I have been using the GM 70-200 ii + 2x teleconverter for a year now and its results are epic. It definitely still leaves some more reach to be desired for photography, but when using it to film video you can use crop mode and clear image zoom at the same time to get 900mm in 4k and 1200mm in 1080p. This setup is one of the most versatile and light weight options for wildlife videography, and with a 77mm filter thread you won't need to spend a fortune on filters. If you do not have a 70-200 or a 200-600 i would only get the 70-200 +2x tc if you do other things like street or portraits because ever since i got the TC i almost never take it off.
I'd rather get the 100-400 GM. It covers almost the same range with amazing image quality. The only thing you're sacrificing is aperture at lower focal lengths.
I have the 70-200mm GM II, the 100-400mm GM, and the 200-600mm G lenses. And I love all of these lenses. In the past I tried teleconverters but was never satisfied with the results. So, I gave up on them. But, in planning my next trip, I decided to take the 70-200mm GM II and reluctantly purchased the Sony 1.4x teleconverter to use with it. To my surprise the 1.4x produces excellent results with the 70-200mm GM II. And it's earned a permanent spot in my bag.
70-200 f2.8/f4, what do you have? And, if I buy 70-200 f2.8 ii / recently launched f4 ii & a f1.4 convertor, will it be as good as Sony 100-400 mm lens for wild life photography?
@@FactNight The Sony 100-400 GM is an excellent lens. The 70-200 GM II is also an excellent lens and it takes teleconverters well. Only some of the people who got early copies of the 70-200 f4 G II tried it with a teleconverter. If you can try all of them then you can determine which ones are for you. FWIW, I'm thinking about selling my 100-400 GM and ordering the 2x teleconverter to try. If I used the 100-400 GM a lot I would keep that lens.
This video is relevant for me right now. Excellent comparison on the 200-600. I find the same conclusions with the 200-600 and 1.4x TC, but not quite as severe. Cropping is about the same as using the TC, but acquiring focus is much slower. What I would like to see, however, is a comparison of a cropped image with the 70-200 vs an image with the 70-200 + 2.0 TC. I currently own the 100-400 and am considering the 70-200 with 2.0 TC as a lighter, more versatile option. FYI, the 100-400 with 1.4 TC has slightly better IQ results than cropping, although focus acquisition is a bit slower.
Interesting, I already have 70/200GMII+TC2 and always wondered if 100/400 native is better option (in all aspects, I guess image quality will be sharper on 100/400?)..
@luisfaustino I am happy with my new combo, then i mostly shoot woodland, landscape, pets and people in the range of 24-200mm And added the tc for the occasional need for added focal length. The 100-400 is slightly sharper, however the 70-200 without the tc is amazingly sharp. As always, it's a compromise at least for me.
Actually the 1.4tx works pretty well with the 200-600G lens, mostly in terms of sharpness and AF speed, and with a "low res" camera, like the Alpha 7mark4 or the Alpha 9, you get a lot of flexibility in terms of focal lenghts available. Of course the best scenario is with GM lenses, like the 400mm f/2.8, the 600mm f/4, the 100-400 and finally the 70-200mm f/2.8.
This was a great video breakdown, answered questions I didn't know I had! Not only was it conveniently timed, as I was looking into getting the 2x convertor for the 200-600mm lens, but I didn't realize how soft it would be at 1200mm or that the aperture doubles. The 70-200mm + 2x looks enticing with that low aperture!
I have both lenses as well. 70-200 MII and the 200-600G I run the 200-600 on my a9 and the MII on my a1 with the 1.4 TC. Results are very nice indeed. I tried the 2X TC but I was not impressed with results so sent it back and kept the 1.4. You should try the 135 GM just for fun, the D0F results are just amazing. Nice video mate, catch you on the flip side.
Have both 200-600 & 70-200 GM2 with TCx2 conclusions same as you, portability when needed, never got on with the 100-400 "sold it" better shots 70-200 +TCx2 IMO plus 100-400 is an external zoom which kind of worries me in rain or dusty locations. Again a great informative video Olle 👍
My current wildlife setup is the Alpha 1 with the 70-200 GM OSS II and the 200-600 G OSS. I've looked at the TC's both 1.4x and 2.0x and they just can't come close to the quality of shooting native and cropping. Even without super res in Lr or Ai... add in some Ai super res and there's just no point in any situation to get a TC nowadays.
This is a great Video. Everyone becomes obsessed with reach. I know in the modern era with 150-600 and 150-600 people still add TC's to get the 1200mm at f13 etc. The ISO shoots high, IQ affected by noice and atmospheric distortions and the output is sub par, maybe this is the time to put the camera down take out the Binox and watch the bird animal or take a wide shot and be creative. Still be lieve nothing beats wide aperture, more light, better focus and if you use TC's or Zoom lens in general, get close to your subject or shoot wide. That is why the 70-200 f2.8 with a TC 1.4 or 2.0 makes more sense than the 200-600/150-600/100-500 that offer f6.3 or f7.1 The reason the Nikon 200-500 f5.6 is a low cost diamond lens. Yes you can fix noice with AI. Many Wildlife photographers live on the 400 f2.8, I for many years lived of the 300 f2.4 with TC 1.4 (420 f4)
Wish you had reviewed also the 100-400 Sony G master. I wonder how it would compare the these and if the teleconverter is beneficial for that lens as well.
I use my 1.4x & 2x with 70-200 GM2 and have been able to capture fast moving sports with good focus. I also have 200-600 and its solid daytime sports lens when need reach, like in track. However I have not tried the converters with it yet but may experinent with the 1.4 becaseu I only lose one stop of light and end up with basically a 300-900 reach. But like you I struggle with the weight/size of the 200-600, just not a conveneient lens compared to the 70-200 w converters. Thx for the video!
You also have the option on that Sony to make crop sensor on the fly to add a bit more zoom if you truly need it or will miss that once in a lifetime shot. You may miss some pixels but the option on the fly is still there..
@@pentagramyt417 I would only use a 2.0 TC when the conditions are perfect... sunny day, no refraction from haze and you require that extra reach to find your target. Personally, I rather just use the 1.4 and rely upon cropping in post to get me closer... 2.0 just aren't normally worth the loss of light and such.
