The RIGHT Photography Kit for ANY Budget | The Bird Photography Show | Jan Wegener & Glenn Bartley
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- Опубликовано: 6 авг 2024
- Don't have a huge budget, but need a capable lens & camera for bird photography? Look no further, today Glenn & I discuss which camera & lens combos we would pick at different price points that will give you the best results!
Do you agree with our picks? Let us know in the comments!
What gear would you pick?
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THIS IS THE GEAR WE RECOMMEND
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Canon EOS R5
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Canon EOS R6
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Sony Alpha 1
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Canon RF 100-500 L IS
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RF Extender 1.4x
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RF Extender 2x
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Sony FE 200-600
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RF 800 F11
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RF600 F11
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Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
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Canon 600 L IS III (I have v. II)
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Canon EF 5.6/400 L
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Canon 1.4x TC III
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Canon 2x TC III
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Canon 600 EX - RT
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Wimberley Head II
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Gitzo 5543LS (new version of my tripod)
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Gitzo GT2545T Travel Tripod
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Wimberley Flash Bracket
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Wimberley M-6 Extension Post
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Better Beamer (check for compatibility)
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Flash Battery (Godox & Flashpoint is the same)
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Power Cord
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Y connector
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Novoflex STA-SET
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LensCoat LensHide
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LensCoat Lens Hoodie
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Canon 2.8/70-200 II
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Canon 4/24-70
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Canon 4/16-35 L IS
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JBL Clip3 Speaker
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Sandisk Extreme Pro CFexpress Card type B 512GB
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Sandisk Extreme Pro
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Panasonic Eneloop Pro
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Minox 8x43
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Canon LP-E6N
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Manfrotto Mini Ballhead
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FStop Gear Sukha Backpack
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
1:21 Isn't 2500 a lot?
2:00 Lens vs Camera
2:29 Gear UNDER $2500 USD
2:52 Canon
4:13 Nikon
5:18 Sony
6:38 Accessories
7:14 What's the pick in this category?
8:02 What about Canon 800/11?
8:46 Intermediate Kit up to $5000 USD
8:54 Canon Kit
10:14 Nikon Kit
11:31 Sony Kit
12:26 Battery Grips
13:18 What about Other Brands???
13:48 The Ultimate Kit
16:07 Nikon
18:14 Sony
19:02 Accessories
21:45 How to break your tripod!
22:37 What would Glenn pick?
24:07 What would Jan pick?
25:36 Freewell VND Filters Review
27:21 Book Winners!
Another excellent video packed full of great info. For a super budget option, the original 7D and 400 5.6 can be had for $800 USD, this is what I used for years and took many wonderful shots. Cheers, Duade
Thanks mate. True, that would be a very nice super low budget option
Yep that'll get you in the game for sure!
In Olympus world, budget would be used OMDEm1 mkII plus 100-400 f5-6.3 IS lens. Medium would be OMD EM1 mkIII plus 300mm f4 pro lens and high OMD EM1x plus 150-400 Pro.
Awesome John. Much appreciated to hear the Olympus kits.
man I feel like they need to work on their names! :D
@@jan_wegener . Yes, a bit of a mouthful.
Just picked up the EM1X for CA$1800 and 100-400mm for CA$1600 in April. Both brand new from Amzn - about US$2700 total so this is more like budget according to the show. Moving on from Nikon D800/D810 I no longer need to bring tripod and gimbal and have all the reach in a handholdable package.
@@tntytube . It is amazing value and the image quality is better than you might expect for such a small sensor. Compared to Canon, it can’t compete at high iso and autofocus is not in the same league as an R5 or 6.
Great to have you Giants combined! Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Cheers! Thanks for watching!
Our pleasure!
Another great video guys. Cameras and a bit like cars we all have a brand and they all have their pros and cons. Also as Jam said not go the comment of gear you don’t know about. I have been shooting mirrorless Olympus for many years and find their gear great and this includes for the weight and price. With weight and weather sealing being a huge selling point for landscapes and carrying gear on long hikes. Having come from more landscapes and now moving into birds for this use my Olympus OMD EM1 MKIII with Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25X IS PRO. The 150-400 is 35mm full frame 800mm and with built in 1.25 Tele is 1000mm all with great image stabilisation. Before getting the 150-400 I used my f.2.8 40-150 (300mm) with 2 x Tele taking this lens to 35mm equivalent of 600mm. The jump in focal distance is amazing and what it is all about for birding . The 150-400 is an expensive lens at $7.5k US (got for about $10k Australian) and will let others compare range and quality against other brands. My camera body EM1 MKIII does not have bird tracking, only the EM1X has that atm so hoping for bird tracking at some point. Also The Olympus has leading image stabilisation, many innovative features and solent electronic shutter as mentioned in the video. Hope this helps others including that there are other brands out there.
Thanks for sharing all of this helpful info Brad.
Yes that must be a great lens, would love to try it out one day.
Olympus has certainly many compelling features.
Great video. Thanks guys.
Our pleasure!
thank you both, again, much appreciated!!
Cheers Gosse. Glad to hear you enjoyed the show!
Our pleasure!
Jan / Glenn - Another fantastic show. I moved to Sony with A7R4 however still hold my Canon DSLR bodies and 100-400 which served so well over years. With R5 coming in, now torn between two systems...
Not an easy pick :)
Can't go wrong with SOny or Canon. But I would definitely pick one and stay with just one brand. Way too confusing to have 2 platforms.
And don’t forget to budget for the memory cards. Decent size cards for the R5 can certainly punch a hole in the wallet, and there’s two of them.
Thanks for sharing again guys.
Stay safe 🇦🇺
That is true! And why I am still using a good SD card.
But hopefully soon we'll be presenting some options for other memory card options. Stay tuned!
Yes, many things that come together and add up
Great video! I started out with the exact same equipment on your budget list and had got some pretty good results with them. Finally moved to R6 after 5 years. Since my wife and I do a lot of hiking along with bird photography, we are still happy with the lighter lenses.
By the way, what kind of microphone do you use for your videos?
Awesome!
Just a Rode Wireless go II at the moment
as a fuji shooter there haven't been a lot of options for reach so I'm new to bird photography, great channel! Ive recently upgraded to the XH2S with 40 fps and the new 150-600. Fooj has finally lifted their game on autofocus and animal eye detect
sounds like a great combo
Thanx for the excellent video.
I had expected a bit more attention for the R7, especially when your budget is limited
I just recently added to my setup. I use the Canon 70D and SL3. I purchased the Sigma 120 300 f2.8 sport used for half of retail and Sigma 500 f4 sport that was used as a rental ( was only rented 5 times in 5 yrs) for half of retail. Looking forward to fall here in the states to get out and use both of them. To hot now to even think about being out waiting for or looking for birds. GREAT Video!
Sounds like a great score. Congrats!
Nice bargains! Thanks Guy!
Great video guys!
Greetings from Sacred Valley Peru.
Great tips guys! I know many local photographers here in South Australia that use the Nikon D850 and image quality wise keeps up to today's standards no problems, also the FPS is enough and auto focus is fast, just missing the latest mirrorless features. For my intermediate kit, I have the Sony A7R IV, 200-600mm lens. Not sure how many megapixels the lens can resolve, but I feel like at the right ISO and lighting conditions it can resolve all of those 61 megapixels, considering the camera has a 26MP crop mode... and this lens is also made to also work on a crop body camera. But a lot of the time I do feel like 61 megapixels is a little overboard for this lens.
Good thoughts Kurtis. A very valid point about the high megapixels potentially out resolving the lens quality!
