Sony 300mm 2.8 + 2x Tele - Beautiful Combo for bird and wildlife photography.

Sony A1 Wildlife Video Shooting Guide: photoworkshops...
Photography Workshops: photoworkshops...
Sony 300mm 2.8: bhpho.to/3I4RlIb
Sony 2x tele : bhpho.to/49HQLvO
DISCLAIMERS:
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[@KidRichmond]

Thank you for this. I really like your approach, narration and letting photos and videos do the talking instead of the same boring stuff everyone else is doing.

[@comelachapelle8337]

You are so good with the story, the narration and the music. I could listen to you again and again. Thank you for the good work.

[@honorab6220]

So good to have you back. I've missed your long form videos so much!

[@billgrimshaw9806]

Mark, miss your AWESOME videos with your great images and story telling!

[@chasmoonie3403]

Thanks Mark , my A1 and 300 f2.8 + both TC arrive tomorrow, can't wait 👍

[@MarkSmithphotography]

congrats!

[@KungPowEnterFist]

@@_systemd 🤣🤣

[@pdog109]

@@KungPowEnterFist lol yeah, bro a 6 year old walking around with a 300mm lens that cost 6k hahahahaha

[@milosmokry]

Amazing video with beautiful details and excellent commentary accompanied by a good musical background.

[@joannewitzkowski3407]

This was wonderful - a whole story, with individual characters, mystery, suspense, and a compelling arc! I must say, I cheer for the birds to get their meals, but, honestly, it gives me a shiver to watch their throats wrestle with the fish going down. Imagine eating dinner, and your dinner is fighting you as it slides down your throat!!😨😜. But I guess it’s what it costs to be a gorgeous osprey, or snowy egret, or wood heron, or red (I forget -pelican?). Thank you for this documentary!!! ❤️

[@JeffGeerling]

Your videos are art! I love how if you grabbed almost any still frame from this video, you could make a beautiful desktop wallpaper from it. Nice to see how sharp that combo is, I will definitely consider renting one if I need that kind of reach + sharpness!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@malgosiak123]

I am so happy for you to reach 1 M followers👏👏👏. You absolutely deserved that ! Congratulations 👏.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!!

[@TomBortner]

Always nice to watch your videos, thanks!

[@johnredrup1036]

Great video Mark, thanks for sharing. You really have a gift for mixing storytelling and wildlife video!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@hyselwatchandclockrepair1874]

I truly appreciate you sharing your experience with me and I have gathered great details that are helping me in my bird image capture journey! Thank you for your passion!

[@beltroadfilms]

Yesterday, I captured a bluethroat bird using a macro lens. Today, I saw the stunning bird you photographed and learned a lot from it, thanks

[@Davidkiania]

I am here for the voiceover very well illustrated ... love it ...

[@tonyw3250]

Your images are simply amazing

[@PhilThach]

Great job, as usual, Mark!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@solar-e-bike-touring-europe]

Incredible footage once more Mark...

[@Lisa-jb6ow]

j'attendais cette vidéo ! j'ai le 300mm et les TC ... j'adore ! et je vous envie d'avoir une si belle faune par chez vous ... un grand MERCI pour vos vidéos, elles sont magiques et vous êtes un super commentateur (désolée, je ne parle pas anglais donc je mets les sous titres et j'écoute en même temps le son de votre voix )

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you 🙏

[@carmenmolina3431]

Wow how great is your narration. Video it's fabulous!!

[@sapelesteve]

Stunning birds & awesome photography as usual Mark! 👍👍🦅🦅

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Many thanks!

[@gracebryant501]

Thank you for this video, it's inspirational, I look forward to seeing your work. I will definitely try the 2x on my new 300mm f2.8. The weight factor is such a bonus at my age with problem shoulders.

[@shotsbyscott6243]

Awesome video! My favorite was the photos of the jacks in the surf.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Me too!

[@mccann82]

I received your Osprey book for Christmas and you’ve inspired me to take up photography. Just bought a Nikon D3500 to get me started.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Awesome. Enjoy!

