Best Lens for Bird Photography. Canon, Nikon, and Sony!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2024
- Are you looking to get into bird and wildlife photography but your not sure of the lens to buy. Hopefully this will help.
Photographed with the Sony A1 and Sony A7iv.
#Sonyalpha #sonyA1 #birdphotography
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Here is a list of the equipment we use.
Sony A7iv bhpho.to/3NDdNJq
Sony A1 bhpho.to/3zqHDwA
Sony 24-70 2.8 bhpho.to/3xCE2Kp
Sony 600 mm bhpho.to/3Mz0jgr
Sony 200-600 G bhpho.to/3H5DdwW
Sony 100-400 GM bhpho.to/3MwTLiA
F-Stop Backpack bhpho.to/3ObnRcJ
Thanks for stopping by. Visit me on Instagram:
/ bayou_josh
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This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
No gear was supplied to me for this video.
All Aerial Photography and video was captured by me. I am a Part 107 UAV Pilot. Feel free to email with inquiries.
The simple truth i learned is that there isn't one lens that fits all applications. We just have to compromise and accept the pros and cons, as life itself. Good job!
that is the truth.
there is one - if you go out only with one lens on the camera - it is it. The special one. God sent :D You learn so quickly how to make a seascape with a 135mm or a landscape with a 300 if you have no other choice :D
Yeah but we want tu buy shit to try and fill the emptiness inside us, and we need excuses, so please let us contemplate this meaningless dilemas
I think you nailed it. The 100-400 are the paramount of versatility and mobility at the expense of reach and brightness, the 600 f:4 are the paramount speed & quality at the expense of price, weight and mobility. And the 200-500/600 zooms offer 90% of each with a slightly different blend of compromise depending on the brand. So of course, I need to own all 3 :-)
Right! Just get them all.
3 cameras with 3 lenses… see yes you get it!
How about using teleconvorter ?
Really appreciate you and Katie's down to earth and honest reviews!
Thanks so much!
Great video and comparison Josh. Thank you for posting your work.
This channel is starting to be my favourite one, i'm just a begginer in the camera world, big lenses and wildlife and you have been really helpfull for me. Thank you very much
Great video as always! Thank you! I personally went for the Sony 200 - 600 paired with the A7 III and it's incredible! It's 1.600€ over here (brand new and not including cash back) and giving you a level of performance unheard of even 5 years ago, at least at this price point. What a time to be a photographer. There is so many great options out there, no matter, what manufacturer you go for. It's just personal preference... Have a great weekend!
So true.
Best damn video for bird photographer camera choice.
Great video, Josh. That 80th sec shot with the Sony 200-600 is amazing!
Thank you Peter. I was pretty impressed with the 200-600 in that situation for sure. 😀
Love this kind of content! 😍 Thank you!
Glad you enjoy it!
Thanks Josh for lovely explanation for all lenses..
You’re welcome ☺️
Great video, Josh and Katie!
Great video! Thank you
You are correct about getting that last 5%. Since I use Olympus gear the new 150-400 image quality is certainly equal to my older Nikon 600 f4. I enjoy the lighter weight and versatility of the newer zoom plus it has a built in 1.4 teleconverter which is nice. In the end all the current gear is extremely good and forces us to use good technique especially with the higher pixel cameras. Can't blame the equipment for missing the photo, sure hate that it places that burden on me but this hobby is so much fun. Thanks for the weekly videos, really enjoy your adventures and perspective.
Hobbies are fun because they are challenging. right? Maybe? 😄
Another good one, Thanks for the info. some day I will have to go after that last 5%. You two have a Great week.
Thank you Rob. You have a great weekend as well.
Thanks for sharing Josh. Always great to take a moment out of my week and watch your episodes. I just had an awesome weekend at a friend's camp on Blind River (Maurepas Swamp}. Lots of photo opportunities in the swamp. The highlight was catching the Prothonotary Warblers. The RF 100-500 lens served me well as those guys moved in and out constantly. I got some decent shots of hawks and ospreys.
