2 Years with the Sony 200 - 600mm Lens

[@CurtisSnapshot]

I will be back to the regular adventures next video! Although to be honest, I'm totally struggling to find any wildlife right now. I find I'm always searching for something new and amazing, walking right past our common forest friends, This approach doesn't always give you the best opportunity to better your photography skills. So I want to challenge myself to go out and capture one good photo of any species each day for a week. Whether it's an adorable chickadee, or a common mallard, stay tuned and I'll see you in the next one!

[@Evengard]

the amount of work you put into this video is great. Thank you for your effort

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed!

[@maurosegurah]

Love this review. Just got the lens and super excited about it.

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Thank you, enjoy the new lens!

[@iandico]

Awesome lens can't take a bad photo honestly so sharp

[@Adrian.Mueller]

You are really making me want to switch to Sony haha, love your setup and am totally amazed by how much quality you get. Makes it seem really smooth sailing. Love it.

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Thank you! Of course it’s not always smooth sailing though, but the autofocus system really helps!

[@BrownDaddy007]

Most informative video on this lens I have seen. Thanks for the meticulous effort.

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Thanks so much! That’s awesome to hear. I’m really glad you found the video helpful!

[@vovandik]

I'm going to buy this lens next week. Watched some reviews and found your channel. It's a stunning channel and inspiring for me. Initially, a lens was planned for plane spotting. But I will start wild nature photography. Hi from Vancouver:)

[@CurtisSnapshot]

You will love it! It’ll be great for plane spotting, and I’m glad you’ve found some inspiration to get out in nature with it too! Happy shooting.

[@vovandik]

@@CurtisSnapshot You right. I bought it and already love it. I haven't had a chance to test it pretty intensively yet.

[@majin_duke]

I get mine on Friday - will be pairing it with my Sony a6400, can’t wait ! Great video. Thanks.

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Exciting, enjoy the new lens!

[@000hugohew]

You mean you get a 200-600?

[@tinsaus5498]

That's the body I have currently and been debating on getting this lens for it. How have they performed together? Curious about your opinion on the combination the past two months. 😁

[@elicottle]

Thank you for including the camera setting you used for each shot!

[@adsu]

This is a fantastic video. Thank you so much. You are awesome. I can’t wait to get this lens.

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. Happy shooting with the new lens!

[@RJ-wy6cx]

This lens is worth every penny Don't let anyone tell you that a Tamron or sigma can duplicate what this lens can they can not

[@instamauimatt]

So. True. 👏🏼 this is a really spectacular lens for the price. I get it, $2k is a lot for a lens however it’s tough to compete with it and the quality it gives. I love this lens….

[@RJ-wy6cx]

Which camera are you using with it I'm using the a9 Mark II

[@rymdskrotet]

@@RJ-wy6cx personally, I am thinking of getting it for the a7 III.

[@warmesuppe]

The sigma 150 600 sports performed sharpness-wise even better, but of course the af was not as good as the sony. so why shouldn't they be better?

[@ChrisRGSA-lf6vk]

Great lens very versatile as a backup to my 600 F4

[@SomeonewithaSony]

I would totally replace the entire tripod mount with an Arca Swiss one instead of attaching a separate plate. Enjoyed the video; I have the same lens and absolutely love it. (I’m also struggling to find something to shoot - pretty quiet season)

[@CurtisSnapshot]

I’m the worst for not buying accessories for my gear, but I totally agree. An arca Swiss one would be way better. Hopefully our season gets better!

[@botaniker6644]

I was looking for this lenses performance on apsc and did not come across your video. You should improve the title/description texts, because this was exactly what I was looking for. Awesome video!

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Thank you, I appreciate the advice and I’m really glad the video was helpful for you!

[@nanowellprime]

This is best lens review I ever seen. Images in this video very helpful. I will buy 200-600mm or 600mm lens. Thank you.

[@CurtisSnapshot]

I'm really glad you found this helpful, thanks for commenting!

[@marcusmurray5440]

Nice video, I've watched and subscribed. I noticed you have the Sony a7 iv. How do you turn off that annoying focusing beep?

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Glad you enjoyed the video! In the menus, in the last section (yellow brief case), go to option 10 “Sound Option” and turn off audio signals. Hopefully that helps!

[@marcusmurray5440]

@@CurtisSnapshot thanks, keep up the wonderful videos.

[@echoauxgen]

Great review! When on a walkabout use a heavy duty binocular harness using quick release items and it will rest on your chest and stay hidden under a coat or photo vest. still at under $2k. Most fun always.

