I shot horse racing a lot with this lens and the A7III. I like the colors and contrast a LOT, had few out-of-focus shots (often my fault, not the kit's). 600mm was all the reach necessary, so no need for a teleconverter. I used the inexpensive Altura camera strap, and carried it comfortably all day in the heat. Sometimes I would take a lighter kit and leave this home, not because it's heavy, but because it's so big that people would ask me if I was the track photographer.
I almost ordered this lens last month but during the downturn of the euro exchange rate, the price of the sony 200-600 was $1500 usd from the uk (via amazon) so I got that instead and it's been flawless.
I usually use the push-pull method of zooming, as it's faster to use when the horses come from far away to near you rather quickly. The three-way switch that governs how the lens extends can feel like it won't go to the next click, but on mine, I have to click it while moving the barrel a little. The switch that limits focus to a certain range is useful, but you can also forget it and think, "Why isn't it autofocusing on closer things??" Then you remember the switch. I paid $1500 in June 2021, so the $1200 price now seems like quite a bargain.
I just re-bought this lens for L-mount. I spent 6 weeks benchmarking my S5II against my Canon R7 and I'm happy to say it performs very well. Also, L mount users get unrestricted access to teleconverters, burst rates and Customisation options!
I keep going back and forth. I kind of want to trade in the 100-400GM to get this lens, but I've had that lens for so long now, and I love it so much, I'm worried I'll end up regretting getting rid of it, even for the extra reach. I also use it a lot for landscape at the wider end, so losing that 50mm would be tough. I had the Sony 200-600 briefly last year, but I just didn't gel with that lens. I didn't find it as sharp as I would like (maybe it was my copy) so I returned it, and I'm not considering it an option. I shoot the RIV so for now, if I need extra reach I shoot the 100-400 in crop mode and I have the 1.4x TC. I'll probably hold off til I can find the Sigma used at a sub-$1000 price somewhere and then pounce on it and just have my cake and eat it too.
I like Topaz Labs, but you need the best lenses for it to perform. Of all my A mount lenses the only one I can superresolution with is the GM 80-200 F2.8 and the Tamron 90mm macro.
I just ordered mine today. Can't wait. I have friends that are actors and they invite me to the film festivals they attend. Some times I cant get near and dear to take a pick w/ a 50mm lens, so this will be just as good. AWESOME!
Did you do a test with your dog similarly to the Tamron 50-400? I am in the market for either of these lenses, and I am curious on an apples-to-apples comparison with the Tamron.
Beautiful images! Really enjoyed them! There is nothing like being in a bird sanctuary & photographing! On the sony r4/r5 it is possible to do so much cropping & also switch to aps-c mode so one is getting 900mm from this lens. And with ibis at 8 and a half stops these ultra tele come into their own. Valuewise the sony can be had at almost the same price - used or at a sale being an older lens & the tamron is lighter though 500mm.
No one ever mentions that this is a great macro lens as well if you are out in the forest! The minimum focus distance at 150mm is very short compared to Sony. ALSO noooo one ever mentions gripping the collar of the lens to extend it instead of turning the dial with your hand. That’s going to cost you a lot of shots. I don’t think I have ever turned the dial to zoom before. That seems silly for a lens like this. Sonys is like a 1/4 of the turn radius
can you do review of Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sport and the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary video and photo stabilization put the milimeter how far and distance the video and photo take lake video & photo in 200mm , video & photo in 300mm in video in 400mm , video & photo in 500mm and video & photo in 600mm how it perform in video and photo stabilization thanks
How often are the firmware updates because for the Contempary model they are NON EXISTANT . And does the tripod collar actually give stability to the lense unlike the Contempary model .. Untill that can be proved .. Am not buyin another Sigma period
How does this compare to the same 150-600 from Contemporary line? Sigma better give a reason to release two lens of identical focal range and aperture otherwise it's just a waste of R&D money.
In the time of DSLRs there was a 150-600mm Sports lens and then later a Contemporary version. However here in the Sony mirrorless world there is only a Sports version of this DG DN lens. The original DSLR Sports version was 3.1kg while the Contemporary was 1.9kg. This new DG DN Sports version is 2.1kg and I believe it outperforms both of the older lenses.
The Sony 200-600 suffers from severe focus breathing for subjects close to the minimum focus distance. How did the Sigma perform for close focus subjects?