Those prothonotary warbler’s are so beautiful! I’m jealous.
Nice well-rounded advice,👍 I just picked up the 55-250 APSC equivalent of the 100-400 and love it!
Good stuff!
It was helpful Josh. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Sometimes you just have to sit back and say "it's good enough" and enjoy shooting with what you have.
Well said! Amen.
i just purchased the exact kit you showed in your Amazon sample... the A7iv with the 200-600. should arrive today. so stoked to start using it. great video, as always!
You are going to love that combination.
Thank you Josh & Katie
It’s great to hear how the different brands are similar and how they are different. I’m a Nikon shooter and I love my 200-500 f/5.6 on my D500. This is my go to kit every time I go to Denali (I live in Fairbanks).
Great video Josh, I also find the 100-400mm a great hiking lens, it is so versatile, and it’s size and weight is really nice when traversing more difficult ground.
First utility matters. What good is a lens that you can’t bring with you?
If you live in the Pacific Northwest particularly west of the Cascades the 400 2.8 should be in the conversation. The more light hitting the sensor the better the shot. Action shots on cloudy days are a challenge. Thanks for posting unbiased honest videos
That is a fact. I had to choose between the 400 2.8 and the 600 f/4. I just love the extra 200mm.
I have a 70-300 in an APS-C camera which is roughly in that range of the 100-400 full frame equivalent give or take. The size and weight is absolutely amazing, especially while I’m chasing my kids and photographing birds at the same time. A longer focal length would be nice, but for now, it’s all good.
Very intersting ! Thanks for your videos !
I've shot with almost all combinations except the F4 Primes.
Really enjoy the R5 with the 100-500. Great all-around & excellent for video.
I've heard nothing but good things.
You have made the best equipment review for wildlife! No matter what brand of camera!
Very enjoyable video.
thank you Tim. I hope it was helpful.
@@BayouJosh but you were correct about viewers. Most of your followers want to hear about specific cameras for specific uses. I’m in the minority in that regard.
I still am hoping my health improves so I can go shoot with you. I have been shooting birds for the past 10 years.
Great video, thank you!
That Sony 200-600 is pretty awesome for video, primarily b/c how smooth and short the throw is from 200 to 600. Definitely a bit of a beast this in that category. Great video, Josh!
It really is. I’m trying to convince myself I don’t need it but I am looking through a lot of my Alaska footage and it was the best for handheld video. Something about it’s optical stabilization that really makes it great for video.
I just picked myself up a 200-600 2 days ago! Hard to give an opinion but I did take it out for an hour after work and it is tac sharp, focuses fast and the weight isn’t so bad but is noticeably heavier than the 70-350g I came from! Awesome review josh, have a great day! a Sony 400 2.8 is a pipe dream for me.
I completely agree with you! That lens is undoubtably the best bang for the buck. Such a great value. I was very surprised at the image quality. I think I took two of my top five images in Alaska with that lens.
thanks so much Josh and Katie.
Thank you!
Getting to the top 5 percent is an achievement,realising what the top 5 percent can produce, is limited only by your capability.
Nice video, well put forward. Keep well & stay safe 👍🇬🇧
Thank you David 😃
Whichever brand you use, whichever lens you use, please just keep shooting and showing us the images. I cannot get out due to health issues right now. I love to see your images.
Sorry to hear about those health issues. You know I will be out every weekend and something will be in your feed every Friday.
I agree with your wife,that 100-400 G master is just amazing.I use it all the time.
I went the Sony A74 and 200 to 600 but I still daydream about the A1 and the 600. Keep up the good work.
That is a fantastic setup.