[@CurtisSnapshot]

That sounds like a perfect way to manage a heavy lens! Thank you for the comment.

[@Patriotjuice]

Great video I have a quick question at around 2:06 you were focusing on the herring. It looked like your cameras focus was tracking that bird. Was it a video or did your camera track the bird? Thanks

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Yes, the camera was tracking the bird! I was using a medium sized tacking box, so when I press and hold the autofocus button, the camera attempts to stay locked on as the subject moves. If I had of used a wider tracking box, the camera may have even detected the herons eye and bird eye autofocus would have engaged. The autofocus algorithms in modern cameras are getting better and better! Thank you for commenting!

[@jessicakelly5944]

I really liked this! It was a good breakup between adventures

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Thank you! I thought it might be a good idea to make this video while my adventures have gone a bit stale. But I’m getting right back out there to film the next one!

[@pomanprod]

I have both the sony 200-600 as well as the Sigma 60-600. The 200-600 I have owned since 2022 and I love it. I shoot videos - recording 4K60 continuously for 10-12 hours every saturday at track meets. In 2024 I picked up the Sigma 60-600 which I used in conjunction with the 200-600 every Saturday for 3 months recording videos. In 2022 the Sigma 60-600 was not available but if I had to do it again, I would have gotten two of the Sigma 60-600 because it's much more useful to me shooting videos (no photos).

[@CurtisSnapshot]

I bought my Sony 200-600 because at the time I couldn't find any alternatives on the market. I think it was the sigma 150-600 that came out a month after I bought the Sony. Lol, I was so close to saving a bit of money. But, I imagine you can't go too wrong with either choice. Ive had great experiences with Sigma lenses. The versatility of your 60-600 sounds awesome!

[@SamWasHere]

I almost bought the Sigma but the extending barrel makes it bad for video imo. I can (and do) fly the 200-600 on gimbal, but wouldn't be able to do that with the Sigma.

[@CanadaRandom]

Very nice! It's on my list!

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Thanks for commenting! You’ll love it when you get your hands on it.

[@israelantunez7612]

Good review

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Thank you!

[@georgioantoine4194]

What bag model is that at :53 please and thank you. Smashed the sub..

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Hey, sorry for the late reply! That’s a Neewer Pro camera bag from Amazon. There’s a link in my description. It’s a pretty good budget bag. I’ve had mine for 4 years now. While it shows some wear and tear, it’s held up and done the trick for me. Thanks for subscribing!

[@kingghidorah8106]

I really wish I could fit this lens in my bag but that would mean also having to remove most of the ones I have. I don't know if my plans for an 85mm, a 24-70, a 70-200 and a 200-600 would fit.

[@CurtisSnapshot]

@@kingghidorah8106 that’s a lot of weight! My backpack is on the cheaper side, so it might be part of the reason, but my shoulders get pretty sore carrying around all my gear at once. The 200-600, sigma 24-70, tripod, and whatever additional gear I need for a specific project. With the right bag I think you could fit everything, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind when considering this lens. Hope the video helped, thanks for commenting!

[@kingghidorah8106]

@@CurtisSnapshot the bag that would fit that mastadon of a lens is above €400. I have the basic KF Concept 22L bag, I believe the 200-600 will fit 100% on the upper pouch but it will add weight and bulk. Besides, I have an A7IV, so cropping ain't gonna be an issue (and the irony is strong because the 14mp crop is sharper than the A77II 's 24mp images. I really care much more about not going in debt while having a good autofocus. I bought a LA-EA5 thinking that would be enough to cover me for life since all my lenses are A mount (16-50 f2.8 DT SSM Sony, 80-200 HS APO GM Minolta (the best one I ever had), 85mm 1.4 GM Minolta, 90mm 2.8 272E (Tamron, beautiful looks and good image quality) and a 150-600 G2 (Tamron) that I got ridiculously sharp but AF is dogshit in A mount body, not better on E mount. La-ea5 is just a little bit of trolling from Sony; they disguise it as a way to keep A mount alive, when in reality each adapter is absolutely hampered to suck in one way or another. La-ea5 has horrible autofocus transmission and is unable to go smooth, all it does is little steps in either a slow succession or a fast succession and every la-ea5 works like this. LA-EA4 is the best, you may think, since it has the larger autofocus motor and has been seen to deliver amazing results, right? Well, no. It's massive mirror only delivers half of the surface of apsc in autofocus, having only 15 points in the center and none of them are even close to the center square of the rule of thirds. You could turn the adapter into LA-EA4r Monster which is compatible with all generations of Alpha and NEX cameras but the EA4 is 350 where EA5 is 240, and the modding costs a warranty void and 200 more bucks. That is 550 which feed you healthily for a month. Sorry, too much yapping, lol.

