The Arca Swiss foot was a big sell point, and it works read with most tripod heads. But I really wish the groove extended the entire length of the foot. I started using the 150-600 for BIF video and the foot doesn't fit a large base well. I had to bolt a 6 inch Arca plate to the foot so I could properly balance my XT5 on the video head. Minor issue, but take note if you're going to use a video head.
Thanks for your comment, and good tip. 👍 When I was testing this lens, I wasn't using a tripod, so that didn't occur to me at the time. How are you liking the performance of the 150-600 so far?
@@DanBaileyPhoto I quite like it! I've also used it with the 1.4 teleconverter. But it is truly difficult to fill the frame and track a fast flying bird at 900mm equiv, let alone 1240 mm equiv! Using this lens at full zoom with BIF pushes the XT5 autofocus to the limits of its ability.
I agree!! It's very hard indeed to try and track a very fast and erratically moving subject with a long lens. The higher the magnification ratio, the more difficult this becomes, but the extra mm makes it even more powerful if you manage to nail the shot! Of course, all that takes practice.
Dan, delighted to see you back. I was thinking earlier in the week that I had not seen you for a while, and hoping you were well. I appreciated your videos very much - right back to the ones at the beginning.
Thanks, Paul. Yes, it's been quite a while since I've hung around RUclips. My recovery is going very well, but it was also nice to take some time away from work stuff, so that I felt inspired when I finally came got back to all this. Hope you're doing well. What have you been shooting lately?
@@DanBaileyPhoto Thanks Dan - very kind of you to respond so quickly. I am glad that you are recovering well. Currently I am photographing my grandchildren, and the sea (sometimes at the same time). I have an X-T4 and a few lenses (mix of prime and telephoto, longest is XC 50-230mm) but currently I find myself using my old X-E2 with XF 50mm f/2 - lightness and simplicity appeal to me.
Hey Jim - Thanks for your comment and for your interest in my AF course. I think you'll find it to be a very helpful resource!! What Fuji do you use and what do you like to photograph?
@@DanBaileyPhoto Hey Dan, I'm really looking forward to it. I think I'll pick it up on the 15th this month! I have an XT-5 and I like to photograph landscapes and street (though where I live, it's mostly landscape). I'd also like to get some more city landscape shots but I get ahead of myself :). Though I'm getting into birds in flight, which led me to this video. If you had to pick one, would you go with the 150-600 or the 100-400 or the 70-300? I feel like the 70-300 is more an "all around" lens for me (landscapes, maybe some street, etc) but it's such a tough decision. BIF is cool but not something I'll focus on, I'll most likely just have a custom setting ready to go in case I see something cool while in the field.
Jim, that's a tough question. The 70-300 is indeed and excellent all around lens, but it obviously lacks the extreme focal length and higher performance of the 150-600. However, it's much more expensive, and obviously way bigger and harder to carry around with you, where the 7-300 will fit inside most camera bags and packs. The 100-400 is also an incredible lens, but for things like BIF, the 150-600 has those additional AF features and Fn buttons that make it more versatile. Of course, nothing says you can't shoot BIF with the 70-300, and if you use the 1.4X teleconverter you extend its range. A few of my favorite birding photos from last year were made with the 70-300, it just requires good technique, but it can be done. Plus the "all around" nature of the 70-300 is pretty hard to beat!
@@DanBaileyPhoto Sorry to bug you again, but you mentioned you can focus with the fn buttons on the lens, or back button, I'm assuming you can half shutter focus as well, right? I would just put the switch to "AF" correct? Thanks for all your help, I pulled the trigger on this while it was still on sale. It's on backorder so I'll be waiting a bit. Excited!
Awesome!! I hope it arrives soon, Jim! Yes, on the 150-600, if you put the switch to AF, then the four lens Fn buttons become AF-ON controls, just like the AF-ON button on the back of the camera.
Nice to see you. I have been checking for new videos every week! I use the 150-600mm lens with my X-T5 and am happy with the combo tho the 70-300 is normally what I walk around with.
Good to see you back Dan, your shoulder seems to have recovered well. That is a beast of a lens, not one I would use but I am sure the wildlife photographers will love it.
We actually had a really nice, extended autumn, which was great, because I was able to keep mountain biking on the trials up until two weeks ago. Then the snow started, and it hasn't stopped coming down!!
Thanks so much for your comment! Yes, the new AF/Fn buttons on the lens barrel are definitely useful. Do you have this lens, or are you thinking about getting it?
@DanBaileyPhoto Yes I bought it last week and was watching your video trying to learn about the buttons. So many people made a video on this lens butnever touchedd on the buttons. I guess they just assume everyone knows what they are.😀
Haha! Yes, those Fn controls are one of the biggest selling points on the 150-600. They add a great deal of user options and performance to an already great lens. Or, perhaps all those people who made videos didn't know themselves what they were for. 🤷♂️🤣 What Fuji do you use and what do you like to photograph?
@@DanBaileyPhoto Hi again Dan, Yes I use the X-S10, Its my first digital SLR and I liked what the Fuji had to offer. I haven't been disappointed, the only thing I don't like is the fact it's not weather-sealed. But I suspect I'll be upgrading at some point. I shoot a wide range of subjects but birds and wildlife are my focus. Thus the 150-600mm.Thanks for asking Dan.😊
A good review, I have had this lens for over 12 months now and use nothing else on my XH2s. I am 77 with tremors and can still use this lens handheld and using back button focus have no trouble focusing due to exceptionally good IS. I currently shoot at 20 FPS. I took note of your comments about using the other features such as focus lock so will be trying those but mostly shoot birds so need to be in places where it will work.
