Q&A #2 - A9 or A7RIV - Nikon in Costa Rica - Sony Lens Selection - Shooting Video & Stills

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Help support me and what I do: ko-fi.com/marksmithphotography

[@ARlELATOM]

Love the starry night T-shirt 👌

[@mihirbhatlawande7816]

Really nice video!! Very helpful

[@Cubrunwildlife]

Excellent work!

[@TerbrugZondolop]

Hi Mark, Your videos are superb. Love the narration style and presentation. Love the shots!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@TerbrugZondolop]

@@MarkSmithphotography I am sure you have been asked 8000 times. I am an accustomed Nikon shooter. Honestly I have a difficult time migrating to a system such as Sony or Canon firstly cause of cost, I find that plausible alternatives lie with Nikon anyway, on cost alone. I am considering an upgrade on a camera system however I am seeing serious mixed reviews on the Z6 as a system. You are the only dude who seems to have gotten the quality of BIF shots I have seen so far. I am not a believer of the converters, as native glass is the only way, however the Nikon Z roadmap of glass is agonising. Is there a place for a D500, 200-500 combo in 2020? or biting the bullet and going mirrorless now? I hear the Z6s is on the way but the improvements are expected to me minor. Thanks, apologies for the long post!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

komunista114 in my experience the D500 was much better in the focus department than the z6. For mirrorless I prefer the Sony system.

[@TerbrugZondolop]

@@MarkSmithphotography Thanks so much for your quick reply. Have subscribed to your channel and am always amazed at your shots. Keep up the great work.

[@MyNorthAmetican40]

One of the best, if not the very best of all the PHOTOG CHANNELs...thank you.

[@ItsPinecone_911]

To the guy who says, "You talk to much. Big mouth." Just block if you can. I personally love how you tell a story with your photography and video. Its why I follow your channel. Keep doing you and fudge the haters.

[@Gazzab6]

Here here.

[@digitalnomadmarketing9930]

Love your Q & A's Mark. Here's another one. What the heck are you shooting these days - during these strange lock down times - crickets in your living room?

[@frederickdebban4493]

Love your videos. I have a D7500 and a lot of your settings on the 850 helped me understand sone of the control settings.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Awesome!!!

[@VladimirNaumoff]

Great video Mark. I hope you guys all healthy and safe.

[@chiefleghari]

Professori Ala Photography Senor Mark Smith , Impressive the way you articulate your passion & work in Words .. I am spoilt for choice , I already have 4 of Nikon’s Top cameras ( Nikon D5 , Nikon D850 ( with the Battery Pack , Nikon D500 & Nikon Z7 ) and lenses 800 mm f/5.6 , 400 mm f / 2.8 , 200-500 mm f 5.6 , and The New Lightweight 500 mm f/5.6E .. My Areas of Wildlife Shoots are The Dense Undergrowth Jungles of Marghalla Hills for Birds and Open Rivers for Waterfowl . Recently I have started going to the Mountains for Big Horn Sheep and Deer . Kindly Narrow Down My Choice Lens and Cam Gear for the Various Kind of Shooting in respect to terrain , ease of carriage and Great Results .. Much Appreciated .. I have absolute faith and trust in your sincere advice . God Bless you and your family . Warm Regards, Senator Jamal Leghari from Pakistan

[@daltonramsey9585]

I have a degree in wildlife resources management and want to be able to share wildlife and get other people excited about the outdoors because I think education is our best hope in protecting these resources. This is what got me into photography and I have been enjoying it quite a bit. I had a canon 70D and the 400mm prime (along with some other lenses). Just traded for a d7100 and a 200-500. The 200-500 is not in bad shape but not perfect either. Just cosmetics and a small amount of dust inside. Optics look great. I like things about both setups but feel like the 200-500 will offer some versatility I was lacking with the 400mm prime. Towards the end of this year I will have about $3k to play with (which is a lot of money for me). I am wondering what the best move is to get into some better gear. I am not sure if I should try to trade the 200-500 and the 7100 for a body and spend the cash on glass or if I should keep it and upgrade bodies and buy some other lenses. I jumped from canon because I read that the 400 prime wasn't really capable of resolving an image for the dense sensor on the new 90D and I figured if I am going to have to replace the lens when I upgrade to the 90D I might as well make the move now. If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them.