[@FredCallahan]

Great video! I’ve been bouncing between grabbing this lens or one of the Sigma’s. It’s tough to choose, the 150-600 looks good too…ugh. Thanks again

[@CurtisSnapshot]

That is a very difficult decision! If the 150-600 sigma lens had of existed for e mount at the time, I most likely would have bought it instead. Simply because of the value and I already loved my sigma 100-400 e mount. Although I wouldn’t have been able to use a 1.4x teleconverter with the sigma. Anyways good luck on your decision, I think you’ll be happy with either!

[@SummitForWellness]

I feel like your a7iv does a much better job finding the eye on small birds than mine does, dang it!

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Mine struggles with shorter focal lengths, or if the subject is simply too small in frame. There's lots of factors that could be limiting it though, so it just takes some practice getting to know what the limits of it are. Thanks for commenting, I hope you can get some better performance out of the eye tracking!

[@lewcehjitl3282]

Nice photos!! Compressed Raw or uncompressed raw?

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Thank you! They’re all uncompressed raw. I occasionally switch over to compressed raw for a higher shutter speed when attempting photos of birds in flight.

[@wildwaygarden]

Hiya, what is the bag you use with this lens? I'm trying to find one at the mo!

[@CurtisSnapshot]

I’m using the Neewer Pro camera bag from Amazon. It’s a cheaper option on the market, but it gets the job done and it’s held up well for 4 years now. Amazon affiliate link if you wanted to check it out: amzn.to/46RqQkQ Thanks for commenting!

[@wildwaygarden]

@@CurtisSnapshot thank you very much! I’ll take a look

[@maria.m_pe]

Hi, Thanks for this video. Which tripod would you recommend for the lens weight to be on the safe side?

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Hey there, sorry for the late reply! You’re going to want something sturdy, with at the very least a 10kg (22lb) load capacity. If you’re looking to spend a little more on a tripod, I always hear good things about Manfrotto. However, as for myself I chose to save some money on my tripod, and it’s done well for me for the past 4 years. It’s one of k&f concepts cheaper options. It was around 100$ CAD (on sale at the time). Theres a link to it in my description. Generally speaking though, cheaper tripods with more extension points on their legs tend to bow more and are less sturdy. Like mine for example, fully extended with the weight of the 200-600, it does bow a bit. Thats just something to keep in mind while you’re shopping around. I do hope this was actually helpful, I haven’t explored too many tripod options myself yet. Thank you for commenting!

[@maria.m_pe]

@@CurtisSnapshot Thank you so much for your suggestions! 🙌

[@attila1899]

Hi. What type of gimal have you used on tripod? Thx for great video

[@CurtisSnapshot]

It’s the “NEEWER Gimbal Tripod Head”. It goes for about 130$ CAD. As long as your equipments weight is centred, the camera levels out when you let go, pretty useful for wildlife photography!

[@Kakashicolchon]

Sorry if it's an already answered question, but how do you record and photograph at the same time? Are u recording HDMI output while shooting?

[@CurtisSnapshot]

I usually record my screen using the Sony Creators app, which wirelessly connects to the camera. It's the easiest way to do it, if your camera supports it. However, I do have a capture card that plugs into the HDMI, directly recording the view finder or screen.

[@AllianceRealtyTurkey]

Hi. I want to buy this lens, but do you think the second version(mark ii) will be on sale soon? Do you have any information about this?

[@CurtisSnapshot]

As far as I can tell from what I have read online, this is not a likely lens to be updated any time soon. Sony has been refreshing lenses with known issues.

[@AllianceRealtyTurkey]

I bought it 1 month ago. I really liked this lens. thanks a lot

[@sumitino]

does the focus ring have hard stops or does it go on forever?

[@CurtisSnapshot]

The focus ring doesn’t have hard stops, it rotates forever. It’s fairly reactive, with light resistance to turn. It’s enough to be accurate with it I think. Thanks for commenting!

[@rezjrprod]

Very nice video

[@Kkaeouach]

I love it

[@photoguillerz]

I pair this lens with my a6000 and it works perfectly

[@CurtisSnapshot]

I second that, works like a charm!

[@sebastianasberg8553]

Hi, do you have a page where i can see some samples? ☺️

[@salvatorepalmeri1457]

What tripod are you using?

