This is fantastic review! Love your hard work on this types of videos. I shoot motorsports and I use the 200-600. But the sweet spot in racing is 400mm. But I'm eyeing the 300mm 2.8 with 1.4tc. Thanks for this video!
Fantastic video as always, Patrick. I am personally transitioning into shooting more, faster-moving subjects and some close distance sports from principally journalistic work, landscapes, and nightscapes. I realized quite early on that despite being optically strong, my third-party OWA amd standard zooms (as well as few choice primes) were not up to the AF tasks set out by either the A1 or the A9ii. The 70-200 GMii, however, is an absolute killer. It's fairly obvious that to take advantage of the stacked/global sensor bodies, premium first-party glass is simply the cost of doing business if one is to keep up with the action. For the aspiring sport and action photographer, at and below 200mm (without TC's), would you recommend first fleshing out one's kit with zooms before broaching into primes for specific uses? I know that there are specific subject separation and really low light shooting scenarios that demand a 1.4 or even 1.2, however, as evidenced by the 70-200 GMii, modern 2.8 zoom lenses can be pretty fantastic. My 135 has been gathering dust over the past year on that account. Really just trying to titrate the investment over time, knowing full well that the eventual answer is likely "all of them". Keep up the great work.
Loving that the 300 2.8 is now reality. I've been questioning its absence in the the "Big 3" lineups for almost two years now, especially as they have released longer teles. Patrick, as you know the 300 2.8 is the absolute bread and butter telephoto, in virtually every working photojournalist's bag. So versatile for news, sports, wildlife, even fashion. Looking forward to you putting it through its paces in another video I see was just posted an hour ago. (Edited to add: And it's nice that you have the freedom and the gumption as a Sony Artisan to opine that Sony made a "mistake" in not making the 135 1.8 compatible with teleconverters).
This lens was basically missing since the introduction of the 7RII, it's such a basic addition to the lineup, we had lenses which went through 2 iterations already
I'm very excited about the 300 2.8. I've been adapting an old Canon 300 2.8 for many years and it can be so frustrating when you just miss the shot. I'm so happy that Sony finally listened and made the 300 2.8 and is updating the A1 and A7SIII. Thank you Sony. I agree Pat, Sony is going to sell a ton of 300 2.8's. I agree they will probably be very surprised. Thanks Pat for making this video. It's a great time to be a tog.
Great video as always. The punch in feature is the best feature for sports and keeping your budget down on multiple lenses- but remember it drops the mega-pixel count too. Works a treat on the A1 as your still over 20mp. Was always a little less useful on the old A9 mk1 I had as was dropping to 11mp, but still more than useable. Can’t wait for the 300mm to land next year…💷💷💷
This video is a fantastic synopsis of current 2023 Sony sports lenses. As someone fairly new to Sony, this has been extremely helpful. Glad to see your inclusion of the 70-200 f4 macro. I’m considering that lens but I think the 2.8 would prove much more useful for indoor sports, albeit with the higher price tag and no macro capabilities.
Hi Patrick - Thanks for providing us this review. I am contemplating to buy a lens primarily for sun and moon photography - and exceptionally for cricket, tennis and Grand Prix (Formula 1). My choice is between 400mm and 600mm prime Sony lenses. Which of these two you can recommend?
I have a 200-600 and I sometimes shoot tennis with it. I shoot on the court and at 600 it's nothing but the tightest headshots depending on where you are. When I shoot on the court I'm really using a 70-200 otherwise I won't be able to get a full body shot. any tighter.
I hope this message finds you well. I’m currently using the Tamron 70-180 f2.8 for my sports photography and have been considering upgrading to a longer telephoto lens for the upcoming sports season. I generally like to keep my shutter speed at a minimum of 1/1250, but ideally, I prefer to go up to 1/1600 or even 1/2000. I’ve been looking at the Sony 200-600mm and the Sony 100-400mm lenses. I noticed that you use the Sony 70-200mm with a 2x teleconverter. I’m wondering if this would be the best option for me as well. If so, I’m willing to sell my Tamron 70-180mm and buy a used Sony 70-200 GM II along with a 2x teleconverter. My concern is whether the 2x teleconverter might cause the lens to be softer and the autofocus to be less effective compared to the Sony 200-600mm and the Sony 100-400mm. Additionally, I need to keep my budget under $2000 and would be buying used no matter which option I choose. Which one of these options do you think would be best for my needs? Thank you for your time and expertise!
