Sony 200-600 Review for Wildlife/Bird Photography

[@JeremyNeipp]

Update: I apologize about my mistake with the stabilization modes. This lens has three modes of image stabilization built into it which I did not get to test thoroughly the intricacies of.

[@FernandoTrindadePT]

yeah, I was finding it strange that I was not understanding. I saw on/off, but there is a button below the IS one that shows 3 modes. :) Thanks :)

[@anulearntech]

One quality everyone appreciates about the internal zooming of 200-600 is that the zooming mechanism goes from 200 to 600 at the pressure of touch of fingers, also thanks to its small zoom turn needed to go from wide to tele. If anything, its the external zooming lenses which need more torque and have a bigger angle to turn to zoom. As far as dust is concerned, my Tamron 28-200 has already collected few dust particles over time.

[@justonbrazda3846]

@2:50 This lens absolutely has different modes of oss. It has 3 modes in addition to the on off switch.

[@JeremyNeipp]

Built into the lens itself or are you talking about software on the camera that can change the oss? Those are two different things

[@justonbrazda3846]

@@JeremyNeipp built right into the lens. There is an on off switch and also a 1,2, 3 switch.

[@Oyaeboooo]

@@JeremyNeipp there is a three-way switch right under OSS on-off: "Mode 1 compensates for normal camera shake; Mode 2 compensates for camera shake when panning moving subjects; Mode 3 compensates for camera shake to minimize framing disturbances. Different modes are used for different subjects or scenes. Mode 3 may be a better choice for taking photographs of fast subjects with irregular movement, such as athletes or wild animals." So it's actually even more advanced than older 100-400GM with two modes.

[@JeremyNeipp]

@@Oyaeboooo thanks for the info! I’ll update

[@andrewlamberson539]

I love my 200-600 and 100-400 and prefer the internal zoom...but to each there own! I start at 600 and seldom refocus downward and I have been using the lens long enough that I can change the zoom without thinking about it. Unbelievable image quality and image stabilization. I normally shoot from a tripod or monopod but I can handheld this lens with good results. Good review.

[@JeremyNeipp]

Thank you! Most definitely, for each person there is going to be a decision on what they value most. And in my experience too I definitely agree with you on how sharp the lens is, it’s quite amazing!

[@lancechennault1231]

I also think it becomes a "muscle memory" aspect also. The internal zoom is awesome because it keeps the length down.

[@ajc1482]

I was seriously looking at thebSigma 150-600 but the lack of third party TC suport killed it off. 95% of my photography is Wading birds, which as you already know can be extremely tricky to get close to so the extra reach provided by a TC is really useful, theres only so much field craft can do!. As for the internal zoom, its not a major feature for me but photographing in sandy environments it will give me peace of mind and I'm used to zoom rongs etc so the lack of push and pull isnt a concern for me. The one thing sony lacks os affordable tele promes, Id live to see something like a 400 5.6 or even something like the Nikon 800 6.3.

[@Eric_492]

After pairing this with the a7r v I’m in love.

[@CamillaI]

The most versatile & affordable quality Sony wildlife zoom lens ! The 600mm f4 is superior but you will pay 13k pounds here in UK for the pleas🤔ure

[@arrashid4644]

must have for wildlife

[@widarphotographe2042]

Although I am a fan of photography with a 500D bacon camera, I love Sony cameras, but I do not prefer them in wildlife, as they are excellent❤

[@KurtisPape]

Great video! Even though I own the lens, was still a good watch. I have no problem with the zooming action, I feel it's a strong point for the lens since the throw of the ring is so short, where I hold the lens I can easily zoom with my thumb from 200 - 600mm while still having a good grip on the lens. I guess this has come with a couple years experience of using the lens.

[@JeremyNeipp]

Most definitely. Appreciate your input! I can see why so many people like it and I don't think it's weird. I think I'm the weird one for not liking it haha. Just personally, I like the push-pull action for so many situations.

[@anulearntech]

The sigma 60-600 actually is a better lens for video shooting in my opinion. Its optical stabilization, longer zoom work in its favor and its disadvantages more affect the stills part than video.

[@Oyaeboooo]

4:24 Internal zoom also never has lens creep problems and is easier to be completely camouflaged. Also I'm not sure that such a smooth quarter-turn zoom that can be controlled with one finger is achievable with other design at all. But here I can be wrong.

[@JeremyNeipp]

True true, although the newer Sigma 150-600 sport has a tight mechanic that keeps it from lens creeping as well. But yes that Camo can be harder 🙌🏻

[@stripes_in_raw]

The only downside of this lens is the Image Stabilisation after using the Nikon 200-500 (beast of Image stabilisation) for a few years. The internal zoom is a matter of getting used to, works as an advantage after a few months of use. The range 200-600 is perfect otherwise both Image Quality, Autofocus and mainly weight will be affected like the Sigma 60-600 specially along with current light weight bodies. If you need versatility, a 100-400mm is there. If you want a complimentary wildlife lens, the Sony 70-200 f2.8 and Tamron 70-180 f2.8 is there.

[@thegixlad27]

Sony really need to bring out a F4 200-600

[@VuPhamRainstorm]

Interesting. I found your content in nature are very attractive and fun to follow. Wonderful personal perspective about internal zoom and fast action while on field with push and pull zoom that you gave, that totally just a reason to make your video more interesting view count. That was your choice in less time of experience about tools always you made. I did switched from Canon 100-400L for Canon body, Tamron 150-500 for Sony then to Sony 200-600, internal zoom for fast action with smooth ring, short travel ring moves both serve well to help catch good movement while filming much more patient requested to have solid stabilized footage, especially small song birds. Another nice video with very positive time share on content. Thank you.

[@JeremyNeipp]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful :) awesome lens setup you have going on.

[@venkatesanm4564]

Hi, How to do manual sony 6400 I am using Tamron 70-300 lens

[@GiuseppeGessa]

Hi Jeremy!! Nice review and honest review. You know, I'm a Sony user and I love the 200-600 for its sharpnes and the internal zoom. For me, having that feature is important mostly when I'm using it with a tripod, so once I balanced the lens, is always like that, aspect not true with an external zoom lens.

[@JeremyNeipp]

Most definitely, I totally understand why so many people like it and you’re right about the balance!

[@jukimax]

Thank you, excellent review and nice point of views. Perhaps you should also mentioned that with an a1 and 200-600 you can take 30 frames per second. With the second hand lens like Sigma and Tamron it is limited to 15 frames.

[@JeremyNeipp]

For sure! Yea that is a bonus to it

[@FernandoTrindadePT]

Hello. Nice review, Excelleng work. I have been working with Sigmas 150-600, from Canon to Sony for 7 years. I bought this lens yesterday. The internal zoom was quite nice, really. I never used the push/pull way that you use, I always used the rotation mode and for me this zoom ring is WAY MORE useful than the Sigma's zoom ring... it is light but it STAYS there, quiet. The Sigma's if you tilt the camera, the weight of the lenses acts the zoom, unless you're on stiff mode, which.. well.. it's stiff. So, respecting your opinion, for me this internal zoom is great. Just tried it out yesterday and today and I'm super pleased. Oh, and even with the 2x teleconversor, images are still very very good and the AF is SUPER fast. Cheers.

[@anulearntech]

This lens was undisputed king, until the Sigma 60-600 arrived on the scene. Now both share the crown. Both having their unique set of advantages and disadvantages.