@@StefanMalloch I'm really curious about it but have never seen a comparison that tests it on both lenses with the same test subjects. I really want to buy the Sony next year but would consider the Sigma if it doesn't have the close subject issue.
I got this for my Leica SL and I find the auto focusing to be a serious hit and miss, mostly miss! I need to shoot off at least 10 shots to get one, if I’m lucky. It constantly hunting…
Zoom turn/throw way too long ! Not okay ! And the fact that it extends makes me stay with sony lens. In almost 2023 they should be able to make a non-extendable lens. And what the hell is up with the squeeky sound when zooming :O !?!!!???!?! Scaring everything away. Super dissapointing Sigma 😞 But very nice pictures, wether they are edited or not 👍
You sound like a tried and true SONY fanboy! LOL Im deep in the SONY world too and I own this lens and experience very good performance and hit rates (well above 20% which u actually refer to the reviewer as having said mistakenly) from this made-in-Japan super tele (vs the made in China, Thailand or VN SONY native 600mm lens) Also the trombone style zooming really works for my shooting…and it travels well since it collapses. That said this is a super fine piece of equipment just like the reviewer says, save for lack of a teleconverter compatibility and for the nearly 35% price difference vs SONY’s 600 is an astonishing good buy for prosumers to professionals to consider and delivers equally good results in talented hands. In short this is no LESS viable an option than SONY native lens IMO, just different and less far less costly. Choices.
Sorry if I wasn't more clear. I test lenses with the most stressful things I can. This lens is a good performer. For most things, you'll have not many misses. For BIF, no lens is perfect. Keep in mind, its on m A7iv as well and not a faster a9 or a1 which would perform a lot better.
Are you picking up this beast?
Just got mine today. SXSW here I come (No paparazzi, lol. going w/ friend who is in a move thats being show cased).
Nobody talks about the incredible close focus at 180mm! It’s a real feather in its cap for a 600mm lens!
I shot horse racing a lot with this lens and the A7III. I like the colors and contrast a LOT, had few out-of-focus shots (often my fault, not the kit's). 600mm was all the reach necessary, so no need for a teleconverter. I used the inexpensive Altura camera strap, and carried it comfortably all day in the heat. Sometimes I would take a lighter kit and leave this home, not because it's heavy, but because it's so big that people would ask me if I was the track photographer.
Your photos ae outstanding!
Appreciate it!
I almost ordered this lens last month but during the downturn of the euro exchange rate, the price of the sony 200-600 was $1500 usd from the uk (via amazon) so I got that instead and it's been flawless.
Nice!
I usually use the push-pull method of zooming, as it's faster to use when the horses come from far away to near you rather quickly. The three-way switch that governs how the lens extends can feel like it won't go to the next click, but on mine, I have to click it while moving the barrel a little. The switch that limits focus to a certain range is useful, but you can also forget it and think, "Why isn't it autofocusing on closer things??" Then you remember the switch. I paid $1500 in June 2021, so the $1200 price now seems like quite a bargain.
I just re-bought this lens for L-mount. I spent 6 weeks benchmarking my S5II against my Canon R7 and I'm happy to say it performs very well. Also, L mount users get unrestricted access to teleconverters, burst rates and Customisation options!
I keep going back and forth. I kind of want to trade in the 100-400GM to get this lens, but I've had that lens for so long now, and I love it so much, I'm worried I'll end up regretting getting rid of it, even for the extra reach. I also use it a lot for landscape at the wider end, so losing that 50mm would be tough. I had the Sony 200-600 briefly last year, but I just didn't gel with that lens. I didn't find it as sharp as I would like (maybe it was my copy) so I returned it, and I'm not considering it an option. I shoot the RIV so for now, if I need extra reach I shoot the 100-400 in crop mode and I have the 1.4x TC.
I'll probably hold off til I can find the Sigma used at a sub-$1000 price somewhere and then pounce on it and just have my cake and eat it too.
I like Topaz Labs, but you need the best lenses for it to perform. Of all my A mount lenses the only one I can superresolution with is the GM 80-200 F2.8 and the Tamron 90mm macro.
I just ordered mine today. Can't wait. I have friends that are actors and they invite me to the film festivals they attend. Some times I cant get near and dear to take a pick w/ a 50mm lens, so this will be just as good. AWESOME!
Lovely photos..Useful video
Did you do a test with your dog similarly to the Tamron 50-400? I am in the market for either of these lenses, and I am curious on an apples-to-apples comparison with the Tamron.