[@nature3842]

I bought a Nikon D3500 for started , but not a good Camera for bird. Like I mean it takes nice pictures but I don’t recommend it birding . I learned that for beginners we need buy used camera for trying and learning instead of wasting money on new one good luck with your new adventure.

[@mccann82]

Well 10 months later I now have a D500 and the 200-500. Looking forward to seeing what I can achieve!

[@gregsyverson]

Congrats on your followers. Great work!

[@brucegraner5901]

Outstanding images and fun story telling. Your osprey photos and video are always amazing but your images of interaction between species, like the Jacks and the mullet riding a wave together, often add a very special dimension to your work that I look forward to.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jamessaxon3859]

Great action. Lens looks great with a 2x.

[@masterblaster3755]

I really appreciate your channel, passion and great photos. Thank you☺️ I noticed that most of the photos were shot at f/7.1 Does it mean that at 5.6 it's not sharp enough and this combo has to be stopped down to yield good results?

[@woodygreen6826]

Excellent. Thanks, Mark.

[@iusbaseball1879]

That was wicked awesome! I can't believe the detail in that tiny fish in in the wave! -Darlayne (Indiana)

[@tompapadopoulos.photography]

Great work as usual mark. Mine is coming Monday. Thanks for your excellent work and congratulations on your million plus!!! Well deserved.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks 👍

[@hstein27]

Excellent photos and video. Definitely worth getting the 2x for this lens!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

It really is!

[@QDoan-is1hu]

Awesome video.👍👍👍. Thank you for sharing

[@chrisshubin6936]

Simply amazing shot!! Thank you Mark for making such a wonderful series video of beach birds! 💯 And Sony should give you a big sales bonus for your great video of 328GM 🤩🤩🤩

[@leod1671]

Fun video Mark, I alays enjoy your videos. Nice job.

[@TDH_1962]

Masterful as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@barryscully1820]

Seems like a great lens (and extender) for traveling. I've heard it is very light and relatively compact for a 300/2.8. I'm definitely looking at this combo for the bear/eagle/salmon season this fall.

[@cameraprepper7938]

The new Sigma 500mm 5.6 is the same size as the Sony 300mm, but the 500mm Sigma is lighter in weight.

[@barryscully1820]

@@cameraprepper7938 Just saw the announcement a couple minutes ago. I really need to see how that one compares. My last Sigma (120-300) was one of the sharpest lenses I have ever used, and also one of the heaviest.

[@barryscully1820]

reviews/previews so far seem to be positive on sharpness, handling, autofocus. I was surprised that it would not work with sony teleconverters. The price is pretty reasonable for a 500 prime and this does tick the box for size and weight for hiking/traveling. I'll wait for a bit to see if the teleconverter issue can be resolved since it does fit and seems like it is more of a false limitation by sony, but maybe I'll be able to retire my canon 500mm and get rid of that system entirely.

[@thomastuorto9929]

Guesing we are looking at f5'6 max? Great vid as always sir!

[@KungPowEnterFist]

Almost all of those stills were at f7.1.

[@DanOhPhotography]

when are you making a video on A1ii setup?

[@subodhraje7756]

Mark amazing photography ! Love everything you do. I am also a vlogger and photographer but not to your level. Would love to visit Africa with your tour also recently switched to Sony!

[@daviddouglasuk]

Do you plan to test the Sigma 500 F5.6? I would love to see a side by comparison with Sony 300 F2.8 + 2x TC.

[@daviddouglasuk]

Mark good to see the reddish egret is still there. I shot him last year but my images aren't a patch on yours. Great video. Thanks.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

He’s in breeding plumage now.

[@ThomasSchwarzFotografie]

Wow, stunning wildlife footage! I like it a lot 😉👍😍Thanks for sharing

[@AdamBitner80]

Image quality looks great compared to the 600 prime, but did you notice any difference in autofocus capabilities with the 2x tele on?

