My BIG lens regret.

Ugh. Why do I do this? Let's think things through before purchasing lenses. I wish I had. But, in the end...someone saves me.
‪@StefanoIaniro‬
First time here? Hi, I'm Omar Gonzalez, a professional portrait and event photographer in the NYC/NJ area. On this channel, we talk cameras, lenses, and techniques to improve our photography.
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www.omargonzalezphotography.com
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#nikon

[@Jviotr]

In my experience, the birds always land right next to me whenever I don’t have the big lens with me!

[@KurtisPape]

Like you said don't expect it to be easy, I've been doing bird photography for over 3 years and each time I go out I'm envisioning all kinds of amazing photos but once I start walking the reality hits I might not even be able to find any birds! When you do find them, to get a clear shot usually takes patience and behaviour prediction or serious stealth like a ghillie suit and crawling through grass.

[@justinthomas3829]

😂 A few years ago I bought the Nikon 200-500/5.6 and hardly ever used it (my big lens mistake) because of its bulk and weight. I learnt my lesson and didn’t get the 160-600z but instead I got the 100-400z for my Z8. Which I actually carry around with and use.

[@hmuz8388]

Same story here…even with a monopod, the 200-500 was just too much haha

[@craigcarlson4022]

Justin, Ha, i did the same dang hing, buying the z 100-400 for its more manageable weight. I did though get the 1.4x to get a bit more reach.

[@ericerickson6537]

Love the 100-400 s

[@Norway68]

I got 5 lenses, and my main lens to go is Tamron G2 150-600mm. And wondering to sell them all and get 600mm F4 prime. It took me like 3-4months to understanding bird/animal photography. Best tip, careful with the background, and always take them in eye level, hight. Then, have depth in the direction the animals are looking.

[@TITAOSTEIN]

You should try the OM-1 paired with the 40-150mm f2.8 (+ TC when needed). wonderful, robust and Compact! Alternativ is the Leica 100-400mm.

[@99jlink]

So glad to see a fellow Olympus enthusiast! Just today I captured cardinals, woodpeckers and bluejays in my own back yard in Montclair, NJ, with my Olympus 200mm f4 lens, attached to a Fujifilm X-T20 camera. What a light and compact combo! Alas, manual focus and no IS, but the camera is mounted on a tripod. I've had that lens for 50 years, and it's a beauty! (Omar, so good to watch your video up on Mills Reservation!)

[@charlesholekamp4723]

I used my Sigma 150 to 600 sport along with a monopod and an inexpensive gimble head. While walking around I would fold the camera lens down so it’s parallel with the monopod and then when I was ready I would just release the knob and be ready to shoot in five seconds. I would use the rubber grip on the monopod to carry the camera around that way until I was ready to shoot.

[@MLee-vcrr]

Great minds think alike, I use that lens the same way.

[@allenahale1]

You have a regret? What about me? I bought the Sigma 60-600 for my Nikon DSLR specifically for a trip to Botswana. I shot about 200 shots before the trip. The trip was delayed two years due to COVID. When I finally took the tour, the lens failed in the first hour of my first game drive. Fortunately the tour company had a loaner camera and lens (Canon) and saved my trip. Upon return home I had the lens repaired (out of warranty). I tested the lens a couple times at home to ensure it was functioning. I returned to the same location with the same company the next year ... one hour into my first game drive... it failed again!! Once again the tour company bailed me out with a Canon 400mm and body. It has been repaired once again (out of warranty). I will hopefully use it effectively this upcoming September in Namibia. Regret? I have two regrets!

[@prosunsport1]

Wow u put me off sigma for life

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

Switch to the M 4/3 system from Om-systems as quickly as you can. advantages, light weight. cheaper. and rain resistant, which can certainly be very useful on Costa Rica with those humid weather conditions.😂

[@MatthewRaifman]

Ha! I was about to write that you should try the 400 f/4.5! I just picked up a refurbished one from Nikon. It’s amazing. Perfect with or without the 1.4x. I use for everything and especially hummingbirds.

[@karikaru]

Seeing the size of that thing, i suddenly "get" micro four thirds. The pana-leica 100-400 is about 500g lighter than the nikon 100-400, shorter with double the reach. Sure, you get worse iso performance but to have a 200-800 equivalent that actually fits in your backpack with other lenses and gear - honestly seems like not a bad deal.