Good man Josh another tip, setting the crop to a rear button, that’s useful, Buddy 👍🏼 last video with Lightroom I also gained ideas I had missed, keep them coming, Hi to Katie 👋🏼
You get 10 guys in a room and you’ll get 10 different set ups. I’m always fidgeting with my quick buttons. Thanks as always Roger
Randy Bocksnick-- Very nice video, Josh! Well by golly I've been wacthing Katie and her 100-400 mm lense ,very impressed, so 3 months ago I ordered the Nikon 100-400 and B&H said yesterday 6-9-22 I get lens in 3 days!! Verry excited!! Thanks Katie!!! Randy B(. Montana)
You’re gonna love it!
I shoot a1 200-600 and wife has a74 200-600, love that lens.
I use the 200-600mm with a carbon fibre Gitzo monopod and whimberley monopod head. Very little additional weight and makes using it over a longer period much easier.
Outstanding video Josh. You hit a spot that a lot of folks do not understand. A long lens does not get you closer in the real world. It can add depth to your image so the object being photographed "can" be cropped easier. I have used the Sony 100-400 G Master and I have not reached for my Tamron 150-500 in 2 years. But Nikon and Canon have great long reach lens's as well, and they will perform well for folks using those cameras. For me the Sony 200-600 is a bit too heavy (as well as the Tamron 150-500mm) as a 70-year-old person, who wants to get further back into the prime areas for taking photos. So, my choice on the 100-400, and I can easily get anywhere without wearing out too quickly and getting some great shots. You and Katie are way too young to do it, but that is one thing that TH-cam is missing......not a single video for older photographers who have been doing it for years, but now have certain limitations about getting into areas for Bird, Wildlife, Landscape. We really are not dead from the neck up for sure, but from the neck down things don't work as well as they did 20-30 years ago (or 55 years ago in my case). Keep up the outstanding work, I appreciate your efforts and stream of knowledge.
Yeah John, I get it. getting older is not for wimps right? 😃 I wish there was an easy answer for that. I hope I'm getting around like you at 70. Even if it's with just my Iphone.
I really enjoy a 100-400mm range, but I do prefer the Tamoron/Sigma 150-600 range. It is a bit heavier than a mirrorless lens but the 150-600 really works for me. Plus I can switch to APS-C mode then get me a 225-900mm lens. So much reach. Great video Josh.
I have the Sony 200-600mm and a small lightweight Tamron 70-300mm RXD for Sony e-mount with my A7iv. I agree with you completely about the advantages and the image quality of the 200-600mm. I find that I'm out walking and carrying the smaller lens or a macro lens much more often and saving the big lens for specific situations on a tripod or handheld when I know I really need it. That seems to be less than 10% of the time so far even though I love the lens. It's sheer size and weight just make it not the best tool for simply exploring and walking around wondering if there's something to shoot. Thanks for your time and information and best of luck to you guys!
It is a heavy lens but so versatile.
Wow!! 9:59 at 1/80 excellent stabilization!
Great common sense recommendations Josh! Love your videos!
Thank you Harry
My wife has the Tamron 70-300 MM lens and she loves it. It takes better photos than my Sigma 600MM. I had to recalibrate it the other day - the lens had an update - it is better now.
you probably received a bad copy. Should have gotten it replaced. The early nikon 200-500s had a qc issue too steve perry went through a 3 units before he got one he was happy with.
I have the Sony 600mm f4 and the lens is the best I've ever used. It is sharp wide open at f4...a thing of beauty.
Right! It is undoubtedly the best lens I have ever used.
You could also try Four-Thirds systems for lightness and small form-factor.
Good video Josh, always enjoy your videos and style. No argument on the primes and the flagship cameras, in most cases (professional shooting) they are worth the price of a small car. However, one thing to keep in mind is budgets. Even in your wife's set up which is moderately priced it is still a lot more expensive than shooting with a quality DSLR combo (even when new). I still shoot with the D850 and the 200-500 F5.6 (not variable so makes it easier when shooting manual) and while I am not a professional, my images, in my opinion, are pretty good. The A7IV with the 100-400 G is a $5000 combo the D850 with 200-500 is a $3100 combo. Anyway, bottom line, people have to be realistic, understand their budgets, and get what best suits their lifestyle. Again, great video thank you.
those are great points Leo.