Just last question, how do you find your images with 600 mm f4 bare, at morning / late sunset, when your ISO is max 2.000? would you find it a little worse that would be on the full-frame camera? I mean not the ISO or some grain, but overall image quality. For example photographing birds, in early morning at the water, or late sunset. I heared almost all the time, the image loses to fullframe very much, what would you say?
My camera has a cropped sensor and I have the 70-300 EF mount USM2 lens which becomes 480mm, Planning to get a 1.4 or 2x teleconverter during the summer depending on the image quality I will get without the extender. If it's already making me use low shutter speed or high iso during a sunny summer day, I'm going to get a 1.4x extender instead.
SO GLAD I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL… I am NEW to nature photography and your channel is awesome… has helped me out tons. I enjoy your POV styles. THANK YOU!!!
Hallo, I also trying to work with TC,s and I use de digital zoom in de A1 and A6700 and it is very very usefull. You have to fotograph in JPG but you manitain the original f-stop, 400mm 2,8 will be 800 2,8, while maintaining the sensor pix. no cropfactor, it works with all lenses also the 4X digtal zoom is still super acceptable. The AF area is also different But I am really suppriced, My 200-600mm is 400 to 2400mm F6.3 with the 4X magnification with the same sensor size.
Thanks for the review. I have a new to me Sony 70-200 G Master Version 1 on my also new to me Sony a9II…I like to shoot motorsports and will now order this teleconverter today. Been thinking about it for a few days and I want a little further reach for my photos at the upcoming F1 US Grand Prix. Cant wait to use this faster camera for the first time. It was time to upgrade my DSLR Sony and Minolta.
I think the 200-600 works well with 1.4x TC, in most cases from what ive read. In certain cases where bright highlights are involved it can show more loss of contrast, but for most other cases the results are good and you gain resolution. The whole goal ultimately is to get more sharpness in image with a TC than what you'd get by cropping in to 140%, if not then using the TC isnt helping.
Thanks Ollie! Just the video I needed, I have the 70-200mm and I primarily a landscape photographer who would love the option of shooting more wildlife!
I just bought the 1.4x TC before seeing this video. I’m really hoping it performs well with the 200 600. I see so many conflicting opinions online. Awesome review on the 2xTC Olle!
I have the 70-200 F2.8 GM II and I have been shooting a fair bit of motorsport lately and will be doing so even more in the future (both cars and bikes in circuit racing, motocross, etc). I rely on the crazy autofocus performance of the lens A LOT to catch bikes in the air and whatnot. However, I’m desperate to get some more reach as I’ve been cropping like crazy with just the 70-200 so I’m considering getting the 2x teleconverter for it. My question is would the autofocus performance of the 70-200 F2.8 GM II with a 2x teleconverter still be good enough for my use case? I’d rather not buy another lens plus if I can keep my kit light I can keep riding my motorcycle to shoots instead of taking a car. Thanks in advance!
Thanks for the video. As a predominantly walk around bird shooter starting out, I opted for the 100-400GM with the a7iv. Initially I also purchased the x2TC (talked into it by a salesperson) and then more recently the x1.4TC. For me this pretty much covers what these two lens do once you include cropped mode. One lens suits me and the weight is good. However for small birds in heavy shrubbery a few metres away I do wonder about the advantages of having a 2.8 aperture lens to keep ISO down. As soon as you add TC’s to this lens you are pretty much at the 100-400GM capability. On the 100-400GM with the x2TC you definitely need very good light but the x1.4TC I find pretty useful. Have you used the 100-400GM? Thanks again for your videos, always interesting and very different to the countryside I see in south east Queensland. Just an update. After reading an article on aspect ratio I have tried shooting birds at 1:1. In the EVF you get a 1.2x image magnification but in pp you get the full 3:2 image at 33 mp. With or without a TC the slightly magnified image seems to help with eye AF. As I usually crop anyway with small birds I find it pretty handy. More playing around to be done. I’m interested to know how you go if you try it.
I got the 100-400 with the 1.4x and it's working great for me. A lot of times I find 100-400 is enough to catch some birds in flight and the image quality is great since it's just the lens on it's own.
I use the same setup, the 100-400 GM and a 1.4 tc when I need more reach. The image quality is quite good, and the weight is much more to my liking than the 200-600.
I also using this 70-200GMII + TC2, due i still can use 70-200GMII for portrait shots and also replace my a-mount Sigma 70300 APO for longer shot. And I also using a7r5 and a7r2 enabled aps-c shooting when needed.
I've not used the 1.4 but I have had great success with the 2x paired with the 200-600 with the Sony A1... it really comes down to glass, I had 3 versions of the 200-600 before I had success...
I should also add, that when shooting at 1200mm f/13 I was able to shoot Tree Swallows in flight successfully (fast buggers) but I needed to have a shutter speed that was 1/4000 or higher, which means you need A LOT of light
You mean 2 previous 200-600 were softer? Because I tried 2x with 200-600 and images were extremely soft, so soft that cropping without TC was much better detail than with TC
Thanks for sharing your experience. I bought the Sony 200 to 600 lens but it is a beast to lug around. I am shooting photos of my grandkids sports teams and by the end of the game I am worn out. I am thinking of returning the Sony 200 to 600 lens and getting the Sony 70 to 200 lens with the 2X converter. If the 2nd option meets my needs it will be a less cumbersome solution.
Yes I have 1,4X teleconverter,but I use it only with my 100-400 G master lens,when I don't want take my 200-600 g lens to carry with,yes I try that teleconverter with my 200-600 lens,but yes focusing goes so much more slower and picture guality much softer and I not use that with 200-600 anymore,but yes teleconverter is easy way get more "length" at zoom quickly and lighter way with 70-200 and 100-400 lens,so all my own opinions of using teleconverter are same that you tell in your video too
Very good review and experience sharing. I have FE70200 GM2 and considering whether to get 20TC or FE200600. After learning from you in terms of IQ and portability, travelling weight is certainly an important factor! 20TC sounds much better for the back. Thank you😊
I have a feeling they will be releasing the 200-600 GM II within a few months. I use the Tamron 150-500 with the A7RV but I do notice it sometimes miss the focus and I'd like more reach like the 600mm +1.4x. If they release a mark 2 I'll be selling the Tamron. Or just save up a bit for the 600mm F4 + teleconverters.