I think with high megapixels, the conditions and shutters peed etc have to be bang on. The higher the mpix, the more chance of blurry shots and the less forgiving it is
Great video guys! Very helpful. ❤️❤️
Cheers Vasura!
Glad you think so!
Happy to see the Sony a6xxx series mentioned! I don’t see many RUclips videos talking about the apsc bodies. One day I hope to upgrade from the a6600 to the a1! Or whatever newest body they have out by then :)
Yes, so many new models coming all the time!
With so many new models always coming out its always great to watch the used market too.
Hi guys, another informative episode 😊. On the subject of tripods, I’ve found Feisol carbon fibre legs to be good and a Jobu gimbal head - should save a decent amount over the traditional top of the range models!
Cheers
Thanks for the info!
Thanks guys really really good info and great topic to discuss ….. I’m wildlife (mostly birds) intermediate and shoot with a canon 80D with the sigma 150-600 & I’ve got some great results…. Going forward though what would you refer for me or keep my eye on in case canon comes out with their holiday sales, nice big prime lens or… ?!? … obviously I would buy an R5 with the 100-500canon… but way to $$$$!! Thanks dudes! Keep this show going, it will definitely bring many many people subscribing!
Basically as you advance your kit you will want to get into mirrorless (R5 or R6) and ultimately more reach (500mm or 600mm). But big price tags on all accounts!
Olympus: EM-1 mark 2 + 100-400 for $2500 (you can probably get that new for this price). EM-1 mark 3 +100-400 and 300 prime for $5000 (again probably brand new). EM-1X and 150-400 tc and EM-1 mark 3 and 300 prime as second body (all new).
Any resaon to not get a 90D instead of a 7d? thinking about getting one as a backup to my r6 as my R& has not been announced.
Yes, I think the 90D would be a good choice, too.
Thanks for sharing
The 90D vs 7D II is interesting. For sensor you want the 90D. But for camera ergonomics you want the 7D II. Personally if you dropped me off in the forest and made me pick one I'd take the 7D II. But its not an easy choice.
@thekeytoairpower I don't think the Olympus $2,500 setup really gets you much unless you absolutely must be as light and compact as possible. You are trading off significantly better AF, 100mm and almost a full stop at the long end to save maybe a kilogram. On top of that, it's inevitable that the higher end Sony bodies will drop in value, so you can eventually swap to an A9 or plus add a teleconverter down the road. With the PL 100-400, you are wedded to a company who recently went bankrupt with a questionable upgrade path.
Great information, thanks for your time and effort
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for watching!
Lumix G9 with a 100-300 mark ii. One could replace the G9 with the G85 if you’re really hard pressed for money. The combo can be had for less than 1000 USD brand new.(I should mention that this combo isn’t for BIF’s but for everything else, I find it to be more than adequate)
Nice. Thanks for letting the Panasonic crowd know!
thanks for sharing
After 8 years in the field, I find it amazing that you are both still recommending the Canon 7d mkii. It still is an amazing body for bird photography and I am using mine with a 600mm f4 lens first edition and a 300 mm f2.8 also the mk 1 version. I use both lenses with the 1.4 extender regularly.
Ya I took many great shots with that camera. A real winner!
I have never actually used one a lot. I was always a 5D kinda guy, but with a shorter smaller lens, it's probably the better choice for most
I upgraded to one just recently, coincidentally. I tried out the 5D MkIV at the same time and though that is an amazing camera, it wasn't so much better than the 7D MkII for birds that it justified triple the (used) price. I'm really happy with the 7D MkII, and the biggest surprise for me was how usable its low-light performance is, which is my biggest problem here in Wales. I use mine with the Sigma 150-600mm Sport. Works alright with the 1.4x TC too, albeit the AF isn't as good as the 5D in that circumstance.
The 7D markii with the Canon L 400mm prime is my go to bird kit. I have found the Canon 1.4 extender works great on slow, still, or large birds; for fast flying ( or smaller birds ) leave it at home. The extender slows down the camera's auto focus just enough to give you issues regardless of ISO or shutter speed settings. If you want to get a little closer, wear CAMO!
@@burkholdst.rudderberg3574 Thanks for your comment, as I am about to start a project to master birds in flight especially the smaller, faster wingbeat birds your advice is very timeous. If I need more reach I shall rather use the 600 without the extender. I regularly use camo except where birds are habituated to people.
And I am lately using Fuji, which is making me very happy!!! Fuji xt4 plus 100-400 and extender. Lovely combo!
Great to hear!
@@jan_wegener Due to our costs in Uruguay, I had to resign some reach in favour of less weight. It's focus is not as fast as the Canon R5, nevertheless, I can't really complain, and it's quite good for making video as well. It would be very interesting to see you try that brand some of these days! Best for your New Year, and I hope you may be able to travel again!
I'm using micro 4/3 mostly because I have no budget. Whilst it's not the latest and greatest It does the job I want it to do. I photograph wildlife because it helps me fight my severe depression.
That is awesome Matthew. So glad that being out in nature and taking pictures has been an enjoyable pursuit for you. It's incredible how when we are out there we can just relax and focus on that and the rest of the world kind of just fades in to the background for a little while 🙂
That's the most important factor anyways. Enjoy what you got and use it to enjoy and document nature.
I really enjoy these shows! I am still trying to decide between Canon R5 and Sony A9ii/A1, a difficult choice. I prefer the single point tracking eye focus and colours of Sony and the sharpness/details, low light/ high iso and video stabilisation of the Canon 🙈
Yes, not a super easy choice
Really very interesting videos and both of you very nice and professional...
Two italian coffee for you 😊
Wow, thank you!
Great video guys! I'd love to see a comparison of DX gear to m4/3. For me the extra reach and lighter weight are compelling, but I am always wondering if the IQ competes. Keep up the great work!
From what I have seen the noise is the most dramatic difference.
The would be interesting for sure.
Thanks guys & Well done, again!
Greetings from Belgium.
Cheers Rudy. Thanks for watching!
Our pleasure!
Outstanding video. Thanks a lot for bringing this information. I currently use canon 90d with canon 600mm f4 is ii with a canon 1.4x iii extender for 35mm equivalent focal length of 1,344mm. I also have a Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 sport lens on a sigma 7d mark ii. I am worried that by replacing the 90d with a R5, i will loose that amazing reach (crop).
That's a great kit you have there.
Honestly once you go mirrorless you will see the light. You know I loved my 7D II. But I don't have an ounce of regret going to the R5.
The loss in reach will be easily replaced by the features of the R5 I'd say.
You can get to very usable 1200 mm (2x) on the R5 with very good AF still.
We wanta see more of Bartley's cat! 😊 Seriously, last b.i.f., Upland Geese in Patagonia, favorite for b.i.f. is Northern Harrier at Bosque del Apache. Still using a Nikon D500 plus Nikon 200-500mm lens but looking at a mirrorless Canon (R6 Mark II?) with that light Canon 100-500mm lens.
Well done to you both great show again. My next purchase will be the R6 I know you go on about the R5. But the cost and memory you need puts me off. I have the canon 500mm and the 400mm lens plus the 1.4 converter. Keep up with the great work you do 🖖
Thanks for watching and giving us your thoughts Chris. I'm sure you'll love the R6!