[@kalistratov_photos]

The first part of the video was really fun to watch, because you do not take yourself too seriously. I really like a Fuji 150-600, the good thing about it is that it is possible to handhold it. The aps-c makes is a 900 mm equivalent. Composing with this lens is a lot of fun. However, at some point even with this fuji 4.4 lb setup eventually I need some rest.

[@mortenthorpe]

Yeah, the Fuji 150-600 with the x-H2S is amazing… I use it a lot for birding, and it’s light and gives some great images

[@kalistratov_photos]

@@mortenthorpe This lens was an expensive purchase for me, but that's the case you don't regret buying such an incredible piece of craftsmanship.

[@JacobG-M]

Ooo… nostalgia!! I had this same monster/ beast/ tank (your choice of endearment) stuck on a Zfc via an FTZ… go figure! I had a Z6ii as well, but wanted the extra magnification of the cropped sensor. BUT… I do have a decent bunch of birds (bee eaters, migratories like spoonbills and fishing raptors) and larger animals like mugger crocks, spotted deer and leopard shot at a comfortable distance. Most of the clearer shots were rested on the back of a seat on the safari 4x4. Pure hand-held with the 150-600 Sport was only for hurried shots where getting in position was not an option. I do love its image-stabilization, specially since the Zfc is IBIS-deficient. Got it from MPH (big shout-out!) and sold it to a local camera store soon after the Safari. Good shooting experience, but not keen to be constantly reminded that I need to visit the gym more!

[@barrycohen311]

That is not a lens, it is a freakin' Bazooka! :-)

[@ratgirl13]

Today we’re going to try something dumb…😂 your humor kills it.

[@ActaeonLF]

I had a similar lesson. Long ago I had the Nikon 200-500mm F mount. Great lens optically, really good VR, excellent value, but it was too big and heavy. I enjoyed using it but hated carrying it. It stayed home often. For my Z8, I went for the 100-400S and 1.4x TC. Up to 560mm of reach at the same size as a 70-200. The larger 180-600mm is a better range for wildlife and my recommendation for a dedicated birder. But for everyone else the 100-400 is more versatile and compact. Works well for portraits, landscape, macro, and wildlife. I bring it on walks and hikes often and it never feels like a burden. With a 24-70 or 24-120 you have a great two lens setup that can cover most situations. Excellent setup for travel. Oh and please put a towel or pad on your car to prevent scratches!

[@NotAnotherChannel_Channel]

I own a big lens. Big lenses beg you, every day, to go outside. That’s the penance of buying a big lens, but I love it. And yep, you gotta bring a tripod, wear camo, and wait for a long time, but the payoff is pretty sweet sometimes.

[@leonfisher]

Congrats for capturing the once in a lifetime pink flamingo shot!

[@TandemAdventures]

Hey, Nikon should have sent you the 500mm PF! Holy smokes! Lightweight and such stunning shots! I have the 300mm PF too and either of them paired with my Nikon Z 7ii, amazing handheld stuff! Good luck and have fun!!

[@xiaofengliu5724]

This lens has a very good IQ, but a bad design flaw: front-heavy!

[@-grey]

Out there body building for birds. 💪

[@robertgrenader858]

Dude, use a Monopod. Tony and Chelsea use one. And, get a Fuji to Nikon F adapter and hook up your XT-20!

[@1717jbs]

Looking forward to your trip!

[@Luigi13]

I still think your video edits and videos in general are the best. It always gives me a good laugh, cheers Omar. 😁😁

[@bruchino]

the flamingo shot was crazy 😁

[@AdventuresinNature]

I think if you go into it with the right expectations, it's quite enjoyable and manageable. I use a GFX 100 ii with tilting viewfinder, battery grip, and Sigma 150-600 Contemporary lens via Fringer Adapter. I took off the tripod collar and use a long peak design shoulder strap. It's definitely heavy, but I handhold it for several hour long sessions and have a great time. I just go into it with the expectation of a nice workout 😂

[@leod1671]

Love the humor, I lived in NJ most of my life but now live Florida, however, I never went to the Montclair cliffs. Will have to do that next time i'm up there.