Looking forward to one day having that 600mm f4. Dream lens
It is a dream come true. fantastic lens.
I’m shooting the Sony 200-600 on the A1, and I’m very happy. Though I definitely will buy a prime one day.
Great combo.
How are you doing buddy? Just checking in and making sure you're well!
Thank you! 😊 It’s not always about the gear, it about being out there enjoying nature and your craft. Light weight gear can make all the difference in achieving that enjoyment and perfecting your craft with what you have, much like your wife! 😉 lol
Katie cracks me up, but shes right. She doesnt need another lens. Im the same way with a 70 200. But now the 600 f4? Time to see its beauty next week. Great video again!
Thanks Dave. Katie is always right!
Josh, I have looked high and low, where did you get the strap that attaches to the foot on the lens? Thanks. Great video!
Yep, Just have to win the lottery! In the meantime I'll enjoy the heck out of what I have :)
Smart Lisa! 😀
Josh, if you have to choose between A1+ 200-600G and A7IV+600f4 GM what would be your choise?
Nice video Josh! I'm curious if you ever tested out the 200-600G on a tripod with gimbal head while you had it? I've heard the internal zooming nature of the 200-600G lens means the balance of the camera setup doesn't change much when you change focal length (unlike similar external zooming lenses such as a 100-400).
Of course I understand your video focused more on handheld use and that you probably would always want to use your 600 prime when going to the trouble of setting up a tripod.
I did not get a chance to test the 200-600 on a tripod. But you’re right, I would only do that for a video.
5:50 which strap is that you using ? looking at a sollution to carry my camera with a 200-600 around on walks. either on my belt or with shoulder strap.
We use Black Rapid straps. 😊
Hi Josh what do you think about a7rv? Is it worth money or should I get a7riv? I’m a Nikon person and I’m looking to try Sony. Should I wait for Nikon z 8? But I think z8 will be more expensive maybe. I like everything photography. Thank you for every information about photography.
Nice video :) may I ask what's that camera strap You are using at around @5:30 ? Im looking for something similar for my 150-600 :)
That is the basic $70 black rapid strap. I had the more expensive one but that cheaper one is just more comfortable.
First, thank you for the video. I’m primarily a Sony shooter and for longer lenses have the 100-400 and 200-600. No long primes yet. Recently though have also shot a Z9 and have the opportunity to use their F mount Af-S 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR and now there new Z mount Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S and these two primes are really nice at about $3300 and even more interesting with the 1.4x TC. The also have the new Z 800mm f/6.3 which I think is less than $7000. Wish Sony would consider making some primes like these that cost a fourth to half of the super fast telephoto lenses. They are also very light for the focal range they cover. Much more affordable for sure. Do you think the can consider these type of lenses?
Grato vídeo. 👏👏
Another fantastic video, Josh. I appreciate your work so much. Purchased the Sony 200 - 600 G and the 100 - 400 GM a few weeks ago. Been shooting non-stop with them since. Both phenomenal lenses! When I'm shooting around my urban neighborhood here in Seattle, the 100 - 400 GM stays pretty much attached to my camera the entire time. Your wife is right; it's a great all-arounder for what I photograph. Outside the city, though, that 200 - 600 G is key. That extra reach really makes the difference!
right! that 100-400 is such a perfect walkaround lens. but that extra 200mm for birds and critters is so helpful out in the wild.
Derrick??! Watching one of my favorite content creators and see a familiar face and name down here! I had no idea you did wildlife photography -- we have to chat about this! :) Hope you're doing well. Peace, Dave B
@@davebelcherguitar Well hey there, Dave! Great to see a note from one of TH-cam's best classical guitar instructors. Seems we both share a penchant for technically challenging interests that simultaneously challenges and rewards your patience: classical guitar and wildlife photography! 🤣
@@derrickmickle5491 Such a small world. Would love to see some of your images some time! Peace!