Great video as always. Could you drop Sony a little hint about a mk2 version of the 100-400 ;-) Love the lens but after using the 70-200 2.8 mk2, I would love to see what they could do with a mk2 version of this lens.
On the long end I have the 600GM, 400GM, 100-400GM, 135GM, 85GM, 70-200GM II. I struggle with more atmospheric image distortion with the 100-400 than with the 400GM or with my previous Canon 100-400. It seems an order of magnitude worse and even has me trying the 70-200 with a 2x instead. Any comments on this? I find this one thing very disappointing as it would otherwise be a favorite sense for me.
Thank you for your review. I wonder if you can use 200-600 lens in a situation where, for example, an animal such as a bear is a couple of hundred yards away from you. I like to see what kind of details you can produce . Interested in your feedback and some sample images. Cheers
yes. remember that focal length trumps aperture every time. A true optical 600mm will yield much detail at great distances. This is why people are often disappointed at the results from adding a teleconverter to shorter lenses like the 100-400GM.
Well I am a wildlife photographer, and I just ordered my 300 today. It will be a good addition to my 600mm 4.0. Yes I am one of thoses guys that carries around the big gun all day long, and I just love it, also with the 1.4 TC. I could also wait for the 400mm to get cheaper used, but I think that the 300 is better for me, as I would use it mostely in hides, where even the 400 might be too much as well as for lager mamals. And the 300 is light for traveling fitting in one bag with 600 and second back-up body.
I currently have the tamron 150-500 lens.. On my a7rv, it just doesn't seem sharp. Im debating selling it and buying the 200-600 What do you think? Will mainly be using it for rugby games
I am curious, you say the 600 GM blows out background more than the 400 GM. However surely the wider F2.8 aperture of the 400 will produce similar bokeh as it is one stop wider aperture than the 600, like the 135 GM at F1.8 will produce similar bokeh to the 70-200 shooting F2.8 at 200mm?
It's all about subject to camera distance. the three ways to affect DEF is 1. subject to camera distance. 2. Focal length. 3. Aperture. People think aperture is above focal length but it's not. The 400mm will outperform the 600mm only if it's closer to the subject. Remember any increase of focal length above 100mm is logarithmic. In most situations, the 600GM will smoke just about anything at the same distance. But if you can get closer with shorter glass, yes, even the 300mm can blow out a background more than the 600mm. GREAT question!
G'day from down under. About the "punch in" feature, mentioning the 70-200 m2 which I have, Holding down the button takes it up too 300 which I understand but does this also work if the teleconverter 1.4 is attached?
Not using a filter was what I also found but it did take me some time to figure that one out. Sony should share this information in one way or another. Anyway, using it with my Sony A1 is happines for every picture taken!
I also reprogrammed my the lens function button to put the camera in the APSC crop mode, sometimes I regret it if I forget to change it back because of the smaller file size on subjects where I can move in closer even on the A1 and A7rV. It also is no different than cropping in post.
I am looking for a zoom lens for indoor conferences. Something good for low light and for close ups at around 100 feet. I will be using a Sony FX6. Any suggestions?
I think the biggest game changer in today's time when it comes to telephoto lenses gor sports and wildlife is perhaps the inclusion if the inbuilt teleconverter by Nikon. It just makes the separate attachable teleconverters look non sensical. All teleconverters must be inbuilt into atleast the premium lenses (I'd personally love to have the 200-600 II to have the 1.4x TC inbuilt in it). Ill go even a step ahead and have both the 1.4 and 2x TCs inbuilt into the same lens, say 300, 400 f2.8 and 600 f4.
I use the 135 for dogs. It is fast enough to capture dogs that run straight towards me at full speed. The hit rate is about ~90% with an A7III. I used to use 70-200 for this because portrait lenses weren't fast enough for it. Since the 135, I no longer have any use for the zoom.
I shot a lot with the 135 and it has the dual linear motors. A shame that it cant take the 1.4 tc. I got the 200-600 but iam not a sport photographer. I shot video of birds for my own projects and the lens is really great for that. The 2. native iso of the a1 is at iso4000 and in a pinch i can go down to 1/120 in 120fps 4k. it is crazy how far tech has come in the last years.
