How to capture great bird photos. Featuring Sony FE 200-600mm Lens

[@geemarsh.7766]

I just got this lens and have started on my learning curve. Mine is twinned with the a6400. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for the report and tips. Very useful for focus settings.

[@RyanMenseWildlife]

In order of first appearance: American White Pelican, American Coot, Black-necked Stilt, Swainson’s Hawk, Wilson’s Snipe, Yellow-headed Blackbird, White-faced Ibis, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Great Blue Heron

[@thatjordandrake]

You're a damned legend Ryan!

[@DaveTCSTV]

When we were making this video I told Brendan that someone in the comments will name all the birds....you did not disappoint!. Thanks so much.

[@RyanMenseWildlife]

@@DaveTCSTV 💅

[@CamillaI]

Wow what a display!

[@nrocha2466]

That A9ii ans 200600G are fire together. Amazing combo

[@jan-hendrikbussmann4644]

I have bought this lens mostly for my frequent zoo visits and use it with an A7 III. I just love it. I have a keeper rate of more than 90 percent and I love the sharpness. Some people report a lack of sharpness at 600 mm @f6.3, but I cannot confirm that at all, at least on the standard A7. I have lots of very sharp pictures taken at the long end without stopping down. After all, with the moderate aperture, stopping down it rarely an option when you need to keep your shutter speed at 1/800 or higher for moving animals. I am very, very happy with this lens.

[@mrwashur1991]

The people who complain about the sharpness are probably experiencing motion blur. I have more motion blur but when I mail it the shots are extremely sharp at 6.3. It’s crazy to me that people complain about this lens at all. If you look at lenses from 6-10 years ago in this range they were garbage (except for cannons lenses). This is the lens that people who don’t shoot Sony are jealous of lol. I don’t get those people who expect it to do everything for them.

[@jan-hendrikbussmann4644]

@@mrwashur1991 very true! You really have to hold it steady and watch your shutter speed, even with IS in lens and body. And mirage (air movement) is a big factor in the summer. I love this lens and I agree, the old DSLR 150-600 lenses don't even come close to this one.

[@71Enno]

I use this lens in good light conditions with my A7RIV and in lower light conditions with my A9II...Considering the price of the lens it's really a great lens and I can highly recommend this lens! 👍

[@RyanMenseWildlife]

@Foto4Max I shoot with it almost exclusively at 6.3 and that’s not my experience at all between the R IV, R III, and a9. Very sharp lens wide open.

[@greatwood90]

I just got this lens recently and have shot it with a Sony a6000 and an A7 III with good results! The sharpness is amazing! I love it.

[@november9046]

how is it with the a6000? i'm considering buying one for mine

[@kathleenjones415]

I love bird photography and these images were absolutely stunning!

[@DaveTCSTV]

Thank you for that absolutely great comment :) Much appreciated.

[@kathleenjones415]

@@DaveTCSTV I might screen shot a couple images for my drawings if you are ok with that?

[@DaveTCSTV]

@@kathleenjones415 By all means, go ahead. I'd love to see the results when your done.

[@kathleenjones415]

@@DaveTCSTV Thank you! I am fairly new at it but if it turns out I will dm you a pic on insta.

[@DaveTCSTV]

@@kathleenjones415 Thanks for following me on Insta. I look forward to seeing how it will turn out.

[@suesokoloski6644]

Thank you we are just new beginners with this lens. Well, I should say with photography itself will be watching more of your videos.

[@blakeparry1983]

i purchased an a7iii just to use with this lens for wildlife (and tried with some sport) If you shoot Sony its a no-brainer. The 90 degree turn and internal zooming along with decent weight make it killer for my applications

[@philipgardiner2003]

Excellent information about the lens, camera settings! and your overall shooting process. 🙏 Beautiful shots too.

[@dalerobinson8456]

I'm not sure how helpful camouflage is when you're carrying a 2 ft long WHITE bazooka. Good review, thanks.

[@Davidovar34]

Exactly. Why not also camouflage the lens?🤔

[@pracquet]

@@Davidovar34 The lens is what the video is all about so it's got to be seen in all it's glory.

[@Davidovar34]

@@pracquet True that, lmao.

[@BrianHallmond]

All I could see was a bazooka and a floating head.