[@vidhu84348]

Thanks for this video. Q&A makes more clear view on subjects.

[@thomaspallan5988]

Hi Mark, Watch all of your videos, just great! I use the Nikon D 500 for birds with the Nikon 200-400mm, F/4 VC1, it's heavy as I get older! I just purchased the Nikon 500mm f5.6 pf which I like but using it only twice. I can return it and get the Nikon 500mm, F/4 , lot more expensive, is the difference that significant? Weight wise, def. heavier or should I stay with my Nikon f4, 200-400mm f/4 zoom and get the Nikon Nikon 500mm F4...which version? OR, get rid of both and just get the Nikon 200-500mm, f/5.6 zoom, save much money and weight? ty again for your great teaching. tom

[@tonytfuntek3262]

Another great Q&A....thank you

[@Mr09260]

Thanks Mark ..I learn a lot from this new video format

[@phooesnax]

Nice work Mark! Thank You Jim

[@mdavis5011]

Your Q&A sessions are simply fantastic. You choose excellent ones to answer that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. The entire Nikon vs Sony thing will probably come up more and more. Great work. No, it's fantastic work.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!!!

[@LyneisFilm]

In bright sunlight do you use a neutral density filter for shooting video, especially with the D500.

[@janinepalmer6487]

Thx Mark. Great info. I had a similar experience with the Nikon 500PF. Rented it, used it on my D500 on a bird trip and had significant problems with AF. Sometimes it just would not focus even in the mid-day sun. Don't know whether it was the lens, or that lens, or my D500 but the camera works great otherwise. Very low keeper rate on that trip as a result. Put me off buying the 500PF and instead on a whim purchased the A7R4, 100-400GM and 24mmGM. Great camera and lenses and am having fun with them. Having said that about the 500PF, I keep the Nikon 300PF almost permanently mounted to my D500 and get fantastic photos. 300 is not a lot of reach for distant birds so I keep it as my "deck" camera and lens combo in the house.

[@LyneisFilm]

The question and answer format works well for you. Nice job.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Claude Lyneis thanks

[@unoengborg]

Yes, I agree. An adjustable zone focus area would be great. Hope Sony listened

[@nicklevy793]

Hi Mark great photos and videos as always. I have a Nikon D500 and D850 which are both great. I'm interested in getting a mirrorless body for video and also silent photography for theatre/concert use. ( I know that's not your speciality). I'm not 100% convinced on the focussing ability of the Nikon Z6 & Z7 but was wondering if you have tested or could test some of the adaptors that enable you to use Nikon lenses on a Sony body. Stay safe and keep up the great work!

[@romaingautier2986]

Nick Levy Morten Hilmer does great with Z6 and Z7 :)

[@nicklevy793]

@@romaingautier2986I'm sure he's wonderful, but as with most photographers, all you get is endless videos of them taking photos. This is what singles Mark's channel out. We see loads of amazing photos and videos with his commentary in the background.

[@terrylarkin690]

One last comment Mark again I'm the old Navy Photog my buddy Gary Haile and I were both Navy Photogs on the USS TICONDEROGA IN 1972 he lives in Seattle and I in Florida we are still the best of friends and we still are shooters. Gary and I took my old 1978 VW WESTFALIA CAMPER from Florida to Seattle in June 2018 and he used his Fugifilm Cameras and I my Canon he now is selling his Fugi gear and just bought the Lieca model x2 and it only has a 28mm fixed lens. He said he is just going to use that and nothing else. I on the other hand have fallen in love with Sony. We've had long conversations over this move he's making and he thinks me buying the Sony gear is great. When we were in Japan in 1971 we both bought Canon A1s at the time I never thought I'd use another brand of Camera but that out the Window now and the reason for that is Canons EOS R5 & 6 have the over heating issues and a few others. So let me know what you think on the A9 A7riv issue. And I no this is to long .