[@DragonsOfTheDark]

great shot of that flamingo, Omar!

[@RonClifford]

It's clear everyone has different points of view. I shoot a lot of wildlife and need the 600mm focal length a lot. I own the Z9 and use the sigma 60-600 sport and find the weight helps me get good handheld "run and gun" style vide and great birds in flight. I recently started using the 180-600 and while it's fantastic (and lighter). It has terrible stabilization with birds in flight on video. It surpassed my expectations in every other way.

[@photosbymichelperez8297]

Next time try with a monopod. Awesome setup Omar.

[@kirklins8411]

It would be great if you could take your fuji x-t20 and if you could find a xf70-300 to take as a comparison since they would be close to the same focal length but way lighter. I have the x-t3 with xf100-400 and just bought the xf150-600 but for traveling I don't think I would want to take them. Have a great time in Costa Rica, looking forward to the pics.

[@davidziegert7500]

I have the contemporary and I love it handheld

[@MannyScoot]

I went to the same tree stump 6-8 hours a day for 4 days until I finally captured a Bald Eagle landing on it .....

[@arunakalu]

I owned the F mount Sigma Sport 60-600mm, OMG was it heavy. I kept it for about a year, always had to use a tripod with gimbal. Finally I sold it and boutght the Nikon z 100-400 and what a joy it was. Two days ago I also bought the 400 f/4.5, and my what a weight difference and IQ difference. :-) Also I bought a 70-180 f/2.8 for low light 🙂

[@ericdelmar2618]

Eagle Rock or Mills Reservation! My old photo haunts when I lived in MTC. I enjoy your vids!

[@refuztosay9454]

Try using bait - especially in the winter when the birds are having a bit more trouble finding food. If you bait a location on a semi-regular basis the birds will return so you can have an easier time planing your outing and getting results. You can set up near-by perches so the resulting shots look more natural. Keep up the good work and enjoy the new type of photography.

[@sonholee5769]

Whoa! That flamingo on that tree! :-D

[@TR6Telos]

I've just bought a 80s Nikon 300mm 2.8, now where are my dumbbells!

[@andrewclack6599]

I also have the Sigma 150-600 and yes, it’s a hell of a lump to cart around. I also have the cheap 75-300 Canon which is my go-to for casual opportunist shooting as it’s so light to carry. The Sigma is vastly superior optically but I tend to only use it on a planned shoot where I take a tripod. The optical stabilisation is very good on the sigma but for fast shooting (1/1000+) I turn it off. The other drawback is the 6.3 aperture at anything over 400mm so it needs good light (or suffer very high ISO with lots of noise). I do love the 600mm reach though so will probably hang onto it for those rare times I actually plan a shoot and am prepared to cart all the gear to a location.

[@FamousPixs]

Do you have the "I Shoot RAW" T-Shirts?

[@pedrova8058]

What people don't get about nature photography is that you must study a lot, not about photography, but about your "models": knowing the habits of the species, timing, feeding sites, etc. In addition, you have to deal with the environmental conditions (quality of light) and distance (comfort zone for that specie, if you know its behaviors you can achieve better approaches) That is 75-80% of the work, if you don't know where the animals are, you will hardly have photos. 2-3 kg of glasss is the least of the problems (imagine using a 6kg 400 2.8/600 f4)

[@danncorbit3623]

I have the contemporary version of that lens. It's not bad hand held, but I'm a big guy. I have some really heavy lenses. For those I use my graphite tripod with a graphite gimbal.

[@scottw5791]

Eagle rock Res should really have more eagles.

[@jakilahmoulien9070]

You can just put it in auto capture mode instead of staring at that branch forever

[@SundayRacers]

The 400mm f/4.5 is expensive but amazing

[@abfutrell]

As a 59 kg cyclist (muscles are in my legs), I was able to carry the Z Mount Tamron 150-500mm on 3 mile hike.

[@Tbonyandsteak]

Tripod tripod tripod tripod tripod use it.....

[@JenHamon]

Love the flamingo

[@pnwtim503]

I think this is where a monopod would come in handy.