I love my Sony gear but the lens lineup it's that good only 2 lenses over 300 that is possible to buy. Look at Nikin and Canon that got loads of them. So please Sony get us a great zoom like the Canon 200-400/4
@@PMRTV oh wow! Yea I’m thinking of selling my Samyang 135mm and Sigma 100-400 and putting it towards the 300. The only hesitation with just the 300 and teleconvertor is you’re stuck at either 420mm or 600. You don’t get that flexibility of going from 200-600. I have the Sony a9 III so definitely want to be able to take full advantage of it.
no, I'm really happy that I got to develop and print b&w, that I got to shoot thousands of rolls of chrome back in the day (thanks to SI who paid for all the film and processing), I got to transmit pictures on drum transmitters and even used the first version Leafax units. I started in PS 2.0, shot 4x5 and became proficient at it, and hundreds of other experience related things due to my age. I'm good with it and turn 59 next month ;)
The reason i went to nikon was because of the wildlife lens selection for regular people. Anyone who has 10G's to drop on a lens is going to get amazing quality. But there are no other options and that's sad because i prefer Sony
A 1.4 extender increases the focal length of a lens. When you said that the lens field of view is reduced but the lens depth of field is not reduced is incorrect. You must have been thinking of using a lens on a crop camera. Then your description would be correct.
nope! extenders only change the field of view through the same optic, there is no change in depth of field with extenders. I'm sorry to correct you... And using extenders on crop sensor cameras don't change anything either, using teleconverters. When using a 1.4x or 2x on a crop sensor camera still won't change the original optic's characteristics. pm-r :)
@@PMRTV I understand that, but I’m telling you as a viewer, I want to see the lenses you are talking about much more than your face in focus. I’d suggest shooting these type of videos with a greater depth of field in consideration of your audience and save the creative focus shooting for your personal videos. Unless you don’t really care about viewership and subscribers.
@@PMRTV I've been photographing track & field with a 70-200 GM II + 1.4 TC and loving it. I'm thinking about the 300 2.8 GM. It's expensive but not out of reach. I'm not sure about what it'll bring to my work over the 70-200/98-280? I've seen T&F infields range from not a soul other than a few athletes and photographers all the way to standing-room-only. If I can, I prefer to not set a bag or anything besides a jacket down on the ground. Which would make the 300 a lot extra to have over my shoulder or on my back vs just the 70-200/98-280, or that plus a 2nd body with a 24-70? Thank you again for your insights!
I wish the 200-600mm was a constant f/4 - little typo there.
Boy, me too
That would be awesome but the size and price would increase massively.
If it have been 😊😊😊
This is fantastic review! Love your hard work on this types of videos. I shoot motorsports and I use the 200-600. But the sweet spot in racing is 400mm. But I'm eyeing the 300mm 2.8 with 1.4tc. Thanks for this video!
Glad to see you included the 70-350 G. I love that thing on my a6600!
hey thanks!!!!
Fantastic video as always, Patrick. I am personally transitioning into shooting more, faster-moving subjects and some close distance sports from principally journalistic work, landscapes, and nightscapes. I realized quite early on that despite being optically strong, my third-party OWA amd standard zooms (as well as few choice primes) were not up to the AF tasks set out by either the A1 or the A9ii. The 70-200 GMii, however, is an absolute killer. It's fairly obvious that to take advantage of the stacked/global sensor bodies, premium first-party glass is simply the cost of doing business if one is to keep up with the action.
For the aspiring sport and action photographer, at and below 200mm (without TC's), would you recommend first fleshing out one's kit with zooms before broaching into primes for specific uses? I know that there are specific subject separation and really low light shooting scenarios that demand a 1.4 or even 1.2, however, as evidenced by the 70-200 GMii, modern 2.8 zoom lenses can be pretty fantastic. My 135 has been gathering dust over the past year on that account.
Really just trying to titrate the investment over time, knowing full well that the eventual answer is likely "all of them".
Keep up the great work.
I actually recently got the 50f/1.2 for basketball and I think its great - weight is not really an issue when you're used to the 600mm!
fantastic!!!!
Loving that the 300 2.8 is now reality. I've been questioning its absence in the the "Big 3" lineups for almost two years now, especially as they have released longer teles. Patrick, as you know the 300 2.8 is the absolute bread and butter telephoto, in virtually every working photojournalist's bag. So versatile for news, sports, wildlife, even fashion. Looking forward to you putting it through its paces in another video I see was just posted an hour ago. (Edited to add: And it's nice that you have the freedom and the gumption as a Sony Artisan to opine that Sony made a "mistake" in not making the 135 1.8 compatible with teleconverters).