[@samrotolo7303]

I enjoy your opinions video. I am feeling left behind with my Nikon stuff though. ha ha ha ha.

[@sarah-janelaubscher7252]

Hi Mark, I am so confused as to which camera to buy (not that I can afford any right now). I've always shot Nikon and didn't intend to go mirrorless. I currently shoot with a Nikon D500 and I'm REALLY happy with my results. The only issue I have is the low resolution as I cannot crop my pics. I was recently speaking with another photographer who was explaining all the benefits of the mirrorless camera and it's made me think seriously about switching although it will be a learning curve - I'm so comfortable with Nikon. He had the Canon R5, but I'm thinking I'd prefer sony, but not sure whether I should get the Sony A9, A7Riii or Riv. I mostly shoot birds in flight (I actually met you at the Lake a few times - shooting osprey) in Florida. What would you recommend. I love the resolution of the A7Riii and Riv, but the shutterspeed of the A9 is also very appealing.

[@weltwind]

Mark, you are a great photographer and movie maker and having met you, also a great person! With your work, you should have 1 million subscribers! Thanks for the honest opinions! I just wanted to chime in on you Sigma comment. I am a D850 user and having used the Nikon 200-500 and Nikon 500PF over a month, I definitely prefer the Sigma 150-600C. As you mention in the context of 500PF, it may be a matter of the particular specimen, however I thought the 200-500 was both less sharp and slower than the Sigma. I thought the Nikon 500PF was as sharp as the Sigma and a bit faster and I loved how light and compact it was, however I really missed the ability to zoom out. On the other end of the spectrum, I also used the Sigma 60-600 for a week and thought it was not nearly as good as the 150-600. So, having tried all those, I have stuck with my Sigma 150-600C for 2.5 years and it has proven itself as very rugged and versatile in all sorts of conditions. So, I definitely recommend trying and returning, or renting and then buying used from one of the rental companies that allow that. Happy New Year!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you very much!

[@MomentsFound]

Mark... you are a great wildlife photographer, so I always love your opinions even when (rarely) they don’t work for me!

[@Gazzab6]

Mark thanks for answering my question about the Nikon 500mm PF lens. I have read other reviews where photographers have struggled to get sharp BIF shots. Steve Perry did a lot of experimenting and found he got good results for moving subjects when he used the VR in Sport mode for shooting at 1/250 sec and above (although you said it didn't matter what shutter speed you used. You also said your friend's copy worked great - did you try it for BIF - just curious? It sounds like there may be a VR or AF problem with this lens but it sounds like you did have a bad copy as in some reviews, the photographers have claimed the 500mm PF is nearly as good in IQ as the f4 version and you can only tell the difference by pixel peeping. Thanks for the info anyway and instead of rushing in to buy the 500mm PF, I will do some further research or may even hire one. Once again, thanks Mark and keep up the great work that you do.

[@nickdunham4167]

Hey Mark, great video!!! I am currently trying to decide between the Nikkn 850 and the Nikon 500. I currently shoot with a 7100 but need something faster and that offers more. I mostly shoot wildlife and landscape. Any thoughts in what would be the better camera body to buy? I mostly use my Nikkor 200-500 with it!

[@MrBob6425]

Excellent video again. Thank you and I always look forward to your very educating vids.

[@russellwebb3672]

Hi from somewhere in Europe. Ok Canon shooter intending to cross over to Sony. Camera on the list the Sony A9. Lenses (600mm F4 in my dreams) so 200-600mm along with what for mainly wildlife/birds? 70-200mm F4 or the 70-200mm F2.8 to cover that range? also the 1.4 converter or a cheaper aditional camera with a crop sensor like the A6300 (handy for backup?) Thankyou. Russ

[@aussie8114]

Awesome 👍🏼

[@Bringisen]

Thanks again for a Great video.