Really no need for the R5 unless you want the better video option and more pixels, which most probably don't need
Compelling show guys! For the $2500 kit I think you could do worse than to recommend the Panasonic G9 with 100-400mm PL zoom. I have that combo and with the 2.4 firmware update the bird AF is not far below the eye AF of my Canon R6. I am using the R6 with the adapted Sigma 150-600C and that is a great combo but I frequently find myself grabbing the G9 when I just don’t want to carry something heavier. In good light the IQ is very similar. I do think that the PL100-400 is a bit sharper than the Sigma and that is a really sharp lens for the price. I have ordered the 100-500mm Canon but it is back-ordered now and it sounds like it may be for a while. For people who don’t want to carry something large the G9 Panasonic is a great alternative. They really stepped up with the AF update. I am looking to try it with the Olympus 300mm F4 Pro. I am not finding the lack of megapixels to be an issue with the G9 or R6 due to software like Topaz Gigapixel and Sharpen which remove the noise and allow considerable cropping on 20 megapixel images.
thanks for sharing! :)
Except I completely disagree with them about the flagship bodies, I mainly use my D5 and now D6, along with a D500 as a backup/TC option. I had a D850 but mainly used for when I needed to crop heavily so I traded it for a D500. The D5/D6 and 1Dx Mark III or the coming R3 all have a 0.67-1 stop advantage at high ISO, even over the BSI 45-50mp sensor camera's. So there is still a very valid reason for owning a flagship body, besides that they are more robust and have longer battery life among other advantages like better weather sealing. Almost every wildlife photographer I know, who does it professionally or is very serious and has the budget...all own a flagship body as well as higher megapixel body. For Nikon there is no better than having the option to use a D850 and a D6, for when you need to raise the ISO or need more speed, etc. There is absolutely nothing wrong with DSLR's and to completely ignore flagships is a mistake. They hold details and colors much better at high ISO and they have the other advantages I mentioned a few of.
Hard disagree on the G9. I have the PL 200 f/2.8 (and teleconverters), as well as the G9 and Z7. The G9 is just too inconsistent in its hit rate and tracking, even after FW 2.4. When it's good, it's excellent, but you never know what's going to throw the DfD for a loop. If you want m4/3, I would recommend the E-M1X, E-M1 III or E-M5 III before the G9.
A great video, thank you Glenn & Jan. I'm upgrading my old 700D to the R7 - very excited! I noted in this video that the Sigma 150-600mm lens is not compatible with the R7. Can you now use the Canon EF adaptor? Would it still be worth getting the Canon RF 800mm F11 lens?
It is compatible and will work, but the AF can be a bit jumpy.
Thanks enjoy your video,
Glad you enjoyed it
Hi guys, thanks for the show! I bought a Benro Mach3 carbon fiber tripod (TMA38CL) for much less than 1000 USD. I cannot say if it's still here in 15 years, but all I can say is that I'm very happy with the quality.
Glad its working for you!
I think when it comes to tripods I subscribe to the "Buy once - cry once" philosophy 😂
Yes, heard some good things about a few of the cheaper brands. So hard to pick the best tripod!
I have a nikon z5 with tamron 150-600 g2, is not perfect but is very usefull. love this channel!!
Glad its doing what you need it to!
Great to hear! :)
I "just" stumbled upon you guys and really appreciate your insight with bird photography...I, however am in my 70's now and will probably never buy a new camera again with a fixed (and falling) income. I cringe when I see the newer mirrorless cameras and what they're capable of, but I can't go back in time and have to just do the best I can with my D500 and 200-500...all the other tips and helpful processing programs/techniques are helpful in at least doing quality work...don't leave us handicapped viewers too far behind please - and thanks again!
Great to hear you found us. You have a great set up that will yield you many great images
I switched to Nikon for about two years ago from Pentax (yes, actually!) and Sigma 500mm f4,5
Knowing the ability of the new mirrorless Sony/Canon, but I can’t afford a new switch. And I realy need light weight gear. So Nikon 500mm pf and D500 is my set-up with D7500 as a back up. Also have the Nikon 200-500mm and a 1,4 teleconverter. For the most I handhold or a monopod.
You definitely fall into the category of keeping your 🤞 for Nikons Z9 and future mirrorless cameras.
I'm pretty confident they will come out with something awesome soon.
That's a pretty nice set up!
again a great conversation
Thank you!
Keep up the good work guys always interesting
Thanks! Will do!
Cheers Andrew!
Talking about Gimble heads, I cheaped out and got a Neewer carbon head (around $170aud) and pretty quickly it started getting loose up top, the bolt on the handle side was tight but the other side the plate is pinned on was loose, actually managed to fix by jamming some shims where the arm attaches but I do think its a temporary fix, the US made heads are very expensive but I think investing in 1 would be a good idea instead of buying 2 or 3 of the cheaper ones overtime.
I agree. I had my Wimberley for many years
I bought the same gimbal. I cleaned all the really thick grease off and the cylinder in Teflon tape (the tape used on water pipes and gas fittings). Needed a couple of goes to get the number of layers right as the thickness depends how much you stretch it. Outcome after a couple of tries: 95%. I could probably go one more layer but with good freedom of movement it is hard to notice any slop in the head.
@@tonyblake8841 ok, cheers for info. I will have to clean out the sticky grease soon as it is getting a little crunchy with dust. But I don't have the same problem as you, the actual vertical plate is loose where it is pinned on, so when I would move the camera up and down it would wobble, I jammed shims behind it and then wrapped tightly with electrical tape, now its solid
@@KurtisPape Hi Kurtis, I think you may have the problem when you clean out the original grease. It is like tar! There is a video on RUclips with the cheaper version trying to solve the problem with washers etc on the cheaper model. Didn’t work for me. I am happy to change the tape periodically if it wears.
Agree with all your budget suggestions. I’m almost there with the Canon set up, two R5’s 100-500 and the EF 600/4 II. The weight of the RF 600 sounds nice but I’ve seen people say optically the EF600 III that is the same as the RF isn’t as good as the EF II version. It’s such a big price to save a little weight with questions about the image quality, I will definitely try a CPS evaluation loan on it before spending that money again.
My friend is shooting the Sony 6400 or 6500 with the 100-400 GM lens and uses the 1.4 TC and she gets amazing results with a very small setup. Not sure how it compares with the 200-600 or the prices but it’s a good option.
And Hopefully Nikon does catch up or exceeds Canon and Sony with the Z9, competition is good for us all.
Yes I agree. Hard for me to pull the trigger on that one for sure!
Nice, exact same set up as me. The 600 II is optically the best lens, especially with extenders. The 1kg weight savings would be nice tho.
I’m the perfect example of gear doesn’t make the photographer. We have the same gear but your bird images are so much better than mine, but I’m learning and getting better every day.
I’m not replacing my 600 but I would love for Canon to make a RF 400-600 F4 IS with built in 1.4tc, that’s my dream lens.
Great roundup.
thank you!
Another cracking video guys. It's always good to get this sort of information from the professionals and from people who you trust not to give you a bum steer due to vested interests. My current set up is the Canon Eos R, RF/EF adaptor, EF1.4x and the EF 400mm F5.6. I am patiently waiting (or not) for Canon to make some announcement on the R7. We already know that it won't be released this year, but I wish they'd let us know when or even if it's coming. The Eos R is a nice camera but it doesn't have the animal/bird eye AF and it's frame rate is slow. It has a 30mp sensor, 10 more than the R6 which does have bird eye AF and a higher frame rate. See where I am going with this? Will the R7 be the mirrorless version of the 7D Mkii? Anyway, if money was no object I'd be the proud owner of an R5, RF 600 F4, 100-500 etc. Okay I've rambled on enough, thanks for the great video. All the best, Brian.
Thanks so much for those thoughts Brian.
Definitely there is potential for the R7 (if it ever exists) to be the serious go-to bird photo camera!
Thanks for sharing Brian.