I have the 100-400mm and I also have a 1.4 TC which from what I have heard, focuses better and had better IQ than the 2x (but you give up the reach). I would love to try the 70-200 with the 2.0TC, but, I have no immediate need to swap out!
Thank you for the video. I own both the 70-200/2.8 GM II and the 200-600mm G but only have the 1.4X TC that gives less reach extension but retains one stop of light. Also, decided for landscape hiking to add the Sony FE 70-200mm f4 MACRO OSS G II for it light weight and small packing size. For that I might consider the 2X TC since it give you a true 1:1 macro from 140+400mm. Haven’t received it yet, bought a mint used copy, but will be giving it a try. Take care.
Did u tried 70-200 F4 + TCx2? Is it good? How much quality drop? What camera you use? Also considering to get 1.4x or 2x TC for 70-200 F4, but on aps-c.
@@PatrickWithCamera Have not tried the 70-200/4 with a 2X TC yet. Have one lens I want which is higher priority before getting a 2X TC. I do own the 100-400/4.5-5.6 GM so it’s not a priority either. I have an A1, A7RV, and A7CR so using APS-C mode on all of those is an option to get 1.5X additional reach.
Very useful. Thank you. I would also have liked to know how well both the 1.4 and 2x worked on the 100-400mm GM lens - in case you are doing a follow on video.
awesome video! i recently picked up the 70-200 GM ii and have strongly considered picking up the TC2. this definitely helped me make my decision! im gonna get it eventually. i rarely ever NEED a focal length past 200mm, so this will be an awesome budget solution for the few times i find myself wanting the reach. another pro is that i primarily do video work, where the loss of quality doesn't matter nearly as much. thanks for making this!
Owned the 2x converter + both lenses you have shown here. I never liked how shaky and dark the images got and therefore decided to sell the converter. 1.4x would've been much more ideal as it's just a bit more range without having to get a dark/grainy result.
Om man har en 70-200F4 är de värt att sälja den och byta mot 200-600? Vill börja fota djur i naturen. Och fotar även crosstävlingar, känner inte riktigt att zoomen är med mig ibland på 200. Eller är de en väldigt kvalité skilland?
Great video Olle, but ive toying with the idea of getting the 100-400 GM as it fits right in the middle of theses 2....do you have the 100-400 and if so whats your thoughts?
I tried the 2.0TC on my 200-600 and thought it was too soft whereas the 1.4 I felt was worth the loss of 1 stop for slight increas of range and sharpness in comparison. Unfortunately the 2/600 handheld is getting a bit much for me on a days shooting/hiking. I have been toying with the thought of the 70-200 with 2.0TC and as Max commented down below sounds as if this could be a good way to go for me. Great vids BTW Olle keep 'em coming.
a noob question...what do you usually use 70-200 range for? i find more than 100 too close for landscape and less than 300 very situational for wildlife tho much easier to bring to bear (im using aps-c so the "useful" range might be higher on a full frame)
I’m a Nikon man myself but worth the watch i’ve got a 150 to 600 mm Sigma I did have a tell a converter but I dropped it and it did not work after that. This was last year thinking of getting another one.
Due to limited space, I took my 70-200mm ii and the 2x teleconverter on a recent trip to the Rockies. My experience was that as long you didn't try and shoot wide open, it delivered acceptable results for social media/small screen use. However, when I returned home to my 200-600mm (without teleconverter), it was noticeable how much better the results were, particularly wide open. Having used the 2x on the 200-600mm, the jury is still out of the results. It definitely degrades optical quality (obviously) but is it enough to stop larger end use? I'm not sure yet.
Have you tried the Tamron 40-400mm? Im thinking of getting this lens because its sharp, light and compact, and can go to 600mm in apsc mode. Would this be good for bird photography?
Love your channel and content Olle, always great to watch! Would you have any thoughts on this tele with the 70-200 f/4? I love the size / weight advantage of that lens and the macro capability opening options too. I have the 200-600 based on your recommendation and love that lens, but I find myself going back to my APSC Fuji X-T3 with the 70-300 a lot for the size and weight as a grab and go camera for short walks. I'd love to get a similar setup going with my Sony gear and think the 70-200 f/4 w. 2x teleconvertor might be where I land. Keep up the great work! Greets from Vancouver!
I had the Sony 200-600mm, but I did not like it, too big and heavy together with the problems with the stabilizer on my Camera, so I sold it. Sony need to make compact light prime Tele Lenses, fx 300mm 4.0, 400mm 4.5 and 500mm 5.6, Sony should also made Tele Converters 1.4x and 2x for the excellent Sony 135mm 1.8 GM !!! Tamron have made a patent on a 350mm 4.0 which will be very nice ! For now I use my very good analog prime Tele Lenses.
I am looking forward to sticking an A7CR on my 200-600. That's right, I said I'm going to put a camera on my lens. Less weight is going to be really nice.
Hi Olle! I recently bought a Canon 80D DSLR because it has been my dream to have a DSLR and lots of lenses as a kid! My dream is to become a photographer/videographer/vlogger someday. I wanna ask advice how do you balance full-time job to photography until I can shift full-time to photographer?
Very nice Video! At the moment I only have the FE 4 / 70-200mm G OSS, which I defenatly want to upgrade to get more into wildlife photography. Would this lens work with the converter or is the 200-600 the better option?
I have canon 90d with it's kitlens 18-135 3.5 is it gonna be worth it to get it for me? If there is any for canon camera cause i don't have budget rn to get some expensive lens and I'm just a casual photographer just as a hobby??
I bought both 1.4 and 2x converters and did extensive tests with my A1, 70-200 GM II and 200-600 G OSS. I sent both converters back !!!! Focusing was slower and image quality sucked. They are made for fixed, prime lenses. Better to crop and use Topaz DeNoise and Gigapixel. …..