Good analysis and perspectives! Man that last 5-10% in gear quality is so coveted it's amazing what we will pay for it haha.
Right!!! Nuts!
Great video Josh! I think a prime lens will give you definitely more than 5-10% difference. I would go as far as 20% BUT that 20% difference is 20% added quality to already a good piece of glass. Just think of an extra stop of light what impact that has on your images (half of the noise or twice the shutter speed), then the glass quality is probably better than say a 100-400 zoom, the AF motor is often faster not to mention the weather sealing is usually PRO-Grade level. The image separation with the background is unmatched with other zooms et similia. And of course there are the reasons that you pointed out quite rightly. Having said so, I do think they're overpriced, but a piece of glass like that, 20 years from now, will still produce outstanding images... I'd say look no further.
I think you’re right about the 20%. It’s so good compared to zoom lenses. And you’re right, the prime lenses really hold their value.
Thanks
I pretty much align and agree with your views. AND as an old person I tool luv the new even lighter gear.
BUT -- I shoot at dawn and dusk so need both a 2.8 and 4.0. I have all the lenses in my system you covered.
WHY -- well I could buy the 100-400 before the 400 and 800 were available in the latest mirrorless mount. I am still waiting for a 200-600 and 600/4TC to be available for my mirrorless system.
When on Safari in Africa beyond moving from my Tent to the vehicles I do not have to lug gear anywhere and I have a lot of help But when shooting eagles from eye level in Scotland I have to climb and that is why I bought the 800/6.3PF.
I tend not to have to hike a long distance with gear - one long prime and a 100-400 each on their own 45.7mp body works for me. As I age and become ever more decrepit I will feel the wiat of traveling with lighter but still heavy gear.
That sounds like a killer kit. The weight of these new products is fantastic. I hand carry that 600f/4 all the time. so balanced and light. I hope the upcoming Nikon 600 is equally manageable.
Good video josh, thanks. With the improvements on sensors on the new aps-c cameras, did you ever consider one? The cost in both dollars and weight can be huge. If you and katie are shooting down to dx mode, isn’t that about the same. Keep up the nice videos. I do want to mention that i hope you don’t move completely to video, i am a stills shooter and love your pictures.
Thank you Scott. We will always take pictures. That’s where my heart is as well. I’m waiting to see if Sony releases another APS-c camera. Definitely for Katie more than me.
Danke!
Hey Josh, man the brand fanboys are still after you. Looking forward to the next outing. Katie, is a boss!!
thanks brother. Katie is too cool for school!
Interesting. Danni Connor did a video like this, her approach for small mammals was a dedicated 300mm prime for that extra 5% image quality, teamed up with a couple of teleconverters. It seems to work for her and was an affordable option.
That is a great option and that’s what I did for the first seven years photographing birds and small mammals. Nikon D7200 and the 300 mm F/4
Fully agree, any tool in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing can produce a great image, that said if you have the big primes you have zero excuse left, if you still suck with that gear, it’s all you. Also you might want to cover how well the new generation of large primes handle the teleconverters. The new Canon 600 RF is incredible with both the 1.4 and 2x TC
I haven't tried it with the TC's yet. I've heard nothing but good things.
@@BayouJosh I live with the 1.4 on the 600 RF, the quality difference with the RF to EF is incredible, no degradation of IQ, speed the same. Little bit of softness around the edges with the 2x, the bigger problem is getting and keeping in frame at 1200..why Canon is bothering with that as a prime I dunno..another story :)
Great video with some useful tips. As you know, I am sticking with Nikon with my Z9 and Z7ii. I have the new Z100-400 on order and am looking forward to using that. At present I am using the Z70-200 with a 2xTC to give me 400mm and have been very pleased with the sharpness and reach this gives me and is, of course, a very manageable lens hand-held. I also have the Nikon 200-500 f5.6 and for a low-cost lens, it does give very good results. However, it weighs a bit and at my age (73) carrying these heavy lenses is rather tiring. I have the new Z 800PF on order but as that weighs about the same as the 200-500 I am beginning to think of cancelling and, instead, buying the F-mount 500 PF. I know you had one of these when you were a Nikon shooter and spoke very highly of it. I already have the F-mount 1.4xTC so that with the 500PF would give 700mm at half the weight of the 200-500 or the 800PF. Decisions, decisions, decisions!!!! Thanks for another informative video.
so many decisions. I think you would be happy with either one of those lenses. but that 800pf is getting great reviews.