I guess we kinda have to live like there will never be an R7 and be surprised if it actually comes. It took Canon like 20 years to make a digital EOS 3
I guess with the global shortages on chips etc things may take way longer than anticipated
Pentax K3MkIII and the Pentax 150-450mm with the 1.4pentax HDTC , great combo for wildlife and BIF.
nice!
Hey Jan and Glenn! Great vid as usual, was wondering if you guys had a recommendation for vnds for the big supertelephotos like the 600mm f4s?
Hmmm... Tbh I'm not sure on the super telephoto lenses... Maybe Jan knows?
@@GlennBartley gotcha, I've always wondered if you guys film on auto for the bird clips on the big lenses or use a drop-in VND to keep the 'shutter speed twice the frame rate' rule
On my 600 I regulate the exposure via shutter speed, which I have found to work fairly well, since sometimes like 1/50 gives you a lot of motion blur when the birds are moving fast. So the higher shutter speed can look alright sometimes. Ideally I shoot in overcast and then it doesn't matter as much. I find the filters for the big lenses too expensive and annoying to use.
Very much enjoy your video. If I have a Sony A1, which lens would you recommend; Sony 200-600mm or Sigma 150-600 DG DN ? Should I really need up to 600mm or 400-500mm is sufficient ?
I liked the 200-600 a lot. Otherwise Sony 100-400 seems nice, too
Hello, great video, thank you for all your advices. Would you recomnend to use Tc 1,4x with RF 100-500? I use this lens with R5. It is great combo. Thank you.
I wouldn't want to use it all the time, but it does work alright.
I haven't used that lens yet. But I typically stay away from TCs on zooms as a rule.
Great job Glenn and Jan on this equipment episode. I agree with your recommendations in that Sony and Canon have made huge strides recently in AI eye autofocus. I do have some suggested additional topics and some historical notes below.
I think your well organized and delivered presentation could have benefited had it devoted more discussion on several really important additional practical issues:
1. Overall size and weight of the “kit”- can you hand hold it with the biggest lens for hours plus will the kit plus extra body, prime and zoom tele lens, tele-extenders, batteries, gimbal and tripod all fit in airline approved carry-on bag?
2. Ruggedness and weather proofing - Will the kit lose function if dropped, exposed to clouds of dust, fog and rain, and will it die if submerged in water?
3. Will the kit be held very steady and work smoothly on the Peak Design carbon fiber tripod (2 lbs & 16” folded) and the innovative 2 lb. & 7.5” high gimbal?
4. Can the kit cameras sustain at least 18 FPS with continuous autofocus frame to frame, have unnoticeable rolling shutter issues, have rock solid stabilization of a 2,000mm equivalent lens, and have the Pro-focus image buffering prior to fully pressing the shutter?
5. Does your longest zoom lens have a constant f/4.5 aperture from 300-800mm plus a constant f/5.6 aperture from 840-1000mm? Will your lens also produce excellent images with a 1.4x and 2.0 tele-converters?
Unlike Canon, Nikon and Sony kit users, I can answer yes to all the questions above. I am getting towards the end of my 7th decade, and smaller size and less weight matters. When I travel by air, I legally carry-on this kit. Bodies: Olympus M1X and Mark III bodies with 2x crop factors; Lenses: 12-100mm f/4, 80-150mm f/2.8, 300mm f/4 and 150-400mm f/4.5 (f/5.6 employing the built-in 1.25x TC); Tele-converters: 1.4x and 2.0x; PeakDesign travel tripod & Fotopro E-6H gimbal; Batteries, Filters, Microphones, Misc; ThinkTank Ultralight roller bag.
** Historical notes: perhaps you may recall that when Sony decided they needed to upgrade their cameras’ stabilization, they licensed IBIS stabilization from its originator- Olympus. Perhaps you may also recall that Canon’s entry into mirrorless cameras was with the M series. It was not a success as it may have set a world record for having achieved the slowest and mostly unusable autofocus speed ever. Nikon’s entry was with the tiny N1 series and the V3 model and their excellent big zoom lens actually produced a very good and affordable safari lens given if the light was decent. Then with Nikon’s first Z series they loaded with both a high resolution sensor and a high resolution EVF but chose a very inadequate processor making the early Zs almost useless for BIF and sports photography. So, the leapfrogging will continue among the camera manufacturers. I expect Nikon to rise again and Olympus will improve the speed of its Bird AI as the new Olympus/OM camera company releases new firmware and camera bodies.
Thanks for your insights Jon.
To be fair, there's no lens that has actual 800mm at f/4.5. You get there with the 2x sensor crop.
I don't think anyone will be Olympus in size, so that's where it's the ideal choice.
I guess I should get myself a kit to try!
@@jan_wegener Yes Jan, my new Olympus zoom lens reaches to 800mm and 1000mm field of view due the the camera’s 2x crop factor. But it is a very real 800mm field of view due to the rules of optical physics. As bird photographers, we have benefited from the APS-C cropped sensor physics when used with our big telephoto lenses. Your much loved 600mm lens would greatly expand its field of view (about 250mm equivalent?) were it adapted to mount on a medium format camera. My main point is that the m43 sensor has a 4:3 aspect ratio and not the FF and APS-C 2:3 aspect ratio. This enables the m43 lenses to be built much more compactly and lighter - perfect for us senior citizens. BTW, the build geometry of my 800mm m43 lens enables close focusing to 1.3 meters. I think that there isn’t a FF or APS-C 600mm or 800mm lens with a f/4 or f/5.6 max aperture that can focus at 1.3 meters. I too - like you and Glenn - would go for a FF Canon R series camera were it not for the size and weight of their telephoto lenses. Cheers!
@@jonerikrolf2029 The advantages are definitely there and compelling when it comes to size, no doubt
Really great insights Jon.
We need to have you on as a special guest to discuss Olympus!
Thanks for this interesting review. Really useful as I'm currently considering exactly this question for my next upgrade Many birders (including myself) start photography with a bridge camera - Nikon P900 or 1000, Sony RX10iv and Canon SX50/60/70. These are the real "budget" options (
Personally I don't think I'd have much confidence in that rig to do what I need it to do. Not really in the same class.
As you say they are great to get into photography, but can't compete as much when it comes to ISO performance at AF, and especially the ability to still work in low light.
@@jan_wegener @pseudophotog Within that budget-budget range, the Sony RX10iv is really in a league of its own. My son has the Canon SX60 and he can beat my rig in reach, but IQ is much much lower. My wife has the RX10iv .. and she's clearly able to beat me from time to time, when the light is good as Jan mentions. My gear is close to the suggested $2500 package: Canon 70D & 100-400ii. And honestly it's good she can take pictures which are better than me because A) it keeps her interest in spending time walking around spotting birds and B) it helps me convince her I should upgrade my 70D to the R7 or the R6 when the R7 remains a distant ghost :-P
Thanks for the video and discussion topic. The biggest disadvantage for me is the size and weight of the gear you have recommended. I’ve reached the stage where my back cannot support the weight for long which is why I have gone for the Olympus system. Price wise brand new you are in the $5000USD area for their professional level kit. I have the 300mmf4 (600mm full frame equivalent) with the OMD EM 1 mark 3. I don’t need a tripod and I carry this in a small sling bag. The lens is tack sharp on its own and with the 1.4 and 2x extenders. The image quality is great for most circumstances. The biggest Limitations are High ISO performance and focus tracking which are below par. I’m waiting for the new ‘wow’ camera OMD Digital Solutions (as they are now called) are supposedly bringing out to see if they improve these areas. PS the f2.8 40-150mm (80-300) is a brilliant second lens, seamless with the extenders and a great portrait lens as well.
Thanks for sharing!