Thanks for your comments, Chris. Glad to hear that you're enjoying the 150-600 and are finding it to be a useful tool in your photography! It sounds like the AF-ON setting on that little switch is the most useful for you. Of the other two, I think that AF-Lock would be the second most useful. What kinds of subjects are you shooting with it?
@@DanBaileyPhoto normally relatively stationary birds and also birds in flight but I have 3 programmable settings for those. I find small fast birds are easiest to get when taking off or landing usually from the same perch so the AF lock might work in this situation.
@@DanBaileyPhoto Good question. In the past, Airshows & Fast cars, I enjoyed the events. For this lens maybe more of the same, I hope. Now I see it being used more for walks & wildlife. Get close, get action, get detail.
hey dan, can you do a short video on using the focus lock and set buttons and usuage in real life situations...going on safari in may 2025 so want to understand better....the manual is not very descriptive...thanks
Yes - Here's how they work: The lens has four rubberized Fn buttons on the outer barrel of the lens, and a SET button, and a switch above the SET button, with the settings AF-L / PRESET/ AF. I cover these settings at the 8:10 minute mark in the video, but I'll explain again here. AF: When the switch is set to AF, the four focus Fn buttons become AF-ON buttons. So, when you press any of the four Fn buttons, the camera will perform normal AF, just like if you half press the shutter button. It's kind of like back-button focus, but instead of using the AF-ON button for focus, you're using your left hand/finger on the lens buttons for focus, and the shutter button for taking the picture. In that way, it's a little less awkward than regular back-button focus. AF-LOCK: When the switch is in the AF-L setting, you activate the autofocus as normal, and when you achieve focus, you can press and hold any of the four Fn buttons to lock focus at the current position. As long as you keep the button pressed, the focus will be locked. PRESET: When the switch is on any of the three positions, you can focus on a subject and then press the SET button. This saves your current focus position to the lens focus preset memory. Then, if you put the switch on PRESET, you can press any of the four Focus Fn buttons to instantly recall the saved focus position. Let's say you've got the camera focused on a particular subject and you're waiting for it to do something really exciting. Or maybe it's a tricky subject of focus on. You can establish focus on that location and then press the SET button. (And also set the swtich to PRESET). Then, you can turn away and photograph other subjects, and when you're ready to photograph the first location again, you can swing the lens back and press any of the four Fn buttons to instantly recall the focus on the first location. Note that the camera will store the PRESET focus distance even when the camera is turned off, or if you remove the lens from the camera. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions. What Fuji do you use and what do you like to photograph?
@@DanBaileyPhoto xt-5s thanks for the good explanation could not find a good how to video anywhere...the explanation will help!! planning a trip to africa in may 2025, will be our 2nd visit, and have the 100-400 but wanted something longer this time around have the 1.4 tc too. it is a massive piece of glass, got it used in ex+ from keh at a fuji demo event. so to be clear i can focus on an area hit set on the button but for it to go back to that focus position i need to go and set the sliding switch to preset? and it will only do that hitting the four function buttons...what if i want to focus on something else while the switch is in the preset setting...do i go back and refocus with the shutter button or back button? appreciate the response and glad you are back making videos.
As long as you don't hit the SET button again, the lens will remember that initial focus distance, so yes- you can shoot all day or multiple days, and focus normally on whatever subjects you want, whether you use the shutter button, the AF-ON button, or the four lens Fn buttons (with the switch set to AF.) Then when you put the switch to PRESET, pressing the Fn buttons will take you back to your original preset distance you created with the SET button. If the switch is set to PRESET and you use regular shutter button or AF-ON focus, I'm pretty sure the lens will focus normally. When in PRESET, only the 4 lens Fn buttons will activate your preset. I'm not 100% sure, since I don't have the lens to try it out right now, so I would advise trying it out to make sure. Focus on something, and hit the SET button. Then put the lens on PRESET and focus using the camera buttons and see what happens. As I said, it should work as normal, and only go to the preset focus when you hit the lens Fn buttons. Give this a try and let me know, so that I know. :)
man im still trying to decide between this for my xt5 or get the canon rf 200-800 with r6. when I got the canon i was planning on selling my xt3 and gear, but ended up with the xt5!! one great thing about canon is it works well in low light. I do like going out in overcast/rainy days.
Thanks for your comment. The X series AF sensitivity has been increased with the X-T5, and so it dos focus much better in lower light than previous models. I haven't used the Canon R6, so I can't really compare, but I've had a ton of fun shooting in a variety of situations with my own X-T5, even in dim light. What kinds of subjects do you like to shoot?
Hi Dan, Sorry to hear about the injury on your shoulder. I wasn't aware; as I haven't been on the computer lately Just been busy. anyway. Great video on the new Fuji lens. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving To you and your family. cheers, my friend.❤👍👍👍
Thanks Mike! Yes, it's been an interesting year, but I'm definitely getting back to normal life and seeing more strength and mobility each week. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well!