[@evenhandedcommentor6102]

Hi Mark. I have the A7Rii and the A9 for bodies, and the 200-600mm lens with the 1.4 TC. As I seem to shoot mostly in good light, that 1.4 TC is on my camera whenever I'm using the 200-600mm. I've found it to work very well. I'm wondering whether you've had the chance to use the 1.4 TC with the 200-600mm lens...and what you thought of the combo?

[@ianbrown704]

Simply the best BIF photographer on you tube, why you still only have 52k subs is beyond me. Keep up the great vlogs. Cheers

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

Mark what is your take on filter for lens, Do you use any filters on your lens when shooting?

[@timdriman4253]

Always great work Mark Cool job Bud... Warm regards from Ballito in South Africa :-)

[@mariomontero6831]

Great Video Marc, thanks a lot. Best regards from Germany.

[@pkevinhorn3428]

Love your videos (and no you don’t too much)... Super helpful. As luck would have it, I too shoot the a9 and the a7Riv. I’m broke but man, those two camera’s are amazing. I use the 100-400 but just bought (and am eagerly waiting for) the 200-600. Yes I can crop more with the a7Riv but I have not been able to nail focus. But first time out with the a9, I got the most amazing shot which unfortunately I can’t attach (and thanks for the set-up video... Didn’t need the pdf as your video was so thorough but I bought it anyway because I learn so much from your videos. Next time your in WA, I owe you a beer (well, more than one but I’m broke, remember?). Cheers!

[@Cheryl407]

I use Sony, a7r IV & a9 II. I splurged on the 400 f/2.8 and can barely hand hold for a second. I need my tripod for most situations. Are you hand holding the Sony 600 f/4. I am guessing you are, upper body strength and all that. Do you have situations in Costa Rica and in Florida where a tripod is possible? This was such a great video. I do not have the opportunities to be out photographing often enough and find on my big trips when I do have the chance for my yearned for wildlife I make mistakes that cannot be addressed for another year or two. That is why these videos are SO helpful. Thank you, thank you.

[@Ramotttholl]

me right now: i was gone save up for an A7 (r)3... but with the quarentine i barely spend money so i could get an A9 right now instead.. probably still wait a couple of months.. instead of delaying other stuff... still not sure if i need an a9 as its just a hobby and my main targets are big cats and wolves in a park and occasionally red foxes in the wild, whilst that go's well i havn't even managed to take a good picture of my local Common buzzard's as i forget to adjust settings till after the moment is over.

[@Eli-lb1lc]

There actually is an issue with the 200-600 and A7RIV. Look it up, especially in Facebook groups. Lots of people are having similar problems. Great video btw.

[@Digiloog]

I think also the A7R-IV and 200-600 isn't a good combo (yet). I experienced the same problems as many others and trade the camera for the A9.

[@rrphotography3574]

Hey Mark, fantastic video, keep going and stay healthy. Best regards from Germany 👍

[@lokhincheung1344]

Hi Mark, i moved from D850 to Sony platform for bird photography few months ago, however i was frustrated with the combination of A6100 and the 200-600 lens. A9 or A9ii will be the best choice to up grade ? thanks in advance and best regards!

[@JBenjumea]

Hi Mark, Thank you very much for your great videos. Instructive, educational, entertaining. My question: I was thinking if you have any plan to show how make videos using either the Sony A9 or the A7RIV? I assume the process will be very similar for both cameras. Looking forward to see it.

[@samuelwheeler9047]

Hi mark i have a d500 and a 200-500 but my image quality is really bad at anything under f9 what do you recommend

[@herdingdog1]

Hi Mark, thanks for doing these question and answer videos. I have both the a9 and the a7RIV. I’ve been playing with the a7RIV lately for action. Faster birds diving (eagles). I’ve been getting so-so results with the 200-600-which is expected, but it is what I have. Images with less motion going on are looking actually pretty good. My question for you…what shutter speeds are you using on your osprey diving? I can really see that to get a sharp action image with this camera requires a very fast shutter. The a9 of course rules on the 2-6-but still interested in getting the most out of the rIV. Thank you!

