4L with Metalbone E mount adapter.

The 42MP sensor and image stabiliser save the day.

Now, Sony 7R2M performance review, 

"SEA aquarium sharks challenge" has just step up the game a little. 

This time, the camera has to engage fast and erratic moving large predator sharks 

in dimly lighted enclosures. 

I'm basically photographing through 28 inches of solid acrylic panels (main tank)

at direct frontal eye level position, 

with plenty of unwanted reflection from surroundings 

as well as lighting within the enclosure. 

Only a small area of the acrylic divide is usable for framing the shots.

Can also result in serious image distortion and banding as angle of view changes.

This situation requires the use of the longer Sony 90mm f2.8 macro lens.

Hopefully, I can capture a few magnificent and graceful motions of these beautiful sea creatures.

Enlarge from image below, the endangered Scalloped Hammerhead shark showing off it's nasty looking teeth.

Scalloped Hammerhead shark

Photographing fish is never easy because of it's fast and erratic movement. 

Using even a short tele-lens requires a more responsive camera body 

and auto focus tracking capability. 

It is known that the 7R2M hunts a lot in dim light auto focus tracking mode

and did experience it in many occasions.

Scalloped Hammerhead shark

Scalloped Hammerhead shark

Scalloped Hammerhead shark

Scalloped Hammerhead shark

Hammer heads sharks are illusive fast swimmers. 

It's swims in the shadow and blend with the background most of the time.

Capturing one in it's splendour requires patients and very responsive equipment.

Scalloped Hammerhead shark

Scalloped Hammerhead shark

Scalloped Hammerhead shark

Scalloped Hammerhead shark

Scalloped Hammerhead shark

I think sharks are beautiful, graceful and majestic creature...and "save the sharks",

so long as we do not share the same side of the divide.

Sandbar shark

Sandbar shark

Sandbar shark

Sandbar shark

Sandbar shark

Sandbar shark

Sandbar shark

Sandbar shark

Silver tip sharks

Sandbar shark

Sandbar shark

Sandbar shark

Sandbar shark

Black tip shark

Silver tip shark

Silver tip shark

Silver tip shark

Okay, this is suppose to be a sharks challenge

but no harm throwing in a few rays for the occasion. 

Say "hello" to this sweetie pie.

Rays are much more difficult to photograph than sharks.

It have a tendency of staying way above and below eye level, 

thus increasing the thickness of acrylic panel mass to penetrate, 

creating more image distortion and flare.

 

Zebra/Leopard shark

Overall, the 7R2M serves my purpose, except for the low light focus hunting issue.

The advantages of the Sony 7R2M over the 7S are the high 42MP sensor which can facilitates serious cropping and enlargement. The 7S (12MP) produce better pixel depth and clarity, but left little room for enlargement after cropping. The responsiveness and improve AF tracking of the 7R2M also facilitates more spontaneous shooting resulting in less rigid shots. 

The camera's image stabiliser really helps to improve overall image sharpness. 

The 7R2M improve balance design also facilitates for longer handheld shooting session.

Okay, final conclusion is that I got my money's worth for the Sony 7R2M camera.

Zebra/Leopard shark

Can't imagine a shark can be so cute and comical.

Seems to be saying, "That's all folks, bye-bye for now".

Above jpeg images are capture without the use of tripod /mono pod, 

in ambient SEA aquarium lighting and process with "Lightroom" only.

All images are down size 1500k resolution.