I switched from Canon to Sony a few weeks ago and previously owned the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary lens. I used it with the Sigma MC-11 converter on the Sony A7R4 and was almost tempted to keep it. Performance was actually better on the Sony than on the Canon 5DMIV. Then I decided to sell the Sigma and get the Sony FE 200-600. The difference between the two lenses is amazing, and well worth the extra bucks. Even in crop sensor mode, there is more detail and vivid color than with the Sigma lens. The image stabilization in the lens and camera body make shots at fairly low shutter speeds possible. Worth adding to your gear if you do a lot of bird/wildlife or sports photography.
I've used all the super-zoom telephoto lens, and this is simply the best. Internal and incredibly smooth zoom is simply outstanding and useful. AF is perfect, sharpness is perfect, it's waterproof, I don't know what you can ask more. The only thing that sucks is the tripod mount which is too small and can't be used to carry around the lens. In my opinion the internal zooming makes you able to shoot where a sigma sport or a Nikon simply couldn't. In the time you zoom in or out you lose the shot. For me innovation in photography means releasing a product that gives you the opportunity to do something you couldn't do before. Sony is simply the best right now...
Very informative love your doggie shots very nice! I just got a brand new a-9ii and that lease a week ago haven't used it yet sold all my Nikon gear had 810 but was horrible for fast action so a learning curve to get up to speed thanks for the review
I'm in Costa Rica this morning. Last day. Longest lens I have is 70-200. I WISH I had this 200-600 right now. Even the 100-400GM would have been great but the extra reach would have been excellent down here.
Thanks for the review! I do a lot of bird photography but I need to get more reach which this lens would be perfect for. Only thing that I’m hesitant about is that I have the A6000. Would the autofocus be sufficient on this body or should I buy a new body first instead of the lens?
This Sony 200-600mm 5.6-6.3 was really a surprise for me. In good light the optical performance is really great, also the autofocus is excellent. Sure it cannot compete with the Sony 600mm 4.0 but it is also 1/7 of the price of this stellar prime lens from Sony. I use it beside my Sony 600mm 4.0 GM (yes, I can compare them...) on my Sony A9 for Wildlife and especially then when I want to travel light and easy. Highly, highly recommended!!!
Hi Dustin and thank you again so good review of lens,i have that 200-600 f5.6-6.3 lens with Sony A9 ,i like to know what focus system you use when shoot those dogs run to at you? Thank you allready,if you can give me answer for that
Hi Dustin! Great quick review! Is it possible that it has been designated as G, because of the lack of a Super ED element and only one and not two linear AF motors? Together with this, is it possible that the R line of Sony A7R bodies may benefit from these features of GM lenses in order to extract the best performance, particularly with the A7RIV? Kind regards!
Love your videos thank you. I have a question, my A7RIII apparently doesn’t allow IBIS to work with my G 200-600mm. It keeps saying not compatible with this lens because it already has OSS in the lens. I truly dont remember getting this message in the past using my A7RIII with this lens. Maybe you know something about this? Thank you either way!
It's not unusual for IBIS to get greyed out on the camera with OSS lenses. There is still some cooperation between the IBIS and the OSS, but you don't have individual control.
Hi Dustin, As always, I love your reviews, thank you for doing them. Wanted to get your input on the Sony 200-600 with a Sony a7r3. I've been reading that auto focus tracking does not work as well on this camera as it does the A9 for instance. I do a lot of bird photography, so auto focus tracking is extremely important. Did Sony do a firmware update to change that, or is it just the nature of the beast ? If that's the case, would it be better to get the Sigma 150-600 E mount for this camera ? Thanks for any input.
The limiting principle here is the focus system of the a7RIII. That's going to be true whatever lens you throw on there. The RIII is fine for a lot of photography styles, but sports action is not a strength. The 200-600G is better at AF than any of the third party lenses that I've tested. I would say that if you do a lot of bird photography, your priority might be to upgrade your camera to one with a more robust focus system.
The a7IV is a nice all-round camera, though if you want to do a lot of sports/birding, maybe a used a9 is your best best. It's still an amazing action camera, and you can probably find a used one for the $2000 range.
Not intending to track alot of subjects but mostly shooting birds and animals while stationary. Only occationally perhaps. Do you think my A7RII will manage with this lens?
Great review! I understand your preference is to pair it up with the A9 or A9 II. My question is this, in the sole context for birding, would you still pick the A9 for its AF prowess? Or would you go with say the A7R IV for its super high res 61 MP sensor to provide you with much more detail for cropping in? In other words, which would you recommend?