[@tonymorrison5023]

Super informative... same with you I returned the 500 pf although a great lens I thought for the money it wasn't enough of a step up from the 200-500 and I bought a 500 f4 for roughly 500 more than the pf lens and loving it! the color and background rendition and even the sharpness and af knocks the pf out of the park.

[@davidbee8648]

To paraphrase Bryan Peterson - 'You Keep talking'. We always learn from you.

[@minusinfinity6974]

200-600 has focus issues on the A7RIV, it's quite bad and Sony needs to fix this ASAP

[@aslamhaniffa7240]

Hi Mark , it would be nice to test Canon 1dx markiii and give us your feed back compared to Sony , you are the right guy for this, I hope Canon calls you and give you the gears to test😄😄😄

[@Smithlandia]

Love your videos and your photography is stunning. I have a kind of involved question. I started into photography in 2012 with a Nikon d90 and 70-300. Wildlife photography was challenging. Today I have a Sony a9ii and 200-600 setup and I can't imagine life being much better. It is such a huge improvement in AF and image quality. My question is given the huge advancements in gear over the last 8 to 10 years what do you possibly see as improvements in the near future and what would you personally like to see improved?

[@terrylarkin690]

Hi Mark Terry Navy Photog I sent to prior enquiries now I'm little confused I was kinda thinking of adding a Sony A7riv because of the 61mp and a few other things. I'm primarily a still shooter and the A9 keeps being mentioned what's the better choice?

[@seminolecapt]

Excellent, informative video. Love the down in the weeds, detailed explanations of your thinking for your choices in certain situations. As a Canon shooter I can transport your thinking to my equipment as well. This more advanced information is rare in KZbin videos. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That's great to hear. I'm glad you are enjoying and getting something out of the content.

[@Gold-Horse]

You really deserve to be entitled as Professor Mark 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

Great explanations, full of wisdom, you really know your stuff!

[@jeffreybancroft4104]

Subtle T-Shirt advertising? Nice! Great video Mark. I use strictly Canon equipment so most of the information didn't pertain to me. but I still enjoyed the clever and always entertaining narration along with your stunning osprey shots. Thanks again. Cheers!

[@davidbiderman3426]

Mark, another great job answering questions! Wonderful pictures! Ignore the negative comments! Don’t waste your efforts on responding to those people! Keep doing what u are doing! We love it!!!

[@brucegraner5901]

Mark, I really enjoy your work and these Q&A videos. I was curious about the shutter speed used for the third photo in your video (the one of the osprey's talons barely touching the water). I'm retired and on a tight budget so I shoot the Leica V-Lux 114 (upscale copy of the Lumix FZ 1000), and it will allow you to expand and contract a central focusing area down what looks to be roughly = to five points on a D850 group focusing area. Of course, this camera is not in the league of those you use but if Lumix can do it at that price point, I think Sony could pull if off. It's a very useful feature and allows the Leica/Lumix to punch above its weight class.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That was shot at 1/5000!!!

[@LyneisFilm]

Wow.

[@jeffmiller8950]

Enjoying your Q&A videos and as always another good down-to-earth presentation. Keep them coming brother!

[@ianporter1600]

Hey Mark, Glad to see you doing well and enjoying these videos. I have a quick question I’m shooting with the Sony a7iii. I heard you can assign a back button so when you press and hold it, it automatically goes to wide zone and then when you release it and use the shutter button it’s single point any chance you could explain how to get that in the menus. I like to use both types of focus for when a bird flies into thick bush and sits on a branch or then flies out into the open. Wishing you the best of health.