[@TheEurolit3]

Haha, funny but still informative. I like your focus on ergonomics and handling more than other stuff!

[@arnienassuk4810]

Love my Tamron 150-600mm g2 and the z611 awesome combo just light enough to hand hold some epic shots

[@loco46m]

That's why you need a micro 4/3 setup! 😂

[@cyano3d]

Now i get it why bird shooters prefer crop

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

My prediction: You'll love the 400 f/4.5. Take a TC too; it works well with both the 1.4 and 2x. All you need now is a camo jumpsuit!

[@enoeline]

I use a D500 and 200-500lens and i handheld with no issues. i guess is patience, technic and habit. i am not saying its not heavy.

[@renarsdradeika8657]

This video convinced me, that i should stick to Fuji and not go full frame. These full frame big zoom lenses are ridiculous for a hobbyist.

[@robertsaunders5740]

I have the Sigma sport on a Canon 7d body. 7lb 8oz without the hood. Waiting to try out the gimble I purchased.

[@DjCjFoto]

That's what I've got. You're gonna love 400f4.5, then you're gonna buy it 😊 such a sweet lens.

[@themadgreek]

hey Jersey Guy! I'm looking for a similar lens... who did you speak with at Nikon? Alvin, Simon, or Theodore? ;-)

[@stevearita3267]

This was such a great video, loved it! I can't wait to see your videos from your trip.

[@JackieDElia]

Hi Omar - What did you film the video on outdoors? The link in the description does not work. ☹️

[@jamesquinn8958]

I have the same sigma lens for sony e-mount and its definitely not an easy lens to lug around and shoot with all day. But I love the images that I'm able to get with it! However, I think i would go with tamrons version of the lens if given a second chance.

[@andersalmstrom77]

i have the Contemporary version its a beast as well but slightly lighter. use it with a 1dx mk1 and loves the combo but its fun hand shooting even thou heavy

[@adebrian1737]

@ longer focal lengths you need decrnf tripod

[@davecrissinger8967]

I have the Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens attached to my Rapid strap. I use Wildlife as my me time.

[@QuicknStraight]

Agree totally about huge, heavy zoom lenses. Just not my thing at all. I'd rather go with 300/400 prime and take my chances.

[@truenetgmx]

This is why "downgraded" to om1 and 100-300. Will still buy nikon z6III whenever it will come out, but for wildlife - i know heavy gear stays home :)

[@laservampire]

This is why I moved to m43 for my interchangeable lens cameras. I can have a 150-600 equivalent lens in my jacket pocket that weighs 425g

[@Autumn-Foxxo]

No big lens regrets yet, need a big lens first. I've been making do with an old canon fd 200mm f2.8 for wildlife on a fuji x-e3. Somethin a little bigger would be great

[@ThomasPetzwinkler]

I'm laughing so hard. Thanks for another great video Omar! You need to come up and shoot a collab video here in Maine. We would just kill it. Did I mention I have a wicked sense of humor?

[@emudojo]

Where are you staying?... Would be cool to meet her in CR

[@arwennstory1013]

Enjoy your trip. watch out for those pickpockets 🙂

[@davidbarajas12]

A theme idea: Flamingos in Manhattan?

[@chasescooper]

lol you’ve come quite a long way away from the small compact kit of Fuji. Gonna get a good workout with all this giant gear.

[@JeffreyJohnsonC]

Need good IBIS plus lens stabilization

[@philcampbell5827]

You definitely need a strap when hauling that big glass around...they really help save your arm strength for picture taking. I also have those visions of hawks or eagles landing in glorious light on those bare tree limbs right in front of you....never been so lucky though, 😞

[@phynx2006]

We know the real reason your out there, your trying to get a picture of the New Jersey Devil 😂😂😂

[@EricSnydereasphotography]

I absolutely love my Z 180-600mm !!!

[@jonesnax]

A bag...I mean, maybe a bag? 😂

[@19Photographer76]

I just love my 400mm f/4.5. That wasn't the best light for song birds. The only f/mount lens that I've kept is the 14-24mm f/2.8, get rid of those dumbells.

[@vermis8344]

Lenses like that are what make me stick with M4/3. Forget a tripod, you need a _mule_ to carry that thing!