[@KenToney]

First thing I was going to say!! 😎

[@allenfutrelle9090]

I love that lens with the a7r IV, and now the a9 II also.

[@nrocha2466]

Better on the A9ii by far... 200600G is very finicky on A7RIV and often backfocuses in bright lit or side lit conditions. Also A9ii handles high ISO better which matters with a 6.3 lense.

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

Excellent review, I have the sigma 150-600mm for Sony A7III. A great lens but after seeing this review I wonder if I should have bought the 200-600 instead

[@briannefodrie4212]

did you ever get the Sony 200-600? If so was there a noticable difference and was it worth the upgrade?

[@PaulTakesPhotos]

@@briannefodrie4212 yes the differences are: - internal focusing... really makes a difference in the overall shooting experience - af-c is far more responsive and really superior to the Sigma especially in burst mode - image quality at all apertures is better. - image quality between 450mm-600mm is notacible better (tracking and centre sharpness) I personally use it for sports (football, cycling, plane spotting) So yeah the cost difference is significant but in the end it provides a better shooting experience and better overall image quality

[@danzbeard]

Camo with a big ol fat white lens... :-))) Great shots and helpful video! Cheers

[@masguapoako]

Went owl photography the last couple with days with my 70-200mm, and it's not cutting it, I'm going to upgrade to this one

[@veggiemom5]

Beautiful pictures! I use this lens with Sony a6500. Got some great eagle pics here in Ohio!

[@Bo_Hazem]

What a wonderful, informative video! Thanks a lot.

[@vitorazinheira2195]

Great review, This lens on my list. Just got the A7 III on special

[@sic04250f]

It is a great lens. I tried the 100-400 first then added the 1.4tc because of its overall lower weight but have ended up the this 200-600 anyway.

[@MattTrevett]

How does the 200-600 compare to the 100-400 with TC? Do you still have the same opinion a year later?

[@TomatenDK]

Super simple short video. Love it ! Thanks for letting us know ur settings also. And maybe sometime explain why you use tracking and not center flexible spot ? I have an a7iv and sigma 100-400, but betting the sony 200-600 very soon. Unexperienced person here :)

[@sidvicious3129]

Very good video and photos. Could you please tell me what strap you used around your body to connect to the 200-600mm? I loved the quick release so that you can be ready for a tripod if needed.

[@winstonllamas5163]

Great video. Nice place. Great lens. I use mine with the A6600 and it's a great combination.

[@MrFredwick]

I'm looking for the same combination. Are you satisfied with it. Or would you prefer the 100-400 from Sony. Best Regards Freddy

[@winstonllamas5163]

@@MrFredwick For my use, longer is better. I haven't had the chance to use the 100-400, but I did have a 70-400 Sony on my A77II. I often found that it wasn't long enough, so I replaced it with the Tamron 150-600. Greater reach, but the Sony was a sharper, faster focusing lens. The 200-600 is a great lens. Very good image quality and it pairs very well with my A6600. It is a fast focusing lens and relatively light. The internal zoom is great. Of course, the extra speed of the 100-400 makes a difference, but greater reach, especially for birding, is more important to me.

[@JessDemant]

I have this lens and love the lens ♥️ 👍

[@thomastuorto9929]

What camera?

[@JessDemant]

@@thomastuorto9929 Sony A9

[@CraigAndrew-i5y]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos. I am looking at buying this lens. It should pair up really nicely to the cameras i own. (a7iv + a7rv) and What brand is the tripod you used? I think it'll be a great size for macro.

[@joechip1232]

You can identify most birds with the Seek app. Great shots!

[@lmball]

I bought this more than a year ago with A6400 but rarely use it for birds, mainly landscape and sports, sometimes portrait....

[@dpbikes]

I have so much trouble with the lens. It’s tough to figure out.but when it nails it! Oooh its good

[@luispaxtor2680]

It is a great lens, really fun for bird photography, well wildlife in general.

[@abelfernandez5648]

lo tengo hace un año con una A9 y estoy muy contento de los resultados, excelente combo

[@drummingspain207]

Hola Abel. También tengo la A9 y estoy todavía pensando en este objectivo. No creo que hay muchas otras opciones aunque no sé si el f6.3 sería suficiente!!

