Sony FE 600MM F4 + A7RIV - Captures Stunning Detail and Clarity

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[@njrtech]

Again if Sony was smart they would snatch Mark Smith up for their Artisans program. Marks talent and dedication is incredible! His work reflects this! Lovely images Mark

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. I've pinned your comment. Maybe someone will see it. 🤪

[@johnvr1]

@Mark Smith: I think you’ll have to ditch your Nikon gear before Sony will consider such a move...

[@MarkSmithphotography]

@@johnvr1 what Nikon gear? Lol

[@CapOlimar]

@@johnvr1 He just bought a $13k lens made by Sony, it's safe to say he's already made the switch lol.

[@andrepegus9014]

I agree. Mark should definitely be a Sony Artisan, so count me in for one more vote! Mark, congratulations as usual on your excellent work. One quick question. How do you handle background noise and still get such detail in your subject? Do you reduce noise on a masked layer, or do you apply noise reduction to the entire image? It seems as if some of the ISO’s are kind of high for an A7r4.

[@carmas54]

I have decided that I’m going to sell all My gear and just watch your channel.... just think all the money I’ll save lol

[@njrtech]

I don't know that its possible to get more details than this in any other camera/lense combo out there. It's stunning...almost macro at times. Geeesh

[@paulbivins6483]

And at 17,000 dollars of gear you bet the image better be popping right off the screen.

[@robwasnj]

I'm pretty sure lesser shots can be mustered with that same gear in different hands. Even with 600mm you still have to get close to come home with detailed photos like these and master the focusing modes of your camera (sometimes manual focus even).

[@nightcoder5k]

It's also the photographer behind the gear that makes great photos.

[@geotaco]

Beautiful Mark. Hard to pick a favorite. The detail of those pelicans is amazing. Hoping you could do a video one day on your A7RIV settings for wildlife. Were you using auto ISO? Thank you.

[@christophercorr2329]

😮

[@GBB70]

Just when I think your images can’t possibly get any better you prove me wrong! My Lord!

[@klackon1]

Beautiful images, Mark: so good, in fact, I don't have a favourite this time. Though that 600mm f4 is stunning, I'll stick with my 200 - 600mm on my A7R4.

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Your photography, along with your excellent sense of how to present it, is always a pleasure to see. Thanks for sharing the photos and your methods with us!

[@AF_Gulfstream]

Mark you are my hero for BIF photography! I have a question is the 10fps mechanical shutter fast enough? Like during an Osprey dive. I am torn between the A1 and A7RV.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

It is fast enough but not nearly as fast as the a1 of course

[@jimkurvy270]

Absolutely incredible work. And your right, that detail even over the internet is remarkable. I can't believe this is handheld. Do you still use backbutton focusing or are you relying on the eye focusing feature of the camera?

[@Dan.gibson.photographer]

These shots are just insanely good wooow🔥🔥❤️❤️📷📷👌

[@FlyersNation98]

The quality is really insane. All those details at 600mm, quite unbelievable...No wonder why so many wildlife photographers are turning to Sony nowadays.

[@RyanMenseWildlife]

Wood storks!!! I demand a full video of just them. They have so much interesting character and detail.

[@marcusbeasley3212]

Favorite bird and section: All of it.

[@MrTranceX]

I just got my own 600 f4 with the a1 and you are 100% right, just wow compared to my beloved D850 and 400 f2.8 not even in the same realm

[@madtoffelpremium8324]

Would be great if you could upload your videos in 4K in the future, so that I can see all these amazing details when watching your videos on my big editing monitor.

[@gordonnorman8259]

Great shots, Mark! A couple of questions for you: (1) What focus area did you find most useful for these portraits? (2) Was Animal Eye-AF any help with these shots? (3) Can you make any comparisons yet on IQ (detail, contrast, etc.) between the A7Riv/600 vs. A9ii/600? Many thanks.

[@wildlifebybrianhoule]

I'm interested in the question of Animal eye-Af as well. I've seen it trying to work on a northern hawk owl (not a huge bird) so I wonder how it does on birds with larger eyes. It worked last year on a great gray owl.

[@katieevans1805]

Amazing looking lens but as sharp as it maybe the bokeh is absolute trash , its just so busy it's the same with the smaller version? Must be to do with the arrangement of the optics. The detail is amazing but a lens this expensive should not have such bad bokeh rendering

[@radoslavlomliev434]

Mark, as always amazing photos. I just can't get my head around the price for this combo. That would be £15350 here in UK. I'd stick to my Nikon d500 with 200-500mm/f5.6. Simply amazing and about ten times cheaper.