@@BayouJosh Absolutely, but I do find lugging the 200-500 around gets a bit tiring and I see that the 800PF is almost exactly the same weight. When it was launched I watched so many videos saying how light it is. As and when my dealer gets one in I will make a decision but, of course, I could get the 500 right now as several dealers now have stock!!
The 800mm is optimised with weight distribution at the back. Every review says it’s beautiful to handle. I think with the z9 it’s a game changer of a lens.
like Katie I too break all the rules I use my nikkor 300 F4 prime with a 2X and go into DX mode for that extra sensor reach LOL
😃
11:57 Always liked your processing. Ever thought of selling presets? Great info btw, I have the Canon 800 F11 and it is crazy, with enough light of course, how good it is. And very light as well.
Thank you my friend. Never thought of selling presets. Just doesn’t seem like something I would buy so… Those lightweight Canon lenses are very cool. I’ve never tested one though. I’d like to try that out.
Nice video again.
If your wife wants a little more reach for a very good price she should consider the Tamron 150-500 lens. Incredibly small and lightweight!
That goes on the camera I have?
Very true!
First as always thank you for the video. I will be curious to see what the Nikon 200-600 looks like but have direct experience with the Sony 100-400 GM and 200-600 G. Also trying out the Nikon and finally scored the 100-400. Would be interested on your thoughts on 100-400 with 1.4x TC instead of any of the 200-600. Take care.
Glad to hear you finally got the 100-400. I don’t have any experience with these new teleconverters but I do know that I have not been a fan of the old Nikon DSLR teleconverters.
Buttery smooth backgrounds of the 600mm f4 primes can't be beat. But, it will be interesting to see if camera manufacturers, especially those specializing in smaller sensor sizes, can come up with a digital filter that can approximate the out-of-focus look you get with a big prime. I enjoyed the video.
I think you’re onto something Bruce. Those days are coming.
Good overview of the options, and it's a personal decision on the weight/performance, and your wife comes down to lower weight being more important. That's great that she knows what SHE wants not what everyone is telling her she should have. Upgrading to a high Megapixel (45+) camera (compared to ~24mp make the crop mode pretty usable, or use a higher end cropped sensor like the Nikon D500. The high MP camera is more versatile and full frame has better noise performance (generally). You always you have to ask yourself what are you really doing with your images. Large prints? Instagram, for sale or private enjoyment? And like you said budget. Lot's of options in the $5K budget area, but that last step to $15-17K (lens + camera) is a big jump that as an enthusiast is hard for me to justify to myself (Maybe even harder to my wife LOL). Didn't mention the used market for 600mm F4 lens might be an option. Older lenses however are heavier so that's a problem! What about the 800mm F11(ouch) canon, and 800 mm PF from Nikon those are some other lower cost and light options. The good news I think is that there are lots of options, and with the ISO performance and focusing ability with high ISO's of mirrorless high Fstop lighter lenses are more feasible to use successfully. Thoughts on teleconverters? Not as sharp but feasible with the 600mm F4. I use a 1.7x teleconverter on my Nikon 200-500mm (850mm/F9.5) when light is bright, and take off the teleconverter early/late in the day as light fades. Teleconverters are more of an option with mirrorless these days also. I found it interesting that when I'm out in the woods I really enjoy the teleconverter because I get to see the activity better while shooting, even if the final results in the photo are comparable to just cropping after the fact. I noticed that last time I was shooting in Florida. It's about the photography experience as well as the end result in the photo, at least for me.