[@mykelphotography]

Fabulous work Mark, I agree 100% on your thoughts on the 200-600 and found the same, it’s a great lens but prefer the 100-400mm for flight work and sold mine, I ended up going for the 400mm f2.8 over the 600mm f4 as on the A7R4 we have a 26mp 600mm f2.8 in crop mode and that extra light on the A7R4 sensor is a huge help in low light as it dosnt like high ISO, the 400 also makes an awsome flight lens, as you know it works great with Tele’s, I also use a A9 and A7R4 as well and have the best of both worlds, keep up the great work, just love your channel and appreciate your time and effort sharing it.

[@kjb_tennessee]

Hi Mark, great question and answer series, keep up the good work. So my question, I have a Nikon D500 and 200-500 combination. What would be the next step up in lenses to start saving and budget for?

[@SUDEEPSFILMSbySudeepGowda]

Awesome!!!! Just love your work!!! 👌👌👌 how do you rate 200-600mm Sony?? Do u think it works fine with A73 ☺️☺️

[@drdragon7712]

My question is about your what’s in my bag video. Thank you for sharing your gear with us. In some of your other video’s you are using the Sony 400 2.8, but you did not mention that lens in your gear video. Do you own it, what do you think of it compared to the 600 4? Most of what I do is Astro photography, but we also do some bird and wildlife. Thank you for your thoughts.

[@robbeythecarpenter8493]

'Mi Mark, I really value yousharing your experiences. I have a D500 with the 200-500 5.6 fitted with 1.4TX, and a AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR (JAA833DA). I able to get crisp pictures (feather detail) below say 15m distance with either .... but above that, no matter what speed, ISO or f/stop, the IQ falls away dramaticly. At 25M the feathers seem to lack any real definition at all. Have you encountered similar situations, am I trying to get too much out of the len's? Thanks Rob

[@Shok1t]

Great video as always. So how or what is the best way to use VR off on high SS. Trying to get used to the jarring motion in the view finder but it's a bit disconcerting. I appreciate any tips in maintaining focus lock and more. I use the d500 (200-500) w/ bbaf. Thanks & hope all is well

[@rmonsipapa]

A lot of good Q&A Mark. Heading out with the A9 II in 2 weeks, going to use the suggested settings you have in the A9 video. Can't wait to see the results..

[@CamillaI]

D500 often wins over D850 I certainly found that when I had that combo. I did the same as you sold the Nikon pf500 for the Sony A9, practically got my money back such was the demand. Awesome answers

[@nickdunham4167]

I'm trying to decide right now between the Nikon 500 and the Nikon 850. I shoot with the nikkor 200-500. I cant not decide on which camera is better mainly for wildlife and landscape. Any advice?

[@CamillaI]

@@nickdunham4167 If its mainly landscapes you are doing the D850 everytime but I would choose the D500 for wildlife. If your wildlife is mostly static go for the D850. I have owned both. Lens wise i would go for the 300f4 PF over the 200-500 strange as that may seem.

[@nickdunham4167]

Hmm. That's makes it harder to decide. I shoot a mixture of movement and stills. Deer rutting, some birds in flight.

[@CamillaI]

@@nickdunham4167 Unfortunately which ever system you use there are compromisers which you have to balance, mine at the moment is A9II or A7r4

[@DirkDien]

Hey, did you also have the same problems with the 500 PF or did you just want to switch to Sony anyway (A9 must be great with the new lenses they offer.. 😁)

[@hojjatahangarikiasari7670]

Mike, the story teller, I consider myself a hobbyist photographer. I use d500 and tamron 70-200 2.8 and do mostly urban wildlife photography and get reasonable result. I love my d500 but looking for upgrading my glass. which one do you recommend, 300 f4 pf + 1.7 iii tc or 200-400 vr f4 or 200-500 5.6? Stay safe.

[@RIDDX2010]

Hi Mark I am from UK. Question, Have you ever tried taking photos of bats over water, If so what would you recommend.

