it is known that all photography hobbyists will inevitably end up purchasing a full frame camera. Digital first and, later perhaps, film.

The beginning is slow and rational. Crop sensor body with a kit lens. Here, a physiological reaction ensues for spending such a sum of money on a camera.

The new photography hobbyist is (wants to be) methodical and rational. Goes out. Takes photos. Learns composition. Learns to use the dials. Watches Lightroom videos in YouTube.

ethics of resistance

He is learning a craft and refuses to upgrade until he has mastered his existing equipment. He resists. He is in the right side of ethics.

One day, however, he buys his first fast lens.

And soon after, he trades the word 'equipment' for 'gear'. After this happens, more gear is acquired. The chemical reaction that was there to protect him loses intensity with each subsequent wave of purchases.

There is resistance, but in the end, the Adrianople Gate will break and a new gear order will be established.

In my case, the siege lasted eleven years. I bought my first DSLR in 2013, a Nikon D5300 with a 18-140mm zoom lens. Six years later, for a trip to Tanzania, I switched systems and bought a Sony A6400. Still a crop sensor.

There were reasons to not switch to full frame. One could spend hours in YouTube investigating this. For me, there was only one reason: the full frame Sony A7 was (and still is) ugly.

A7Cii and small lenses

This year, with the excuse of a trip to the Canadian Rockies, I started poking around and found the A7Cii: portable and good looking.

And more importantly, Sony had released well designed compact full frame primes: 24mm f/2.8, 40mm f/2.5, 50mm f/2.8.

ethics of aesthetics: it's not about the sensor's low light capability

I tried a G lens, the 16-35mm f/4.0 but it looked slightly out of proportion for the A7Cii. Lens was returned. The GM lenses are even bigger. So, no.

But here today, holding the A7Cii + Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 feels right.

The difference this combo will make is not due to its performance capabilities.

The difference is due to its looks.