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN WTH THIS MEANS: If you are using a lens with the Optical SteadyShot™ (OSS) feature, then the In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) or SteadyShot selection of the camera will be unavailable My Sony FE 4.5-5.6/70-300 G OSS lens has a switch on the barrel marked "Optical Steady Shot: On/Off" My A7R4A has an option of turning IBIS (in body image stabilization) on and off. Question: When IBIS (in body image stabilization) is turned on, should the Optical Steady Shot switch on the lens barrel be turned on or off? Note: I have seen statements to the effect that IBIS and lens stabilization should not be used together. Does this apply to the A7R4A ? They work together. Here is the explanation from Sony. ”If you are using a lens with the Optical SteadyShot™ (OSS) feature, then the In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) or SteadyShot selection of the camera will be unavailable. When both the camera and lens have the feature, the lens stabilization overrides the menu system of the camera and the systems work in conjunction with each other to provide a 5-axis stabilization system. If you connect a lens that does not have the SteadyShot feature or turn off the feature on a lens that does, then the feature selection is available within the camera menu and the camera.”
@@robertdoyle8972 thanks for the response, I too have 70+200 f2.8 gm2 with 2x converter. Is it worth buying 200-600 . Also 200-600 is it sharp at 400mm compared to 400mm on 70-200 tc2
@@kirankumar-kb3tp I haven’t been able to play with my camera that much lately but what I have shot with it the 70-200 with the 2x seems to be a little sharper at the 400mm then the 200-600mm at the 400mm mark but I am totally happy with getting the 200-600mm and would do it again I live in Alaska and want that reach for the bears and birds here and all the other wild animals and I would try to see if someone that lives close to you has one and wants to go out to take pics and maybe they would let you use the lens wile you are out together so you can try it out that would be cool and I got a really good deal on my lens off of eBay and got it new not used for $1,575.99 and it came to $1,674.75 after taxes
Found this video through an article on fstopper. I use the 1.4x on my 200-600. Also film in 4k on a7iv so can use crop mode, then clear image zoom. Think that's like 1.6k mm zoom 😂😂😂 maths could be wrong.
Köpte 2x till min 70-200 som ett ok budget alternativ men insåg rätt snabbt som du säger jag gör bättre i att bara beskära bilden 😅 Känns lite segt för den används aldrig nu när jag faktiskt har 200-600. Får kanske byta in adaptern vid nästa linsköp 😅 Hade behövt denna videon för typ ett år sedan 😂 bra video som alltid Olle och tack för du gör detta!
Switching from canon R5 to sony A1, the choice of lenses for practicability was an equation viewed from many aspects! After much research and documentation, I have come to the conclusion that the 70-200 v2 / 400 mm 2.8 / 1.4 & 2.0 TC's are the perfect combination both for photographing birds in flight and for landscape. Of course adding 20mm 1.8 was the icing on the cake! For a small difference in weight, I would always choose 400mm 2.8 vs 200-600! Maybe it's good to mention, they all stay together in one packback and the two sony A1 cameras are always attached to the two large lenses inside/outside the Shimoda backpack! Just sometimes and rarely I'm switching one of he camera from 400 mm to 20mm and this is happening when I'm shooting landscape. Good review!
I have been using the GM 70-200 ii + 2x teleconverter for a year now and its results are epic. It definitely still leaves some more reach to be desired for photography, but when using it to film video you can use crop mode and clear image zoom at the same time to get 900mm in 4k and 1200mm in 1080p. This setup is one of the most versatile and light weight options for wildlife videography, and with a 77mm filter thread you won't need to spend a fortune on filters. If you do not have a 70-200 or a 200-600 i would only get the 70-200 +2x tc if you do other things like street or portraits because ever since i got the TC i almost never take it off.
I'd rather get the 100-400 GM. It covers almost the same range with amazing image quality. The only thing you're sacrificing is aperture at lower focal lengths.
i prefer the 70-200 because its more lighter
@@stretch90
Thanks for your comment. Going the 2x TC route❤🙏
Do you know if it only works with the GM series?
I have the 70-200mm GM II, the 100-400mm GM, and the 200-600mm G lenses. And I love all of these lenses. In the past I tried teleconverters but was never satisfied with the results. So, I gave up on them. But, in planning my next trip, I decided to take the 70-200mm GM II and reluctantly purchased the Sony 1.4x teleconverter to use with it. To my surprise the 1.4x produces excellent results with the 70-200mm GM II. And it's earned a permanent spot in my bag.
70-200 f2.8/f4, what do you have? And, if I buy 70-200 f2.8 ii / recently launched f4 ii & a f1.4 convertor, will it be as good as Sony 100-400 mm lens for wild life photography?
@@FactNight The Sony 100-400 GM is an excellent lens. The 70-200 GM II is also an excellent lens and it takes teleconverters well. Only some of the people who got early copies of the 70-200 f4 G II tried it with a teleconverter. If you can try all of them then you can determine which ones are for you. FWIW, I'm thinking about selling my 100-400 GM and ordering the 2x teleconverter to try. If I used the 100-400 GM a lot I would keep that lens.
This video is relevant for me right now. Excellent comparison on the 200-600. I find the same conclusions with the 200-600 and 1.4x TC, but not quite as severe. Cropping is about the same as using the TC, but acquiring focus is much slower. What I would like to see, however, is a comparison of a cropped image with the 70-200 vs an image with the 70-200 + 2.0 TC. I currently own the 100-400 and am considering the 70-200 with 2.0 TC as a lighter, more versatile option. FYI, the 100-400 with 1.4 TC has slightly better IQ results than cropping, although focus acquisition is a bit slower.
1.4TC is the best option for the 200-600mm G lens in my opinion. It’s very sharp.
Not at 600 mm, lol.
Use crop sensor instead of tc
I sold the 100-400 GM and got the 70-200 GM II + the 2xTC for portability, and are very happy with this setup.
Great review as always! Keep it up👍🏻
Interesting, I already have 70/200GMII+TC2 and always wondered if 100/400 native is better option (in all aspects, I guess image quality will be sharper on 100/400?)..
@luisfaustino I am happy with my new combo, then i mostly shoot woodland, landscape, pets and people in the range of 24-200mm And added the tc for the occasional need for added focal length. The 100-400 is slightly sharper, however the 70-200 without the tc is amazingly sharp. As always, it's a compromise at least for me.
It would have been great to test the 1.4 TC on the 200-600, apparently results are really nice!
