Sony's Best Telephoto Lenses

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Join me on Patreon for the best Alpha Support and Guidance. A single $10 Membership fee includes access to my 500-page camera-specific eBooks, member-only Q&A Forums + Over twenty 1-hour member-only seminars + cameras settings files & access to the Raw files from the lens and camera reviews (there is no contract or commitment beyond the first month). www.patreon.com/markgaler

[@idrismansoor7993]

By far the most comprehensive review of Sony lenses anywhere. I had to laugh when you said “.... I’m staying well clear of the 600mm GM” 😂😂😂

[@BizzleByron]

I love my 100-400 (tele if needed) combo. I know it’s pricier than the 200-600 but the ability to chuck it in a sling bag and take it on any random outing is priceless. The minimum focusing is just the icing on the cake.

[@stevemckenzie4731]

... not to mention the ability to attain a 600mm field of view on my A7RIV with the flick of a switch and still record images at 26mpx.

[@njrtech]

I actually own both 100400GM and 200600G. Different teles and both have uses for me.

[@Kaisolostudio]

@@njrtech I’m actually deciding between the two... if you could only have one, which one would it be?

[@rizatamin]

There’s something about your photos/editing that really soothing everytime i see them..hats off Sir!

[@FJavierRicoAa]

I just acquired the 200-600 from Sony for my A7III and thanks to your comments I was encouraged to have such a combination. Very happy with the results, that if, refining a lot.

[@OroborOSX11]

32:20 I think this is so underrated. I constantly found the “megapixels don’t matter at all” argument when I was deciding between the A7 III and A7R III. I opted to go for the R with the dramatically higher MP count, and I’m so glad I did. I am *constantly* using my small-but-amazing Sony 55mm 1.8 lens with fairly aggressive crop in post to get some incredibly sharp photos that look as if they were either shot close up or with a decent telephoto.

[@NiniRockX]

agree !°

[@sadbravesfan]

I have the same setup as you in terms of the 55mm 1.8. Could you possibly tell me how much you can crop in order to avoid image quality loss? Or does it depend on where you'll be putting the image? I am quite the amateur so I'd appreciate any advice on this. Let's say I have the full frame image and since Instagram recommends a 1080x1080 crop for a 1:1 ratio post does this mean I could literally crop it down to that resolution and would not lose image quality? Or say, a 400x400 profile picture for LinkedIn I can really crop from full frame image to 400x400 and no image quality loss? And then for like a 4k monitor I could crop to 3840x2160 and no IQ loss?

[@igoryudnikov6198]

Agree. I am using 35 1.2 to get 50 1.8 in crop mode with 1.2 exposure :)

[@geekdomo]

I have countless times used my 100-400 GM as a macro lens. It is an amazing all in one solution for wildlife (for me)

[@berginrp]

Hi @geekdomo, that's interesting to know. I was looking at 100-400 and was also wondering if I'd need a separate lens for macro. Your comment is promising. Do you use any extension tubes to each closer? I'd love take a peek at your macro photographs.

[@geekdomo]

And I do not use any tubes.

[@thirtythreewolves6052]

I have to say, out of all the camera/lens videos I watch here, yours are easily the most interesting and knowledgable in my opinon. I love everyones perspective but theres something about your layout and the way you provide all the information with such fantastic examples. Thank you so much for all the effort that goes into all your work. Its really helped me a ton make choices on which lenses and stuff to add to my kit.

[@antonoat]

Thanks for this introduction to the world of Sony, I must say I'm sorely tempted after 30 yrs with Nikon !

[@kovsol]

My combo is 70-200G and the 200-600G :) I love both lens. I also have the 85 1.8 and used it on FF and APS-C body too and loved the results.

[@JensChrStrandos]

Excellent again. I have just bought the Sony 200-600 for my ILCE-7R3 and love it. Then I tested it on my Sony A6400 and suddenly I had a new standard combination. The tracking focus of a6400 combined with the "300-900" is perfect.