100%!!!
This lens was basically missing since the introduction of the 7RII, it's such a basic addition to the lineup, we had lenses which went through 2 iterations already
I'm very excited about the 300 2.8. I've been adapting an old Canon 300 2.8 for many years and it can be so frustrating when you just miss the shot. I'm so happy that Sony finally listened and made the 300 2.8 and is updating the A1 and A7SIII. Thank you Sony. I agree Pat, Sony is going to sell a ton of 300 2.8's. I agree they will probably be very surprised. Thanks Pat for making this video. It's a great time to be a tog.
totally agree!!!
Great video as always. The punch in feature is the best feature for sports and keeping your budget down on multiple lenses- but remember it drops the mega-pixel count too. Works a treat on the A1 as your still over 20mp. Was always a little less useful on the old A9 mk1 I had as was dropping to 11mp, but still more than useable. Can’t wait for the 300mm to land next year…💷💷💷
Absolutely!
This video is a fantastic synopsis of current 2023 Sony sports lenses. As someone fairly new to Sony, this has been extremely helpful. Glad to see your inclusion of the 70-200 f4 macro. I’m considering that lens but I think the 2.8 would prove much more useful for indoor sports, albeit with the higher price tag and no macro capabilities.
there are now so many good choices. My last video from 2021 only had 8 lenses I recommended... now we have more than 13!
U the first one with official information ur the king👑 sir 🔥🔥🔥💪🏿
I appreciate that
Hi Patrick - Thanks for providing us this review. I am contemplating to buy a lens primarily for sun and moon photography - and exceptionally for cricket, tennis and Grand Prix (Formula 1). My choice is between 400mm and 600mm prime Sony lenses. Which of these two you can recommend?
I have a 200-600 and I sometimes shoot tennis with it. I shoot on the court and at 600 it's nothing but the tightest headshots depending on where you are. When I shoot on the court I'm really using a 70-200 otherwise I won't be able to get a full body shot. any tighter.
I hope this message finds you well. I’m currently using the Tamron 70-180 f2.8 for my sports photography and have been considering upgrading to a longer telephoto lens for the upcoming sports season. I generally like to keep my shutter speed at a minimum of 1/1250, but ideally, I prefer to go up to 1/1600 or even 1/2000.
I’ve been looking at the Sony 200-600mm and the Sony 100-400mm lenses. I noticed that you use the Sony 70-200mm with a 2x teleconverter. I’m wondering if this would be the best option for me as well. If so, I’m willing to sell my Tamron 70-180mm and buy a used Sony 70-200 GM II along with a 2x teleconverter.
My concern is whether the 2x teleconverter might cause the lens to be softer and the autofocus to be less effective compared to the Sony 200-600mm and the Sony 100-400mm. Additionally, I need to keep my budget under $2000 and would be buying used no matter which option I choose.
Which one of these options do you think would be best for my needs?
Thank you for your time and expertise!
I'd do the GMII with the 2X. Amazingly sharp and fast :)
Curious, why did you sell your 100-400. I find it very useful. Did your 70-200 GM II +2x take its place?
Yes and yes
Great video! I need a new lens for outdoor youth soccer. 100-400mm? 70-200 f2.8 mark 2 or mark 1? What gives the best bang for the buck? Thanks
Is this all in daylight or are some of your games under lights at night?
@@PMRTV thanks for answering! All daylight and outside games. Nothing at night time.
@@PMRTV I’m thinking the Sony 100-400mm. I have a Tamron 70-300mm and it is not very sharp. An extra 100mm would be nice!
Great video as always. Could you drop Sony a little hint about a mk2 version of the 100-400 ;-) Love the lens but after using the 70-200 2.8 mk2, I would love to see what they could do with a mk2 version of this lens.
On the long end I have the 600GM, 400GM, 100-400GM, 135GM, 85GM, 70-200GM II. I struggle with more atmospheric image distortion with the 100-400 than with the 400GM or with my previous Canon 100-400. It seems an order of magnitude worse and even has me trying the 70-200 with a 2x instead. Any comments on this? I find this one thing very disappointing as it would otherwise be a favorite sense for me.