[@stevefremming7362]

HEY thank you for the amazing videos, the s low motion stuff helps me with my craft exponentially. i'm a scultpure artist focusing on large birds of prey. your pics and vids really help me get em' right, so thank you again my frieind!

[@marycraft5842]

Would love to see that Reddish Egret!!! Thanks Mark Smith 👏👏👏❤❤🔥🔥

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Just wait. It is in full breeding plumage and I’ll have a video showing it too!

[@marycraft5842]

You know I'll be waiting!!

[@DanielDanielsant66]

Very nice picture and super video… where is this place ? Thanks

[@AnorquisQuinones-nj4lc]

Que bueno verte personalmente hablando felicidades mark Smith🎉

[@MichaelAlanNYC]

Great story telling Mark

[@JeffreyJDavis]

Really inspiring as to the potential of this combo. Thanks brother!

[@sh8736]

Excellent as always and glad to see a longer video from you. Have you had the chance to try with the A93 at all?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Yes I have

[@ajalbetjr]

This is fantastic!! Also, an incredible option for (the majority of us!) who can't afford $12-13K for the 600 f/4, it's truly amazing how sharp everything looks even with the 2X converter! Thanks for the video!

[@sgpork]

To be honest. Even if 12-13k money is non issue. I really wont want to carry or bring out the 600 F4.. Unless I really need the reach (because 600F4 you still can add TC to get even longer reach). That thing is so heavy and long.. which meant 1 cant handheld it whole day.. I dont care how strong you are.. but 3KG is 3KG. And the lens being so long means you need to be more careful out in the field and if transport via plane for eg.. you need a special and big bag just for it. it's way too troublesome. I really wish by GM ii.. they can make those 400F2.8 and 600F4 much smaller and lighter. Currently.. no.. unless like I said above..you really need the longer reach or client is paying you alot money. This part makes me envy Nikon though.. beause they have those 400 4.5.. 600 5.6 or 800 6.3? Which are smaller, lighter, cheaper and slower in F stop. If Sony make those.. I'll be so glad.. and buy them. otherwise.. yea 300GM with F2.8 and under 1.5KG.. so good ! No regret owning it.. my favorite GM lens.

[@jadiya1955]

Mark, I am Bharat, you comentry is better than photography

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

I think it's the first time that a lens still manages to remain extremely sharp with the TC 2x. Normally you would see a very noticeable drop but not in this case. I saw a lot of comparisons, and for ex, this 300mm GM + TC 2x is much much sharper than the 200-600G at 600mm, and slightly less sharp than the 600mm f4 GM.

[@alunlambert7456]

Fantastic vlog as always, wish you did more., just wandering where about are your Osprey shot taken, planning a trip out from the UK and doing research for photography locations for wildlife around California. Cheers

[@dandaninglis]

Awesome video Mark! Beautiful shots! I was wondering if you noticed any image quality differences between the 1.4x and the 2x TC?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Nope!

[@michajakubowski857]

Cool! I'm glad to hear that 😊 And Mark, what about AF with 2xtlc? Did it bother you or was comparable like with 1.4x tlc or without tlc at all?

[@h2ofrogman]

Are you doing the video and photography? Great job all the way around... Are you using a 500mm fixed lens?

[@ricki-bobby]

Why no more videos?

[@superwhuffo1]

Just wondering the same thing .. 🤔

[@joegophotos1]

Why would he need to- ??? makes tons of shorts and tours

[@DrZeeple]

Superb as always

[@hestergreen2031]

Excellent, perfect, well done. Thank you..