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@dccoletrain]

I had no trouble holding the Fuji 150-600mm. After over an hour of taking pictures of an Eagle I tried to make a video and there was a little shake…..😂

[@jeffwilcox9987]

But wait until summer and no girl on the beach we be safe.

[@robertbohnaker9898]

Omar. Amazing! Best wildlife show since Mutual of Omaha’s Wild America ! Joking aside, wildlife can be a cruel mistress at times….😮I feel you.😊

[@craig_cunha]

3:48 nice 👍🏼

[@TR6Telos]

Same with telescopes

[@TungstenOvergaard]

OMG. When I see you with those bricks I love much more my Fujifilm gear.

[@Mr09260]

Get the 180-600 Z Lens = Done

[@gerhardscherz675]

Go for the Moon 😉

[@gerhardscherz675]

Or … 🤠 go to Manhattan and take a close up into windows 😁😇😉

[@BeejadiNagraja_Praveen]

Love watching your videos, more for the humour side of it. Love it :)

[@imagenatura]

Sweet! That's all you have to do is call Nikon and they send you a lens? Do you have to pay for that service? Oh...you have to sell your soul.

[@michelle_pw]

Back to Fuji?😂

[@axelkeuchel5728]

Omar, your videos keep gettin‘ better and better - I like😃👍

[@tekap5445]

you need to go to the gym and get bigger biceps! Big guns need big biceps!😁💪💪

[@hmuz8388]

So big guns need…big guns?!!

[@eduardolima5968]

OR you can have a lot more fun and beautiful photography with an X-H2/H2S over a much lighter XF100-400 or XF150-600 for half the price (or maybe less). And you'll keep shooting when your subject is too far away for your friends with a full-frame camera. ;) I would love to go to Costa Rica, but luckily, in this sense, I'm here in Brazil, where we have twice as many bird species. In the state of Rio de Janeiro alone, which has a smaller area, 673 have already been registered, which is not much less than what can be found in Costa Rica. Here's a tip! @e_d_u_photos

[@marcusbeasley3212]

I was actually going to suggest the 400 4.5. It's a great lens, can't wait to see what you get with it and enjoy the trip in Costa Rica.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

The largest lens that I have and shoot hand held is the Fujifilm 100-400 mm and the XH2, that is my go to system, both are stabilized and that helps. The thing about photographing wildlife and birds is that no matter how much reach you have some times it's never enough, so for hand held photography the above setup works, I will add the 1.4 x. Converter this year. I use a kayak to photograph birds and once a year I travel from the Hudson valley to the Eastern shores of Virginia stopping at Bombay Hook National Wildlife refuge then to Assateague island in Virginia, both great places to photograph different birds and at times a fox.

[@georgedavall9449]

Enjoyed your comment James, and so true! I might add the old saying that goes something g like this: “ You know, You can never have enough focal length, or get close enough, when it comes to photographing Birds!”

[@damir1666]

Rented the Sony 200-600 a few weeks back to take out with my APS-C body. Had no immediate intention to buy it, but the weight cured me of any desire for the lens. Got some great photos, don’t get me wrong. But I knew from that weekend that I simply wouldn’t take the thing out that much if I owned it. I’ve come to appreciate my 70-350 all the more on my A6700. It’s a great little combo that punches well above its weight - literally.

[@AnirudhHu]

it's tough to admit when something doesn't work out or isn't for you! Kudos on that, and enjoy your trip!

[@Frippin-MTBD80]

You should check out the Nikkor 180-600 as the image stabilization on it (Z lens and system) will be on another level compared to this older Sigma. I know this via comparing F Tamron 100-400 to my Z70-200/2.8 with Z2.0x TC. EDIT: Or the Z 400/4.5 lolz

[@danigonzalez4299]

Mate you are doing it all wrong 😅😅 Yes it's a heavy lens but you can have the weight in a monopod, so always carry it with a monopod and then straps! And you can also bring a backpack and throw it in. Buy I mean a good one, where you can strap it in your hypes and chest and the weight gets all along your body not only your shoulders. I have friends at the racetrack using this (the non sports) and I use and carry around the Pentax 150-450mm which is around 2,3Kgs and it's heavy. But you have to live with that.