[@abelfernandez5648]

@@drummingspain207 no te vas arrepentir con este objetivo si lo compras. El combo con la A9, A9ll o la A1 es una pasada, calidad la que quieras por un precio muy bueno.

[@drummingspain207]

@@abelfernandez5648 Que oportuno! Estoy A PUNTO de comprarla. No sé si es por el tema del cambio pero ha bajado unas 30 libras precisamente hoy! Ya vivo en Inglaterra y vale unos £1410. Casi ha llegado la temporada para los buos y solo tengo mi 70-200 GM. Gracias de nuevo

[@ChesneyAdventures]

I purchased the a7iii in March, wanting to do some wildlife photography. I may rent this lens before going to Ocean Springs, Ms. I want some bird photos.

[@swerve3000]

I just got this lens from TCS, so I consider this great after-service. I'll certainly use these tips, generally and for the birds. Thanks, Dave!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

That is awesome. You are going to have a blast!! Enjoy the lens.

[@Rascallucci]

I have been eyeing up this lens for a while for my next upgrade which would involve a cross-brand migration. No doubt the A9 II is absolutely amazing when it comes to BIF shots, but I have been thinking more along the lines of the A7R IV for a more all-rounded body. The key thing I have been thinking about is having max reach, namely shooting the A7R IV in APS-C crop mode without having to touch teleconverters. Now, if you are saying the FE 200-600mm works great with teleconverters, all it could do is add even more reach. Imagine 600mm x 1.5x (Sony APS-C crop factor) x 1.4x (TC), that would give me 1260mm. What is your viewpoint on the two bodies? Do you think I am going about it the wrong way? Speed vs reach, will the A9 II still be your body of choice?

[@jeroenvdw]

3 years ago but still I want to give my thoughts... I think the sharpness of this lens doesn't cover the 61mp sensor camera's, at most it's razor sharp at 33mp so I think if you use crop mode on your A7R IV the images won't be very sharp. I have the same thing on my Tamron 150-500 where on my 24mp camera it's very sharp, but on my A7RV it's soft. Crop mode is kinda unusable bc of that.

[@wateaman]

I have this lens with the A7Riii. On sunny days I have no trouble capturing birds in flight. Nearly all my BIF pics are eventually cropped and the image holds up very well. If you shoot in heavy overcast or at dawn or dusk, this is not the best combination. An A9 series cam would be a far better choice.

[@GrantBrennerMD]

thanks - nice review and instructional tips

[@sh8736]

The strap you have looks like peak design but what was the clip that you pressed to unlock? Have looked at the camera store but can’t find any thing like that

[@idontwantacallsign]

Great video, and beautiful birds and nature. That lens is awesome 👌👌

[@DaveTCSTV]

Thanks, for the comment.

[@TheJakejames2008]

nice video ,I like the look of this lens but what sony body a7 range due to budget or maybe a a9mk1 do you recomend to pair with this lens.will mainly for wildlife birds in flight etc.

[@M_C__studio]

Great video!

[@bifdelmar]

Thanks for this review. I have purchased this lens recently and having trouble getting my bearings with it. For one thing, I don't understand what the focus hold buttons do. Cold someone enlighten me? Thanks.

[@robertgaylord8263]

Great Video . Where did you get that strong, practical, lens carrying strap?

[@PHOTOLEV]

Dear colleague! Please tell me where you bought this lens foot with mount Ar 15 Stock 1.25inch Thank you!

[@jolemoine2789]

Excellent. Merci

[@nightcoder5k]

Nice tips. Thank you. I'm familiar with all those birds since I've just learned them recently. ;) Eventually, I would like to get this lens.

[@TomatenDK]

Should I leave it on largest aperture 5.6 ? And let the lens to the work ? Or do you guys recommend I go higher to f. ex f8 ? When shooting birds in flight ?

[@anandnimfa]

Thank you for a nice video 👍🏼

[@JoeMaranophotography]

I like the idea of this lens but the Sony bodies with decent AF aren't exactly cheap so decided to stay with M43. Might change one day though who knows!

[@mynilesh]

nice Video... can you please share which lenses you used on GH5 Camera to shoot this video? Did you use any ND filter and gimbal to shoot this video? The video colours and sharpness at time stamp at 0.12 and 2.54 look very nice. Thanks.

[@jjseandxcefree]

1:44 so which size tracking center did you choose? there a 3. s, m and L

[@simonwilliams2109]

Thanks Dave, cool vid. Stay safe.