[@UdoKellner]

Incredible pictures and video sequences, as always. It doesn't get any better than this. I'm glad that the 300mm GM with the 2x teleconverter is so good. Have both. Just need time. To use both. Greetings from Germany Udo (UK)

[@AVerkhovsky]

Amazing images! A practical question is if this combo is better than 200-600 (?) 4500 price difference for the lens plus TC seems a bit steep for just 1/3 of a stop more light. One thing if somebody needs 300mm 2.8 anyway, e.g. for sports, but is there enough reason to get this combo for wildlife over 200-600? Does lighter weight makes a lot of difference? Or faster AF? When people say it's sharper than 200-600, but less sharp than 600 GM, this does not make a lot of sense to me. 200-600 is plenty sharp under right conditions, even with 1.4 TC. I tested reducing image size by just 1.4 and this already resulted in loss of feather detail, meaning that it was there originally already at the pixel level. If 600 GM is sharper, does it magically resolve subpixel details? 🤣I never used the 600 GM, but suspect that the difference is not the sharpness per se, but that it allows you to get images that are optimally sharp in a wider range of conditions (more light, better focusing, less CA if the subject is off centre). Is that the case with 300 GM plus 2.0 tele?

[@wildlifebybrianhoule]

Hello! There are some great reviews out there with the 2 different TCs on the 300. Mark Galer just released one today and it seems like a great combo. Some reasons for the 300 - it's a GM so it's motors will be faster*, it's pretty light to handle making that advantage to swing around and you can take the TCs off to get at 2.8. I had a 200-600 and while it was fantastic for the price point, I found it hunted too much for me to grab focus. That was my experience. Was it terrible tracking? Nope. But not as good as my other GM lenses. Those are some reasons I would look hard at the 300 if I didn't have the 400 or 600. It would be great for travelling.

[@wansonicful]

Glad that I am not fish...😜 But I am also glad getting 300mm f2.8 with tc 1.4x and 2x. 😂 Mark, I am looking forward from you to provide and sell a9m3 guides. It sure helps me navigate through this completely new uncharted camera for me. 🙏🏻😂

[@David_Quinn1995]

that seems like a great combo, I have a Sigma 150-600 and was thinking of getting a Sigma 1.4 because though 600mm has amazing reach I do feel I can do with a hair more at my local river.

[@MeAMuse]

Very nice! I am really tempted by that lens! Personally though would prefer a 400mm F4

[@АлексейШаец-э5я]

Да,- вот так выглядит качество!! Спасибо, Марк,- за наслаждение для глаз! Ценю твои работы: ты точно знаешь, чего хочешь 🤝👍

[@stefangoldensteinwildlife9929]

Very nice combination. It produced really good footage. Well done. Greets Stefan

[@DennisMoncla]

If you could only have one prime of the 300, 400 or 600 which would you choose? I'm just weeks away from purchasing the 400 hopefully.

[@joint831]

Mark, what is the front lens diameter of this lens? Is it much bigger than 200-600?

[@Leo-jd2ny]

Hi Mark, is this combination 300f2.8GM+ 2x Tele comparable to the 600f4.0GM?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Yep, especially for closer subjects.

[@tribaluxe]

Have you found a rigid front lens cap for the 300mm yet? For bag carry I remove the Sony large hoods (and the after-market hoods), tucking them into my checked luggage. But, as the 300 does not ship with a front cap (it has a leather-like slip-on one) this leaves the front element open to the world!

[@AnorquisQuinones-nj4lc]

Igual como siempre impresionantes tomas 🎉

[@rvasquez8057]

Excellent video and photos. Hey Mark, care to give away the area you find these Ospreys at? Keep up the fantastic photography.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Florida!

[@rvasquez8057]

I was just there a week ago in FT Lauderdale. Took a trip down to the upper Keys and saw one Osprey sitting in a nest, that was it. Disappointing 😪 @@MarkSmithphotography

[@flashersan4564]

Hi Mark, very good combination! I have a question: I find this len offer me a drop-in ND, do I need to remove it ? thank you!

[@HOWARDKEARLEY]

Awesome, my lens is due for delivery tomorrow 😊

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Mine still hasn't shipped.

[@rolandrick]

„Glad I’m not a fish!” Is definitely epic as pictures, movie and narration are 🤩. - Mark, do I get it correct, if you don’t need that extra stop more light of the 600 F4, it is in terms of image quality and no brainer to go with the 300 2.8 + TCx2?

