Sony FE 2.8 70-200 GM OSS - Manual Zoom Question

[chadofman]

I have the Sony FE 2.8 70-200 GM OSS. When I set the lens  (physical setting on the actual lens) to MF Manual Focus, and use the  focus ring, the camera zooms in rapidly. However, when I take the picture, the  camera reverts back to when it was not zoomed. How do I get it to take the picture while it's zoomed in? I am using Sony A7III with the lens.

Edited June 11, 2022 by chadofman
More verbose question

[thebeardedgroundsman]

Ah... I suspect you have your camera set with "Focus Magnifier" on (found in the focus assist section of the menus)

This magnifies the image in your viewfinder automatically when you adjust in manual focus. It then reverts to non-magnified image either when you press the shutter, or after a period of time you have set. It does not actually zoom the photo in.

This is done so you can get the part of the image you want to be in perfect focus (you can adjust the position of the part of the image you see in the viewfinder using the ring on the back of the camera, or the touch screen if the camera is so fitted)

I sometimes find this setting frustrating as the smallest touch of the focus ring turns it on. I generally use focus peaking as my main aid to manual focussing. I have yet to experiment with putting the focus magnifier on a custom button.

Edited June 12, 2022 by thebeardedgroundsman

[chadofman]

Ok - I think I got it now. From what you indicated while in "magnify" the camera will not take a picture magnified but reverts to normal image...

 

Such an expensive lens without much zoom capabilities.

Thank you! Posted this question all over the internet, you're the only that responded. 

[thebeardedgroundsman]

The "Zoom qualities" are as stated on the lens - ie: 70mm - 200mm.

The expense comes from the ability to achieve top notch images at every part of the zoom range, even in quite low light. The speed of AF and level of image stabilisation are other reasons for the expense.

Have fun!

[Pieter]

5 hours ago, chadofman said:

Such an expensive lens without much zoom capabilities.

There are much more expensive lenses without any zoom capabilities as all, such as the $12000 400mm f/2.8. And there are much cheaper options with vastly better zoom capabilities, such as the $800 Tamron 28-200 f/2.8-5.6. To judge the value of a lens by its zoom capabilities is silly. I'd totally expect someone who pays top dollar for a lens like the Sony 70-200 f/2.8 to understand its possibilities and limitations.

That being said, if you really want to squeeze a bit more zoom range out of your lens, there's the possibility to enable 'Clear Image Zoom':

https://helpguide.sony.net/ilc/1720/v1/en/contents/TP0001661985.html