They are. It’s a much better option than the 2xTC for that lens
Interesting, need to borrow that too then!😃
Jeg har hørt at det er mye bedre med en 1.4 konverter. 👌
@@ollenilssonenit’d be super interesting to see how the 100-400 with the 1.4x compares specifically, but also the 2-600 regarding softness.
Actually the 1.4tx works pretty well with the 200-600G lens, mostly in terms of sharpness and AF speed, and with a "low res" camera, like the Alpha 7mark4 or the Alpha 9, you get a lot of flexibility in terms of focal lenghts available. Of course the best scenario is with GM lenses, like the 400mm f/2.8, the 600mm f/4, the 100-400 and finally the 70-200mm f/2.8.
This was a great video breakdown, answered questions I didn't know I had! Not only was it conveniently timed, as I was looking into getting the 2x convertor for the 200-600mm lens, but I didn't realize how soft it would be at 1200mm or that the aperture doubles.
The 70-200mm + 2x looks enticing with that low aperture!
Finally my friend! Been looking forward for this for a couple of weeks now 🙏🏻 Can’t wait to watch tonight!
The new 70-200 plus 2x adds additional macro magnification ratio. For me, it’s an useful feature to shoot bugs at further distance than my 90mm macro.
A9's autofocus, + 200-600G with 1.4x TC has been stellar, even in less then perfect lighting, easily fixed with denoising software. Love the combo
What can you say about that combo now after a year or more? The same opinion?
I have both lenses as well. 70-200 MII and the 200-600G I run the 200-600 on my a9 and the MII on my a1 with the 1.4 TC. Results are very nice indeed. I tried the 2X TC but I was not impressed with results so sent it back and kept the 1.4. You should try the 135 GM just for fun, the D0F results are just amazing. Nice video mate, catch you on the flip side.
I sometimes put my 135mm GM on my a6600 just for fun. It's a really fast 200mm equivalent lens.
I have the 70-200 + 2X TC and love the combo. It's sooo much more manageable than the 200-600, especially if you like to travel light (I do).
100% agree
Have both 200-600 & 70-200 GM2 with TCx2 conclusions same as you, portability when needed, never got on with the 100-400 "sold it" better shots 70-200 +TCx2 IMO plus 100-400 is an external zoom which kind of worries me in rain or dusty locations. Again a great informative video Olle 👍
What was wrong with the 100-400mm if I may? It is on my list. With the TC 1.4x and in crop mode on the a7r5, it gives you serious reach…..
Would love to see a test on the 200-600 with the 1.4 TC
My current wildlife setup is the Alpha 1 with the 70-200 GM OSS II and the 200-600 G OSS. I've looked at the TC's both 1.4x and 2.0x and they just can't come close to the quality of shooting native and cropping. Even without super res in Lr or Ai... add in some Ai super res and there's just no point in any situation to get a TC nowadays.
This is a great Video. Everyone becomes obsessed with reach. I know in the modern era with 150-600 and 150-600 people still add TC's to get the 1200mm at f13 etc. The ISO shoots high, IQ affected by noice and atmospheric distortions and the output is sub par, maybe this is the time to put the camera down take out the Binox and watch the bird animal or take a wide shot and be creative. Still be lieve nothing beats wide aperture, more light, better focus and if you use TC's or Zoom lens in general, get close to your subject or shoot wide. That is why the 70-200 f2.8 with a TC 1.4 or 2.0 makes more sense than the 200-600/150-600/100-500 that offer f6.3 or f7.1 The reason the Nikon 200-500 f5.6 is a low cost diamond lens. Yes you can fix noice with AI. Many Wildlife photographers live on the 400 f2.8, I for many years lived of the 300 f2.4 with TC 1.4 (420 f4)
Wish you had reviewed also the 100-400 Sony G master. I wonder how it would compare the these and if the teleconverter is beneficial for that lens as well.
I use my 1.4x & 2x with 70-200 GM2 and have been able to capture fast moving sports with good focus. I also have 200-600 and its solid daytime sports lens when need reach, like in track. However I have not tried the converters with it yet but may experinent with the 1.4 becaseu I only lose one stop of light and end up with basically a 300-900 reach. But like you I struggle with the weight/size of the 200-600, just not a conveneient lens compared to the 70-200 w converters. Thx for the video!
You also have the option on that Sony to make crop sensor on the fly to add a bit more zoom if you truly need it or will miss that once in a lifetime shot. You may miss some pixels but the option on the fly is still there..
Love your videos Olle!
Your kind of talking always brings me to a chilled mood.
Thanks for opening my eyes on the 200-600 lens!
I keep my 1.4 TC on my 300mm Olympus pro lens 24/7.... no reduction in quality and that extra reach is so very helpful!
what about x2.0 TC?
@@pentagramyt417 I would only use a 2.0 TC when the conditions are perfect... sunny day, no refraction from haze and you require that extra reach to find your target. Personally, I rather just use the 1.4 and rely upon cropping in post to get me closer... 2.0 just aren't normally worth the loss of light and such.
@@pesto12601 Seems to me, only weather block us from the image quality. We can't cheat on physics.. :/
Just last question, how do you find your images with 600 mm f4 bare, at morning / late sunset, when your ISO is max 2.000? would you find it a little worse that would be on the full-frame camera? I mean not the ISO or some grain, but overall image quality. For example photographing birds, in early morning at the water, or late sunset. I heared almost all the time, the image loses to fullframe very much, what would you say?
My camera has a cropped sensor and I have the 70-300 EF mount USM2 lens which becomes 480mm, Planning to get a 1.4 or 2x teleconverter during the summer depending on the image quality I will get without the extender. If it's already making me use low shutter speed or high iso during a sunny summer day, I'm going to get a 1.4x extender instead.
SO GLAD I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL… I am NEW to nature photography and your channel is awesome… has helped me out tons. I enjoy your POV styles. THANK YOU!!!
Hi, would you recommend buying the 200-600 or the 70-200 f2.8 oss II GM with the 2x teleconverter? whit Sony 6700 ?