[@1964ilovebears]

Thanks Gale. I know Sony's 100-400 is better than the new Sigma 100-400 but, unfortunately, one costs nearly 3000 $ and the Sigma 900 $. Sigma's may turn into an oasis at this focal length for the mortals (lol!). I own the wonderful 24-105 f4 from Sony and I'd love to have the 70-200 but I figure out it is a bit close to the 24-105 and a 100-400 makes more sense.

[@roadtriprohan]

135 1.8 changed my life! A must have for all Sony Photographers!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

As close to perfect optics as you can get.

[@SusanSlattery]

Amazing photos. I have the A7R 4, 24 f/1.4 GM, 85 f/1.4 GM and 135 f/1.8 GM. For my style of photography the only remaining lens I will consider is that 90mm macro lens. I really enjoyed this video. Thanks Mark!

[@22s22a]

Rich $$$

[@oldad73]

Thanks Mark, your tip about zooming into a landscape photo worked for me too when I was at Bryce Canyon NP last year with my a6400 and 18-135 lens. I must have had a premonition!

[@akiolife7198]

Best channel I’ve found today. Thank you so much

[@deathcow]

I shoot with the GM600 f4 handheld for the last 40,000 frames. It's never been on a tripod or monopod. It's so light compared to 600mm f4 of the past.

[@barryroberts2474]

Really appreciate you spending the time on this video Mark. I have modified my appreciation of some of those lens choices by what you have shared. Thank you very much. Your use of such a variety of lenses in as many situations extends my vision of what I can do both with what I already have and where I need look for other options.

[@Noparticularcontext]

The 100 Stu is my all round lens, love it

[@sjm.photos]

Mark i have made videos on the issue with the a7riv and 200-600 autofocus issue

[@njrtech]

Stuart James Photography as you noted in your videos the issues are real, check Fred Miranda forums and some pro reviews have noted the AF inconsistency with this combination (A7RIV and 200600G). It shocking that Sony released this lens and Body over 6 months ago and the problem still has not been acknowledged or resolved. This is not the same Sony that won the mirrorless race. Sorry but no excuses Sony especially when a newcomer to mirrorless like Canon releases a 70-200 2.8 with an issue, and quickly fixes the problem weeks later. Fix please!

[@sjm.photos]

@@njrtech lens was released about 8 months before the a7riv i think that is the problem where the camera tech moved on and the lens needs updating

[@mikkelschille160]

Another excellent educational video. Incredible photos and very informative! Sony should be very happy to have you onboard:) Cheers from Norway!

[@Dan.gibson.photographer]

When my subject is close (wildlife) I use my trusty 70-200F2.8 GM otherwise I use a supertelephoto lens 150-600 that I hope I will replace by the 200-600😉

[@antdx316]

A9 II with 400mm f/2.8 would be a dream combo.

[@ksc6000]

Mark, the dilemma you mention at 55:08 is what I'm currently facing. I have an A7RM3 and I have been taking photos of our family dog with the 70-350mm in crop mode - and noticing a fair amount of noise when I am at 1/2000th at ISO 2000. I did not realize that the noise is visually increased because of the crop. However, the Sony 100-400 is out of my budget, so I'm considering the soon to be released Sigma 100-400 for full frame since it's basically the same price as the 70-350. However since the weight is roughly the same as the Sony 100-400 - my other concern is walking around all day with such a heavy lens hanging off the camera body. Anyways, thanks for all your videos, they're fantastic.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Make sure any non-Sony lens you consider has stabilisation and has fast focus motors. Sony’s heavier telephoto zooms have camera strap attachments on the lens.

[@ksc6000]

Mark Galer's Alpha Creative Skills Thank you Mark.

[@AnnaEstrin]

I don’t skip ads on this channel!

[@elijahfernandez8385]

Only the legendary 🙌

[@derkoekje]

I'm gonna give the award for best bokeh to the Sigma 105mm F1.4, but the 135mm GM is a close second.

[@starskymedia]

Outstanding and informative Mark. Just as impressive were the quality of images you were able to capture with each camera and lens combo - you definitely prove that a carpenter can't blame his tools!