[@sarahcooper5677]

Enjoy your perspective so much! I have an A9 body. I am in the process of trying to decide what to purchase for telephoto pictures of birds, landscapes, etc. I rented the 100-400 last year in FL...it was OK but I wonder if I got a bad copy of the lens? I felt there were some focusing problems with AF (more blurry images). I would say that the 200-600 Sony lens I rented this year was better but heavier to walk around with and use.... Can you help me know how to identify the difference between a good lens and bad copy of that lens? I rented the 100-400 lens from LensRentals and this is what they say about the 100-400: "Like other Sony FE telephotos, there’s going to be a bit of copy-to-copy variation. Adjust your expectations accordingly." Their evaluation scares me... Do you think I need to rent another copy of the 100-400 to see if the copy I received was not good? How can I know if I have a good copy of a lens or not? With the A9 what would you suggest for a lens for me? I am looking at the 70-200 2.8, 100-400 mostly due to easy of hand carrying and using for many situations besides just birding. Right now the only lens I have is the 24-70 F2.8 but I would love something longer. PS At 69, weight of lens does effect me!

[@anthonyc1883]

You find out if you have a good copy of the lens, or not, by using it and seeing the results. It's that simple. You've just got to try it. Focus on something at the closest focusing distance. Take a photo. Then, focus on something at infinity. Take a photo. Maybe do another in between. Do those three types of shots wide open, and then do them again perhaps halfway between max and minimum f/stop. Look at your results very closely on your computer. Is the focus spot-in, or did it back focus/front focus slightly? Test the continuous AF by tracking some cars in traffic. See if the Image Stabilization works by trying for sharp photos at lower shutter speeds. If you do some basic tests like that, you'll quickly know if you've got a keeper lens or not.

[@carmas54]

Good vid as always... I have been testing both the A9 and the A7r4 with the Sony 200-600 and have been seeing why you like the pairing of the 200-600 and the A9... the A9 is much quicker and focuses faster than the A7r4... I post I find myself getting rid of a lot more A7r4 than the same amount of images with the A9... I think I’m going to go with with the A9 cause the 200-600 is too difficult to give up. Have you played around with the A9 II yet? Any thoughts food for thought for your next vid.

[@nerves]

Hi Mark, thank you for all of the inspiration. What are the top 3 birds that your still looking to capture? Moreover, I’m in north Florida, what areas/locations would you recommend to capture wildlife/birds in my region?

[@Azhar77m2]

I'm Using a Nikon D7200, with 70-300 IF ED lens, What should i Upgrade first? The body (D850) or the lens (200-500), Thank you...

[@lukes5533]

Another great informative video Mark that I'm sure you've had the experience to know much appreciated thanks.

[@Ohjoo]

Hi Mark. When you're out in the field, what else do you have with you than camera equipment? Any type of food, water, first aid kit etc.?

[@stephanpoulin1308]

Thank you for your videos! So inspiring! If I could do in 1 year the photos you do in 1 day I'd be so happy!!! Do you compress your raw files with the a9?

[@thatguitardad]

HI Mark - Thank you for doing this. Do you always treat the noise in images at the very end of your workflow? I have heard some people say it's best to denoise first, but I think you've said you do it last. Either way, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the process. Thanks so much, Daniel

[@sapelesteve]

Great Q&A once again Mark! Could you discuss the method that you use to take various still & action photos of animal life? Like how to hold the camera & follow a moving target for example. I really think that that would help some of us get better keeper photos. Thanks & be safe.......... 😉😉📷📷👍👍

[@cameronm2203]

this is a great format, i learn so much. Keep up the great work, stay strong with the kids, keep producing more work. Thank you so much for your contributions.

[@davidxx1]

Hi Mark, I have both an a9 and a7Riv bodies, the 200-600G is great on the a9 but struggles with BIF on the a7Riv.. (its OK with perched birds),, Question is how much better is the 600gm F4 than the 200-600G? and is the advance similar across both the a9 and a7Riv?

[@antonoat]

Loving this series of video Mark, thanks a bunch for sharing these. stay safe buddy.