[@CamillaI]

Fair point, awesome combo anyway

[@famo1153]

Hi Mark Could you shoot in low light condition with this camera and obtain similar results?

[@Quivver77]

Would love to see some iso 3200 and above shots or something with action to see low light performance. Also how is the lag on the A7RIV during BIF shots -- is it fast enough to capture a burst or do you have to be insanely lucky to capture the decisive moment.

[@CamillaI]

Fair point, i made the same comment ,that Florida sunshine is darn great, try wafting that thing here in the UK, its damp, dark and unforgiving that said I prefer it, the variety of light here is incredible. Sorry Florida (no snakes to worry about either !)

[@ivankiefer3886]

Well he was shooting with great DSLR before with great lenses too coming from Nikon d850 and it seems that he just spend around 16k more or less, he was sure no to to be limited by the camera or the lens. that camera handles iso like a champ not the best but between the best.

[@escapetothesky]

This is a beautiful video .. focusing less on the tech and more on what the product can do

[@gregwilsonnaturephotography]

Very Cool Mark. For me I have to learn to get used to my D850 . Though... Sony sure does up the game. Great Bald Eagles shots and video as well with the D850. Sayin' hey Greg

[@muhammadasi531]

Hi Mark ....thank you for sharing your excellent work... just quick question ...how to compare 600 vs 400 and 200-600 lenses with Sony A7 r4 body ? Thanks

[@PhotographyCentralTV]

Muhammad Asi I would also love to see this comparison as well!!

[@fredkrieger278]

Mark you are the best. Love it.

[@dbhayesart331]

Thank you Mark for this awesome video. Images are incredibly stunning. Deb now has the Sony a7RIV and I plan to have one within the next few weeks. Wish we could afford the 600mm F4 but no dice. Had to go with the 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 but she is very happy with the results she's getting from this combo. We sold all Deb's Canon equipment to B&H. They gave us a quote and stuck with it. No lowballing. Today I'm FedExing them my Nikon equipment. Really looking forward to your a7RIV setup guide when you have the time (will be more than happy to pay for it). Thank you for your photography professionalism. Bill & Deb

[@IllinoisWedges]

Hey Mark, Loving your content. Been looking at the 600 f4 myself even though I don't make $ doing wildlife. I have the 200-600 right now and am wondering if you could maybe do a side-by-side comparison for a video? Not something in a studio, but out in the field. I shoot with the RIV and A9. Thanks a bunch and keep these awesome videos coming!

[@PhotographyCentralTV]

Illinois Wedges PLEASE make a video on this comparison!!

[@souravde9737]

This is not photography but witchcraft !! All hail Mark Smith, the dark lord of detail, sharpness and color.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Lol

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

My favorite moment was at 1:18, it looks incredible. Well, it seems like you're getting close to perfection with that combo ...

[@chasmoonie3403]

Stunning detail indeed, if Sony dropped the price on their big prime lenses they would take an awful lot of custom away from Canon. I just wish the 600 f4 wasn't so expensive ....

[@daveba1999]

Mark, this camera/lens combo in your hands adds a new facet to my enjoyment of your photos. Your same amazing photography, but with stunning clarity and detail in the results!

[@sosomelodies659]

Hands down the best narrator/wildlife photographer on KZbin.

[@jimmyqballs]

Unbelievable shots! I wonder how much better the native 600 F4 would be over the 400 2.8 with a 1.4X TC.

[@robwasnj]

Me too considering the versatility of the 400/1.4tc combo.

[@jimmyqballs]

@@robwasnjYeah I'm going to be picking up the 400 2.8 in March, since I'm primarily sports. I guess i'll find out in a few months!

[@PhotographyCentralTV]

Jimmyqballs I would love to see a comparison of these 2 lenses!

[@mrtings]

Them G Master lenses don’t play around 😳

[@diegus012]

You should have your own TV nature show. Great content and excellent story telling. You got you another subscriber!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@Great-Grandpa1953]

Mark, I always enjoy your photos and especially the story telling in your videos. Thanks a lot for your hard work on putting this all together.

[@whereru43]

My favorite bird is the one with the bad left eye. I love that you know you have photographed the same bird in the past.

[@mikedelgado9593]

Hows the ISO in low light?

[@kingofrannoch]

A lens that cost as much as a car should come with x ray vision

[@CamillaI]

too true

[@rgeldard31]

Great video again Mark, the 600mm is really showing off what it can do in a master's hands on the A7R4. Hoping to get over to Florida again sometime absolutely loved my time there.

[@AllCarsUnited]

Heading out real quick to rob a bank so I can buy this lens 😂

[@kevinmorphet8083]

That is just razor sharp. What a great combo. Thanks for sharing.