[@igoryudnikov6198]

I required both price and bokeh and chosen Sigma 85 f/1.4 absolutely nothing to complain about) portraits? Easy. Shooting indoor football with A7R3a? Easy. With A7M4? Even better. Now 100-400 is my thinker lens.5.6-6.3 is really too dark, but sharp as hell

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The 100-400 is a solid performer with fast AF and a good close focusing distance

[@slyfox720]

I am excited...I just purchased the 200-600mm for my A7 iii!!

[@DazLane123]

Love your Videos and Photos Mark - Sony is lucky to have you ...

[@Si1097]

This is the best channel on KZbin.

[@MusikPiratCH]

I really doubt it. It depends what you're interested in. If you're not interested in Sony cameras this channel is absolutely worthless. That's the same as if you're not interested in computers and somebody tells you: "That's the best channel for computers on KZbin!" :P

[@KenMyers]

I have plenty of issues with my a7riv and 200-600 combo. My a7riv works perfect with any of my other 10 lenses. My a6400 with the 200-600 works great. If I shoot at 1/1000th or slower I can get sharp images, but any faster they come back slightly out of focus. You would think it would be the other way around. F7.1 and 2500th blurry. F6.3 and 800th on wading birds are sharp. I have Firmware 1.2 and it does not help. Last lens I sent back to Sony for repair came back full of large dust specks. I hate to send anything in for repair.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

This is why I am currently not recommending the 200-600 with the A7RlV

[@tinasambo3227]

I am having the same problems with my 200-600mm. With the a7riv I get only 25% keeper rate at high shutter speeds. I get a much higher keeper rate with my older a7riii. They is a problem with this combo. Sony needs to address it. Currently they are claiming user error.

[@kishan4u1]

I am really in love with your work. I own a 6400 alpha and have been looking for zoom lenses, I think this video will help.

[@Malte_Paulsen]

You're a legend! Thanks for taking the time to explain all this to us :)

[@FeliciaAlston]

Mark, I am so, so very grateful for your commitment to excellence, and your superb willingness to teach with simplicity and understanding. Thank you

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

You are very welcome

[@Cheryl407]

Fabulous video. I think I know my gear, but I know by watching and listening to you I will learn so much more. Thank so much.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks for the positive feedback Cheryl.

[@GlassfilmWeddings]

SONY ON TOP! 501.2 IM LOVING IT!

[@ricki-bobby]

Great video as always. Being a Sony Ambassador, is Sony aware of the issues with the FE 200-600mm + A7RIV? I have this combo and the amount of missed AF shots due to some incompatibility between them has become frustrating. I have no such issues with the A9 + FE 200-600mm or A7RIII + FE 200-600mm. There are numerous reports of the issue on forums but I have heard nothing from Sony on a fix via firmware yet.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I have reported my findings to Sony Australia - fingers crossed it will improve with a lens or camera firmware update.

[@Blank_Immortal]

This is really good to know, I was planning on picking up one of these, but if the AF has a pretty big problem I might hold off until either they fix the issue, or I end up having to look elsewhere.

[@ricki-bobby]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Good to know. Hopefully they prioritize a fix to address it

[@laurentc.8952]

Thank you for sharing

[@bladerealm124]

Same issue here. I have an open warranty claim with Sony for the SEL200600G but I'm worried this isn't something that can be fixed just by recalibrating the lens. Hopefully a firmware fix is coming.

[@ss22cristian]

...he knows everything...amazing

[@theizza68]

Keep up the uploads, Mark. I always thoroughly enjoy your presentation.

[@davidgrover2665]

Another great informative video Mark - I have always followed your excellent advice before making any of my Sony purchases - many thx!

[@slimphotog]

I have that 85mm f/1.8. Great lens for my A6400.

[@sarahcooper5677]

I love how you speak slow enough to understand what you are saying. There is a lot to this video and it was totally understandable to me. I plan to go to your website and also look at more videos! One question, if you were taking pictures in a dark auditorium would you opt for the 70-200 2.8 or do you think one could use the 100-400 with higher ISO? Or would you use something else?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I would be using a prime such as the 135 GM or an f/2.8 zoom.