@@hans6304 I actually ended up going for the R5 believe it or not. To be honest with you, I was a little short-sighted when I saw the R5's price dropped to US$3.4K over where I am at even though I knew the RF 100-500mm was a rip-off. I just went ahead at the time as I didn't think I would spend US$6.5K on the A1. My above post was made 2 years ago, that was before the A1 came out. I wouldn't consider the A9 II now, the sensor is too low res especially if you shoot birds like me. Otherwise, the R3 is also amazing, but it also suffers from having a low res sensor. My recommendation is if budget allows and you don't mind the look and ergonomics of the Sony body, the A1 is the best camera out there right now. The R5 is close and it punches above its weight especially considering its price point. I would consider those two cameras if I were you. However, if you are looking at used and about the US$3K mark, I would go for the R5 unless you can get a used A1? But, if you are willing to spend US$3K, I would just add a little money and buy a brand new R5 unless you are already in too deep with the Sony ecosystem. Do note, there is one big caveat, when I say R5, I am only recommending it based purely on stills, that is because I only shoot stills. However, if you are big on video, then everything changes because the R5 still overheats.
@@Rascallucci Alex thanks for the insights. I am saving up for the A1 and might get it in mid 2023. For the time being I'll be getting the 200 600 to go with my A7iii. I'm a bit into the Sony ecosystem right now so I might hang on till I have other revelations :D
@@hans6304 Good move! I like the FE 200-600mm too because it is an internal zoom and I would rather shoot with that than the RF 100-500mm any day not to mention it is only half the price of the Canon. If you are already a Sony shooter, you will love the A1. Personally, I am not a big fan of the look and ergonomics of the Sony body as I prefer something like the R3, but when it comes to substance you can't fault the A1. Its AF and tracking is top class although the newly improved R3's AF has probably matched it, still its hit rate is undeniable. When it comes to the A1, I always go back to this video of a Korean guy taking 87 consecutive shots of a falcon at 30 fps. It is insane as every single shot were pin sharp as if it was a video once stitched together. ua-cam.com/video/S6dWbiwHoHg/v-deo.html
I have heard that this lens with the A7R IV, some people are reporting issues with soft shots and the lens not working up to par. Have you heard anything regarding this combination?
Hello Dustin, I'm currently shooting with a Sony A6400 and Tamron 150-600 G2 with Metabones IV adaptor. Would I notice a big difference switching to the Sony A6400 and Sony 200-600?
Great review. But you like everyone else out there is quick to let us know how great it performs on the top end a7r and a9 cameras, which most of us can never reach. Can you tell us how it performs on the a7 mk1. As this can still be found with a kit lens for about 900€ here in Europe. So a steel to enter full frame. So you could buy the A7mk1 with kit lens and this 200-600 for less than the ridiculously priced canon or Nikon ff mirrorless body only! Would be helpful.
Hi Tony, from an evaluative standpoint I would be crucified for doing what you've suggested. This lens wasn't even designed with a body that old in mind
Full frame isn't everything. Considering the improvement in autofocus and battery life, among other things, you're probably better off with a used a6400 than the original A7 to use with a lens like this, if that's the price range you're looking for.
Great review, comment on the audio. You have your lav point downwards and it rubs your shirt (little clicks in the audio). I have the same issue att times :) I normally attach the the inside of my shirt making sure the mic is sticking out horizontally instead of vertically
@@DustinAbbottTWI I understand that (as the p and s can clip for native English speakers) yet the mic rubs against your shirt which cause a cracking noise. That is what I wanted to highlight :)
I have the 200-600 and the size isn't all that big as it looks. Suprisingly, because I have a small 35L dry cabinet and it only occupies 1/2 of it! And have a Lowepro 400W and it fits well with 1/2 compartment empty and some inches on top free + space free for pouch zipper. Performance wise, it's really as good as it gets for 600mm at this price. IQ, contrast, sharpness, etc better than any Canon white L lenses I've used (and I've used just about every lenses). It's got its subjects locked on like a stalker. Faster, sharper, better, it's tack sharp even at 600mm!!! And keeper photos? I have 99.8% accuracy/sharp photos overall while handheld! And autofocus is blazing fast. Well worth it's pricetag. And I tend to carry my camera via tripod bracket (as I feel my tiny FF camera seem/looks fragile compared to this mammoth of a lens)
Is buying an inexpensive Sony body (A7 II) and the 200-600mm G 5.6-6.3 a good option to go over the reach of the Canon 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L IS II? Or one should simplify and get a 150-600mm 5.6-6.3 G2 for Canon? Or wait for the RF equivalent and hope it won’t be outrageously expensive?