I arrive tomorrow but will shooting images Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and returning back home Wednesday/Thursday. We’re going to the Chilkat River region to photograph bald eagles 🦅.
Welcome back Dan, I have the 100-400 which I use for backyard birding and for black bears when we visit the Great Smoky Mts each year...if the 100-600 does as good as that lens then it sounds like I need to invest in getting one and maybe selling my 100-400
Thanks, Randy. I love my 100-400, but the newer 150-600 definitely has some advanced features and the longer focal length. You wouldn't be the first person to trade up from the 100-400! What body are you using lately?
Oh, don't you worry. I'll never part with my 100-400. I don't use it all that often, but when it comes into play, it performs like an absolute champ!! Like I said, fastest AF zoom in the X Seres lineup!
Wow this is cool well your shoulder injury isn't cool I also have a shoulder injury but yours is much cooler than mine because I just got hit by a car😂. This time it wasn't on a bike though just being a pedestrian. I f****** hate cars anyway. I just wanted to say thank you for this and your previous video on the 100 to 400 and the 70 to 300. It was excellent. That being said I'm getting ready to buy my first camera kit in 20 years Wait 30 years in retirement and I've decided on Fuji, so I think you'll be seeing more of me.😊
Hi Brad, thanks so much for your comment, and very sorry to hear about your shoulder injury. I'm almost a year out from mine, and still working on full range of motion, but I've been able to resume regular life again. I hope you're able to get back soon. And yea... cars kinda suck, especially when you're not in them. Anyway, glad you're enjoying my videos and great to hear that you're getting back into photography. Let me know if you have any questions about your Fuji after you get it. Which model have you decided on?
I have this lens on my X-H2s. I also have a 1.4 converter. My question is: I have considered to sell the converter. Is that a good or bad idea? You ar a good educator. Love this video!!
Hi there - Thanks so much for your comments! If you already own the 1.4x TC, then I think it would be a bad idea to sell it. The 1.4 is an extremely useful tool for use with a number of the X Series zoom lenses, including the 150-600. What kinds of subjects do you like to shoot?
ENHORABUENA bienvenido de nuevo a los monitores, agradable ameno y maestro , para nuestro gusto y justo aprendizaje (espero tengas las guías de enseñanza y enfoque en español ) Un abrazo. ¡ah! tengo la 100 400 y también la 150 600 con el cuerpo de la XT3 y la XT4
@@DanBaileyPhoto Hola amigo, esta pasión nace de niño, inquieta la adolescencia y lamenta no poder hacerlo en tu juventud; pero luego el trabajo hace que gane cierta economía y y ya puede uno hacer realidad los sueños... bueno ya con cámara en mano haciendo uno quiere fotografiar de todo.(en mis inicios todas las fotos lo hacia en manual jejeje ) La primera cámara fue una compacta Panasonic, luego una Nikon con lente intercambiable, así como una Canon intercambiable ya un equipo mas exigente; donde shoteaba de todo: social , deportiva, retrato, de calle y todo lo que acontecía en el pueblo, siempre estaba en todas y ya por estos tiempos me estoy metiendo en la fotografía de naturaleza,(avistamiento y fotografía de aves silvestres, ya que en mi zona hay mucha flora y fauna ) algo nuevo para mi , ya que ahora cuento con un equipo Fujifilm con teleobjetivos de 150 600 , 100 400 con cuerpos XT4 ,XT3 .ALGO NUEVO APASIONANTE Y MUY ENTRETENIDO QUE GRACIAS A DIOS EL TIEMPO Y EL TRABAJO ME LO DA ,ESPERANDO EN ALGUN MOMENTO ESTO SEA FRUCTIFERO GRACIAS A LO QUE ME GUSTA. Un abrazo. Y GRACIAS POR TODO TU APORTE. que mucha falta nos hace sobre todo a mi como principiante
Very well said, my friend!! I like what you said about passion and how we perceive it during our youth and then when we grow older and have more money and the ability to pursue these things things even further. The passion is still there, but now it sounds like you have the tools to make your photography dreams come true. Keep having fun with your very capable Fujifilm cameras and lenses, that's the most important thing. And thank you for your comment.
Hey Chris, thanks for your comment. What kinds of struggles are you facing? Are there particular aspects of this lens you're having trouble with, or are confused about? Also, what kinds of scenes are you shooting?
@@DanBaileyPhoto hello thank you for your answer. Im struggling to have a clear image they are all blurry even with the tripod. I try several settings but still. Very frustrating
That is frustrating indeed. Can you give me a few more details about what you're trying to photograph in these situations? i.e., subject matter and camera settings.
@@DanBaileyPhoto mostly its birds. I change my settings. I put Iso on auto. With the 150-600mm im on F8 at 1000s or 500s it dépends on the light. If you dont lind i can send the setting that i put on the camera i took photo of it. If you have time of course. But in anyway thank you fir your respons
Sure, but keep in mind that photographing birds with any lens is one of the most challenging things you can do with a camera. It takes years or practice and experience to nail difficult shots, and even with scenes that don't seem difficult, it can be really hard to get consistently sharp photos. You're dealing with the complexities of AF, light, shutter speed, very fast action across the frame, and in some cases, towards/away from the camera, and the magnification issues that a telephoto lens adds to the equation. Even 1,000/sec might not be fast enough to capture and freeze a bird that's flying quickly. Looking at some of my recent bird images, I'm using shutter speeds up to 1/4000 sec.