[@villa_fan8882]

Hi Mark, you mentioned in the video that you can switch eyes when using eye-af. I have got the sony a7iii but do not know how you do that!? I always thought that the camera chooses the eye that it wants to focus on so I would love to know how you can switch eyes. I have searched google but can not find anything that shows how to switch eyes. Thanks :)

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The option is in the menus and you can assign it to a custom key

[@darviniusb]

Superb pictures and great video. Thank you very much for all the info.

[@francissosingindyrcworldga8936]

really great reviews sir. I'll definitely check out your tutorials! keep up the great work! I'm interested in both the 100-400 and the 200-600. I'm hoping the 200-600 has a new firmware to make the AF more reliable.

[@jimmyqballs]

I love the 200-600 with the A9, but it sure struggles with the A7R IV. I find flexible spot gets me a lot more keepers than tracking will for birds in flight, regardless of what type of tracking settings or areas I've used. Hopefully they can address this, I've met several others who have the same issues. At first I thought maybe my camera or lens had something wrong! I just hope sports come back in the fall, because I really want to shoot football on the A9 and 400 2.8!

[@bladerealm124]

Same issue here. I have an open warranty claim with Sony for the SEL200600G but I'm worried this isn't something that can be fixed just by recalibrating the lens.

[@Kallio1971]

I find the hit rate slightly better than a6400 which seems about right. Acquiring focus is snappier on the a7Riv but tracking isn't that much better. It could just as well be the body, not the lens. It's not nearly on a9 level but it seems like people have been hyping it to be and now the expectations are on unrealistic levels. I first thought I'd put the 200-600 with 1.4xTC on a7Riv and 100-400 on a9 but I think I will most of the time do the opposite. 1m MFD on the 100-400 and a7Riv's pixel count makes it a very good combo for semi-macro shots.

[@jimmyqballs]

@@bladerealm124 I think it's just a firmware thing. On the A9 the lens is absolutely incredible and gets fantastic results. You can get good results on the a7r IV too, but just not using tracking modes which will be very hit or miss. My other big problem with this lens is the amount of dust I'm finding behind the front element. Some pretty large specks of dust have found their way in there after about a year of use. Hasn't affected image quality and more than likely never will, but at some point it might need a cleaning service which won't be cheap lol

[@KingBrains]

Mark I want to be just like you when I grow up.

[@portrower8]

is this where we ask questions? I'm trying to decide what's more important for the youth baseball photography I like to do: is it more reach with higher aperture or less reach with lower aperture that I crop? I can't afford the super expensive lenses that have both so I was looking at Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E-Mount vs Tamron 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 Di III RXD A071 Lens for Sony E-Mount...thoughts? is there a better solution? I found that that I need the 300mm reach basically, but now wonder if the less aperture cropped is actually better?

[@Himlovesrunning]

Thanks for the video!! Photos and your method of advice is dope!!

[@jmartinianovlogging1482]

Thank You For taking Your time giving information!🙏

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

My pleasure!

[@WilliamLesourd]

Great review (my only télé so far, is the 135mm GM. You are right, it is magnificent). Your settings are perfect and you manage to get fabulously sharp images

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Great to hear!

[@TheDopeShow81]

Looks like you took that Melbourne shot from Geelong.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Not quite that far away - Fisherman’s bend in Port Melbourne

[@frendaf6967]

Thank you for making this video. Which of these lenses works better with the animal AF on the Sony A7riii? Sony 135mm GM or 70-200mm F2.8GM. I know they are different, but if I can have only one for dog photography?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The 135 GM is a faster focusing lens than the 70-200 GM and has the advantage of a brighter aperture which increases the reliability of AF tracking.

[@frendaf6967]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Much appreciated for your information!!!