[@sfiron]

I have this lens with the R4 camera combination. Not so happy about the match. Images just don't pop out like most images and other lenses I have. From what I heard this lens is a better match for the smaller sensor cameras. The over all weight and design is great, I think there is some issue with the low light sensitivity of the R4 and some AF and optics issue.I’m not using any filters btw

[@RyanMenseWildlife]

Hell yeah, Dave!

[@C---M]

On youtube they all look out of focus or soft? This lens also works really well with the a6400 + 1.4TC if you have enough light. although I prefer the image quality of the A9.

[@nrocha2466]

I use the A9ii with 200600G and 1.4tc nearly all the time and it's an amazing combination.

[@leighann5308]

Which TC do you use the Sony?

[@AlfonsoM.]

Hi, I have the A7III and when I tyr to change to Traking it only says Lock-on AF. Someone knows if is because of the camera or is a part of the configuration I have wrong? PD: Sorry about the bad english.

[@aaroiseverything]

Sony A9 II + this lens = can buy a car ahhaha

[@redizeli3660]

Thanks for a very nice video. I'm interested in what strap do you use for this foot?

[@DaveTCSTV]

Hi and thanks for watching. The strap is from peak design, the foot is from Kirk with their quick disconnect ( QD ) system.

[@emilymurphy9554]

Do use aperture priority? Auto ISO? What are the side buttons on the camera shaft for?

[@NeluCiorba]

nice review, btw where is that area/location you are in this video pls?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

It's called Frank Lake, about 40 minutes south of Calgary (in Alberta, Canada)

[@ShenaniGrahams]

Do you have a source for that Puffin Pad that will ship to the US? It's sold out/unavailable everywhere and your link won't ship to the US.

[@patrikhaldorson1019]

What strap are you are using? Very nice quick release.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Sorry for the extremely long delay in responding to this. The strap Dave was using was the Peak Design Slide Camera Strap. We love Peak Design straps. Here is the product page link: thecamerastore.com/products/peak-design-slide-camera-strap-2?_pos=21&_sid=16e373f65&_ss=r

[@goraidersndodgers]

Dave does not skip leg day.

[@DaveTCSTV]

Love it!

[@sfiron]

Have it. Not crazy about it using the R74. A better match for A9 line. Just a tip for future buyers...

[@dbcvisuals]

Just curious, are you also using any added filters?

[@sfiron]

@@dbcvisuals no. never. ND on some other lens.

[@zacharybohlman4069]

Why is this

[@333raffles]

Have the A9 and 200-600. Was going to buy the 7R4 for crop. Advice?

[@selbyshanly6747]

Dave, noticed you were using the Puffin Pad. How did you like it?

[@DaveTCSTV]

The Puffin Pad is a very simple solution and works great shooting out the window of a car, resting on a fence or the hood of the car ect. I was glad we had it for our shoot.

[@selbyshanly6747]

Dave Paul Thanks! I’ve ordered one from TCS.

[@xMROHNZx]

Great Review!

[@SebastiansKanal]

7:34 what is the name of this lovely little tripod - I‘m searching for something like that... Help pls?

[@DaveTCSTV]

Thanks for watching. That lovely little tripod is one of my favorite accessories to carry with me everywhere! It is the Leofoto MT-03 table top tripod with the LH-25 head. ( www.thecamerastore.com/15248-Leofoto-MT-03-Plus-LH-25-Mini-Tripod-Kit.aspx )

[@SebastiansKanal]

Thanks a lot I just ordered it ;)

[@dieterpaterek3720]

Great review

[@daycreek]

Steve was a Yellow-Headed Blackbird.

[@thebentzenable]

Excellent review 🤗

[@nsbhagwat]

Can you put these photographs on camera store website for download?

[@esppics21]

What tripod are you using at 7:34 in the video?

[@antdx316]

What f/stop do you use to keep the images as sharp as possible? I've heard f/5.6/6.3 isn't sharp as f/8?