Hi Christine - Yes. You can use the 1.4X TC on the 150-600 as well. I think you'll find it to be a valuable accessory for the longer telephoto, just as it is on your 70-300.
Did I hear you say the lens is great on the H2S and so-so on the -T5? Why would that be … I got xT5 because I photograph and not video … which I assume why your inference that the lens so great on the H2S😉
Hi Hubert, no, not at al. I didn’t mean to imply that in any way. The X-T5 has the same processor and AF system as the X-H2S (and X-H2), and it’s a highly capable camera that’s completely suitable for shooting action and very fast subjects, as well as high quality video. The flagship X-2S does have a few different specs that give it a slight bump in performance for certain applications, (faster write speed to the CFexpress card, faster max frame rate with the stacked sensor, and higher bit rate for shooting video), but that does not take away anything from the X-T5. I’ve been very happy with the performance of the X-T5, even when using the 150-600 lens. How are you liking yours?
Sorry, but no single element in any lens elements (even ED or with another fancy acronym) can help prevent distortions created by the air / moisture between the subject and the lens. (that would be adaptive optics as used in astronomy...)
Thanks for your comment. You're right, the ED elements in a lens do help prevent distortion and chromatic aberration, but when you're looking through a lot of air, heat and moisture, especially with a very long lens, there's really nothing you can do to minimize this visual distortion except get closer or wait for different conditions. What Fuji do you use and what do you like to photograph?
I’ve used this lens several times with an X-T5. It is not a great lens for sports or fast moving subjects. It’s slow to acquire focus and it struggles to track resulting in a “higher-than-acceptable” number of unsharp images. The 100-400 is a much better lens.
Hi Sam, thanks for your comment. I was impressed with the 150-600, but I don’t have nearly the same level of experience with that lens as I do the 100-400, which incredibly fast and capable lens. I think it’s the fastest AF zoom in the lineup. During my few days with the 150-600, I was definitely able capture very fast birds, so I was impressed with its performance, but I didn’t do any side-by-side tests with it against the 100-400. What kinds of scenes were you shooting with it where you feel it struggled to keep up?
My experience is quite different. This lens has been performing in every way except f/stop just as well as the XF 100-400mm. This being mounted on X-H2s and X-T4 photographing wild life & aviation.
I'm very curious to do an AF test between the 150-600 and the 100-400. If I have a chance to do that, I'll definitely post the results here on my channel!
I've only had the 150-600 on my x-t5 for a few weeks, but my experience indicates there must be something amiss with your kit. I've had my 100-400 + 1.4 t/c for ~6 years, on x-t2/3/4 & 5, and haven't put it on the camera once since buying the 150-600; in fact, the only reason I'm keeping the 100-400 is for events where the big silver/white lens would be a tad over- ostentatious. I've shot surfing & wildlife, including fast raptors & my keeper rate is Still in excess of 90%. I'm not claiming the new lens is totally superior to the older one, but above 400mm there's no comparison.
Glad to see you back.
Thanks, Gaston! Hope you’re doing well. What have you been shooting this year?
STREET AND MACRO@@DanBaileyPhoto
Cool! Which lenses are you favorites lately?
X30MM F2.8 MACRO AND SAMYANG 10MM F2.8@@DanBaileyPhoto
ALSO MY TRUSTY 18-55 F2.8-4@@DanBaileyPhoto
The Arca Swiss foot was a big sell point, and it works read with most tripod heads. But I really wish the groove extended the entire length of the foot. I started using the 150-600 for BIF video and the foot doesn't fit a large base well. I had to bolt a 6 inch Arca plate to the foot so I could properly balance my XT5 on the video head. Minor issue, but take note if you're going to use a video head.
Thanks for your comment, and good tip. 👍 When I was testing this lens, I wasn't using a tripod, so that didn't occur to me at the time. How are you liking the performance of the 150-600 so far?
@@DanBaileyPhoto I quite like it! I've also used it with the 1.4 teleconverter. But it is truly difficult to fill the frame and track a fast flying bird at 900mm equiv, let alone 1240 mm equiv! Using this lens at full zoom with BIF pushes the XT5 autofocus to the limits of its ability.
I agree!! It's very hard indeed to try and track a very fast and erratically moving subject with a long lens. The higher the magnification ratio, the more difficult this becomes, but the extra mm makes it even more powerful if you manage to nail the shot! Of course, all that takes practice.
@@DanBaileyPhoto My practice is unending ^_^
Great to have you back! Sorry to hear about your bike crash, something i dread! Keep getting better and please keep the videos coming🤩
Thanks so much for your comment! That's the plan!! What kinds of videos would you like to see from me in the future?
Nice to see Back!
Thanks, Andy!! It's good to be back. 👍
Dan, delighted to see you back. I was thinking earlier in the week that I had not seen you for a while, and hoping you were well. I appreciated your videos very much - right back to the ones at the beginning.
Thanks, Paul. Yes, it's been quite a while since I've hung around RUclips. My recovery is going very well, but it was also nice to take some time away from work stuff, so that I felt inspired when I finally came got back to all this. Hope you're doing well. What have you been shooting lately?