[@timandwandaholcomb1782]

And likewise would you recommend the 200-600 G for an a7III camera? Thanks,

[@joehorne7040]

Thank you a great informative movie. What are the downsides to buying the 100-400 today in 2024? What are your thoughts to an upgrade on this lens by Sony?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Sony have primarily been upgrading older GM lenses so they can keep up with the sports cameras Sony have been releasing (A9, A9II, A9III and A1). The 100-400 was released on the same day as the A9 and can still keep up with the A9III. Sony may update this lens one day but there may be no urgency as the 100-400 is already performing well. The 85 F1.4 is the last GM lens that predates the A9 that will need to be updated. I am now using Sony's 300mm F2.8 GM more than my 100-400 because of the wider aperture.

[@keithsmathers9815]

Thanks for the great video and sharing of knowledge!

[@thehoff3423]

Really excellent video Mark, learnt a lot👍

[@richardbarakett4163]

You are fascinating Mark ! fantastic VDO ! cheers !!!

[@WojciechKalka]

Hehe I would say .. it is not about Sony who create this this awesome photos .. it is the photographer :P ... really great work!!

[@timandwandaholcomb1782]

Hi Mark, I always enjoy your videos. You speak of the a7R camera. Would you recommend the Sony 100-400mm on an a7III? Thanks,

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Yes -a good match.

[@jeetjoyrock1]

Thanks Mark for this video, really informative.. On the a7Riv+ 200 600 combination, the remark you have made, is Sony aware of this and working on a firmware? There has been multiple complains on this combo in many forums. So, people are hoping an ambassador like you will take the matter to Sony and they may work on this.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I have spoken the the product specialist here in Australia who, in turn, will raise the issue with Japan.

[@Kallio1971]

So far the only issue I have had with the combo is that 2xTC doesn't work with it in AF-C mode. AF-S works fine and no issues with 1.4xTC. Someone who has been using the combo for a while and made a remark that people are pushing the a7Riv and expecting/hoping close to a9 performance. The 100-400 GM in my experience is a faster focusing lens than the 200-600 G and people getting more hits with it and a7Riv might be just because of that.

[@njrtech]

@@Kallio1971 there is absolutely an issue with all 200600G on an A7RIV...no question. Bright light, backlit situations causes back focusing and missing shots. We are talking only 3 of 10 shots being acceptably in focus. This does not happen with the 100400GM, 400 2.8 or 600 F4 GM with A7RIV. Also, the 200600G has no such issues with A9 series....hence it is not a Problem with the lens AF motors keeping pace . It's a problem with the body and this lense combination.

[@Kallio1971]

@@njrtech what I am saying is that all the other lenses mentioned are faster and more reliable with their AF than the 200-600. Yes, even the 100-400 is noticeably faster than the 200-600. Combine that to the a7Riv not being even remotely in the same league as a9 and maybe it's just that the R4 is being pushed to its limits with the 200-600.

[@nrocha2466]

@@Kallio1971 the 100400GM does have dual linear AF motors and gets me a very high keeper rate on te A7RIV (90 percent keepers) ..hence why that lens is expensive . Its a superior lens to the 200600G ( I own both so this is based on real world experience)... still the 200600G should be able to achieve a keeper rate of 80 percent...it cant even hit 50% with this combo!

[@jody1622]

Thanks Mark. I've got ff and c cameras so I'm all over the place but I've been looking at a freinds 70-350 on her C camera. They're beautiful and I think I'll get one too. This was very helpful.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Go for it!

[@hedydd2]

I don't think you do the 24-240 justice. For catching the unplanned fleeting opportunity anywhere at any time the 10X zoom can't be beaten. Yes, it isn't the absolute sharpest lens but it is certainly more than acceptably sharp for this kind of use where the shot might otherwise be lost. If there is time and in town or other places where there is no need for the 10X versatility, yes, swap it out for a sharper lens. For these reasons I always start off into the unknown with the 24-240, but if time and circumstances allow, swap it for a more specialised lens.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I didn’t say it was not OK - but it is Sony’s least sharp and slowest focusing Telephoto Zoom

