Ok. Thanks for confirmation. It is really a good lens for sharp images but the OSS is its main weakness compared to the competition. Perhaps Sony will produce a mk2 version at some point to compete with Canon and Nikon's offerings.
the worst aspect of this lens (as with Many Sony lenses for mirrorless) is that Sony doesn't really care about correcting focus breathing. This lens is good if you are going to focus on the infinity.
Hi! Don't have the 200-600, but after seeing many videos about this lens on RUclips, came to the same thoughts. Image stabilization is not good in video, and it worths to wait GM2 version.
When you zoom in it magnifies the movement of the camera and it will do that with all lenses the more of a wide angel you have the more smoother it will be and yes I have this lens and if I’m filming wildlife then I’m using my tripod and love the results from it for here in Alaska
I had the Sony 200-600mm 5.6-6.3 G Lens, but I think it is too heavy, too big and not so well balanced, when "lucky" the image are VERY sharp, but there are IBIS issues when used with Sony A7R series Cameras, I asked my local Camera Shop, they told that Sony knows about the problem, but Sony never returned with a solution of the problem ! So now I have preordered the Sigma 500mm 5.6 DG DN OS Sports prime tele Lens.
Thanks. I think with Nikon's 180-600 Z and Canon 200-800 lenses now out, I guess Sony should really be releasing a Mk2 version which addresses these issues with the OSS as well as the focus breathing issue. Enjoy the Sigma when it arrives!
@@SeanMcChannel Well, I rally do not care about zoom lenses, I do not like them at all ! I only got the 200-600 because there was no alternatives, I always wanted a compact light weight prime Lens. I just remembered that I had a similar IBIS problem when I had the Canon 7D which was bad at focusing at long distances with the Canon EF 300mm 4.0 L IS and the IBIS could not stabilize enough on long distance, closer than 10 meters was fine. I also found that it was on the long distances that the Sony 200-600 had most problems with the IBIS.
@@cameraprepper7938I also was contemplating a prime lens for Nikon Z8, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S PF lens, before getting the Nikkor Z 180-600. I just could not justify that investment at this point in time, but the 600mm PF lens is still on my radar for sure. Enjoy the Sigma 500mm prime lens when it arrives.
@@SeanMcChannel I do not like PF Lenses, not good against the light, that have Sigma done better than Nikon. Nikon´s 400mm 4.5 are a real gem, it does not have a PF glass.
I find the footage amazing! Not sure what the problem really was but I'd never go anything else besides native lenses! Again, this footage looks amazing!
The footage is fine and watchable for me as well, but it's just not a very professional look to have shaky video. I would film a lot more video clips but I don't bother because of the shaky footage.
I love my 200-600 G lens and consider it a great bargain. I should also say that I've been an amateur photographer for the past 45 years. If I was a pro I'd look at Sony's GM telephotos. I'm also very interested in Sigma's new 500 5.6 Sport lens.
Thanks for the comment - appreciated. The Sony 200-600mm G lens is a great bargain. I just found the optical image stabilization performance of the copy I had when matched with the Sony A7IV to not be up to what I expected. As I said, perhaps the lens copy I had was defective in OSS in some way or my expectations were too high. However, from other reviews I have seen online, it seems the OSS performance and focus breathing issue of the lens are two areas I consider that could be improved in a MkII version. I have found the Nikon Z8 IBIS with the Nikkor Z 180-600mm lens' VR (OSS) to be much more effective for me if one has to capture hand held footage. Of course shooting hand held video is not ideal especially at 600mm with any system, but sometimes setting up a tripod with fluid head is not practical to capture a scene. Both systems are able to capture great images. Enjoy!
I agree for amateurs photographeurs or videographeurs with tripod :) this 200-600mm lens is still good, you can find it used for 1500-1600€ in europe. New sigma 500mm f5.6 is very appealing, only drawbacks for me is limitation to 15 frames/s on sony systems (don't plan to buy the A9II with the sigma if you want 20 f/s) and the lack of TC compatibility :(
I found the Sigma 60-600 on my Panasonic simlilarly impossible to stabilize by hand. No experience with Canon or Sony, but selling my Camera and the Sigma as I search for a better wildlife setup. I honestly wonder if any 600mm can really be used handheld.
Thanks for comment. The Nikon 180-600mm has noticeably better stabilization than the Sony did. I should have a video out soon with some test clips using this setup.