@@DanBaileyPhoto Thanks Dan - very kind of you to respond so quickly. I am glad that you are recovering well. Currently I am photographing my grandchildren, and the sea (sometimes at the same time). I have an X-T4 and a few lenses (mix of prime and telephoto, longest is XC 50-230mm) but currently I find myself using my old X-E2 with XF 50mm f/2 - lightness and simplicity appeal to me.
That 50mm f/2 really is an amazing little lens, isn't it? That's always been one of my favorites. 👍
Thanks for this video, Dan! I'll certainly be picking up that AF course in the next couple of weeks! Tired of missing shots out there!
Hey Jim - Thanks for your comment and for your interest in my AF course. I think you'll find it to be a very helpful resource!! What Fuji do you use and what do you like to photograph?
@@DanBaileyPhoto Hey Dan, I'm really looking forward to it. I think I'll pick it up on the 15th this month! I have an XT-5 and I like to photograph landscapes and street (though where I live, it's mostly landscape). I'd also like to get some more city landscape shots but I get ahead of myself :). Though I'm getting into birds in flight, which led me to this video. If you had to pick one, would you go with the 150-600 or the 100-400 or the 70-300? I feel like the 70-300 is more an "all around" lens for me (landscapes, maybe some street, etc) but it's such a tough decision. BIF is cool but not something I'll focus on, I'll most likely just have a custom setting ready to go in case I see something cool while in the field.
Jim, that's a tough question. The 70-300 is indeed and excellent all around lens, but it obviously lacks the extreme focal length and higher performance of the 150-600. However, it's much more expensive, and obviously way bigger and harder to carry around with you, where the 7-300 will fit inside most camera bags and packs. The 100-400 is also an incredible lens, but for things like BIF, the 150-600 has those additional AF features and Fn buttons that make it more versatile.
Of course, nothing says you can't shoot BIF with the 70-300, and if you use the 1.4X teleconverter you extend its range. A few of my favorite birding photos from last year were made with the 70-300, it just requires good technique, but it can be done. Plus the "all around" nature of the 70-300 is pretty hard to beat!
@@DanBaileyPhoto Sorry to bug you again, but you mentioned you can focus with the fn buttons on the lens, or back button, I'm assuming you can half shutter focus as well, right? I would just put the switch to "AF" correct? Thanks for all your help, I pulled the trigger on this while it was still on sale. It's on backorder so I'll be waiting a bit. Excited!
Awesome!! I hope it arrives soon, Jim! Yes, on the 150-600, if you put the switch to AF, then the four lens Fn buttons become AF-ON controls, just like the AF-ON button on the back of the camera.
Glad to see you back Dan. Just when it finally gets cool enough to get back out with my XT-3.
Thanks!! It’s good to be back. What do you hope to shoot now that temps have subsided?
@@DanBaileyPhoto we’ve still got some good fall color, and the streams finally have a bit if water in them. Been a very dry fall so far.
We've got some good fall color here as well... it's just all one color... white! 🤣
Nice to see you. I have been checking for new videos every week! I use the 150-600mm lens with my X-T5 and am happy with the combo tho the 70-300 is normally what I walk around with.
Hi Kate!! Thanks for the comment. Yes, here I am again, and I'll definitely be doing more!! What have you been shooting lately?
Mostly ducks and landscapes
@@DanBaileyPhoto
Good to see you back Dan, your shoulder seems to have recovered well. That is a beast of a lens, not one I would use but I am sure the wildlife photographers will love it.
Hey Iain! Yes, the shoulder is recovering quite well! Hope you’re doing well. What are your shooting with your little lenses these days?
@@DanBaileyPhoto everything but wildlife and sport, (bit of motor racing).
Well, enjoy the rest of your autumn over there!!
@@DanBaileyPhoto Autumn finished today, heavy Winds and Rain, Autumn is now on the floor!
We actually had a really nice, extended autumn, which was great, because I was able to keep mountain biking on the trials up until two weeks ago. Then the snow started, and it hasn't stopped coming down!!
Great video Dan, I really liked your explanation of the focus buttons capabilities. Very cool.
Thanks so much for your comment! Yes, the new AF/Fn buttons on the lens barrel are definitely useful. Do you have this lens, or are you thinking about getting it?
@DanBaileyPhoto Yes I bought it last week and was watching your video trying to learn about the buttons. So many people made a video on this lens butnever touchedd on the buttons. I guess they just assume everyone knows what they are.😀
Haha! Yes, those Fn controls are one of the biggest selling points on the 150-600. They add a great deal of user options and performance to an already great lens. Or, perhaps all those people who made videos didn't know themselves what they were for. 🤷♂️🤣 What Fuji do you use and what do you like to photograph?
@@DanBaileyPhoto Hi again Dan, Yes I use the X-S10, Its my first digital SLR and I liked what the Fuji had to offer. I haven't been disappointed, the only thing I don't like is the fact it's not weather-sealed. But I suspect I'll be upgrading at some point. I shoot a wide range of subjects but birds and wildlife are my focus. Thus the 150-600mm.Thanks for asking Dan.😊
A good review, I have had this lens for over 12 months now and use nothing else on my XH2s. I am 77 with tremors and can still use this lens handheld and using back button focus have no trouble focusing due to exceptionally good IS. I currently shoot at 20 FPS. I took note of your comments about using the other features such as focus lock so will be trying those but mostly shoot birds so need to be in places where it will work.