[@CurtisSnapshot]

I'm using an older model of this K&F tripod: amzn.to/3whHufC Just to be transparent, that is my amazon affiliate link to the product, so if you do make a purchase I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for commenting!

[@lovelayno935]

Does this lens work with the a6000?

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Yes it does work! Although the camera is a bit dated now, there’s no issues with compatibility that I’m aware of. (I have used my old a6000 on it before).

[@lovelayno935]

@ thank you. I binged watch your videos. Your content is relatable and want me to start wildlife photography :) Keep going :)

[@CurtisSnapshot]

@@lovelayno935 Thats so awesome to hear! I hope you get into the hobby, it's a lot of fun :)

[@BefitwithA]

Can we use this on Sony A7 ii?

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Absolutely! I used this lens with the a7ii for a couple years before my upgrade and it worked great!

[@BefitwithA]

@@CurtisSnapshot thank you so much

[@slaytheminion]

I really would love to buy the Lens right now but have to go with a used Sigma 100 400 until i'm able to spend 1500+ on this Lens :D

[@CurtisSnapshot]

The sigma 100-400 is great for the value! So many good options on the market these days, but if you ever do upgrade to the Sony 200-600, I don’t think you’ll regret it. Happy shooting with which ever lens you end up with!

[@naturenate108]

It's literally the only lens I can buy, that and the tamron 150-600 which isn't that much less in my country. I was warned about sony full frames having barely any lens options 😢

[@CurtisSnapshot]

I’m sorry to hear that. Just keep watching out for third party options, the E mount market is always growing!

[@cleysoptique8749]

Personally this is one of those things where I look at quality over quantity! Canon and Sony are my two pics when it comes to photography and videography. And you can pick a cheaper lens but you won't be able to replicate the quality of the image due to the fact of the quality of the lens and the elements and all the materials that are being used on a G lens. Can you get away with a cheaper lens for sure, But sometimes it is worth paying an extra cost for one of the best lens! In my honest opinion 200 to 600 for $2,000 is pretty nice considering that a prime 300 or 600 is well into the 5000 plus range. Albeit they are more for the professional that's making a profit. They are very nice and they are a little bit lighter and they produce a better quality image at that focal range. But you are literally getting what you are paying for but this is the best bargain in my honest opinion and you can find them second hand at least in my country in the US for pretty good pricing.

[@roberthana8800]

Would it work well on Sony a6100?

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Absolutely, I I’ve used my older a6000 a few times with this lens. In the case of that camera, I just had to be more patient with the autofocus. Or switch to manual focus in an attempt to get finer details. But the a6100 should have improvements.

[@fusiongingerragegaming]

I'm really thinking of going to sony. I have a Canon 6d mk11 dslr. A 70-200 L being my most expensive lens. I'm thinking of getting. A7 iv. 70-200 2.8 G 200-600 G 2x converter. Vertical grip 50mm 2.8 OSS About 12k.... I want mirrorless and sony so bad

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Sounds like a dream kit! I've been shooting with the A7 IV and the 200-600 for a little over two years now - zero regrets!

[@rymdskrotet]

Great video!! =) Maybe you photographers can help me out; Im looking for a telezoom to catch both airshows and wildlife (on a budget). I narrowed down my findings to this Sony 200-600, the 150-600 DN Sports from Sigma, and the 150-500 from Tamron (probably too short). But from what Ive read, the Sony manages to keep optical sharpness all over the range. You can also get extenders, 1.6 or 2.0x for it. The lens is durable and gives a pro impression. Is there any negative sides of getting this lens for the a7 III? Hows the stabilisation? My a7 III with the 24-105 is a...well...it's a joke, stabilisation-wize. I'm concerned the stabilisation would be a problem? I'll take all input you have! 'Thanks in advance! =D

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Thank you for watching and for the kind words! The Sigma 150-600mm is a great budget choice. While I don't have direct experience with it, Sigma lenses are generally well-built and reliable. The Sony 200-600mm, on the other hand, is incredibly sharp throughout its range and has a premium feel. As you mentioned, Sony is the only option for attaching teleconverters since they don't work with third-party lenses, nor are there third-party teleconverters for Sony E mounts. If you're considering teleconverters, watch some reviews on them. The 1.4x TC works well with the 200-600, but the 2x TC reduces the lens’s sharpness and autofocus speed quite a bit. I can't speak for the stabilization performance of the a7 III, but my a7 IV and 200-600 have pretty good stabilization. It’s not complete magic, at long focal lengths, you’ll definitely see some movement, but it’s generally smoother. Stabilization performs much better for photos compared to video. Hopefully I have provided some helpful insights for you, happy shooting!