[@rgudduu]

I was expecting some howto on this combo. Good pics and videos as always.

[@meynp4337]

It is the first time I see the 2x Tele converter works perfectly. I wonder it is just the new 300m 2.8 does the trick.

[@YanaTokar-v1j]

Потрясающе ❤

[@jejakshorts]

Bolehkah saya diberi izin untuk meraction video anda pak?

[@TomBortner]

Always like watching your work, thanks!

[@spitfire1962]

I already have the A1 and the 2xTC and have been considering the 300mm, but needed some more examples of the 300/TC combo. Thanks for the post.

[@mcr8759]

Great video Mark, I also liked the photo of the Jacks in the surf, very cool thanks! Which lens do you think you take out more once you get your 300 lens, the 600 F4 or the 300 F2.8?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Probably the 200-600 lol. I love the idea of having a 420 f4 though.

[@heisier]

@@MarkSmithphotography Why the 200-600 and not the 300 f2.8 +2x? Your experience is very valuable, Mark.

[@mzl2138]

Thank you? Mark. What body and lens do you recommend most for wildlife?

[@Anilkumar-nm8hc]

Why no new videos?

[@jcarc12]

Mark, love your informative views from a bird photographer's perspective. I have had 2 Sony A1's in a row that eventually end up having severe issues shooting birds over water. The focus either gets obsessed with the water, or just can't get anything in focus, or looks like a distorted filter. If I am not shooting over water, no problem. After 2 cameras having this same issue, only after using each for a few months, I don't know what to do. Have you heard of this issue? MPB refuses to acknowledge the problem for warranty. Thanks

[@nirmalable1]

Love your videos❤

[@photobia6593]

Mark you're such an inspiration. I just adore your work.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you so much 😀

[@MaxCagel]

Hi Mark! First of all, your videos and shots are gorgeous. Always a fan here. Secondly, I've been reading about the Olympus OM-1 mark II + Zuiko 150-400 mm. Have you had the chance to test this system vs the A1 + 200-600 or 600 mm f/4? Thanks in advance!

[@sameekhan4086]

Amazing video ❤

[@hbarwick1]

are you not doing any more videos on this channel?

[@DanOhPhotography]

I love your narration and photos/video BUT all shots were made on perfect lighting. If you had to pick one prime which one? 600, or 400, or 300? 300 does not enough reach?

[@TheWolfHowls1]

Raptors are my favorite type of bird.

[@cryptographerchris4856]

Fantastic combo and even more fantastic images and video.

[@GetOutsideYourself]

I'm guessing you're shooting with auto ISO? I had a chance to try out the 300 with both TC's last week and was amazed, but I think the 1.4 TC is the best option.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

No. Manual exposure.

[@jeroenvdw]

That seems incredibly sharp, I thought it was the lack of quality of the teleconverters that makes other lenses softer when using the 1.4 and 2x. But maybe because the lenses are not 100% optimised for them? The 300 2.8 was out of the question for me, but now I'm not sure anymore. I either want the 400 F2.8, 600 F4, Sigma 500 F5.6 or now this 300 F2.8 with the TCs...

[@HillCountryDemo]

Mark, spectacular video and photography work. Great narration as well. Please keep the videos coming!

[@ScottPrincePhotography]

Amazing as usual Mark. If you had a choice, would you choose a prime over zoom for filming wildlife? TIA

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Not for filming

[@JustSamOfficial]

Astonishing, great work again Mark.... 👍👍

[@gregorioportela]

que imagens expetacular!!!

[@tc6912]

I think Sony hit a sweet spot with this lens. Up till now now, Nikon has had the only medium priced primes. Sony 300 f2.8 with 420 f4 and 600mm f5.6 options at slightly above the weight and cost of the Nikon 600 f6.3 . If I were a Sony shooter, my order would be in. Mark, any chance of you doing a video that shares your video settings?