Thanks for the video. I admit I mostly use my Sony FE 200-600 G on a tripod with gimbal with my A1. For lighter hand held and carry I use my FE 100-400 GM and may put a TC 1.4x on it to reach out to 560mm. I should compare these both to my canon RF 100-500 L on an EOS R5. Take care.
Thanks Steven. Sounds like you have two really great setups. I have been looking at the RF100-500L or RF200-800 for a Canon setup. From all reports I see, the RF100-500 is a really great lens, with main cons being the high price and restriction on lens retraction if one has a TC attached. I have been using old EF100-400L Mk1 lens with my Canon R6II - looking at options to upgrade that lens at some point... I also need better weather and more time to go out with cameras. Thanks.
I own the Sony 200600 G. It's been just over 8 months now. Stabilization is good as it gets for a 600mm zoom. I don't think any lens can be rock steady at 600mm irrespective of the stabilization. Tripod is a must for videos. What the 200600 can do is, you don't need that heavy of a tripod to support it as compared to a heavier 600 f4 lens. can even get away with a monopod.
Why are you trying to shoot video hand held with a telephoto lens? Correct me if im wrong but isnt the image stablization for photography and not video? There is a difference between video and photo lenses.
Sometimes when shooting out and about, a tripod is not practical to setup and so handheld video is required. The video presents my finding and opinion on the Sony 200-600 lens' image stabilization performance which I consider to be sub par in today's market. Lenses with image stabilization should work for both video and photos applications, and do work, some better than others. My Nikon Z8 with Z180-600mm telephoto image stabilization for photo and video is so much better than the Sony A74 with the Sony 200-600mm lens. Oh, tell me about the difference between photo and video lenses for cameras with Sony e mount? I have not seen main stream manufacturers market lenses saying the image stabilization is not for video but only photo applications.
Perhaps - I noted that in my video that perhaps my copy of lens was defective, but I have seen others on RUclips note that their experience of the IS performance of 200-600 lens being sub par for hand held video use. Could be variations in the lenses copy to copy. Lens IS worked for photos but hand holding at 600mm for video was really disappointing for me. If your lens copy IS works great, enjoy the A7IV and 200-600 lens setup. It is a good value setup. I guess I also was interested in trying the Nikon Z8. As I have found the Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 180-600 lens IS works better for me than the IS of Sony 200-600mm G lens copy I had, I will stay with Nikon setup for now.. I don't pledge allegiance to any single brand. Thanks.
With the picture it’s really hard to get focus. But With video works Better. To get good picture with it you need a little bit practice because it’s very long zoom.
Focus with the lens is no problem. The problem is the stabilization for hand held shooting... The Sony lens stabilization is sub par compared to other similar 200-600mm zoom lenses from other manufacturers, for example the Nikon 180-600 Z mount on Nikon Z8 has vastly better stabilization.
Your shutter speed is too low Sean at 600mm. Nearly all gear needs a tripod for video, slomo will be better but number one rule for video, use a tripod especially with the A74 👍👍
No worries. My issues with Sony system solved. Sony setup sold. I just use my Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z180-600mm lens. Stabilization works much better handheld and I use 1/(2 x frame rate) for natural video motion blur for video, so 1/60 for 30fps video, whether at 24mm or at 600mm. Yes tripod is best for video, but sometimes I don't want to lug around a tripod and I get the video with Nikon setup just fine at 600mm compared to Sony setup. Thanks.
Probably the worst lens I've ever used in 30yrs as a photographer, impossible to get sharp images from my copy. Will be sticking to sigma from now on 😊
I think the Sigma 60-600 is a better video lens. It has better ibis, push pull mechanism and the incredible 10x zoom along with far better macro capabilities than the sony. It cant come close to the sony in terms of wildlife and bif sports and action simply due to the fact it smoothly zooms internally + high fps+ TC
@SeanMcChannel for video Sony's active ibis is superior to standard, but a7iv doesn't have it, & overall if I'm not mistaking only standard ibis can be used for photo (even if camera has active), are the new cameras doing a better job?
@@mirrorlessny Thanks. The Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 180-600mm lens combination’s image stabilization seems much better than the Sony A7IV and Sony 200-600 lens for hand held video - at least that’s been mine experience so far. Much more testing and experience with the Nikon setup required, but I find the Nikon to be a refreshing change from Sony and more enjoyable to use so far. In addition the Fringer EF to Z adapter works amazing compared to any of the EF to E mountain adapters I ever tried. It is not a cheap adapter but worth it as it works great just about like native lenses. I was a Canon shooter before moving to Sony mirrorless back in 2016, so as I still had some old EF glass, that has made the change to Nikon easier until I get more Z lenses. I just posted a short video of hand held video clips I took the day after getting the Nikon Z8 and lens setup - much to learn with the change in system. - Thanks.