[@photofill44]

Hey Mark. Really enjoy and appreciate the Q&A format. Always helpful.

[@therishadm]

Hi Mark, Great video! I was wondering if you would give the nikon z cameras another shot, after firmware 3.0?

[@mymanyhobbies3115]

What mic do you use for your voice overs and what lav do you use for talking head stuff? Sounds great.

[@i_am_x_wild]

Super awesome, Mark. Would loove to spend a day or two at one of your workshops in the link. Looking forward to some element of normalcy and to taking more awesome shots

[@sholinwright6621]

Do you shoot a crop sensor anymore? I almost always use the D500 but am considering a D850.

[@Gazzab6]

If it's of any help, a lot of the photographers who I speak to at Nature Reserves and own both cameras say for faster and reliable AF, the D500 is better but the D850 will give you better IQ.

[@MAKE_PHOTOGRAPHS_ANYWHERE]

Perfect captures mark. So jealous. Also thanks for the advice on the Nikon vs sigma.

[@wildlifebybrianhoule]

Love these types of videos Mark. I hope you keep making them. I can also attest to the A7RIV for wildlife. It's been fantastic. For particular moments of BIF, I prefer the A9's much faster fps, but the 7RIV holds up very well in what I would guess to be 90% of cases for BIF. That ability to crop in big time is powerful. The amount of detail in the 7RIV is also incredible. I pair that with my 400 2.8 and I figure cropping in gets me up to 600 mm or more still retaining fine details. I would like the 600 someday :) As for the 1.4 tc, I actually found it's not as sharp for moving objects so I stick with the 400 and crop in which I find yields better results.

[@normancline9194]

Hi, Mark. Really enjoy your videos. I've shot a lot of the same places that you have in Florida, not as well I might add. I live near the IN IL border where the short eared owls spend their winters. I was going to include a photo of one in flight, but don't see an option for that. Have you ever photographed these fun little Critters? I've shot Nikon ever since I went to digital. I had questions about the Sony vs Nikon, but I think they've all been covered in your video or in viewer questions. Stay safe.

[@J_bar_S_Photography]

Hey Mark. Benjimen from NTXPhotoJournl. My question is is I just updated to the new Sony a6600. Im pretty sure the 6600 and the a9 or a7riv have the same exact settings and I am wanting to know if you have how you set up your a9 for bird photography?

[@KenCheng]

adjustable zone size is what I've been asking for, I DO feel that it's a tad too big, where as the flexible spot Large is too small.

[@harshavardhan7]

Hi Mark, I own a D810 and love the camera. I started off shooting landscapes and watching your videos on birds has me interested in bird photography. I Planning to get a 200-500 5.6. Have you tried this combo? Have you ever used D810 to shoot birds in flight?

[@Gazzab6]

Even though the D810 is a superb landscape camera, it doesn't really have the power for fast action and BIF.

[@costaskarseras6052]

Hi Mark, I own a Nikon D500 and I use 150-600 mm Sigma Contemporary lens. I'm not so happy with the result. Do you suggest to upgrade to 200-500 mm f/5.6 Nikon lens, or Nikon 500 PF f/5.6 or to upgrade to Sony a9 ii or Sony a7Riv.with 100-400 mm. Thanks Costas Karseras

[@Gazzab6]

If you own already own a D500, that should easily be capable of doing a great job. I know people who have the D500 with the Sigma 150 - 600mm C and get great reselts so it could be the quality of your lens or are you using too slow a shutter speed?

[@Digiloog]

Great video again, and thanks for answering my question. You pronounce CreOn right. It means Creative Online and is from the time I use to build websites for hobby. Have a great day.

[@ItsPinecone_911]

Also, who else noticed he changed shirts after every question?

[@ItsPinecone_911]

Nevermind he mentioned why at the end of the video. Lol.

[@hart24m]

why do you wear a t-shirt under a t-shirt?

[@colinjones7635]

Fantastic job as always Mark,loved the Osprey shots in the beginning especially the Third one -wow.