I've been enjoying your channel and have a lens question. Have either of you had any issues with using the Canon EF600mm f/4L IS II USM on the R5 and would there be any advantage in getting the 600mm RF mount, other than saving a couple of pounds of weight? It's a pricey proposition to do the change, even though the 600mm II has some value to it to offset the cost.
No issues at all, except that I find the AF slow compared to the 100-500. So that would likely be improved, but I am not sure I wanna make the change yet. Will try out the RF first
Thanks so much, very informative! Years ago I followed Glenn’s advice videos and got myself the original 7D and a 300mm f4, fantastic combo. Thinking of getting the r6 and a 100-400ii , but because of the crop on the 7D I will be losing reach. Maybe Sony?
you could compensate for that by getting the 100-500 and it would have as much focal length as you 300 on the 7D
In the end it depends what you want to shoot.
Thanks for your reply Jan. Also, have you tried the a9 that you recommend for Sony? How is the tracking compared to R6? I was able to try the R6 but not the a9 nor 7RIV.
Thanks again!
@@abelleipardo I used mainly the A9 II which is quite similar. It tracked pretty well. Not as good as R6 for birds, but overall good.
Thanks for the video. I have a thing about secondhand delicate/electronic gear. Also in Australia I haven’t found much available and would no way buy privately secondhand. What about a similar segment buying new gear? For a beginner, like me, I was not sure how much the bird bug would bite and bought the Nikon Z50 twin lenses kit. OK the reject rate is high but for me I have a few good shots as shot. I have since added the Tamron 100-400 lens.
If you check for a few things, buying second hand, especially for lenses is pretty save I'd say. But I can understand your hesitation
@@jan_wegener Hi Jan, thinking through this video and watching other BIF information videos and books, I have pretty much concluded that my gear is probably not even average for BIF. I was thinking of the Z 70-200mm lens with a 2x TC or for the same price in Australia I can buy the Sony A6600. From you guys and others I think maybe the better combination is the Sony. I don’t really see myself turning pro or entering competitions but would like some nice pictures. The Z50 with the Tamron 100-400mm on the FTZ is OK but 600mm is about the best I can do. At f6.3 at 400mm (600m with the Z50) a 1.4x TC is not really recommended because of loss in AF which I cant afford. With the Sony lens it seems like it’s a keeper and maybe for my 50th wedding anniversary (another four years) I could get a better camera or TC’s. I hope you guys can keep going, I enjoy the format and content. Cheers, Tony
@@tonyblake8841 anything with a 2x extender won't be great for BIF.
Have you tried the canon m6ii? The AF is really great, just lacking bird eye AF... 13/s mechanical, 30/s in raw burst mode with preshot buffer (cropped to 18mp in this mode). Had it going with a Tamron 150-600 and had really great fun. But you have to install a grip on the body to handle the weight
I haven't tried it. Thanks for sharing your experience though!
I haven't either. It's a pretty tiny camera!
I think the mechanical shutter 6/sec. if I'm not mistaken.
@@simonmathew6563 No, it is actually 14/s mechanical with servo AF. Just checked the product page
Nice informative video guys. Is it better to buy new canon 90d body instead of used canon 7dmk2 body? Which is better technically photography and videography point of view? I m currently using canon 600d and sigma 150-600mm C lens. I have a budget of 1500$ to spend. Should I upgrade the body to 90d or 7dmk2. Or any other recommendations from your side?
Personally I prefer the 7D II as the 90D has a few interface things I don't like. The 90D has the benefit of more MP. But if it was me I'd go 7D II.
For video the 90D is vastly superior. I double checked but it seems like the 7D II doesn't do 4k. I actually forgot that's the case and would be a deal breaker for me personally, but I do A LOT of video, which most people don't.
For photos the 7D II might have an edge. Glenn has used both and prefers the 7D, for video the 90D wins by a mile
Great video!!!. I am curious why third party lenses were not included. Specifically the Sigma 150-600mm is a great option with the R5. Was this not mentioned because it is not a native RF lens? If that is the case, the Canon 100-400 is not either. I am curious as I am trying to decide on a lens and that seems to have great reviews in many websites.
Hey,
I guess we left it out since Canon has not shared the RF mount with third party lens producers and there were some issues at the start. It seems firmware updates have fixed that now and the lens works fine with the adapter.
Ideally there will be an RF-mount 150-600, but that might be a while off.
Generally speaking the native glass usually has better AF and IS performance.
As always you have done a Great Job guys! I was blown away when Glenn announced the winners of the Birds of Instagram Book and that my name was drawn 😀 I am looking forward to receiving you text or message. Jean-Louis
Awesome! Thank you!
Would you be able to email either of us your address or direct message one of us on instagram?
Thanks for another interesting video guys! I have run through a lot of Sony gear in the last few years. I agree that the a9 and the 200-600 pairing is a fantastic birding kit. The converters also work well with this combo. I was however, disappointed with my a7rIV and the 200-600 for action. I guess it is possible that the lens does not resolve well with that camera and it’s high megapixels. It seemed to work fine in the field but there was always a softness to the images that was not a problem when using the a9. The 200-600 seems very good with the a1. Killer combo. I did sell my a7RIV because of this discord with the 200-600. I have an a7rIIIa coming as a backup to the a1 - verdict out on how that will perform with the 200-600.
Great insights Bonnie. Thanks for sharing.
I think another factor with higher megapixel cameras is that you need a bit more shutter speed and stabilisations compared to the 24mpix of the A9. SO it's a lot less forgiving, but also could be the lens reaching it's limit, yet with the A1 it does very well.
@@jan_wegener Jan, absolutely need more shutter speed even on the a1 -- but focus was just too inconsistent on the RIV no matter what.The keeper rate was not very good. RIV seems great with the 600f/4.
@@herdingdog1 I have heard that a few times now.
Not a pro, for traveling I love my Fuji camera with the 70-300. Cheap and super lightweight for what it does. It is not amazing picture quality compared to the bigger sensor but the kit looks good and feels good, doesn't feel like a burden when you are on holiday. I also have one of those Nikon Bridge cameras less cost than most lens, they work pretty well for the price, comes in real handy since I live close to a wild life safari park, nothing else has reach like a bridge camera.
There are certainly infinite possibilities to suit each persons individual needs :-)
yes, the zoom on these cams in crazy!
A question for both of you guys. You both have video's out on using flash/Better Beamer set ups. Are there any changes you make with the R5 from using your DSLR's and if so, will you consider making another video to cover this subject. Thanks.
TBH, I have basically used no flash since I have gotten the R5
I also haven't really used flash with the new camera yet. But There might still be a place for it in some scenarios.
All of the flash theory is exactly the same as I have outlined here - www.glennbartley.com/FlashEbook.html
@@GlennBartley Hi Glenn. I bought that ebook from you, quite some time ago. Thanks anyhow.
Surely once you get back to the trips into the rain forests etc. that will require you to use your flash, regardless of camera ?
Hi Jan, I have a Canon r5 and rf 100 - 500 lens. I have ordered and am still awaiting the Canon rf 600 f4. I think that I will use this lens with my rf 1.4 extender, giving 840mm at f5.6 but I have read a few articles which suggest that this combination produces soft images. In your experience do you think that is the case.
That’s not the case on my experience
Question.. I am working with a Canon 80 D and love it. It’s my choice to keep this camera as it is my first semi pro camera . I would like to get a full frame as well, but don’t know where, or how to look for used equipment that I know will work. I would much appreciate any guidance you have in that regard. I teach, so not much wiggle room in the budget.
Where are you located? There's different places for used gear in different countries
@@jan_wegener
Thank you for responding.
I am near Katy TX which is just west of Houston TX.