Yes it is subpar. Infact all sony lenses above 180mm are inferior to Canon & Nikon counterparts. And the 600mm is not at all 600mm at less than infinity focus range, its much less. I compared it to the Nikon 180-600mm and I was shocked to see the magnification difference. The only thing that is excellent in this lens is sharpness. If you have the budget the Canon RF100-500 is a sharp, lightweight lens with great image stabilisation. Otherwise the Nikon 180-600 is heavy than the canon but around 200gms less than the Sony and has great image stabilisation, a true 600mm and very good sharpness and excellent overall rendering.
Thanks for comment. Agreed. I have found the Nikon 180-600 with Z8 so much better than the Sony especially for video with great stabilization. Nikon firmware updates are also wonderful compared to cripple hammers Canon and Sony. The Canon RF100-500 is an expensive but wonderful lens I may look into for my Canon R6II.
That first paragraph is absolute rubbish. And the sharpness on this lenses is nothing remarkable. There appears to be considerable sample variation with this lens.
I saw another vid where someone had some internals of the lens break so they sent it in for repair and then the stabilization worked a lot better when they got it back. I think its just different for every lens
normal with Sony I got Sigma 60-600 DN what a difference, btw Sony 600mm f4 and 300 f2.8 same thing, just Sony... if you take Z9 and 800pf its like a different world
My copy is fine. I was concerned about this issue but performed a firmware update and I also read that UV filters massively impact the focus.
Yes, my 200-600 have a same problem. My old Sigma 150-600 dg dn for L-mount had much better stabilisation for handheld shooting
Ok. Thanks for confirmation. It is really a good lens for sharp images but the OSS is its main weakness compared to the competition. Perhaps Sony will produce a mk2 version at some point to compete with Canon and Nikon's offerings.
@@SeanMcChannel Also Sony needs AF-near shift/AF-far shift (like Panasonic) for faster and easier focusing on close distance. And preset focus button.
@@joint831OK. Yes, agreed. Thanks.
the worst aspect of this lens (as with Many Sony lenses for mirrorless) is that Sony doesn't really care about correcting focus breathing. This lens is good if you are going to focus on the infinity.
Hi! Don't have the 200-600, but after seeing many videos about this lens on RUclips, came to the same thoughts. Image stabilization is not good in video, and it worths to wait GM2 version.
Agreed.
When you zoom in it magnifies the movement of the camera and it will do that with all lenses the more of a wide angel you have the more smoother it will be and yes I have this lens and if I’m filming wildlife then I’m using my tripod and love the results from it for here in Alaska
I had the Sony 200-600mm 5.6-6.3 G Lens, but I think it is too heavy, too big and not so well balanced, when "lucky" the image are VERY sharp, but there are IBIS issues when used with Sony A7R series Cameras, I asked my local Camera Shop, they told that Sony knows about the problem, but Sony never returned with a solution of the problem ! So now I have preordered the Sigma 500mm 5.6 DG DN OS Sports prime tele Lens.
Thanks. I think with Nikon's 180-600 Z and Canon 200-800 lenses now out, I guess Sony should really be releasing a Mk2 version which addresses these issues with the OSS as well as the focus breathing issue. Enjoy the Sigma when it arrives!
@@SeanMcChannel Well, I rally do not care about zoom lenses, I do not like them at all ! I only got the 200-600 because there was no alternatives, I always wanted a compact light weight prime Lens. I just remembered that I had a similar IBIS problem when I had the Canon 7D which was bad at focusing at long distances with the Canon EF 300mm 4.0 L IS and the IBIS could not stabilize enough on long distance, closer than 10 meters was fine. I also found that it was on the long distances that the Sony 200-600 had most problems with the IBIS.
@@cameraprepper7938I also was contemplating a prime lens for Nikon Z8, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S PF lens, before getting the Nikkor Z 180-600. I just could not justify that investment at this point in time, but the 600mm PF lens is still on my radar for sure. Enjoy the Sigma 500mm prime lens when it arrives.
@@SeanMcChannel I do not like PF Lenses, not good against the light, that have Sigma done better than Nikon. Nikon´s 400mm 4.5 are a real gem, it does not have a PF glass.
@@cameraprepper7938Thanks. Good to know. I have not seen that noted in any reviews, so appreciated. Yes the 400mm has also been on my radar.