[@rymdskrotet]

@@CurtisSnapshot Thank you, are we talking about the contemporary Sigma or the sport? The Sony might be a bit heavy but so it's all so the sport Sigma...

[@JWS218]

​@rymdskrotet not sure if you were still looking for information on this, but in recently purchased the Sigma 150-600 for myself after renting and liking it so much. I can say that it's an excellent lens in its own right. The stabalization is great, Zooming in and out using the barrel is convenient, and I like the images I'm able to get out of it overall. The one potential downside I'd say is the limitation of its max focal length being 600. Most times it's more than enough but there are times where it isn't and that's where I feel like the Sony comes in with its ability to use teleconverters. If you truly care about getting the most distance you can, then the Sony is the better choice. If not then, the Sigma is an excellent t option especially since you wont have to buy a bag that can fit a didgeridoo into it.Heres to hoping Sony gets rid of its restrictions on third party manufacturers making teleconverters.

[@Kkaeouach]

Am planing to pay this 😊

[@CurtisSnapshot]

It’s a really amazing lens, I’m sure you’ll love it!

[@nikhilshaji2586]

Which tripod you use?

[@CurtisSnapshot]

I use a @kfconcept tripod, I can't remember exactly which one I purchased since I have been using it for 4 years now. However they have tons of options!

[@nikhilshaji2586]

@@CurtisSnapshot thanks I got it.

[@jjseandxcefree]

check the lens for dust?

[@CurtisSnapshot]

I haven’t had any internal dust issues, unlike my Sigma 100-400. Probably thanks to the Sonys internal zoom. Funny enough though, the lens hood can collect dust around where it locks onto the lens, and become pretty difficult to put on and take off.

[@samanmahdiabadi]

the finest 200-600 review , the most practical that I found useful for my own needs

[@CurtisSnapshot]

Wow, that’s a big praise, thank you very much! I’m glad the video was helpful for you, I tried to keep things real and streamlined. I would love to try out the A7RV but it’s tough to get rentals where I am, so for now I can only review the gear I own. Planes would be interesting! Though, I’ve never actually tried any aviation photography. Thanks again!

[@samanmahdiabadi]

@@CurtisSnapshot I'm honored and pleased Sir. thank you for the great content. I don't own the gear or the body yet, saving and planning to buy A7RV and 200-600. My ultimate goal is to capture shots of planes from longer than usual airport-side distances. since its gonna be a big time saving and spending for me I should be careful with the choice I make hence I will really be pleased if you could ever do a plane spotting test of the 200-600 within a known distance ( using google earth or something ) so I can determine if I can shoot planes from a one-mile distance or not. again. thank you SO MUCH

[@CocoKoi321]

compare it to the sigma 150 to 600

[@CurtisSnapshot]

If I get the chance in the future, I would love to!

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

Im saving up some mula for this hubble lens

[@joshuathomas4934]

This lens is good. Most people would prefer the Tamron 150-500 though. Do to how much more enjoyable it is to use and handle. I shoot handheld 100% of the time with lower shutter speeds like 1/200 and get great results. Not to mention the missing of the 100mm at the long end isn’t very noticeable. I’d much rather carry the Tamron for 8 hours in a day than the Sony. I own both. I take the Tamron pretty much every time.

[@CurtisSnapshot]

The Tamron 150-500 looks like a great lens! If I ever get the opportunity, I would definitely make a video about it. When I bought my 200-600, there weren’t very many telephoto options, then suddenly they all appeared afterwards haha Thanks for commenting!

[@danielheary4986]

Why shooting Vertical of the Heron ?.... most movements or stationary subjects are left to right and reversed ...especially in sports

[@CurtisSnapshot]

I was attempting to get a few tight portrait shots, and with the heron being so tall I figured vertical would work best. Also, I just get stuck in the Instagram 4x5 vertical photo mentality sometimes haha. It’s a work in progress! Thanks for commenting, I hope you enjoyed the video.

[@claudiocarta8436]

Hi @CurtisSnapshot, do you recommend the Sony 200-600 or the 70-200 f2.8 oss II GM with 2x teleconverter?

[@CurtisSnapshot]

I’m a big fan of the 200-600 for wildlife photography. But the versatility of the 70-200 and it being an f2.8 sounds amazing. I don’t have any personal experience with that lens, but @ollenilsson made a great video covering the 70-200 with a 2x TC. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zqi3ZXttnr17jNEsi=MM0xPyfAFjtqJJGB