[@hedydd2]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I agree with you of course. Even so, I was called out to my rather large yard last night by my wife to photograph her and my new bitch [dog] pulling her apron and generally playing around and I found the continuous focus and tracking to be way ahead of my other camera brands and models and as sharp as I could ever wish for. The versatility of the zoom was important and I could not have caught half the images if I had a less versatile zoom range unless I had far more time to plan and position myself. It isn't as sharp as many lenses of equivalent focal length when zoomed, true enough, which limits its cropping in post potential for subsequent close-up viewing. Its a compromise lens that majors on versatility and I like it for that. It was the lens that I swapped out the rather disappointing kit lens that I initially purchased. I subsequently bought the 35 and 85mm primes and next on the list is one of the two white zooms. Probably the 200-600, because it again increases the range and versatility of my kit even if it isn't the 'best' of the two lenses.

[@njrtech]

24105g is far sharper, focal range is very versatile and AF is very fast. Its a better buy if you can live with 105 on the long end.

[@ammdcosta]

Thank you Mark!!! ✌🏻 Great Job

[@paulcollingridge8387]

The 100-400 mm has such a close focus that I can see no real alternative for my small mammal work, (1-2m) shame about the price

[@Steve31000]

It's a great lens I use a lot but pricey indeed

[@njrtech]

I had sold my 100400GM when Sony released the 200600G. You know what? Regretted it big time. Just repurchased the 100400GM....keeping both. They compliment each other.

[@rt4581]

Very informative, new sub🤙🏼

[@stephenryan6399]

I often wonder why they didn't make the f4 70 200 so teleconvertor would fit it would be a great starting point with aspc planning to go full frame?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I suppose it is the chicken and egg story. The FE 70-200 F/4 G was released before there were any converters. When they made the converters they made them so they would fit the newer 100-400 and 70-200 G Master lenses. I am sure if they could roll back the clock on the design of the F/4 G they would have done things differently.

[@arthur_noble]

Best channel I’ve found. Thank you

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@atomikmaster1]

Thank you Mark. Your the man 👍🏿

[@Wistbacka]

At 33:50, may I ask: How fast shutter speed do you apply for something like this? When you are at 400 mm and subject is moving 200 kph? Seems impossible in my mind. Thank you so much for this video. Amazing work!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

It takes a lot of practice to pan with very fast moving subjects and slow shutter speeds. I will use 1/500 second if I need to increase my hit rate (while creating some movement blur in the background) but will slow the shutter speed down to 1/250 second if I want to increase the amount of movement blur. If the bikes are slower moving 9and therefore the camera is moving more slowly) I will slow the shutter speed down to 1/125 second or slower. Speeds of 1/2000 second or higher will reliably freeze your subject, even if your panning is not super-accurate but will also freeze the background as well. I provide ongoing personal support and mentoring on my Patreon support channel: www.Patreon.com/markgaler

[@nicolasduhaut7233]

Excellent video as always. I recently used my A7iii + 100-400 GM for a whale watching boat tour. Using your recommended "action" settings (Aperture priority, minimum SS 1/2000, AF-C wide zone) I found that many of my shots were out of focus. Maybe it was the lack of contrast between the whales and the sea. Any recommendation? Maybe using a different autofocus area?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The water may be confusing the AF - try placing a zone or flexible spot above any water that is closer than the whale. I have an AF Area video that may help.

[@tbear6812]

Sadly returning my Sony 200-600 G as it is impossible to get any of my shots sharp with it. Same setting with my A7R3 and the Sony 70-200mm f2.8 GM are tack sharp. The 200-600 are unshard even on fixed subjects. Must be built on a monday by some hungover worker.

[@MohebIskander]

Would you at all recommend using the Sony 70-350mm with the a7R3? I like to have a light weight, compact gear.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I have used it - your high ISO performance halves when you shoot in APS-C mode and you are capturing 18 Megapixels. If you are happy with that then go for it.

[@MohebIskander]

Mark Galer's Alpha Creative Skills Understood. Thank you so much for the very useful video!

[@zonderblu]

does E 70-350 lens are great to photograph indoor/outdoor competitive swim ?