Hallo, I also trying to work with TC,s and I use de digital zoom in de A1 and A6700 and it is very very usefull. You have to fotograph in JPG but you manitain the original f-stop, 400mm 2,8 will
be 800 2,8, while maintaining the sensor pix. no cropfactor, it works with all lenses also the 4X digtal zoom is still super acceptable. The AF area is also different But I am really suppriced, My 200-600mm is 400 to 2400mm F6.3 with the 4X magnification with the same sensor size.
I have both lenses and both TC. I agree with you. Using TC only with 70-200 2.8 II. This is my opinion based on planes spotting and birds.
I have the TC2, 200-600, and the 70-200 f2.8 GM II. I will now try the TC2 on the 70-200. Thanks!
Thanks for the review. I have a new to me Sony 70-200 G Master Version 1 on my also new to me Sony a9II…I like to shoot motorsports and will now order this teleconverter today. Been thinking about it for a few days and I want a little further reach for my photos at the upcoming F1 US Grand Prix. Cant wait to use this faster camera for the first time. It was time to upgrade my DSLR Sony and Minolta.
I think the 200-600 works well with 1.4x TC, in most cases from what ive read. In certain cases where bright highlights are involved it can show more loss of contrast, but for most other cases the results are good and you gain resolution. The whole goal ultimately is to get more sharpness in image with a TC than what you'd get by cropping in to 140%, if not then using the TC isnt helping.
Thanks Ollie! Just the video I needed, I have the 70-200mm and I primarily a landscape photographer who would love the option of shooting more wildlife!
I just bought the 1.4x TC before seeing this video. I’m really hoping it performs well with the 200 600. I see so many conflicting opinions online.
Awesome review on the 2xTC Olle!
Happy with your 1.4 TC?
I have the 70-200 F2.8 GM II and I have been shooting a fair bit of motorsport lately and will be doing so even more in the future (both cars and bikes in circuit racing, motocross, etc). I rely on the crazy autofocus performance of the lens A LOT to catch bikes in the air and whatnot. However, I’m desperate to get some more reach as I’ve been cropping like crazy with just the 70-200 so I’m considering getting the 2x teleconverter for it. My question is would the autofocus performance of the 70-200 F2.8 GM II with a 2x teleconverter still be good enough for my use case? I’d rather not buy another lens plus if I can keep my kit light I can keep riding my motorcycle to shoots instead of taking a car. Thanks in advance!
Thanks for the video. As a predominantly walk around bird shooter starting out, I opted for the 100-400GM with the a7iv. Initially I also purchased the x2TC (talked into it by a salesperson) and then more recently the x1.4TC. For me this pretty much covers what these two lens do once you include cropped mode. One lens suits me and the weight is good. However for small birds in heavy shrubbery a few metres away I do wonder about the advantages of having a 2.8 aperture lens to keep ISO down. As soon as you add TC’s to this lens you are pretty much at the 100-400GM capability. On the 100-400GM with the x2TC you definitely need very good light but the x1.4TC I find pretty useful. Have you used the 100-400GM? Thanks again for your videos, always interesting and very different to the countryside I see in south east Queensland.
Just an update. After reading an article on aspect ratio I have tried shooting birds at 1:1. In the EVF you get a 1.2x image magnification but in pp you get the full 3:2 image at 33 mp. With or without a TC the slightly magnified image seems to help with eye AF. As I usually crop anyway with small birds I find it pretty handy. More playing around to be done. I’m interested to know how you go if you try it.
I got the 100-400 with the 1.4x and it's working great for me. A lot of times I find 100-400 is enough to catch some birds in flight and the image quality is great since it's just the lens on it's own.
I use the same setup, the 100-400 GM and a 1.4 tc when I need more reach. The image quality is quite good, and the weight is much more to my liking than the 200-600.
I also using this 70-200GMII + TC2, due i still can use 70-200GMII for portrait shots and also replace my a-mount Sigma 70300 APO for longer shot. And I also using a7r5 and a7r2 enabled aps-c shooting when needed.
Zoom lenses with F6.3 are not made for converters. Only the prime lenses with F2.8 are working extremly good!!!
Waited for weeks to see this. good job!
I've not used the 1.4 but I have had great success with the 2x paired with the 200-600 with the Sony A1... it really comes down to glass, I had 3 versions of the 200-600 before I had success...
I should also add, that when shooting at 1200mm f/13 I was able to shoot Tree Swallows in flight successfully (fast buggers) but I needed to have a shutter speed that was 1/4000 or higher, which means you need A LOT of light
You mean 2 previous 200-600 were softer? Because I tried 2x with 200-600 and images were extremely soft, so soft that cropping without TC was much better detail than with TC
Hi would u recommend the 70-200 with a 2x teleconverter for soccer photography? Thanks great vid btw
Him: saying 2 reasons why I’m probebly here watching the video.
Me: just watching his video because I love them and enjoy watching them😆
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I bought the Sony 200 to 600 lens but it is a beast to lug around. I am shooting photos of my grandkids sports teams and by the end of the game I am worn out. I am thinking of returning the Sony 200 to 600 lens and getting the Sony 70 to 200 lens with the 2X converter. If the 2nd option meets my needs it will be a less cumbersome solution.
Would love to see the Sony 70-200 f2.8 GMII + 2x TC compared to the Sony 100-400 4.5-5.6!
Yes thst would be a good video :)
Thanks for the video. I have been thinking about the TC 2X for the future and rhis is very helpful.
is this a good option for jet photography ? like an airshow or something like that?
Cool video, thank you so much for shareing about Teleconverter
Yes I have 1,4X teleconverter,but I use it only with my 100-400 G master lens,when I don't want take my 200-600 g lens to carry with,yes I try that teleconverter with my 200-600 lens,but yes focusing goes so much more slower and picture guality much softer and I not use that with 200-600 anymore,but yes teleconverter is easy way get more "length" at zoom quickly and lighter way with 70-200 and 100-400 lens,so all my own opinions of using teleconverter are same that you tell in your video too
Very good review and experience sharing. I have FE70200 GM2 and considering whether to get 20TC or FE200600. After learning from you in terms of IQ and portability, travelling weight is certainly an important factor! 20TC sounds much better for the back. Thank you😊
Hi, I did have the CT2 for 70-200 GII Lens, is fantastic, you too should have one seen you already experience with 70-200 and you will like.
i will be getting the teleconverter with a 70-200mm lense, thanks for the advice
I"m agree , i have TC2 but is not a best choice.....you have right...is more better without TC2
Waiting for long time ❤❤❤
I have a feeling they will be releasing the 200-600 GM II within a few months. I use the Tamron 150-500 with the A7RV but I do notice it sometimes miss the focus and I'd like more reach like the 600mm +1.4x. If they release a mark 2 I'll be selling the Tamron. Or just save up a bit for the 600mm F4 + teleconverters.