[@johngunning2123]

AUD$20,423.10!

[@alphabobblehead]

Hi Mark. I want to thank you for a tip regarding how you use the back focus button. I am a decent amateur that's trying to get into bird photography. When I was focused on a stationary bird, waiting for it to do something or take off, I would keep the back button focus button pressed all the time. Your tip was to use the back focus to lock the focus and then let it go. I missed so many shots when the bird took off as I moved the camera, it lost focused at the worst possible time. By using F8 fo give some focus wiggle room, I focused and let go. Now for the first 3-5 seconds, when the bird starts moving (the most important time) it stays in focus. I tried this technique today and nailed about 10x more take off shots. I just posted a series of a black Crested knight heron taking off. I'm at @pommerbob on IG if you want to see them. Thanks again.

[@sherlocq1]

Waaaaaaw :O

[@ricki-bobby]

Insanely good images. That Sony 600mm f4 is best in class

[@paulvalerio3887]

Fantastic Video Mark! Very similar to your noting the silt in the water drop, I thought the catch light in the birds’ eyes was phenomenal. It wasn’t just a starburst it was the sun on the horizon and clear as a bell!!

[@colinwright8651]

Hi Mark, another fantastic videos with unbelievable shots - is there any reason why you selected the Sony A7RIV over the Sony A9?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

I have both

[@colinwright8651]

@@MarkSmithphotography Thanks Mark what I was really interested to know was why you selected the A7RMIV in preference to your A9 - eg. was it to have more pixels to allow closer crops?

[@Indignepourdeux]

You sound deeply passionnate about birds👏 however I have one question, why didn't you use the lens at iso 50 while toying with the exposure compensation wheel to keep it at a reasonnable shutter speed? The quality at Iso50 on sonys is simply mind blowing crisp!

[@TomatenDK]

The way you tell the stories...your excited voice.....the stories...... man...... its so catching ! Sony a7iv and 200-600 here. Hoping to someday get shots like that. Thanks a lot for your work Mark 💪

[@DavidStella]

Sometimes I wonder how this lens would perform on my Sony a7III. I might just rent it someday, if I can afford it + find it.

[@burg856]

Have a process question. Have a Canon Pixma Pro 100. Use a MacBook Pro. Tried Adobe Lightroom. Can not print from Lightroom yet on Mac. Also cannot add-on Canon Photo Studio Pro to Lightroom on a Mac. Should I just buy Adobe Elements? Help anyone. :)

[@IanWilkinson]

The level of detail you're getting from this combination reminds me of what I sometimes achieve under controlled conditions with a dedicated high-end macro setup and insect subjects. Bravo! [Edit] I was wondering whether or not you used the a7R IV's animal eye detect autofocus to nail it :)

[@MsPernickety]

Beautiful images. Love to know what camera settings you use or is that a closely guarded secret? I am not referening to the Mata Data.

[@Tx3Stones]

Wow, the bird feather details are amazing! You got steady hands! I'm just curious what your favorite gears are since your videos are alternating between Sony and Nikon.

[@minusinfinity6974]

1080p does this no justice at all Mark. Need 4K or at least 1440p. Fantastic pictures as usual. Alas Sony wants $22K for this lens in Australia, I'm praying for a Nikon 600 f/5.6 PF

[@lumenspaul]

Love the shrike butcher bird all very good and beautiful light ,I have just entered the world of Sony I have a7r3 and will probably buy the 200-600mm a little cheaper than your combination but also not so much of one trick pony ,but if you can afford the 600mm f4 you probably own the 200-600mm as well.

[@lonesomedovecall822]

Absolutely amazing collection of photos, Mark! That lens is really spectacular! Favorite shot = the little Gnat-Catcher, hanging from the branch, kind'a up-side-down like, against the blue-sky background. INCREDIBLE shot of that tiny bird!!!

[@johndc7446]

Are you using the first version of the A7RIV or are you using the newer version which is the A7RIV A? I have heard that the newer version only has the new autofocus system which includes the bird eye autofocus. Do you think the autofocus system of the older A7RIV version is enough for birds in flight photography? My main concern is maybe the autofucos wont be good enough for birds in flight photography. Thanks.

[@Drew1house]

Mark, I have one of these on order to pair with my A7r4... AND I ordered an A1. But, my question is how long did you have to wait to get your 600mm? From Order to Delivery?

[@Trigger-xw9gq]

Hey Mark. I have the 200-600 and 600 f/4, and am wondering: If you could only have one body, would you choose the a9 or the A7RIV?

[@DalsPhotography]

photos are increadible, and the price of the lens is too!! Not for our humble pockets in Uruguay...sniff, but your photography is absolutely awsome!!!