I have made a couple of purchases in used equipment from B&H in New York. In the case of filters and lenses I am comfortable with them.
For me, finding a reliable used camera is a bit harder. My 80D fits my hand perfectly, so I would like something similar. I like wildlife and some landscape photography and recently got interested in astrophotography. In features I would like support for bracketing and long exposure.
I don’t know if that will help or not, but It’s included in case there are used equipment sources that specialize in specific features.
@@sassytbc7923 The only place you'd find good equipment is probably forums like fredmiranda, but then you will be dealing with individual people, so a bit more risk.
just wondering about sigma 100-400 for Sony. Wouldn't that be better budget choice?
I am a Fuji/Sony user and for Fuji, a used X-T2/X-T3 with the new XF 70-300 would be a nice choice.
It might be cheaper, but I really think the 200-600 is the best choice when it comes to Sony
The Batman and Robin of reviews. Kaapow, Thank you both!
Glad you liked it :)
Which one is batman and which is robin??
i had already decided my budget kit, sony alfa 6400 and sony fe 200-600mm, so after watching this programme its confirmed
Perfect! Enjoy your new kit!
nice
Thanks so much for professional opinions. I have been using Nikon for taking wild life phots for quite a while, well, as a hobby. My last gears, a D610 and 200-500, it was cheap and somehow deliver a so-so quality, I once wanna try the d500/s850 with a 500/5.6, but as u mentioned, nikon is not really releasing anything attractive in the recent few years, and that disappoint me.
But recently i have sold all of them, try to get a R5 and 100-500, but so sad the lens is out of stock now, waiting for the retails still.
Sorry for long reply.
Thanks for sharing your experience Mike!
Thanks for sharing, the 100-500 is certainly in high demand it seems
Hi again. Looking at upgrading my Z50 and following your guidance for the intermediate options. Partly due to price weight and availability I had narrowed down to the Sony A7R iv but with the release of the A7 iv I am curious to know your thoughts. Maybe a bit early. As a hobbyist that likes birds and then photography as opposed to a photographer that likes shooting birds I was thinking of the 100-400 with x1.4 tc instead of the 200-600. Costs more but is lighter although I am in training with a two litre plastic milk container with 2.2 kg of pebbles in it. I would appreciate your comments. Thanks.
I haven't really looked deep into either camera, but for now it seems that the A7IV has better AF, but that might change with a firmware update.
100-400 vs 200--600 really comes down to what you want to photograph the most and if you gain more of having the 100mm range available or the 600-840mm range
Thanks for your prompt comment. Enjoy being out of lockdown.
Didn’t hear any mention of the Canon 90D. Works great for my bird photography. Do you guys have a crop sensor bias?
I haven't used it much, Glenn used a 7D II for a long time which is quite similar, so definitely not against the crop. I have always been shooting full frame.
Thank you once again for a great video. I've been using a EF 500 f4 ii on a 7Dii, and have now moved over to the R5. Also looking at the versatility of the RF100-500 for a future investment. I was quite excited at the developments of the lenses for the new canon mirrorless products, especially looking at the longer prime lenses.
The way in which technology has allowed lighter/sharper lens development, I was quite disappointed when canon released the RF 600 f4, and the RF 400 f2.8. (same weight as the EF lenses). It looks as if they rushed this product to the market, and just slapped an adapter onto it. I would have like to see some decent weight reduction with these new RF lenses, which seemed to be noticeable with most of the other RF lenses that have been release.
With saying all of the above, I would personally like to see a RF 600 / 500 prime with maybe a f5.6 or even f7.1 aperture. I think something like this would help towards some decent weight reduction, and would most probably convince me to trade my EF 500 f4 ii for a RF 600 (f5.6 or f7.1).
like to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks again for all the great videos that you and Glenn have made.
I totally agree Jody.
I've long thought there would be a market for a 500 or 600mm f5.6 lens. If they could make it significantly lighter and still work well with a teleconverter it would be an amazing lens. With the R5 having such good high ISO capabilities the lost stop of light would be much less of an issue than in days past.
Bring it on Canon!
From what I have heard the R-mount benefits the development of smaller, lighter lenses on the wider end, but actually makes it more difficult on the longer end and there's no advantage from the R mount when it comes to size. That would also explain keeping the same size/optical formula to the version III lenses, since there wasn't much else to be had. Yet I agree, that it's not a great look to just add the adapter. Will be interesting to see what they're like.
Hey Jan and Glenn, you're hosting a great show, always happy to see when there's a notification from you :) I have a question about gear, I think it is directed to Glenn: I'm using the R5 with SD cards. Similar to you I'm not really into video so don't need the extra speed. But: almost all reviews I read about SD UHS-II are bad somehow. It's corrupt data or non-readable cards, extremely slow speeds and so on. I'm using a Sonz tough m with 64gb at the moment and actually the camera is lagging when scrolling through the images on the cam. Maybe took 500-600 images with the card overall... So I just going to loose the trust in SD cards. Do you have a suggestion for a robust SD card? Used CF cards in all my DSLRs and there have never been a single problem ever... maybe image sizes are getting too big and cameras too fast nowadays? Would be great if you'd have a suggestion 🙂
And keep that great content coming you two!!
P.S.: if anybody else having a tip feel free to share ;)
Great to hear!
Never had a problem with SD cards from main brands. I am using mainly Wise Advanced, one Prograde Card and Glenn is using Wise Advanced and SanDisk. We didn't have an issue with any of them, but ultimately, I think for the R5 a Cfexpress card is best.
If you look at like a smaller one from a brand like Wise Advanced they're not that much more
mmm i have the sony 200-600mm lens and the A7... should i change to the A7RIV or the A7RIII? ¿it worth the diference in price?
Might be worth waiting the the A7IV if there's no rush
I keep forgetting to ask both of you this key question. I've seen in several of Jan's videos a "throw over" Camoflauge net/cover/blind that he's used in the field, but I never see it linked or mentioned in any of the equipment blogs/vlogs. Can you provide a name and/or link? Thanks!
I'm a new R5 owner (big upgrade from a 7D MK 1!) and really want to get a bit closer with my RF 100-500 and that net would help!
Definitely Phil!
It's called a quick camo
If you check this link on my website in the accessories section you'll find it - www.glennbartley.com/naturephotography/articles/gear.htm#Accessories
Hey Phil,
I am using a Lenscoat Lenshide, the tall version. Very nice product.
I think there's an amazon link in the description or they have it at a few stores like B&H and the lenscoat website
I have the one Glenn mentioned as well, but use the Lenscoat one more, both are pretty good and similar
A very well done video and couldn’t ask for better release time 😊. So firstly thank you so much both of you’ll 🙏🙏. My present gear is 7d Mrk 2, 5d mrk 3 and I am using Canon 100-400 mm USM I I lens and canon70-200 f4. I am planning to upgrade my equipment and thought I should go for Mirrorless camera like canon like R6, but I also want to upgrade my lens, I need some valuable suggestions from everyone here about Canon 500 mm f4 lens(used) or should I go for Canon 600 mm non IS , keeping my Canon100-400 mm . Will cannon 500 mm along with an 1.4 extender be easier to roam around with and also can be handheld or since I have a Canon 100-400 already than I should go for 600 mm . Sorry since I am really confused I would really need some help here. My budget for now is around 5-6k so can only afford either a lens or a mirrorless camera. Thank you everyone 🙏
Hey,
this is an interesting question. I usually don't recommend to purchase version I or non IS super tele anymore. I think the 600 with no IS is just way too heavy, slow and no IS really hurts you.
The 500 is better, but neither of these old lenses have any spare parts available, so if anything breaks, you might have to replace the whole lens.