[@drummingspain207]

True. Rarely a lens will perform at its best wide open. Usually by stopping down a full stop will improve IQ

[@mikecook538]

think ill just copy Ryan's answer great identification m8 from the U.K. the only bird ive seen are the black-necked Stilt's and they only showed up last summer i have a Nature reserve about 3 miles away it's 4 miles approx. called Steart Marshes its got its own web site but theres more on twitter have a look when you get chance

[@yohannsphotographyvideogra9542]

why is it so much cheaper than the 500mm canon and sigma is there a flow that makes it much cheaper ?

[@Anarki2U]

It may be a good zoom lens, but I prefer a prime lens, I wish for compact prime lenses of 300mm, 400mm and 500mm

[@briansullivan1353]

What was the tiny tripod you were using? Thanks for a great video!

[@DaveTCSTV]

Thanks for watching. That lovely little tripod is one of my favorite accessories to carry with me everywhere! It is the Leofoto MT-03 table top tripod with the LH-25 head. ( www.thecamerastore.com/15248-Leofoto-MT-03-Plus-LH-25-Mini-Tripod-Kit.aspx )

[@TheGreatLoco]

It’s a lot more expensive than the Nikon 200-500mm 5.6, though Sony goes to 600mm, is internal zoom and its zoom throw is shorter. Optically they aren’t far away and the Nikon is slightly faster at the longer end.

[@leighann5308]

What are your camera settings?

[@xmlthegreat]

Would it be possible to do one shoot with the R5? They have a couple of new tele lenses that might be interesting.

[@riparianlife97701]

It happened. I woke up bird-curious one day. I can't justify anything longer than my 70-200 f2.8, though, because birds don't pay for shit, and I can't make much use of a 600 for portraits.

[@Wightzebra]

Great lens but I traded it in on the 400mm f/2.8 because I love the golden hours.

[@lynneftw]

I would think a good camera with great low-light capabilities could still handle lower light with a lens that doesn't get down into the 2's.

[@Wightzebra]

@@lynneftw Not as well.

[@drummingspain207]

Who wouldn't want a 400 f2.8 but Sony's offering is more than the average price of a car!!!

[@superman8458]

Thank you

[@glenhar1225]

Camo with a big bright white lens....

[@brucehargrave4837]

Yes! Some great lens coats are available though.

[@TanvirHasan-u5c]

which camera did you use ?

[@theothersuperdave]

Thanks for watching. I am using the Sony A9 II in this video.

[@staezione]

You cannot track with animal setting on, im i right?

[@stopmeandslapme]

Great video, very informative. What shoulder strap is that?

[@stopmeandslapme]

I figured it out, it's a Peak Design Slide

[@fitguy49]

That yellow breasted bird you photographed is called a yellow headed blackbird

[@movieman2009]

What shooting mode are you using on the lens.. there are 3 positions to choose from ?

[@Netviewer376]

💪💪💪👍👍

[@xmlthegreat]

Where's the Ghillie suit Dave?

[@Jerry23555]

Any plans of selling the lens

[@tonyzhu403]

No Olympus 100-400mm Trial? Guess the Light is a Bit Low…

[@AlanPototsky]

at 2:41, is that a hair on your sensor?

[@DaveTCSTV]

Could very well be. Good eye. Thanks for watching.

[@fablawrealtor]

I find this lens too heavy. I have a hard time holding it for a long time.

[@adarsh9963]

Which camera?

[@DaveTCSTV]

I was using the Sony A9 II in htis video, Thanks for watching.

[@echoauxgen]

What first time wearing camo? Always wear camo, the popular print camo people think looks normal and animals like because you look like a dark blob moving about. It is the movement of dark and white. Marine Corps desert (tan) digital helps you just disappear even in the leafy woods (take wider photos of people wearing camo, then choose). Put a digital LensCoat on the white lens also for bumps and weather protection also does not look like a big $$$ item!!!

[@davect01]

Some sensor spots but otherwise a solid video

[@Film_Fog]

Why do camera lens makers choose to make them white

[@brucehargrave4837]

The (dubious) reason that Canon used was that they didn't get hot if they were white! Nikon used black lenses, so Canon were different. Sony couldn't find any grey plastic, so used white ;-)

[@RARMO]

tripod name please @7:33

[@emmettfrancis]

2:38 super dirty sensor

[@unoengborg]

Not much point in. wearing camo if you are moving around, not wearing gloves and a cap and paint your face to hide it, and waiving around with a long white lens.

[@aussie8114]

I can hear you talking but l can’t see you 😕