I find the footage amazing! Not sure what the problem really was but I'd never go anything else besides native lenses! Again, this footage looks amazing!
The footage is fine and watchable for me as well, but it's just not a very professional look to have shaky video. I would film a lot more video clips but I don't bother because of the shaky footage.
I love my 200-600 G lens and consider it a great bargain. I should also say that I've been an amateur photographer for the past 45 years. If I was a pro I'd look at Sony's GM telephotos. I'm also very interested in Sigma's new 500 5.6 Sport lens.
Thanks for the comment - appreciated.
The Sony 200-600mm G lens is a great bargain. I just found the optical image stabilization performance of the copy I had when matched with the Sony A7IV to not be up to what I expected.
As I said, perhaps the lens copy I had was defective in OSS in some way or my expectations were too high. However, from other reviews I have seen online, it seems the OSS performance and focus breathing issue of the lens are two areas I consider that could be improved in a MkII version.
I have found the Nikon Z8 IBIS with the Nikkor Z 180-600mm lens' VR (OSS) to be much more effective for me if one has to capture hand held footage. Of course shooting hand held video is not ideal especially at 600mm with any system, but sometimes setting up a tripod with fluid head is not practical to capture a scene.
Both systems are able to capture great images. Enjoy!
I agree for amateurs photographeurs or videographeurs with tripod :) this 200-600mm lens is still good, you can find it used for 1500-1600€ in europe.
New sigma 500mm f5.6 is very appealing, only drawbacks for me is limitation to 15 frames/s on sony systems (don't plan to buy the A9II with the sigma if you want 20 f/s) and the lack of TC compatibility :(
@@ASCIAbsl i buyed mine 200-600 new for 1380 Euro. Used you can find it for 1200 Euro.
I found the Sigma 60-600 on my Panasonic simlilarly impossible to stabilize by hand. No experience with Canon or Sony, but selling my Camera and the Sigma as I search for a better wildlife setup. I honestly wonder if any 600mm can really be used handheld.
Thanks for comment. The Nikon 180-600mm has noticeably better stabilization than the Sony did. I should have a video out soon with some test clips using this setup.
Thanks for the video. I admit I mostly use my Sony FE 200-600 G on a tripod with gimbal with my A1. For lighter hand held and carry I use my FE 100-400 GM and may put a TC 1.4x on it to reach out to 560mm. I should compare these both to my canon RF 100-500 L on an EOS R5. Take care.
Thanks Steven. Sounds like you have two really great setups. I have been looking at the RF100-500L or RF200-800 for a Canon setup. From all reports I see, the RF100-500 is a really great lens, with main cons being the high price and restriction on lens retraction if one has a TC attached. I have been using old EF100-400L Mk1 lens with my Canon R6II - looking at options to upgrade that lens at some point... I also need better weather and more time to go out with cameras. Thanks.
I own the Sony 200600 G. It's been just over 8 months now. Stabilization is good as it gets for a 600mm zoom. I don't think any lens can be rock steady at 600mm irrespective of the stabilization. Tripod is a must for videos. What the 200600 can do is, you don't need that heavy of a tripod to support it as compared to a heavier 600 f4 lens. can even get away with a monopod.
Why are you trying to shoot video hand held with a telephoto lens? Correct me if im wrong but isnt the image stablization for photography and not video? There is a difference between video and photo lenses.
Sometimes when shooting out and about, a tripod is not practical to setup and so handheld video is required. The video presents my finding and opinion on the Sony 200-600 lens' image stabilization performance which I consider to be sub par in today's market.
Lenses with image stabilization should work for both video and photos applications, and do work, some better than others.
My Nikon Z8 with Z180-600mm telephoto image stabilization for photo and video is so much better than the Sony A74 with the Sony 200-600mm lens.
Oh, tell me about the difference between photo and video lenses for cameras with Sony e mount? I have not seen main stream manufacturers market lenses saying the image stabilization is not for video but only photo applications.
IS is great on my a7iv and 200-600. Even with a 1.4x teleconverter. Possibly a faulty lens?
Perhaps - I noted that in my video that perhaps my copy of lens was defective, but I have seen others on RUclips note that their experience of the IS performance of 200-600 lens being sub par for hand held video use. Could be variations in the lenses copy to copy. Lens IS worked for photos but hand holding at 600mm for video was really disappointing for me.
If your lens copy IS works great, enjoy the A7IV and 200-600 lens setup. It is a good value setup.