Tough questions. I would say that buying the a7II is not a great idea, as the far inferior focus system and weak battery life is not going to make you happy for sporting or wildlife. In your instance I would go for the Canon lens, I think. If you get a good price on it, it will hold its value fairly well and then you can move to an RF version down the road if you want.
Dear brother in Christ Dustin, please don't use the terms "Magical". By doing so your opening yourself literally to any sort of magic performed by evil spirits. Take care, brother in Christ.
Great review. Love the quick and long versions.
I'm glad the new format it working.
Love your reviews. These quick reviews are great to get an overview. Keep up the good work :)
That's exactly what I want to hear!
I switched from Canon to Sony a few weeks ago and previously owned the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary lens. I used it with the Sigma MC-11 converter on the Sony A7R4 and was almost tempted to keep it. Performance was actually better on the Sony than on the Canon 5DMIV. Then I decided to sell the Sigma and get the Sony FE 200-600. The difference between the two lenses is amazing, and well worth the extra bucks. Even in crop sensor mode, there is more detail and vivid color than with the Sigma lens. The image stabilization in the lens and camera body make shots at fairly low shutter speeds possible. Worth adding to your gear if you do a lot of bird/wildlife or sports photography.
That's great feedback, and mirrors my own feelings about the lens.
Best sample photos I have seen with A9 + 200-600!!! Thanks for this review, it helped me a lot
Glad it was helpful!
Great and informative video!
Glad you liked it!
I've used all the super-zoom telephoto lens, and this is simply the best. Internal and incredibly smooth zoom is simply outstanding and useful. AF is perfect, sharpness is perfect, it's waterproof, I don't know what you can ask more. The only thing that sucks is the tripod mount which is too small and can't be used to carry around the lens.
In my opinion the internal zooming makes you able to shoot where a sigma sport or a Nikon simply couldn't. In the time you zoom in or out you lose the shot. For me innovation in photography means releasing a product that gives you the opportunity to do something you couldn't do before. Sony is simply the best right now...
I completely agree on the internal zooming. It's a treat.
Very informative love your doggie shots very nice! I just got a brand new a-9ii and that lease a week ago haven't used it yet sold all my Nikon gear had 810 but was horrible for fast action so a learning curve to get up to speed thanks for the review
Andrew, you will thoroughly enjoy the focus on the a9II.
Great point about the tripod foot; I’ve just bought the 100-400mm and the same is true there
It's true (I've got the 100-400 for review at the moment). I don't understand that philosophy.
I'm in Costa Rica this morning. Last day. Longest lens I have is 70-200. I WISH I had this 200-600 right now. Even the 100-400GM would have been great but the extra reach would have been excellent down here.
I'm sure it would have been handy to have!
Thanks for the review! I do a lot of bird photography but I need to get more reach which this lens would be perfect for.
Only thing that I’m hesitant about is that I have the A6000. Would the autofocus be sufficient on this body or should I buy a new body first instead of the lens?
I've never tested the a6000, but yes, I do think upgrading to something like the a6400 or a6600 is probably a good idea.
This Sony 200-600mm 5.6-6.3 was really a surprise for me. In good light the optical performance is really great, also the autofocus is excellent. Sure it cannot compete with the Sony 600mm 4.0 but it is also 1/7 of the price of this stellar prime lens from Sony. I use it beside my Sony 600mm 4.0 GM (yes, I can compare them...) on my Sony A9 for Wildlife and especially then when I want to travel light and easy. Highly, highly recommended!!!
Great to hear some anecdotal comparisons.
The video which i was searching... Thanks in advance for the Information ! This is my Christmas Gift from me in this fall
That's a nice gift!
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you Dustin
Hi, Very nice video. What is the make and model of tripod in the video?
It is from Robus - I reviewed it here: ua-cam.com/video/X05JEAQgWkg/v-deo.html
Hi Dustin and thank you again so good review of lens,i have that 200-600 f5.6-6.3 lens with Sony A9 ,i like to know what focus system you use when shoot those dogs run to at you? Thank you allready,if you can give me answer for that
I actually just used the first case setup. It seems to work well as a general purpose action tracking.
Hi Dustin! Great quick review! Is it possible that it has been designated as G, because of the lack of a Super ED element and only one and not two linear AF motors? Together with this, is it possible that the R line of Sony A7R bodies may benefit from these features of GM lenses in order to extract the best performance, particularly with the A7RIV? Kind regards!
I tested in on the a9, which has better AF than the RIV, so no, I don't feel like the AF in the 100-400 GM (for example) was any better.
Hey was wondering how well would this lens work with the Sony a7III ?
Looking forward to your reply....
Great review though.
It would work about 95% as well as on an a9, less the higher burst rate.