Thanks for your comments, Chris. Glad to hear that you're enjoying the 150-600 and are finding it to be a useful tool in your photography! It sounds like the AF-ON setting on that little switch is the most useful for you. Of the other two, I think that AF-Lock would be the second most useful. What kinds of subjects are you shooting with it?
@@DanBaileyPhoto normally relatively stationary birds and also birds in flight but I have 3 programmable settings for those. I find small fast birds are easiest to get when taking off or landing usually from the same perch so the AF lock might work in this situation.
I would also recommend using the PRE-SHOT ES setting, as this can help you capture the birds as they're taking off.
@@DanBaileyPhoto I agree My camera is already set to that and I have had good results with it.
Awesome!!! 👍
Nice work, thanks. Mines on order for my XT5
Awesome!!! I think you'll be really impressed with this lens. What kinds of subjects do you like to shoot, Alan?
@@DanBaileyPhoto Good question. In the past, Airshows & Fast cars, I enjoyed the events. For this lens maybe more of the same, I hope. Now I see it being used more for walks & wildlife. Get close, get action, get detail.
Totally!! I like that: get close, get action, get detail! 👍
hey dan, can you do a short video on using the focus lock and set buttons and usuage in real life situations...going on safari in may 2025 so want to understand better....the manual is not very descriptive...thanks
Yes - Here's how they work: The lens has four rubberized Fn buttons on the outer barrel of the lens, and a SET button, and a switch above the SET button, with the settings AF-L / PRESET/ AF. I cover these settings at the 8:10 minute mark in the video, but I'll explain again here.
AF: When the switch is set to AF, the four focus Fn buttons become AF-ON buttons. So, when you press any of the four Fn buttons, the camera will perform normal AF, just like if you half press the shutter button. It's kind of like back-button focus, but instead of using the AF-ON button for focus, you're using your left hand/finger on the lens buttons for focus, and the shutter button for taking the picture. In that way, it's a little less awkward than regular back-button focus.
AF-LOCK: When the switch is in the AF-L setting, you activate the autofocus as normal, and when you achieve focus, you can press and hold any of the four Fn buttons to lock focus at the current position. As long as you keep the button pressed, the focus will be locked.
PRESET: When the switch is on any of the three positions, you can focus on a subject and then press the SET button. This saves your current focus position to the lens focus preset memory. Then, if you put the switch on PRESET, you can press any of the four Focus Fn buttons to instantly recall the saved focus position.
Let's say you've got the camera focused on a particular subject and you're waiting for it to do something really exciting. Or maybe it's a tricky subject of focus on. You can establish focus on that location and then press the SET button. (And also set the swtich to PRESET).
Then, you can turn away and photograph other subjects, and when you're ready to photograph the first location again, you can swing the lens back and press any of the four Fn buttons to instantly recall the focus on the first location.
Note that the camera will store the PRESET focus distance even when the camera is turned off, or if you remove the lens from the camera.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any more questions. What Fuji do you use and what do you like to photograph?
@@DanBaileyPhoto xt-5s thanks for the good explanation could not find a good how to video anywhere...the explanation will help!! planning a trip to africa in may 2025, will be our 2nd visit, and have the 100-400 but wanted something longer this time around have the 1.4 tc too. it is a massive piece of glass, got it used in ex+ from keh at a fuji demo event. so to be clear i can focus on an area hit set on the button but for it to go back to that focus position i need to go and set the sliding switch to preset? and it will only do that hitting the four function buttons...what if i want to focus on something else while the switch is in the preset setting...do i go back and refocus with the shutter button or back button? appreciate the response and glad you are back making videos.
As long as you don't hit the SET button again, the lens will remember that initial focus distance, so yes- you can shoot all day or multiple days, and focus normally on whatever subjects you want, whether you use the shutter button, the AF-ON button, or the four lens Fn buttons (with the switch set to AF.) Then when you put the switch to PRESET, pressing the Fn buttons will take you back to your original preset distance you created with the SET button.
If the switch is set to PRESET and you use regular shutter button or AF-ON focus, I'm pretty sure the lens will focus normally. When in PRESET, only the 4 lens Fn buttons will activate your preset. I'm not 100% sure, since I don't have the lens to try it out right now, so I would advise trying it out to make sure.
Focus on something, and hit the SET button. Then put the lens on PRESET and focus using the camera buttons and see what happens. As I said, it should work as normal, and only go to the preset focus when you hit the lens Fn buttons. Give this a try and let me know, so that I know. :)
man im still trying to decide between this for my xt5 or get the canon rf 200-800 with r6. when I got the canon i was planning on selling my xt3 and gear, but ended up with the xt5!! one great thing about canon is it works well in low light. I do like going out in overcast/rainy days.
Thanks for your comment. The X series AF sensitivity has been increased with the X-T5, and so it dos focus much better in lower light than previous models. I haven't used the Canon R6, so I can't really compare, but I've had a ton of fun shooting in a variety of situations with my own X-T5, even in dim light. What kinds of subjects do you like to shoot?
Good review, glad to see the videos are coming, I shoot wide, so not a lens that I would be looking at.
Thanks, Robert. I’m sure I’ll post something more up your alley soon. What have you been shooting lately?