I guess I also was interested in trying the Nikon Z8. As I have found the Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 180-600 lens IS works better for me than the IS of Sony 200-600mm G lens copy I had, I will stay with Nikon setup for now.. I don't pledge allegiance to any single brand.
Thanks.
With the picture it’s really hard to get focus. But With video works Better. To get good picture with it you need a little bit practice because it’s very long zoom.
Focus with the lens is no problem. The problem is the stabilization for hand held shooting... The Sony lens stabilization is sub par compared to other similar 200-600mm zoom lenses from other manufacturers, for example the Nikon 180-600 Z mount on Nikon Z8 has vastly better stabilization.
Your shutter speed is too low Sean at 600mm. Nearly all gear needs a tripod for video, slomo will be better but number one rule for video, use a tripod especially with the A74 👍👍
No worries. My issues with Sony system solved. Sony setup sold. I just use my Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z180-600mm lens. Stabilization works much better handheld and I use 1/(2 x frame rate) for natural video motion blur for video, so 1/60 for 30fps video, whether at 24mm or at 600mm. Yes tripod is best for video, but sometimes I don't want to lug around a tripod and I get the video with Nikon setup just fine at 600mm compared to Sony setup. Thanks.
Probably the worst lens I've ever used in 30yrs as a photographer, impossible to get sharp images from my copy. Will be sticking to sigma from now on 😊
After watching your video clip, I am 100% agree that Sony 200-600 stabilization is bad for hand held. Thanks.
Sony dose not have a 60-600? i think you talking about the sigma 60-600.
Sorry, I means Sony 200-600 stabilization is bad for hand held.
I think the Sigma 60-600 is a better video lens. It has better ibis, push pull mechanism and the incredible 10x zoom along with far better macro capabilities than the sony.
It cant come close to the sony in terms of wildlife and bif sports and action simply due to the fact it smoothly zooms internally + high fps+ TC
what camera are you using?
Hi. I was using the Sony A7IV camera body. I have now moved to Nikon Z8 and a Canon R6II.
@SeanMcChannel for video Sony's active ibis is superior to standard, but a7iv doesn't have it, & overall if I'm not mistaking only standard ibis can be used for photo (even if camera has active), are the new cameras doing a better job?
@@mirrorlessny Thanks. The Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 180-600mm lens combination’s image stabilization seems much better than the Sony A7IV and Sony 200-600 lens for hand held video - at least that’s been mine experience so far. Much more testing and experience with the Nikon setup required, but I find the Nikon to be a refreshing change from Sony and more enjoyable to use so far. In addition the Fringer EF to Z adapter works amazing compared to any of the EF to E mountain adapters I ever tried. It is not a cheap adapter but worth it as it works great just about like native lenses. I was a Canon shooter before moving to Sony mirrorless back in 2016, so as I still had some old EF glass, that has made the change to Nikon easier until I get more Z lenses. I just posted a short video of hand held video clips I took the day after getting the Nikon Z8 and lens setup - much to learn with the change in system. - Thanks.
Yes it is subpar. Infact all sony lenses above 180mm are inferior to Canon & Nikon counterparts.
And the 600mm is not at all 600mm at less than infinity focus range, its much less.
I compared it to the Nikon 180-600mm and I was shocked to see the magnification difference.
The only thing that is excellent in this lens is sharpness.
If you have the budget the Canon RF100-500 is a sharp, lightweight lens with great image stabilisation.
Otherwise the Nikon 180-600 is heavy than the canon but around 200gms less than the Sony and has great image stabilisation, a true 600mm and very good sharpness and excellent overall rendering.
Thanks for comment. Agreed. I have found the Nikon 180-600 with Z8 so much better than the Sony especially for video with great stabilization. Nikon firmware updates are also wonderful compared to cripple hammers Canon and Sony. The Canon RF100-500 is an expensive but wonderful lens I may look into for my Canon R6II.
@@SeanMcChannel Yes, enjoy your new setup.
That first paragraph is absolute rubbish. And the sharpness on this lenses is nothing remarkable. There appears to be considerable sample variation with this lens.
I think the IQ is shit, but my friend has the same lens, tried it, and it was miles better! So guess it's just my copy that's shit..
I saw another vid where someone had some internals of the lens break so they sent it in for repair and then the stabilization worked a lot better when they got it back. I think its just different for every lens
normal with Sony I got Sigma 60-600 DN what a difference, btw Sony 600mm f4 and 300 f2.8 same thing, just Sony... if you take Z9 and 800pf its like a different world