[@GBBLGBL]

Not sure if anyone asked this question Mark, but did you try animal eye af on any of these birds? From my experience with my 400/2.8 GM on the a7RIV or a9II, animal eye is very hit and miss on smaller animal eyes.

[@DynamixWarePro]

The quality is amazing but it would be even better to see these in 4K so we could see the detail better. Could you do that?

[@thomastuorto9929]

better?

[@laureenignarro8030]

Can’t get better than what Mark is shooting ! 4K isn’t what everyone thinks it is.

[@craigcarlson4022]

Mark, i know this is a tough question to field. But what lens and camera combo might you suggest to someone who has dappled with entry level camera and lenses, but doesn’t have the resources to go up to what you ise her? I have a Canon apsc eos 77D with a Tamron 100-400. I’d like to go for a bit more reach and better image quality. Should i step up to FF first, or go with a better lens, or would those steps be too incremental and i should just presume i need to do both? Thanks, craig

[@LMActionsports]

Makes me want to switch from Nikon z6 to the Sony A7R4. But I will wait 2 more years and if Nikon don’t come out with a mirrorless version to compete with Sony A7R4. It’s see you later Nikon. Not saying I am not happy with my z6 in the least. I love it but I do expect more when the competition is so far ahead.

[@costinvaly1]

Plot twist: that red female hawk can actually see through the apparently damaged eye.

[@mattjhelms1]

Amazing shots! Mark seems to be the only pro using this lens right now. Other than this site, I can't find any substantial reviews or any other content outside of the big New Jersey event Sony flew everybody out to last year at launch. It's good to see it being used in the real world. I wonder if Mark has run across the Image Stabilizer problems reported by Ken Rockwell. If those issues are real, I don't think I could justify the cost. Hopefully more professionals will test this in the wild.

[@LivingTech]

This video is just perfection. Thank you. Liked/subscribed.

[@MikePhumanaut]

I'm curious about the 600 f4 with this camera body when it comes to cropping and how much you can get out of that file. I feel it would be the ultimate long range setup when you know you are going to have to crop in. When it comes to action, I'm not sure how 10fps can beat the a9 20fps. After using the a9 I can't believe how many photos I can get out of a sequence of action.

[@graphguy]

$13,000 plus tax. Ya I will take 2 of them. How many bird pictures would I need to sell to cover that???? ... year 2030.

[@brucewalker383]

Lovey pics Mark, your photos shot with Nikon are just as good. Why waste money by buying into Sony, makes no sense to me. Unless!!!,

[@juanperes2331]

Tuve dos preguntas, la primera ya ha sido hecha y su respuesta fue Topaz ai denoise. La segunda es: ¿cómo te acercas y siempre estás a la misma altura que el pájaro en cuestión? ¿usas algún escondite acuático? Te lo agradezco de antemano.

[@neilpersh4939]

Amazing detail. Have you used the new lens with the Sony A9? Think there’s any difference in quality between the A9 and the A7R4?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Yes I have and it is fabulous on the a9 as well. I think the r4 has more dynamic range and of course more resolution but the 600f4 on the a9 is a whole new level of detail as well. Paired with the 1.4 tele and the a9 still achieves amazing results in low light. For me I prefer the r4 in good light and the a9 in low light and where speed is a priority.

[@motofotose9155]

@@MarkSmithphotography can you please compare af performance in R4 and a9? ( also if you had the R3 before)

[@neilpersh4939]

As you know I have the Sony 200-600 5.6-6.3. Does it make sense getting the teleconverter for this lens? The 6.3 would probably become a max aperture of f8.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That's a tough one. I shoot alongside a couple of guys who use it daily and swear by it on the a9, not the r4.

[@AllCarsUnited]

@@MarkSmithphotography one advantage I see with the r4 is the ability to crop, crop, crop which gives it a definite edge in post over the a9. With that said low light with the a9 would give it a slight edge

[@slodays1158]

Wow! Now that you have that set up do you think it will be you go to for most birding photos and video?

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Yes

[@jcphenix1]

@@MarkSmithphotography yes, and everybody can see why...I can't and won't afford that combo. The A7Riv + 200-600 makes me scratching my head, but it's already too expensive once you've invested in Nikon gear. Scratch...

[@crashcoursefan4922]

Crazy good shots!

[@barryscully1820]

Fantastic shots Mark. That definitely seems to be "the lens" for birding.

[@jrbruno1339]

Love all you videos

[@kevinturner7618]

It's all great - but the detail on the Blue Gray Gnatcatcher was my favorite.