Hi Dan, Sorry to hear about the injury on your shoulder. I wasn't aware; as I haven't been on the computer lately Just been busy. anyway. Great video on the new Fuji lens. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving To you and your family. cheers, my friend.❤👍👍👍
Thanks Mike! Yes, it's been an interesting year, but I'm definitely getting back to normal life and seeing more strength and mobility each week. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well!
Dan, thanks
! timing
Is perfect. I’m waiting for
My flight to
Juneau traveling to Haines to photograph eagles with the XH2s and the 150-600
Awesome!!! Perfect timing, indeed!! You'll have a lot of fun with that setup, I'm sure. How long is your trip?
I arrive tomorrow but will shooting images Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and returning back home Wednesday/Thursday. We’re going to the Chilkat River region to photograph bald eagles 🦅.
P.S., it’s a photography tour through Backcountry Journeys
So cool. Have a wonderful time, and remember, start tracking early!!
Will do; thanks Dan!
Very good review. Will it be okay with the XT3? Still have it. Good to see you back, Dan.
Yes, this lens works very well on the X-T3! What kinds of subjects do you like to shoot?
Welcome back Dan, I have the 100-400 which I use for backyard birding and for black bears when we visit the Great Smoky Mts each year...if the 100-600 does as good as that lens then it sounds like I need to invest in getting one and maybe selling my 100-400
Thanks, Randy. I love my 100-400, but the newer 150-600 definitely has some advanced features and the longer focal length. You wouldn't be the first person to trade up from the 100-400! What body are you using lately?
@@DanBaileyPhoto the XT5
Cool. Me too how are you liking the T5?
Keep the 100-400. It’s a better lens imo.
Oh, don't you worry. I'll never part with my 100-400. I don't use it all that often, but when it comes into play, it performs like an absolute champ!! Like I said, fastest AF zoom in the X Seres lineup!
Wow this is cool well your shoulder injury isn't cool I also have a shoulder injury but yours is much cooler than mine because I just got hit by a car😂. This time it wasn't on a bike though just being a pedestrian. I f****** hate cars anyway. I just wanted to say thank you for this and your previous video on the 100 to 400 and the 70 to 300. It was excellent.
That being said I'm getting ready to buy my first camera kit in 20 years Wait 30 years in retirement and I've decided on Fuji, so I think you'll be seeing more of me.😊
Hi Brad, thanks so much for your comment, and very sorry to hear about your shoulder injury. I'm almost a year out from mine, and still working on full range of motion, but I've been able to resume regular life again. I hope you're able to get back soon. And yea... cars kinda suck, especially when you're not in them.
Anyway, glad you're enjoying my videos and great to hear that you're getting back into photography. Let me know if you have any questions about your Fuji after you get it. Which model have you decided on?
I have this lens on my X-H2s. I also have a 1.4 converter. My question is: I have considered to sell the converter. Is that a good or bad idea?
You ar a good educator. Love this video!!
Hi there - Thanks so much for your comments! If you already own the 1.4x TC, then I think it would be a bad idea to sell it. The 1.4 is an extremely useful tool for use with a number of the X Series zoom lenses, including the 150-600. What kinds of subjects do you like to shoot?
Thank you for your advice! I shoot birds, but also landscape.
Cool. Then I'd definitely keep the TC. You'll find it useable for both kinds of subjects.
ENHORABUENA bienvenido de nuevo a los monitores, agradable ameno y maestro , para nuestro gusto y justo aprendizaje (espero tengas las guías de enseñanza y enfoque en español ) Un abrazo.
¡ah! tengo la 100 400 y también la 150 600 con el cuerpo de la XT3 y la XT4
Gracias for your comment! It sounds like you've got a great Fujifilm setup, what kinds of subjects do you like to shoot?
@@DanBaileyPhoto Hola amigo, esta pasión nace de niño, inquieta la adolescencia y lamenta no poder hacerlo en tu juventud; pero luego el trabajo hace que gane cierta economía y y ya puede uno hacer realidad los sueños... bueno ya con cámara en mano haciendo uno quiere fotografiar de todo.(en mis inicios todas las fotos lo hacia en manual jejeje ) La primera cámara fue una compacta Panasonic, luego una Nikon con lente intercambiable, así como una Canon intercambiable ya un equipo mas exigente; donde shoteaba de todo: social , deportiva, retrato, de calle y todo lo que acontecía en el pueblo, siempre estaba en todas y ya por estos tiempos me estoy metiendo en la fotografía de naturaleza,(avistamiento y fotografía de aves silvestres, ya que en mi zona hay mucha flora y fauna ) algo nuevo para mi , ya que ahora cuento con un equipo Fujifilm con teleobjetivos de 150 600 , 100 400 con cuerpos XT4 ,XT3 .ALGO NUEVO APASIONANTE Y MUY ENTRETENIDO QUE GRACIAS A DIOS EL TIEMPO Y EL TRABAJO ME LO DA ,ESPERANDO EN ALGUN MOMENTO ESTO SEA FRUCTIFERO GRACIAS A LO QUE ME GUSTA.
Un abrazo. Y GRACIAS POR TODO TU APORTE. que mucha falta nos hace sobre todo a mi como principiante
Very well said, my friend!! I like what you said about passion and how we perceive it during our youth and then when we grow older and have more money and the ability to pursue these things things even further. The passion is still there, but now it sounds like you have the tools to make your photography dreams come true. Keep having fun with your very capable Fujifilm cameras and lenses, that's the most important thing. And thank you for your comment.
thank you for this video. I'm struggling to take good photo with this lens and the xt3. Any good advice or parameters please?