Can’t wait for you to review on the new Sigma 70-200 for Sony when it releases
Of course.
Still holding my breath :)
I like my Tamron 70-180, but I'm really just stalling until Sigma finally releases this beast.
Love your videos thank you. I have a question, my A7RIII apparently doesn’t allow IBIS to work with my G 200-600mm. It keeps saying not compatible with this lens because it already has OSS in the lens. I truly dont remember getting this message in the past using my A7RIII with this lens. Maybe you know something about this? Thank you either way!
It's not unusual for IBIS to get greyed out on the camera with OSS lenses. There is still some cooperation between the IBIS and the OSS, but you don't have individual control.
Hi Dustin, As always, I love your reviews, thank you for doing them. Wanted to get your input on the Sony 200-600 with a Sony a7r3. I've been reading that auto focus tracking does not work as well on this camera as it does the A9 for instance. I do a lot of bird photography, so auto focus tracking is extremely important. Did Sony do a firmware update to change that, or is it just the nature of the beast ? If that's the case, would it be better to get the Sigma 150-600 E mount for this camera ? Thanks for any input.
The limiting principle here is the focus system of the a7RIII. That's going to be true whatever lens you throw on there. The RIII is fine for a lot of photography styles, but sports action is not a strength. The 200-600G is better at AF than any of the third party lenses that I've tested. I would say that if you do a lot of bird photography, your priority might be to upgrade your camera to one with a more robust focus system.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks so much Dustin, so now I have to ask, what you recommend with a $3000 budget ?
The a7IV is a nice all-round camera, though if you want to do a lot of sports/birding, maybe a used a9 is your best best. It's still an amazing action camera, and you can probably find a used one for the $2000 range.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks you so much, I really appreciate your time !
I wouldn't mind renting this lens for a week(end).
I dont think I can justify buying it (yet), I wouldn't use it enough.
Thanks for the review!
That's a valid take. Not everyone needs a lens like this on a regular basis.
You can rent it. I did after this review and then bought it :) Borrow, Rent, Buy Used :)
Not intending to track alot of subjects but mostly shooting birds and animals while stationary. Only occationally perhaps. Do you think my A7RII will manage with this lens?
I think so.
Great review! I understand your preference is to pair it up with the A9 or A9 II. My question is this, in the sole context for birding, would you still pick the A9 for its AF prowess? Or would you go with say the A7R IV for its super high res 61 MP sensor to provide you with much more detail for cropping in? In other words, which would you recommend?
The RIV also has a great focus system. The ability to deeply crop (or shoot in APS-C mode) is a very compelling reason to consider the RIV.
Hi Alex, which camera did you end up getting? I'm leaning towards a used USD 3000 A9ii but a new USD 3000 A7Riv is also interesting.
@@hans6304 I actually ended up going for the R5 believe it or not. To be honest with you, I was a little short-sighted when I saw the R5's price dropped to US$3.4K over where I am at even though I knew the RF 100-500mm was a rip-off. I just went ahead at the time as I didn't think I would spend US$6.5K on the A1. My above post was made 2 years ago, that was before the A1 came out. I wouldn't consider the A9 II now, the sensor is too low res especially if you shoot birds like me. Otherwise, the R3 is also amazing, but it also suffers from having a low res sensor. My recommendation is if budget allows and you don't mind the look and ergonomics of the Sony body, the A1 is the best camera out there right now. The R5 is close and it punches above its weight especially considering its price point. I would consider those two cameras if I were you. However, if you are looking at used and about the US$3K mark, I would go for the R5 unless you can get a used A1? But, if you are willing to spend US$3K, I would just add a little money and buy a brand new R5 unless you are already in too deep with the Sony ecosystem. Do note, there is one big caveat, when I say R5, I am only recommending it based purely on stills, that is because I only shoot stills. However, if you are big on video, then everything changes because the R5 still overheats.
@@Rascallucci Alex thanks for the insights. I am saving up for the A1 and might get it in mid 2023. For the time being I'll be getting the 200 600 to go with my A7iii. I'm a bit into the Sony ecosystem right now so I might hang on till I have other revelations :D
@@hans6304 Good move! I like the FE 200-600mm too because it is an internal zoom and I would rather shoot with that than the RF 100-500mm any day not to mention it is only half the price of the Canon. If you are already a Sony shooter, you will love the A1. Personally, I am not a big fan of the look and ergonomics of the Sony body as I prefer something like the R3, but when it comes to substance you can't fault the A1. Its AF and tracking is top class although the newly improved R3's AF has probably matched it, still its hit rate is undeniable. When it comes to the A1, I always go back to this video of a Korean guy taking 87 consecutive shots of a falcon at 30 fps. It is insane as every single shot were pin sharp as if it was a video once stitched together. ua-cam.com/video/S6dWbiwHoHg/v-deo.html
I have heard that this lens with the A7R IV, some people are reporting issues with soft shots and the lens not working up to par. Have you heard anything regarding this combination?