Great points. I'll tell you what Katie is doing with her images. She just hands me the camera and I do everything else. 😆
Here in N. CA, birds are pretty much all we have to photograph as far as wildlife is concerned. Few and far between are elk, deer, coyotes and occasionally a black bear. The majority of my IG is bird photos.
Toughest photography in the world.
@@BayouJosh It definitely can be but it's how I learned. I think it's a good place for nature photographers to start bc it's all downhill from bird photography.
Your 100-400 "macro" comment made me smile. I'm told by my supplier that I will have my long-awaited Z9, 100-400 and a few other pieces of Z glass next week. Sadly the 800 pf seems a long way off. I did purchase an FTZ adapter a while back because of my beloved F mount 200-500 which I use not just for birds but small bugs such as Dragonflies too. BUT! when I found that the 100-400 Z lens has TWICE the magnification factor of the 200-500 I went woo hoo and put it on my order. Ah but then I realized I wasted A$400 on the FTZ. Grr. LOL. I'm hoping since I have an almost A$30k order on the books with my supplier, they might just take it back. After all, it ain't been out of the box. If not, anyone interested in an untouched FTZ? :)
😄I'm sure they will take it back.
You have to try an OM1 with the 300mm/4.0. This combination is light, affordable and exceptionally good.
I’m trying to get my hands on one.
@@BayouJosh no more tripod🤣
Josh, Every time I think about the 600mm F4 I want one. We will purchase the Canon R1 (2 of them) when it comes out but may not be able to couple it up financially with (2) 600mm lenses. Guess we'll have to wait and see. Great video and thoughts.
Just do it. So worth it! 😈
Nice video Josh. I cannot disagree with anything you said. As a guy who cannot afford the big prime nor do I wish to carry it around 5 or 6 miles 3 or 4 times a week,the 200-600 looks great. I currently have a 200-500 Nikon. Great lens but the AF speed can best be described as glacial. The Canon 100-500 is also a good lens. A buddy has one and does quite well with it.
Right on. I had that 200-500 for about 6 weeks and I went back to using my 300f/4 prime. You're right about that 100-500. That little thing is so good!
@@BayouJosh by the way, I did tag you on a post in Instagram which should get to my page. Hope all is well with you all.
Question for your wife, have she tried the nikon small primes ? Thanks
Thank you for the video! Always enjoy watching! I decided to tag you on Instagram with one of my photos. Hope you enjoy
I saw that. Beautiful work. Thank you my friend
I find that by adding a grip, the balance on the longer lenses increases significantly. I know it adds weight, but the shooting experience is much better with the improved balance.
I’ll have to try that out.
Josh, thanks for the Video. That 600 F4 is a beast. But the images from it are awesome. I was wondering if you guys aren’t birding. Do, you have a smaller travel and family set up?
I’m just getting my Sony kit round it out. We have the 100-400, 600f4, and 24-70. I think a 16-35 and 70-200 would round it out.
Another great video. Thanks, Josh. The more I watch the less I know what to get. To me a Nikon body feels just so much better in my hands. But AF and IQ of those Sony‘s, your pictures…. man… why isn’t there just one camera to get and that’s it?! I guess I just have to decide at one point and slowly build some nice kit… but for now I so much enjoy my X-Pro1 with manual lenses for landscape and macro… there’s nothing to worry about, the camera does exactly what you tell it to do. If the image is shitty, it was my fault.
You can get the same results with any of those cameras. The lens is what matters most. Get a decent 24 to 50 megapixel full frame camera and buy the best lens you can afford. You’ll be happy.
@@BayouJosh so you diched nikon with arguably the best lens choices for wildlife for sony ?
Great video...any thoughts on adding a 1.4 teleconverter to get more reach? I know you lose f stops, but as you said the ISO performance on the new cameras are so much better.
I am the worst guy to ask about teleconverters. I avoid them like the plague.