Hey Chris, thanks for your comment. What kinds of struggles are you facing? Are there particular aspects of this lens you're having trouble with, or are confused about? Also, what kinds of scenes are you shooting?
@@DanBaileyPhoto hello thank you for your answer. Im struggling to have a clear image they are all blurry even with the tripod. I try several settings but still. Very frustrating
That is frustrating indeed. Can you give me a few more details about what you're trying to photograph in these situations? i.e., subject matter and camera settings.
@@DanBaileyPhoto mostly its birds. I change my settings. I put Iso on auto. With the 150-600mm im on F8 at 1000s or 500s it dépends on the light. If you dont lind i can send the setting that i put on the camera i took photo of it. If you have time of course. But in anyway thank you fir your respons
Sure, but keep in mind that photographing birds with any lens is one of the most challenging things you can do with a camera. It takes years or practice and experience to nail difficult shots, and even with scenes that don't seem difficult, it can be really hard to get consistently sharp photos. You're dealing with the complexities of AF, light, shutter speed, very fast action across the frame, and in some cases, towards/away from the camera, and the magnification issues that a telephoto lens adds to the equation. Even 1,000/sec might not be fast enough to capture and freeze a bird that's flying quickly. Looking at some of my recent bird images, I'm using shutter speeds up to 1/4000 sec.
Can I use my 1.4 converter I have for my 70-300 on the 150-600? (I have the XT5)
Hi Christine - Yes. You can use the 1.4X TC on the 150-600 as well. I think you'll find it to be a valuable accessory for the longer telephoto, just as it is on your 70-300.
Nice video 👍
Thanks 👍 Are you currently a Fuji shooter?
For the money, I mean fujifilm xh2, xh2s, or xt5, and this lens, it's a great value.
I agree!! I’ve used it with both H2S and X-T5 and it’s an amazing performer. I even used it with a torn rotator cuff, so it’s clearly not too heavy! 😂
@DanBaileyPhoto xf400 f2.8 or xf600mm f4 would be a great to have.
Either of those would be great!
Did I hear you say the lens is great on the H2S and so-so on the -T5? Why would that be … I got xT5 because I photograph and not video … which I assume why your inference that the lens so great on the H2S😉
Hi Hubert, no, not at al. I didn’t mean to imply that in any way. The X-T5 has the same processor and AF system as the X-H2S (and X-H2), and it’s a highly capable camera that’s completely suitable for shooting action and very fast subjects, as well as high quality video. The flagship X-2S does have a few different specs that give it a slight bump in performance for certain applications, (faster write speed to the CFexpress card, faster max frame rate with the stacked sensor, and higher bit rate for shooting video), but that does not take away anything from the X-T5. I’ve been very happy with the performance of the X-T5, even when using the 150-600 lens.
How are you liking yours?
Not forgetting that a couple of fast CF cards is going to add significantly to the overall cost of the x-hs2
Indeed. CFexpress cards are mandatory in order to get the maximum performance from the X-H2S.
Sorry, but no single element in any lens elements (even ED or with another fancy acronym) can help prevent distortions created by the air / moisture between the subject and the lens. (that would be adaptive optics as used in astronomy...)
Thanks for your comment. You're right, the ED elements in a lens do help prevent distortion and chromatic aberration, but when you're looking through a lot of air, heat and moisture, especially with a very long lens, there's really nothing you can do to minimize this visual distortion except get closer or wait for different conditions. What Fuji do you use and what do you like to photograph?
I’ve used this lens several times with an X-T5. It is not a great lens for sports or fast moving subjects. It’s slow to acquire focus and it struggles to track resulting in a “higher-than-acceptable” number of unsharp images. The 100-400 is a much better lens.
Hi Sam, thanks for your comment. I was impressed with the 150-600, but I don’t have nearly the same level of experience with that lens as I do the 100-400, which incredibly fast and capable lens. I think it’s the fastest AF zoom in the lineup.
During my few days with the 150-600, I was definitely able capture very fast birds, so I was impressed with its performance, but I didn’t do any side-by-side tests with it against the 100-400. What kinds of scenes were you shooting with it where you feel it struggled to keep up?
@@DanBaileyPhoto Motorsports.
My experience is quite different. This lens has been performing in every way except f/stop just as well as the XF 100-400mm. This being mounted on X-H2s and X-T4 photographing wild life & aviation.
I'm very curious to do an AF test between the 150-600 and the 100-400. If I have a chance to do that, I'll definitely post the results here on my channel!
I've only had the 150-600 on my x-t5 for a few weeks, but my experience indicates there must be something amiss with your kit.
I've had my 100-400 + 1.4 t/c for ~6 years, on x-t2/3/4 & 5, and haven't put it on the camera once since buying the 150-600; in fact, the only reason I'm keeping the 100-400 is for events where the big silver/white lens would be a tad over- ostentatious.
I've shot surfing & wildlife, including fast raptors & my keeper rate is Still in excess of 90%.
I'm not claiming the new lens is totally superior to the older one, but above 400mm there's no comparison.
1/2 ton heavier? Lol
Yes, I this is 100% accurate. It's exactly 1,000 lbs heavier. 🤣