I have the 100-400mm and I also have a 1.4 TC which from what I have heard, focuses better and had better IQ than the 2x (but you give up the reach). I would love to try the 70-200 with the 2.0TC, but, I have no immediate need to swap out!
Thank you for the video. I own both the 70-200/2.8 GM II and the 200-600mm G but only have the 1.4X TC that gives less reach extension but retains one stop of light. Also, decided for landscape hiking to add the Sony FE 70-200mm f4 MACRO OSS G II for it light weight and small packing size. For that I might consider the 2X TC since it give you a true 1:1 macro from 140+400mm. Haven’t received it yet, bought a mint used copy, but will be giving it a try. Take care.
Did u tried 70-200 F4 + TCx2? Is it good? How much quality drop? What camera you use?
Also considering to get 1.4x or 2x TC for 70-200 F4, but on aps-c.
@@PatrickWithCamera Have not tried the 70-200/4 with a 2X TC yet. Have one lens I want which is higher priority before getting a 2X TC. I do own the 100-400/4.5-5.6 GM so it’s not a priority either. I have an A1, A7RV, and A7CR so using APS-C mode on all of those is an option to get 1.5X additional reach.
Very useful. Thank you. I would also have liked to know how well both the 1.4 and 2x worked on the 100-400mm GM lens - in case you are doing a follow on video.
I am going to get one to go with my new Sony 300mm F2.8 and Alpha 1. I hope I am not making a mistake. Thanks for the video.
I recently had the same opportunity with Fox kits. What a wonderful experience. Take care bro.
awesome video! i recently picked up the 70-200 GM ii and have strongly considered picking up the TC2. this definitely helped me make my decision! im gonna get it eventually. i rarely ever NEED a focal length past 200mm, so this will be an awesome budget solution for the few times i find myself wanting the reach. another pro is that i primarily do video work, where the loss of quality doesn't matter nearly as much. thanks for making this!
Owned the 2x converter + both lenses you have shown here. I never liked how shaky and dark the images got and therefore decided to sell the converter. 1.4x would've been much more ideal as it's just a bit more range without having to get a dark/grainy result.
Om man har en 70-200F4 är de värt att sälja den och byta mot 200-600? Vill börja fota djur i naturen. Och fotar även crosstävlingar, känner inte riktigt att zoomen är med mig ibland på 200. Eller är de en väldigt kvalité skilland?
Great video Olle, but ive toying with the idea of getting the 100-400 GM as it fits right in the middle of theses 2....do you have the 100-400 and if so whats your thoughts?
I tried the 2.0TC on my 200-600 and thought it was too soft whereas the 1.4 I felt was worth the loss of 1 stop for slight increas of range and sharpness in comparison. Unfortunately the 2/600 handheld is getting a bit much for me on a days shooting/hiking. I have been toying with the thought of the 70-200 with 2.0TC and as Max commented down below sounds as if this could be a good way to go for me. Great vids BTW Olle keep 'em coming.
a noob question...what do you usually use 70-200 range for? i find more than 100 too close for landscape and less than 300 very situational for wildlife tho much easier to bring to bear (im using aps-c so the "useful" range might be higher on a full frame)
I have an a6700 and I'm interested in a Sony telephoto lens... and a combination of 70-200 + the 2x teleconverter doesn't sound bad.
How is the quality with apsc body?
Please review the Sony α7R V.
also would love to see some videos where you set up your blind and photograph my favourite was the kingfisher video maybe wolves or foxes ???
I’m a Nikon man myself but worth the watch i’ve got a 150 to 600 mm Sigma I did have a tell a converter but I dropped it and it did not work after that. This was last year thinking of getting another one.
Does the teleconverter only works with GM series? I have an older Sony FE4 70-200 lens and wondering if that works.
Due to limited space, I took my 70-200mm ii and the 2x teleconverter on a recent trip to the Rockies. My experience was that as long you didn't try and shoot wide open, it delivered acceptable results for social media/small screen use. However, when I returned home to my 200-600mm (without teleconverter), it was noticeable how much better the results were, particularly wide open. Having used the 2x on the 200-600mm, the jury is still out of the results. It definitely degrades optical quality (obviously) but is it enough to stop larger end use? I'm not sure yet.
Would just add; without the teleconverter, my 70-200mm is the best lens I've ever used, bar none.
Have you tried the Tamron 40-400mm? Im thinking of getting this lens because its sharp, light and compact, and can go to 600mm in apsc mode. Would this be good for bird photography?
This is how a review should be
Love your channel and content Olle, always great to watch!
Would you have any thoughts on this tele with the 70-200 f/4? I love the size / weight advantage of that lens and the macro capability opening options too. I have the 200-600 based on your recommendation and love that lens, but I find myself going back to my APSC Fuji X-T3 with the 70-300 a lot for the size and weight as a grab and go camera for short walks. I'd love to get a similar setup going with my Sony gear and think the 70-200 f/4 w. 2x teleconvertor might be where I land.
Keep up the great work! Greets from Vancouver!
Did u tried 70-200 F4 + 2x? How it worked?
Have you used apsc camera with the apsc 70-350mm? If you have what are your thoughts, thanks
I had the Sony 200-600mm, but I did not like it, too big and heavy together with the problems with the stabilizer on my Camera, so I sold it. Sony need to make compact light prime Tele Lenses, fx 300mm 4.0, 400mm 4.5 and 500mm 5.6, Sony should also made Tele Converters 1.4x and 2x for the excellent Sony 135mm 1.8 GM !!! Tamron have made a patent on a 350mm 4.0 which will be very nice ! For now I use my very good analog prime Tele Lenses.
Or you can lift weights, get stronger! It's not that heavy... Get over it
@@njrtech TRY go hiking in the nature with it !!! Butthead. Plus there is stabilizer issues with Sony r series cameras !