What's your main reason for wanting to go with the 500/600?
If you could get a version II 500/600, the story would be different, but so would be the price.
Did you consider R6 + 100-500 and maybe a 1.4x?
My main purpose for the lens is bird photography, as I have starred with canon 100-400 , But I feel that in many instances I am short of reach and to get clean background as well, when you really can’t get close to the subject. No doubt my lens is very handy and sharp, especially coz I keep roaming in reserves around Melbourne . But your answer makes it a bit easier for me to decide , especially with the old parts not being available for old lenses, which I didn’t think of, maybe I might have to stretch a bit but shall go for a used 500 mm version 2, along with an 1.4 extender or R6 + 100-500 with 1.4 extender at least I could narrow down between these 2 combinations. That was really helpful,Thank you Jan once again 🙏🙏.
I definitely would not buy an old lens that does not have IS. Not a good investment in my opinion.
Thanks Glenn, dropped that idea of old lens, Will be looking at Canon 500mm f4 version II or Canon R6 & R100-500mm . Shall wait for some more to get them. Cheers!!
Hi Jan and Glenn, if one already has the RF 100-500 and 1.4 TC, is there anything to be gained from getting the RF 800 F11? I'm thinking I would be able to crop and get the same result with the RF 100-500 +1.4TC?
I'd say the results would be fairly similar.
I just bought a Sony a7riiia and the 200-600mm lens. Both brand new and under $5,000.
nice!
Hello from Costa Rica. Very good job, guys. Thanks for sharing your experiences. You guys don't recommend the R3 for bird photography? why?
Cheers. Thanks for watching.
Well first of all the camera hasn't been announced yet. But all signs point to it being 24MP full frame. For me that means that you have WAY less room to crop in than on an R5. The only way I could see buying one was if I basically did zero field photography and only shot from controlled feeding stations. But then again even if you do that you probably have no reason to need the potentially more advanced AF features.
At the end of the day they are making this camera for sports, wedding and photojournalists and not bird photographers in my opinion.
@@GlennBartley Thank you for your honest and professional comment.
I think it's impossible to tell at this stage. It could be that the AF is far superior to the R5 and that no rolling shutter and 30fps are just out of this world. Yet it will be very expensive and the R5 is doing such a great job, that is more than enough for most.
A lot of people have been playing around with Gigapixel AI which does a great job of upsizing files, so 24mpix is definitely workable. But I guess looking at the whole package the R5 might be the best allrounder. If budget wasn't a concern at all, a combo of R5 and R3 would be pretty sweet
@@jan_wegener thanks for your comments and advice. !Pura vida!
As of now if I had no R series camera, I would consider the R3. I suspect that it will be pretty amazing for bird in flight.
It would have to be pretty incredible to be worth the upgrade over an R5 for me.
As I've stated I don't think a 24MP full frame camera is ideal for any bird photographer.
Or maybe I just can't stomach the thought of what this thing is going to cost 🤢
You had the 20 Mpx 7D2. I still have mine. I don't think the resolution is a problem.
I suspect that the FPS and less rolling shutter will help a lot of people to decide.
for BIF, I didn't find the rolling shutter too bad, but I agree that 30fps and no rolling shutter would definitely outperform the R5 for action. You have have less margin for error when it comes to the distance the bird is to you, since the files are much smaller, but people have used the 1dx III with the same resolution for years
I've got the r6 and I found a used sigma 150-600mm contemporary for $700. I should have it tomorrow so I haven't tried it out yet. But there's a bonus combo if you're looking to spend under $3500.
Should be a nice kit!
Yes, I hope it will go well!
@@jan_wegener thanks I hope so too. My 1st target is going to be a few owls that always hang out at my neighbors house. Any tips on shooting owls? I'm am a beginner with wildlife
@@alivia4907 Can't claim I am an expert of owls. Only ever photographed a few roosting during the day
Great video and thoughts there. I currently have 90D and a Tamron 100-400mm lens. That's the only telephoto I can carry with my tennis elbow for now. If I could afford only one lens, say RF 100-500 should I go with R6 or go for R7 (hoping it comes as expected) for future. I feel 100-500 is not enough reach with a full frame. Now with the DXO/topaz denoising, what should I go for between R6 and R7 with this lens?
Well its pretty hard to say given that the R7 doesn't exist nor are there any rumors.
But if it does come out and is a crop body with more Mp than the R6 in crop mode and you shoot mostly birds I'd go for the R7.
Hard to speculate, since we don't know where an R7 might be placed in the line up.
The R6/7 with the 100-500 will be a very nice and light combo tho. Or if you need it even lighter the F11 600mm lens
@@jan_wegener My motive for R7 was because of the APSC sensor which gives me more reach and shallower depth of field with 100-500mm lens than a full frame body like R6. Assuming R7 is a mirror less version of 7D ii, do you recommend R7 or R6 with this lens?
@@ashishgowdacl8741 Yes, an R7 would be nice, especially if it was equipped like an R6, but we just don't know at this stage. It's probably 50:50. Most people would probably prefer an R7 style camera on the 100-500 if that's their longest lens.
Recently switched from a used combo of Nikon D850 & 200-500mm to new combo of Sony A7R4 & 200-600mm. I bought the A7R4 & 200-600 new for around 5600 USD equivalent. Used the Nikon combo for 3yrs and wanted to switch to mirrorless and a better quality lens than Nikon 200-500mm. I haven't found scope to really test the Sony combo due to restrictions, hoping it wud be atleast as good as the Nikon combo. I mainly photograph mammals specially bigcats in the wild, not a BIF guy though.
I used the lens with an A1 and A9 II and it was excellent
Would be great to hear your thoughts once you do more tests!
@@GlennBartley I doubt it will be possible this year. 🤞
@@jan_wegener yeah i saw your videos. Hoping for the best since i could handhold the 200-500 at 500mm @1/13s for still subjects.
Nicely done, R5 with EF600 f4 rules...
It sure does 😎
definitely
Robus RC- 5570 is a Killer tripod for $550. I have had it for 2 years, and have zero regrets. Holds my R6 and 400mm f2.8 IS with ease
Thanks for sharing
Dave Catley
Something just occurred to me, one of you is in Australia & one of you is in Canada so when quoting prices which currency are your using AUD, USD or CAD?
Always USD to keep it simple
I'm using the a6100 and canon 300 f4 is L usm right now and the shots are amazing but the adaptor isn't to reliable. One day I'll get a native lens lol.
That 300 f/4 was my first good quality lens too. Such a good one and takes the 1.4x really well too.
Canon on Sony, amazing that that even works. Glad you're getting some good shots
Jan have you got your hands on a A7IV yet? After watching more than a few of your videos( especially the one comparing Canon 100-500 to Sony 200-600), the Sony 200-600 is tempting me to move away from my Canon 90D and 100-400II. That set up does most things well except BIF is a challenge with the 90D. I would love an R5 and the 100-500 but that's outside my budget(about $6700). I have a A7IV on pre order and will be picking up the Sony 200-600. My latest dilemma is in the same price range as the A7IV would be a used A9. Thoughts? I mostly shoot wildlife and birds. BTW I crop quite a bit so I ruled out the R6. To get to 600mm with an R6 would have me using teleconverters or non native lenses.
I haven't. The 200-600 is definitely a very nice lens for the price.
You could use an R5 with the 100-400 II. It would do a decent job, but much shorter obviously.
The A9 has 24 mpix, so a bit less, but a pretty good camera overall. From what I have seen I think the A7IV has eye tracking, which the A9 doesn't have at this stage. Kinda hard to compare the two.