[@Himlovesrunning]

Hi 👋 would you recommend Sony 70-200 f2.8 GM today? I am looking for a solid telephoto zoom in this focal range for my Sony A7III

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I give personal guidance on my Patreon website - all of the general guidance I can think of is covered in these video tutorials

[@jontarbuck3087]

Hey Mark, really useful video. Am looking at the FE 70-200 f4 or 70-300. Is the 70-200 f4 really that much better than the 70-300? I hear there is a lot of sample variability with the 70-300.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I could only test the 70-300 I owned for a year. I can’t comment on product variations. I have owned to 70-200 F/4 from when it was first released and never regret owning it. I need the faster AF performance and wider aperture because i shoot rapidly moving subjects. Yes it is that much better than the 70-300

[@jontarbuck3087]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks very much for the quick reply Mark, much appreciated! I find your videos really informative and helpful for getting the best out of my A7iii!

[@PIXELvoiz]

Thank you very much for the amazing guide!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad you found it helpful

[@capt.douglasf760]

Wonderful channel, great content, and as enjoyable to watch as they are informative. The 135 1.8 GM is an exceptional portrait lens wide open, but there is never a mention of possible use for landscape or travel stopped down. Should it only be considered a portrait lens?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I capture landscapes with telephoto lenses and stop down when and if needed. There are telephoto landscapes in this presentation and 135 wildlife and action shots.

[@jbzale]

Thanks Mark, your videos are so helpful. I'd love to hear your opinion between these two cameras for general (travel, family) photography so I don't waste time agonizing over which to bring! Sony RX 10 iii vs Sony A7riii with 24-105 lens (love that lens!) and then crop the 24-105 image to get more reach. If necessary I could get more gear...trying not to though. Thanks

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

It's a bit complicated to give a short answer to a complex question. I don't know what you like to shoot, the size of the camera bag you like to carry around, your expectation of low light high ISO performance etc. etc.. This is the sort of service I offer my Patrons on Patreon.com - a consultancy or mentoring service.

[@jbzale]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Ok thank you, I'll check into that.

[@bingzhao78]

please do wide angle next.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

It had crossed my mind 👍

[@rotepixel]

Super interesting, many thanks, Mark. Greetings from Germany. 👍🏼

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TheAegisClaw]

I recently got a 200-600 for my A7r IV and don't notice the issues you mention. Was it fixed by firmware?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The issues being raised by the Alpha community were common but not everyone reported them. Sony also never recognised there was a problem or listed a fix in subsequent firmware updates. Some Sony users attributed the problem to using a UV filter while other claimed to have found a fix by changing the Aperture Drive in AF setting from Focus priority back to Standard.

[@pergunnareriksson]

"...put this into perspective..." 😁 I saw what you did there! 👍

[@acme9538]

Another EXCELLENT video Mark. Question . . . I have an A7iii w/ two lenses, 24-105 G, and 100-400GM, I was considering the 16-35GM for the wide-end. It would be used primarily for landscape, low light, and I'm HOPING it would perform well for shooting stars at night. There's a hefty price tag with that lens . . . can you advise on it's performance for astrophotography? I've heard the 24mmGM is excellent for astro . . . but I really like telephoto lenses for their versatility. Thank you in advance. Cheers.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The 16-35 G master performs well with Astro. It’s 16mm focal length, wide f/2.8 aperture matched with the high ISO performance of the A7lll is a good combo.

[@acme9538]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills Excellent ! Thank you so much Sir! Time to start saving a little money for a 'Milky Way Shoot' later this summer! Cheers!

[@njrtech]

I have same combination but on the A7RIV. 1635GM, 24-105G , 100400GM and 200600G. All are great lenses.

[@gges1605]

I have the a7sIII with only 3 lenses all g master f2.8 first the 12 to 24 then the 24 to 70 and finally the 70 to 200 im considering adding lighter lenses for use on dji rs2 gimble as all of the above lenses are pretty heavy that and the polar pro basecamp kit does not fit the wide angle 12 to 24 lens so i cannot use nd filters with that one.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Some companies offer the option to add ND filters to the 12-24 behind the rear element.