The 1.4 TC works really well on the 600 prime. They're not so good on zooms and I avoided them as well, but if you own that big prime there's no need to be scared of a teleconverter. The IQ at 840 mm is better than the cropped equivalent. Have a look at Mark Smith's shots with the TC added. And with mirrorless, TCs don't hamper the focusing system in the way they did with dslrs.
the 1.4 tele on the 100-400 is soft but on the 600mm f/4 is very sharp at 840mm@@BayouJosh
Great video Josh, very helpful. I would like to know if you tried the 200-600 on Katie's a74. I am considering giving up on Nikon and buying the a74 and the 200-600. The a1 and the 600f4 are way out of my price range being as I am 74 and retired. I have heard there is some focusing issues with the a74 and the 200-600, I was wondering if you had any of these issues. Thanks for your help.
I did and it was just fine. my only problem with that 200-600 is that it felt almost as heavy as the 600f/4 which weighs 1.5lbs more. no issues with AF or image quality though.
Ive used the 200-600 with the a7iv for a few months, and it was great, no focus issues whatsoever.
@@BayouJosh Great thanks.
@@Shawns_snapshots Thanks very much!
Finally I got my z9 after 7 months of waiting. Probably Mark Smith will make a test with his z9 and Sony 200-600 G lens adapted with the latest Megadap E-mount adapter. I have ordered the Megadap already and will wait for Marks test video. If it turns out well I will order the Sony 200-600 G lens. Meanwhile I have my nikon 500pf and Tamron 150-600 lenses to play with. Time will show if the Sony lens is the best.
That would be a game changer if it works great.
Well said, and polite, but 5% does not describe it good enough. For some of us these "5"% are 50 levels above the rest. There is not only sharpness, but realism and 3d effect, tonal gradation, depth + the lower F number. Just better image quality. It is a visual art. We try, but we can not measure every single thing with numbers. Downside - the price. Price of lugging it around.
Thank you for producing this Chanel :)
PS If I may, I would replace the % with " .. it just does magic" :D
just got my first camera other than my cell phone the prices of lenses is crazy i thought rifle scopes were expensive lol
I have the Canon 100-400 IS II and I love it but I have been saving for a used 500mm f4. Now I'm considering skipping the 500mm and going straight to the 600.
Those 600mm lenses are fantastic
You guys need to resume. These are special videos.
For the 100-400mm you can also add the 1.4x teleconverter if you want to get to 560mm. Of course that puts you at F8 at the long end.... but if you are shooting in good light (which you kind-of need for the 100-400mm anyway) it can be a really good option and really does not add much weight. Of course, you can also attach it to an APS-C camera... but personally, I find that the smaller grip on those Sonys doesn't really work that well ergonomically. Here is the question for you though Josh... Let's say you and Katie are going out and you don't want to carry the 600mm F4.... would you be buying a second 100-400mmm or that 200-600mm. It's a hard choice and I would just be intrigued to see which way you would go.
I'd probably get the 200-600 because I primarily photograph birds and that extra 200mm eases some of the pressure of having to get so close.
@@BayouJosh Good answer! Not that there is a right answer! I guess the real answer is that if Sony had the equivalent of the Nikon PF lenses... it would be that :)
I have a Nikon 600/4 300/4 200-500 /5.6 and 500/5.6 They are all great lenses. What I have learned is... The best lens you have, is the one you have with you.
Well said.
I hope you are both ok. I’m missing your content ❤️😁
👍🏾
There is a reason these companies make so many ranges and price points and most of us can't buy them all even though we wish we could, right now I'm using my 500PF on my Z9 and the 100-400 Z mount and do I wish I had a bit more without using a TC. "Yes" but a 600 f4 is out of my reach (and not available yet) and the 800PF may be a bit too much reach , so for now I make due with what I have. My guess is if you had to choose one lens when you go out its the 600 f4. Take care - Jeff
Hard to beat that option! You’re so right! We all have different needs.