Just bought it. You convinced me
I had the same 2 x tele and had the same lenses. I eventually sold the tele. Far prefer the lenses and cropping for quality detail. Have the Sony A1.
I own the tc 2 along 70-200 f/4 although the image is a tad softer better have it than not
I am looking forward to sticking an A7CR on my 200-600. That's right, I said I'm going to put a camera on my lens. Less weight is going to be really nice.
Hi Olle! I recently bought a Canon 80D DSLR because it has been my dream to have a DSLR and lots of lenses as a kid! My dream is to become a photographer/videographer/vlogger someday. I wanna ask advice how do you balance full-time job to photography until I can shift full-time to photographer?
How do you think this 2x would perform on the Sony 70-300? F4.5/5.6
Better to crop if you have a hight resolution camera like A7r iv/v or A1
I hope you get to review the new Sony Xperia phone to see how it has improved. You did a fantastic review with the previous (err... current) model
Twice less light from f2.8 is F4, not f5.6, if I remember it right.
I have the 1.4 tc paired with my 70-200 f4 and 200-600mm
Well Yes i have the 70-200 ---need this 2X for Graduations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very nice Video!
At the moment I only have the FE 4 / 70-200mm G OSS, which I defenatly want to upgrade to get more into wildlife photography. Would this lens work with the converter or is the 200-600 the better option?
The FE4/70-200mm G OSS is not compatible with either TC converter unfortunately. One of the reasons why I sold it and upgrade to the F 2.8 version.
I have canon 90d with it's kitlens 18-135 3.5 is it gonna be worth it to get it for me? If there is any for canon camera cause i don't have budget rn to get some expensive lens and I'm just a casual photographer just as a hobby??
I bought both 1.4 and 2x converters and did extensive tests with my A1, 70-200 GM II and 200-600 G OSS. I sent both converters back !!!! Focusing was slower and image quality sucked. They are made for fixed, prime lenses. Better to crop and use Topaz DeNoise and Gigapixel. …..
just what i was looking for!
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN WTH THIS MEANS: If you are using a lens with the
Optical SteadyShot™ (OSS) feature, then the In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
or SteadyShot selection of the camera will be unavailable
My Sony FE 4.5-5.6/70-300 G OSS lens has a switch on the barrel marked "Optical Steady Shot: On/Off"
My A7R4A has an option of turning IBIS (in body image stabilization) on and off.
Question: When IBIS (in body image stabilization) is turned on, should the Optical Steady Shot switch on the lens barrel be turned on or off?
Note: I have seen statements to the effect that IBIS and lens stabilization should not be used together. Does this apply to the A7R4A ?
They work together. Here is the explanation from Sony.
”If you are using a lens with the Optical SteadyShot™ (OSS) feature, then the In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) or SteadyShot selection of the camera will be unavailable. When both the camera and lens have the feature, the lens stabilization overrides the menu system of the camera and the systems work in conjunction with each other to provide a 5-axis stabilization system. If you connect a lens that does not have the SteadyShot feature or turn off the feature on a lens that does, then the feature selection is available within the camera menu and the camera.”
I have the 1.4 teleconverter on my GM 100-400 and love it.
F8, slow, grainy images with heavy vignette
am using a6700, how does 70-200F4+1.4x compare to the apsc 70-350G F4.5-6.3?
Do Sony Teleconverters work with the Sony a6400 and 70-350mm lens?
No.
Thanks man, helpful video
I already have the 2x and the 70-200mm 2.8 ii got it with my Sony a7R V but now looking to get the 200-600mm and also the 1.4 converter
Did you get it?
@@kirankumar-kb3tp yes I got the 200-600mm but not the 1.4x converter yet going to be getting it
@@robertdoyle8972 thanks for the response, I too have 70+200 f2.8 gm2 with 2x converter. Is it worth buying 200-600 . Also 200-600 is it sharp at 400mm compared to 400mm on 70-200 tc2
@@kirankumar-kb3tp I haven’t been able to play with my camera that much lately but what I have shot with it the 70-200 with the 2x seems to be a little sharper at the 400mm then the 200-600mm at the 400mm mark but I am totally happy with getting the 200-600mm and would do it again I live in Alaska and want that reach for the bears and birds here and all the other wild animals and I would try to see if someone that lives close to you has one and wants to go out to take pics and maybe they would let you use the lens wile you are out together so you can try it out that would be cool and I got a really good deal on my lens off of eBay and got it new not used for $1,575.99 and it came to $1,674.75 after taxes
The 1.4 TC is OK to use on stable bird. Other than that, use just the lens.
Found this video through an article on fstopper. I use the 1.4x on my 200-600. Also film in 4k on a7iv so can use crop mode, then clear image zoom. Think that's like 1.6k mm zoom 😂😂😂 maths could be wrong.
It might be your lenses are tuned differently. Have you checked them?
Köpte 2x till min 70-200 som ett ok budget alternativ men insåg rätt snabbt som du säger jag gör bättre i att bara beskära bilden 😅
Känns lite segt för den används aldrig nu när jag faktiskt har 200-600. Får kanske byta in adaptern vid nästa linsköp 😅
Hade behövt denna videon för typ ett år sedan 😂 bra video som alltid Olle och tack för du gör detta!
Thanks Olle. I have a Sony a7II & Sony 70-350 G F 4.5-6.3. Would that work with a TC 2? NOOBEE here.
Not compatible with that lens. Even if it was it would make your lens extremely slow.
Switching from canon R5 to sony A1, the choice of lenses for practicability was an equation viewed from many aspects! After much research and documentation, I have come to the conclusion that the 70-200 v2 / 400 mm 2.8 / 1.4 & 2.0 TC's are the perfect combination both for photographing birds in flight and for landscape. Of course adding 20mm 1.8 was the icing on the cake! For a small difference in weight, I would always choose 400mm 2.8 vs 200-600! Maybe it's good to mention, they all stay together in one packback and the two sony A1 cameras are always attached to the two large lenses inside/outside the Shimoda backpack! Just sometimes and rarely I'm switching one of he camera from 400 mm to 20mm and this is happening when I'm shooting landscape. Good review!