I prefer the new 70-200GMII with 2X over the 100-400GM for that and other specs like AF speed and accuracy.
Thank you for your review. I wonder if you can use 200-600 lens in a situation where, for example, an animal such as a bear is a couple of hundred yards away from you. I like to see what kind of details you can produce . Interested in your feedback and some sample images.
Cheers
yes. remember that focal length trumps aperture every time. A true optical 600mm will yield much detail at great distances. This is why people are often disappointed at the results from adding a teleconverter to shorter lenses like the 100-400GM.
Well I am a wildlife photographer, and I just ordered my 300 today. It will be a good addition to my 600mm 4.0. Yes I am one of thoses guys that carries around the big gun all day long, and I just love it, also with the 1.4 TC. I could also wait for the 400mm to get cheaper used, but I think that the 300 is better for me, as I would use it mostely in hides, where even the 400 might be too much as well as for lager mamals. And the 300 is light for traveling fitting in one bag with 600 and second back-up body.
absolutely! 300GM in the back-pack & 600GM on the shoulder. Perfect combo.
I currently have the tamron 150-500 lens.. On my a7rv, it just doesn't seem sharp. Im debating selling it and buying the 200-600
What do you think?
Will mainly be using it for rugby games
what kind of shutter speeds do you typically shoot at?
I am curious, you say the 600 GM blows out background more than the 400 GM. However surely the wider F2.8 aperture of the 400 will produce similar bokeh as it is one stop wider aperture than the 600, like the 135 GM at F1.8 will produce similar bokeh to the 70-200 shooting F2.8 at 200mm?
It's all about subject to camera distance. the three ways to affect DEF is 1. subject to camera distance. 2. Focal length. 3. Aperture. People think aperture is above focal length but it's not. The 400mm will outperform the 600mm only if it's closer to the subject. Remember any increase of focal length above 100mm is logarithmic. In most situations, the 600GM will smoke just about anything at the same distance. But if you can get closer with shorter glass, yes, even the 300mm can blow out a background more than the 600mm. GREAT question!
G'day from down under. About the "punch in" feature, mentioning the 70-200 m2 which I have, Holding down the button takes it up too 300 which I understand but does this also work if the teleconverter 1.4 is attached?
yes!
Excellent presentation! Sony is breaking my bank with their 300mm, f2.8GM and a9 III!
Same here!
Yes! I've been wondering if/when you were thinking about updating this video topic!
Hope you enjoyed it!
@@PMRTV Noticed you started with the big boys this time 😁📷
Nice review. Surly the 100-400 gm must be due an update soon. Thoughts.
Fingers crossed! It's been along time since 2017, that's for sure.
Not using a filter was what I also found but it did take me some time to figure that one out. Sony should share this information in one way or another. Anyway, using it with my Sony A1 is happines for every picture taken!
Very true!
I also reprogrammed my the lens function button to put the camera in the APSC crop mode, sometimes I regret it if I forget to change it back because of the smaller file size on subjects where I can move in closer even on the A1 and A7rV. It also is no different than cropping in post.
cool! I shot portraits all day yesterday in the same five locations and used the 50GM and just punched in and out as needed. It was GREAT!!!
I am looking for a zoom lens for indoor conferences. Something good for low light and for close ups at around 100 feet. I will be using a Sony FX6. Any suggestions?
I think the biggest game changer in today's time when it comes to telephoto lenses gor sports and wildlife is perhaps the inclusion if the inbuilt teleconverter by Nikon. It just makes the separate attachable teleconverters look non sensical. All teleconverters must be inbuilt into atleast the premium lenses (I'd personally love to have the 200-600 II to have the 1.4x TC inbuilt in it).
Ill go even a step ahead and have both the 1.4 and 2x TCs inbuilt into the same lens, say 300, 400 f2.8 and 600 f4.
you can't have both. If I exposed for ambient it would bring blur into the photos.
I use the 135 for dogs. It is fast enough to capture dogs that run straight towards me at full speed. The hit rate is about ~90% with an A7III. I used to use 70-200 for this because portrait lenses weren't fast enough for it. Since the 135, I no longer have any use for the zoom.
That 300 looks awesome! I hope to buy one day.
You and me both!
Great video, and I learned a lot! Thanks
Teleconverters do actually change the depth of field. The 400mm f.28 will have a shallower depth of field at 560mm f4.
nope, nope, nope.... this is a myth. How can a TC change depth of field when it simply limits the field of view through the same optic?