I personally shoot Canon but one thing that I would like is a lens similar to the Nikon 500pf. For the price and IQ, Canon offers no similar option. I have used the EF 400 DO II which is a very good lens but its still big compared to the Nikon 500pf and the Nikon has that extra 100mm. I also think that you can get excellent results with a used 1DX even though it seems the DSLR is taking a back seat to mirrorless.
Yes, that would be a great lens to see
I have an R5 and a EF 600 f4 II. I was thinking of selling the EF 600 f4 and upgrading to the RF 600 f4, but ordered an RF 400 f2.8 instead, keeping the EF 600. I've ordered a 100-500 with the R5, but it's been backordered. My rationale with the 400 f2.8 is faster focusing, "portability" on planes, f2.8 for dawn/dusk/forest low light, ability to take an RF 1.4 TC to 560 f4 or RF 2.0 to 800 f5.6, plus retaining the EF 600 f4 if I really need reach or ultimate image quality at 600 or 840. I guess the ultimate kit would be to have both the RF 600 f4 and RF 400 f2.8, but I cannot rationalize that when the EF 600 f4 II performs so well with the R5 and the EF - RF adapter. Thoughts?
You've definitely got a nice collection there!
For me I prefer the 600 f/4 over a 400 2.8. I need the reach and often use the 600 with 1.4 and 2x. But everyone's situation is different for sure. If I had to pick between the two though Id definitely go 600mm over 400mm 2.8.
The only thing I notice when using the 600 II on the R5, is how slow the AF is compared to the 100-500 for instance. I would expect the RF prime to be much closer to that fast performance. Other than that the 600 II is a truly incredible lens. 2.8/400 has never really excited me much personally, but is a stunning lens as well
@@jan_wegener That's the really irritating thing: low availability of these lens makes it impossible to try or even rent to compare. I really appreciate the comment.
@@GlennBartley Thank you.
Great video! What about the canon 90d? Have you used it before?
I haven't Glenn has. It's basically a newer version of the 7D II, but it's a different body and it doesn't have all the features of the 7D. It has much better video functions, though.
The 90D vs 7D II is interesting. For sensor you want the 90D. But for camera ergonomics you want the 7D II. Personally if you dropped me off in the forest and made me pick one I'd take the 7D II. But its not an easy choice.
I torn between getting another 7d mark II, friend borrowed mine and didn't make it back ugh, Thinking of getting the R5 but I'm so used to crop mode of the 7d and the R5 is only 17mp cropped, I have never used a full frame for birding scared I will miss the shot without the reach.
And R5 is so much better than a 7D that it's worthwhile giving up the crop imo.
do i need tripod for r6+rf100-500 combo? If I do, could you please recommend one for me! Thank you so much :-)
No, I think that is very handholdable
Ya you can get away without a tripod with that. Especially with the improvements in IS and IBIS.
is the r6 and 400 5.6 a good combo
or the r6 and 100-400 mki
The 5.6/400 is a better lens than the 100-400 version I. The missing AF is a struggle, though
Once again ❤️ey video but what about tripod? Plz
Glenn and I both use Gitzo
Probably another lens for the sub 5000$ category would be the Canon 500/4 Li, can be found used between 2700 and 3500$.
Yes, but there are not more parts available for it, if it breaks
Hey Jan and Glenn, thanks for this great episode. While the other episodes are great to learn from, you guys often play with toys the non-professionals among can only dream of. This one offered a great insight to find an affordable path to approach great birding gear via a step by step approach. And it gave me confidence I'm on a good track :-)
I guess used gear is less common in Europe compared to the States, which may explain (partly) why gear is much more expensive over here.
I'm happy with my 100-400ii which I bought new last year, and which is now even 10 to 20% more expensive .. thanks to the chip-shortage.
Unless my 70D breaks down, I don't think I should still buy a new 7Dii which crops down the R6 price over here as much as it increases the reach, but that doesn't compensate the lack eye-AF and IBIS and low light ability.
The ideal next step would be the unicorn R7 .. but while both of you keep on stating you don't see it happen (soon) .. you sure cannot stop mentioning it in your videos. if only CANON would pick up how much us birders are craving for that unicorn to become reality soon !!
Given the chip shortage, I'd say an R7 as "R6 with smaller sensor but more reach" makes much more sense and value to Canon than offering a low cost Rp successor.
I guess we keep talking about it, could there's certainly the demand for it :D
@@jan_wegener heheh, that's why each time the R7 is mentioned I feel the urge to react (even when I guess that by now you already know my view on gear), simply to keep the R7 buzz going in the hope Canon picks it up and delivers the Nikon D500 beater all (would be) 7Dii fans are waiting for ;-)
Canon has all the needed tech in house, they just need to blend the right cocktail and bring it to us !
@@WernerBirdNature Imagine the day it will be actually announced :D
@@jan_wegener Have your already read the latest post on Canon Rumors ?? When focusing on what they write, this sounds to me very much like the R7 will be coming in January ! :-D
However, the source says it will "annoy a lot of Canon Fanboys" .. and you're the biggest Canon Fanboy I know, but I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be annoyed when the unicorn appears ;-) So that's why you make me less confident January will bring the camera I'm waiting for .. :-P
@@WernerBirdNature Lol. I just like using good gear :P
I doubt it will be an R7, though. Probably some astro camera or something.
Canon R5 with 100-500 and 600mm that covers wildlife, 16-35 and 24-70 and more for landscape.
Sounds good to me!
@@GlennBartley I totally agree the R3 is not a big enough sensor, too bad they went small, maybe to not outdo the R1.
@@thomassullivan3365 That could be. I definitely think we'll see a high rez body before long. Could be an R5s or maybe the R1 ??
Pretty much my set up as well :)
It's a huge blow to Nikon that every pro photographer YT channel is telling folks to not even start with them, glad I have been a Canon shooter since high school.
I enjoy watching your videos. I have two comments.
1.) Those Canon f11 lenses are fun to shoot on a beach in good light. But any bird photographer who takes those lenses into a forest, or in the hour after sunrise or before sunset is going to be sorely disappointed.
2.) I found that once I used a Sony a9ii or a1 there is no way I can use any other mirrorless camera that has blackout in the viewfinder.
Yes I think those lenses can get a beginner started. But as you said not the most versatile.
And yes the older mirrorless weren't very usable. But the current Sony and canon offerings are spot on!
It's interesting how the blackout seems to be affecting different people quite differently. I had to really concentrate to see the difference when using them side by side, but obviously it's better to not have it.
I don;t think anyone would get a 11/800 if they lived in a rainforest, but for under $1000 the quality, weight and reach is unbeaten
Ok, it's a year later, so I don't know if you will even see this to answer my question. I have the Canon 7D Mk 2 and the 70-200mm f2.8. I have the 1.4 teleconverter, which I still find too short. I had planned to get the 100-400, but, I couldn't find the old version anymore and the new version was too expensive. So I finally relented and decided to try out the Sigma options. I tried both the 150-600 and the 60-600 and loved them. You didn't recommend them because Canon has decided not to support them. I've heard you can get a connecter, do you not recommend that or is that only to connect the EF lenses to the mirrorless bodies?
If you still have the 7D they will connect without adapter
@@jan_wegener right, but will they connect to a mirrorless with an adapter?
@@phyllisrichert8696 yes
Canon R6 with RF 100 - 500 or Sony A9 / A7R iv with 200 - 600…. Just so hard to pick a winner and exchange rates are high now… I have to be patient
Yes hopefully we see prices come down a bit...
The R6 has full eye-tracking for birds, the Sony's don't. That might be the biggest difference. The Sony are probably slightly better cameras overall, but the AF is big for me