[@gges1605]

@@AlphaCreativeSkills I think i've seen those they screw on I believe, which are fine if you don't need to make quick changes.

[@GuitarJUNO]

Big thank's for your long reviews :)

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I prepared 2-hour University lectures for more than 10 years so I like to be thorough.

[@richardruda267]

Another excellent, very useful lens run down. Spectacular images too.

[@ludikonj8927]

Thank you for this video! I'm not a professional photographer, but I love it and know something about it.. So, I need a camera to photograph my dogs (dogs are my profesion) and this is very helpful! I'm looking for a cheapest option with animal eye af and I think I'm going to buy used aps-c (a6400) with a up to 200mm lens for a full frame.. That would be 300mm on aps-c if I've got that wright, and thats enough for me and when I would have more money I could upgrade to a9 and keep the lens Woah I've just find out the 2xtelephoto converter.. Will that make the 70-200fullframe lens to a 210-600 equivalent on aps-c?? If so, thats all I need.. Im out! 😁

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Your maths is correct, If you are using a sony 7-200 to capture rapidly running dogs then I recommend the Mark II version of the 70-200 GM. If your budget does not extend to this then you should consider the E 70-350 G OSS. It won't take the converters but it has a full-frame equivalent zoom range of 105 to 525mm.

[@dieterpaterek3720]

Pleasure to watch

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Thanks

[@user-vx6sx9ic4j]

Please teach us how you edit this pictures

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

I have editing seminars on Patreon.com/markgaler where you can download the Raw files I demonstrate on.

[@axchannel8799]

I want to ask you, I have a sony a7ii and a sony 70-200 f4 lens but the photos can't focus.

[@axchannel8799]

why is that? I am from Indonesia.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

This would require a lot more information than you have currently provided me with. I offer a consultation service on Patreon.com/markgaler

[@axchannel8799]

sorry, I don't understand this.

[@veselinvasilev9362]

Thank you!

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

This is getting a little old now but I have additional 'Lens Choice' videos on Patreon.com/markgaler

[@sgurrtours]

Hi Mark, great video as always, would like some advice please. I would like to buy a Sony 70-200 I could afford the 2.8 but it would take half my money and not sure whether it's worth spending that extra money on the 2.8 or save a load of money and get the F4 instead. I'm a landscape photographer so will be used for landscapes, but also like astrophotography and would like to use it for deep space Photography and have a star tracker, I would like to use it for inside and outside Photography if ever I need to do a wedding for instance, but worried that the f4 won't let in enough light and end up having to crank up my iso and introduce to much noise, especially if it's a wedding reception at an evening party. Is it worth spending out for the 2.8 I'm going second hand also not new, the f4 is actually pretty cheap at around £700 but the 2.8 is double that. Thanks for your help. Ryan.

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Get the f/4 if you are on a budget.

[@saynesalex]

Can you please review the Sony 16-55 2.8 for APS-C?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

The obvious follow up for this video is Sony’s wide angle lenses- the 16-55 will feature in this video - I hope to have it out before Xmas

[@abhiseksarbabhouma9380]

Loved it

[@kenwalkerdine3447]

Hi Mark, would you recommend the 200-600 over the 100-400 for the Alpha 1?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

My extended FE 200-600 G review compares the 200-600 with the 100-400, so should answer this question for you. if it does not I can help you arrive at the appropriate decision by further discussions on my Patreon channel: www.patreon.com/markgaler

[@jerryrichards8172]

Is this information good for the sony alpha a77ll ?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Yes

[@mohandass3442]

I hv purchased A1 sony all lens are costly what shall I do limited funds

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Start with a couple of low-cost fast-focusing and very sharp primes such as the FE 35 F1.8 and FE 85 F1.8. Not all Sony lenses are expensive.

[@UncompressedWAVmusic]

Mark did anyone ever tell you that you look like Liam Neesom the actor?

[@AlphaCreativeSkills]

Once or twice 😉