@@PMRTV Does putting a full frame camera on APS-C mode have same effect as the 1.4x TC in terms of bokeh? Not exactly the same as APS-C is 1.5x but
@@funnybeingme yes, same--no optical change just looking at less
I shot a lot with the 135 and it has the dual linear motors. A shame that it cant take the 1.4 tc.
I got the 200-600 but iam not a sport photographer.
I shot video of birds for my own projects and the lens is really great for that.
The 2. native iso of the a1 is at iso4000 and in a pinch i can go down to 1/120 in 120fps 4k. it is crazy how far tech has come in the last years.
"XD Linear Motor AF System" I'm fairly certain it has a single linear motor but not two. I want two
@PMRTV Checked the specs on the official sony site and it says, "dual front and rear XD linear motors."
I love my Sony gear but the lens lineup it's that good only 2 lenses over 300 that is possible to buy. Look at Nikin and Canon that got loads of them. So please Sony get us a great zoom like the Canon 200-400/4
Yes, I was so excited to find this lens, until I saw it wasn't in F4.
So I own the 200-600 f/5.6-6.3 and the Sony 70-200 f/2.8 GM II… I really want that 300 f/2.8 🥲
you are right to want it... My 400GM and 200-600G are both gone now that I have the 300GM with both converters...
@@PMRTV oh wow! Yea I’m thinking of selling my Samyang 135mm and Sigma 100-400 and putting it towards the 300. The only hesitation with just the 300 and teleconvertor is you’re stuck at either 420mm or 600. You don’t get that flexibility of going from 200-600. I have the Sony a9 III so definitely want to be able to take full advantage of it.
I think both of us are around the same age. Do you ever feel jealous that your not a young lad again starting out with this technology?
no, I'm really happy that I got to develop and print b&w, that I got to shoot thousands of rolls of chrome back in the day (thanks to SI who paid for all the film and processing), I got to transmit pictures on drum transmitters and even used the first version Leafax units. I started in PS 2.0, shot 4x5 and became proficient at it, and hundreds of other experience related things due to my age. I'm good with it and turn 59 next month ;)
200-600 f4? I doubt this lens even exists?
The reason i went to nikon was because of the wildlife lens selection for regular people. Anyone who has 10G's to drop on a lens is going to get amazing quality. But there are no other options and that's sad because i prefer Sony
The Sony 200-600G is a great lens and because it's got internal focus, there is no dust storm inside after 6 months of use...
I notice you wear a lot of wisconsin related clothes do you live there?
I graduated from Marquette University. I’m 3rd generation grad from there :). My Dad grew up in Ashland.
A 1.4 extender increases the focal length of a lens. When you said that the lens field of view is reduced but the lens depth of field is not reduced is incorrect. You must have been thinking of using a lens on a crop camera. Then your description would be correct.
nope! extenders only change the field of view through the same optic, there is no change in depth of field with extenders. I'm sorry to correct you... And using extenders on crop sensor cameras don't change anything either, using teleconverters. When using a 1.4x or 2x on a crop sensor camera still won't change the original optic's characteristics. pm-r :)
@@PMRTV check the Sony or Canon web site and they both describe extenders/teleconverters as increasing the focal length of the lens.
Why are the lenses out of focus when you are shooting a video discussing lenses? This makes this video hard to watch.
it's just the way I like to shoot wide open :)
@@PMRTV I understand that, but I’m telling you as a viewer, I want to see the lenses you are talking about much more than your face in focus. I’d suggest shooting these type of videos with a greater depth of field in consideration of your audience and save the creative focus shooting for your personal videos. Unless you don’t really care about viewership and subscribers.
Wonderful video! Thank you for all the inspiring info!
Glad you liked it!
@@PMRTV I've been photographing track & field with a 70-200 GM II + 1.4 TC and loving it. I'm thinking about the 300 2.8 GM. It's expensive but not out of reach. I'm not sure about what it'll bring to my work over the 70-200/98-280? I've seen T&F infields range from not a soul other than a few athletes and photographers all the way to standing-room-only. If I can, I prefer to not set a bag or anything besides a jacket down on the ground. Which would make the 300 a lot extra to have over my shoulder or on my back vs just the 70-200/98-280, or that plus a 2nd body with a 24-70? Thank you again for your insights!