I haven't. It's a very good lens. People get more varying results with long telephotos because they require better technique to get the best results.
Just orderd mine 😊
Enjoy. It's a big lens, but works fantastic.
@@DustinAbbottTWI sounds fantastic
Hi Dustin, do you think that the mark ii of this lens is in the making? Cheers
I doubt it. There's little room for improvement, frankly
@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you for taking the time and answering our questions. Best wishes.
Hello Dustin, I'm currently shooting with a Sony A6400 and Tamron 150-600 G2 with Metabones IV adaptor. Would I notice a big difference switching to the Sony A6400 and Sony 200-600?
You certainly would see a big difference in the quality of autofocus. The Sony is optically better, too, I believe.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks Dustin I think you just made up my mind!
What is that tripod u’re using?
It's by Robus and it's a beauty. I reviewed it here: ua-cam.com/video/X05JEAQgWkg/v-deo.html
Great review. But you like everyone else out there is quick to let us know how great it performs on the top end a7r and a9 cameras, which most of us can never reach. Can you tell us how it performs on the a7 mk1. As this can still be found with a kit lens for about 900€ here in Europe. So a steel to enter full frame. So you could buy the A7mk1 with kit lens and this 200-600 for less than the ridiculously priced canon or Nikon ff mirrorless body only! Would be helpful.
Hi Tony, from an evaluative standpoint I would be crucified for doing what you've suggested. This lens wasn't even designed with a body that old in mind
Full frame isn't everything. Considering the improvement in autofocus and battery life, among other things, you're probably better off with a used a6400 than the original A7 to use with a lens like this, if that's the price range you're looking for.
Great review, comment on the audio. You have your lav point downwards and it rubs your shirt (little clicks in the audio). I have the same issue att times :) I normally attach the the inside of my shirt making sure the mic is sticking out horizontally instead of vertically
Thanks for your feedback. I purposely point the mic down as it then produces a more even audio with "p" and "s" sounds.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I understand that (as the p and s can clip for native English speakers) yet the mic rubs against your shirt which cause a cracking noise. That is what I wanted to highlight :)
Fortunately that was an unusual problem caused by having a very large lens attached to me.
Hi! What camera tripod are you using?
I own about a half dozen tripods, but this is the main one I use for bigger setups: ua-cam.com/video/X05JEAQgWkg/v-deo.html
@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks you 😊
I have the 200-600 and the size isn't all that big as it looks. Suprisingly, because I have a small 35L dry cabinet and it only occupies 1/2 of it!
And have a Lowepro 400W and it fits well with 1/2 compartment empty and some inches on top free + space free for pouch zipper.
Performance wise, it's really as good as it gets for 600mm at this price. IQ, contrast, sharpness, etc better than any Canon white L lenses I've used (and I've used just about every lenses). It's got its subjects locked on like a stalker. Faster, sharper, better, it's tack sharp even at 600mm!!! And keeper photos? I have 99.8% accuracy/sharp photos overall while handheld! And autofocus is blazing fast. Well worth it's pricetag.
And I tend to carry my camera via tripod bracket (as I feel my tiny FF camera seem/looks fragile compared to this mammoth of a lens)
That seems fair and pretty close to my own assessment.
👍
It is a sweet lens!
Is buying an inexpensive Sony body (A7 II) and the 200-600mm G 5.6-6.3 a good option to go over the reach of the Canon 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L IS II?
Or one should simplify and get a 150-600mm 5.6-6.3 G2 for Canon?
Or wait for the RF equivalent and hope it won’t be outrageously expensive?
Tough questions. I would say that buying the a7II is not a great idea, as the far inferior focus system and weak battery life is not going to make you happy for sporting or wildlife. In your instance I would go for the Canon lens, I think. If you get a good price on it, it will hold its value fairly well and then you can move to an RF version down the road if you want.
Sony 200-600mm 4k video day or night..review please
I'm sorry, but my coverage is finished up here.
👍👍😊
Thanks
The switch to 6.3 is at 300mm? That's the only downside for me
Fair enough, though it is only 1/3rd stop, so not significant.
Dear brother in Christ Dustin, please don't use the terms "Magical". By doing so your opening yourself literally to any sort of magic performed by evil spirits. Take care, brother in Christ.
Thank you for the feedback. I'm not sure that I agree, as that is but one definition of the word, but I appreciate your concern.