Very cool bird images and great review!
Thanks my friend. Appreciate it!
Beautiful images! Really enjoyed them! There is nothing like being in a bird sanctuary & photographing! On the sony r4/r5 it is possible to do so much cropping & also switch to aps-c mode so one is getting 900mm from this lens. And with ibis at 8 and a half stops these ultra tele come into their own. Valuewise the sony can be had at almost the same price - used or at a sale being an older lens & the tamron is lighter though 500mm.
Hello!! Those the 150-600 comes with the sunshade thing?? Thanks from Spain
Is this lens suitable for photographing sports competitions inside sports halls? Sports like basketball, weightlifting, etc.
No one ever mentions that this is a great macro lens as well if you are out in the forest! The minimum focus distance at 150mm is very short compared to Sony. ALSO noooo one ever mentions gripping the collar of the lens to extend it instead of turning the dial with your hand. That’s going to cost you a lot of shots. I don’t think I have ever turned the dial to zoom before. That seems silly for a lens like this. Sonys is like a 1/4 of the turn radius
Macro technically starts at 1:1 magnification where this lens maxes out at 1:2.9x. Great minimum focus distance for sure but not macro.
Hello, regarding af in tracking, is the tamron better (now has a new firmware) or equal to this?
can you do review of Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sport and the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary video and photo stabilization put the milimeter how far and distance the video and photo take lake video & photo in 200mm , video & photo in 300mm in video in 400mm , video & photo in 500mm and video & photo in 600mm how it perform in video and photo stabilization thanks
How often are the firmware updates because for the Contempary model they are NON EXISTANT .
And does the tripod collar actually give stability to the lense unlike the Contempary model ..
Untill that can be proved .. Am not buyin another Sigma period
How does this compare to the same 150-600 from Contemporary line? Sigma better give a reason to release two lens of identical focal range and aperture otherwise it's just a waste of R&D money.
In the time of DSLRs there was a 150-600mm Sports lens and then later a Contemporary version. However here in the Sony mirrorless world there is only a Sports version of this DG DN lens. The original DSLR Sports version was 3.1kg while the Contemporary was 1.9kg. This new DG DN Sports version is 2.1kg and I believe it outperforms both of the older lenses.
This is accurate in my research.
can you use this on caon m6 mark2
The Sony 200-600 suffers from severe focus breathing for subjects close to the minimum focus distance. How did the Sigma perform for close focus subjects?
Didn't notice any issues except for fast moving subjects at 10-20'
@@StefanMalloch I'm really curious about it but have never seen a comparison that tests it on both lenses with the same test subjects. I really want to buy the Sony next year but would consider the Sigma if it doesn't have the close subject issue.
Good One Bro🙂
Thanks ✌️
I got this for my Leica SL and I find the auto focusing to be a serious hit and miss, mostly miss! I need to shoot off at least 10 shots to get one, if I’m lucky. It constantly hunting…
I want to shoot the moon. Which one is sharper between this and the Sigma 60-600?
Zoom turn/throw way too long ! Not okay ! And the fact that it extends makes me stay with sony lens. In almost 2023 they should be able to make a non-extendable lens. And what the hell is up with the squeeky sound when zooming :O !?!!!???!?! Scaring everything away. Super dissapointing Sigma 😞
But very nice pictures, wether they are edited or not 👍
20% hit rate - and call it "impressive" ? Back focus too ? Come on. This is BAD :O !
im sorry but Im shocked.
You sound like a tried and true SONY fanboy! LOL Im deep in the SONY world too and I own this lens and experience very good performance and hit rates (well above 20% which u actually refer to the reviewer as having said mistakenly) from this made-in-Japan super tele (vs the made in China, Thailand or VN SONY native 600mm lens) Also the trombone style zooming really works for my shooting…and it travels well since it collapses. That said this is a super fine piece of equipment just like the reviewer says, save for lack of a teleconverter compatibility and for the nearly 35% price difference vs SONY’s 600 is an astonishing good buy for prosumers to professionals to consider and delivers equally good results in talented hands. In short this is no LESS viable an option than SONY native lens IMO, just different and less far less costly. Choices.
Sorry if I wasn't more clear. I test lenses with the most stressful things I can. This lens is a good performer. For most things, you'll have not many misses. For BIF, no lens is perfect. Keep in mind, its on m A7iv as well and not a faster a9 or a1 which would perform a lot better.