[@meimeigua6447]

Mark. Not only is your photography absolutely beautiful, I love hearing the descriptive words you use to describe the subtle shapes, colors and tectures of what you are photographing. You are one of the best out there in doing both in my opinion. I love your videos, man. Plus, you seem honest and just a regular type guy. There are a lot of talented photographers, But, you, Morton Hilmer, and Steve Mattheis are my favorites. I like your genuiness.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you so much for your kind words

[@KLopez24]

Will you be doing a video highlighting animal eye af? I’m real curious to see how it works on the A9 and A7r4 Highly considering ditching my d500

[@MarkSmithphotography]

No. I don't use it.

[@FitzMichael]

Hello Mark what is your AF setting on the R4 AFC -Zone?

[@alexisrosablanca6107]

I’m subscribed but I don’t get your videos, I have to search them. Your videos are awesooooooooooooooooooome!

[@MDSOBUJ-ye2lq]

ড়

[@shuhaibc5627]

Super sir❤

[@CamillaI]

Absolutely insane detail from this combo! I dont think it can be bettered, only proviso is you are working with that awful Florida sunlight here in the UK it is more often dark and wet. That said amazing photos my local camera shop has got one of these lenses with my name on it, saving up, still not sure wether to go for the 400mm or the 600mm?

[@kolapyellow7631]

Tiny smart bird know how to use barb wire to hold his food.

[@bassangler73]

Nice shots

[@keithsmathers9815]

Stunning images and detail!

[@xavidub]

Beautiful images but definitely diminishing returns. Fantastic as they are, these images aren't 5x better than D850/D500/500 pf images but are 5x the cost

[@montanawestphotography6671]

But not forever. Those cameras are the last of their species. Or soon will be.

[@kvbhat79]

which is the focus modes used for each of the pictures...

[@jeromebarry1739]

Hello Mark - I am interested in how you determined that the Red - shouldered Hawk was a female. In this species of raptor sizes overlap.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Saw them mating.

[@jeromebarry1739]

@@MarkSmithphotography That works!

[@androidstreak]

How phots are taken in f5.6 ? When it is F4

[@rickhargett2803]

8:56 Holy.......is that a mini Hubble telescope? I'm surprised it doesn't bring into focus parasites that flourish in the feathers or don't waterfowl have them? Those Spoonbill shots are absolutely stunning. As always........you don't disappoint.

[@clintonmiller4917]

Hi Mark, I’m new to Photography and getting hooked quick! What an amazing hobby that I never thought someone like me would enjoy to the max. I have a hard time unwinding and this hobby has given me just what I needed. Anywho, don’t want to bother u but I’ve recently found your KZbin site and wow what a help and your pictures are amazing. I’m also a new subscriber. So question 1 I’m not fortunate enough to able to afford the kind of cameras that one needs to get your level of photography. So I have a Nikon D3400 and I love it and grateful to have this camera. Unfortunately I always seemed to be just out of reach w/ the lenses I have (18-55mm & 70-300mm) so what kind of Lens would help increase the distance and clarity of this camera. I am primarily shooting Eagles and ducks/ wildlife... so any settings recommendations would also be very helpful. Last question, do you have any videos that address cameras like mine/ or beginner folks like me. Thanks again for these beauuuutiful pics. Great work. God bless

[@curtmorgan]

Thank you for this video. My son is a pro film maker and has this set up of yours (his company made the "The World is waiting for your perspective" commercial for Sony). For me, at my son's suggestion, I sold all of my Canon gear, Mark, and now I own the Sony A9ii with the battery grip and the Sony 200-600mm+ 1.4 extender. I took in every word from your video on the A9 in setting up my camera, so thank you for that. That last group shot looks like it might have been at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is a big favorite of mine when I visit Florida from upstate NY. I have witnesses a similar scene there.

[@laphotopix]

I have had all of Canon's long telephoto lenses (300, 500, 600, and 800) and am now an A9 II shooter with the F4 600MM... I love the combination but must say that there is only one single advantage Sony has over Canon (and probably Nikon and others) and that is the follow focus. Find me on Facebook (Les Lenchner) if you would like to see some of my images as proof of what I say. There are a few pros and cons between the two for me but again.. the tracking ability of Sony is hands down the single most important factor that I can't stress enough.. It's almost like magic.

[@JR-Photo]

Excellent shots!! I also have the 600 f/4. Such an amazing lens!! At those high shutter speeds, did you use OSS on the lens? I've been back and fourth when using at higher shutter speeds.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

I turn it off

[@jbilly24]

I still prefer the saturation and contrast of your Nikon images but the sharpness and detail of this Sony combo is undeniable! Well done!