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Incredible! You covered basically every single possible scenario with both lenses, teleconverters, different bodies and light conditions. Simply impressive! Cant even begin to imagine how much time went in the production on this. Still relevant years later.
Mark, this is an unbelievably useful review. You've answered all the questions I had, compared the two lenses I was considering, and even moved across bodies! Invaluable. Thank you so much for your time and effort; it's made my decision-making process a lot easier.
Mark, I picked up the 200-600mm because of you and I’m about to pick up the 100-400mm for one of our staff. I can’t tell you how invaluable your RUclips videos are. I wasn’t aware that you have a robust online mentoring/feedback as I am one of those shameful people who skips through RUclips videos. I’ll look at your website and sign up promptly. 🙏🏼
There are clearly pluses and minuses for each lens, even discounting the price factor. In fact the latter needs not be an issue as both lenses can be acquired for roughly the same price if you shop around. However, the killer factor which has informed my decision to buy the 200-600 is that it zooms internally, unlike the 100-400 which extends. This greatly minimises the risk of attracting dust or moisture inside the lens and, for me, is the clear deciding factor.
I have both 100-400 and 200-600 and don't think they are comparable. For me, the closer focus of the 100-400 is necessary for close small wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and such. The 200-600 doesn't function at all for this purpose. When shooting birds and wildlife further away, the 200-600 wins hands down. The big surprise for me is that I also have the 600mm F4, which is hands down the best, but for practical use, the 200-600 is my preferred lens. I deal with its shortcomings with technique. The more I use the 200-600 the better the results get. The 600mm F4 minimum reach and physical size are very restrictive. When I take the 600mm traveling everything centers around it from carrying packing loading on the plane hiking etc.. The 200-600 is just another tool. I don't even think about it until I need it.
Another EXCELLENT review ! I picked up a 'like new' 100-400 GM to go with my a7iii . . . I also got the 24-105 f4 G lens, so I am covered from 24-400 mm ! I could not be happier! My next lens will be the 24mm f 1.4 GM for astrophotography and I will be set! Thank you Mark for helping me make educated purchases within the Sony line up ! Much appreciated.
I already own the FE 100-400GM+1.4 and will be using this on my A7RIII. Ordered the FE 200-600G to use on my A9 and A6500. Looking forward to use for my wildlife photography. This review has really helped me.
Best review on this lens so far.. You went into great depth and actually used the lens on the the a7riii.. very important because shooting on the a9 is almost cheating with that superb auto focusing system! a lot of us buying this lens are going to be owning the a7iii and a7riii so seeing performance on that is important!
Just what I needed to see... full-sized downloads. Wasn't too sure about the lens before, but I'm sold now, and pleasantly surprised with the 1.4x extender images. Thanks for posting.
As always Mark you have covered so much information and some I had not even had a chance to consider,thanks so much for your professionalism and taking time to fill us all in...a definite valuable spokesperson for the Sony line,
I picked the 200-600mm zoom for a number of reasons: 1. I wanted one 2. It has internal zoom. So smooth and effortless. It is a work of art and should be appreciated. 3. Need an extender? Get a crop sensor body if you don't already have one. Turns the zoom into a 300-900mm lens. So cool. 4. It is very, very, very sharp. 5. Con - It's heavy and that is why I got a robust tripod. Just think of all that effort to push and pull in a tube full of glass, the wear and tear of the moving parts when using that 100-400mm lens. I had the 70-300mm lens, nice but when pointed up, the lens was a bitch to zoom. Point down and the lens extends by itself. Whooo. Not good. For the above top 4 reasons, I also got the 70-200mm f4.0. Also another incredible lens that is very, very, very, very sharp.
Mark: All of your Video reviews have been very thorough and insightful and this one on the 200-600 especially so for those of us who have been doing what we can with the 100-400 GM and unwilling to go non-OEM w/ adapter. Thanks especially for testing with both A7R-3 and A9. Additionally, I echo your point on the advantage of the 100-400 for close up work and have even employed extension tubes to expand that capability further. Mark, I do find it odd that you refer to your video tutorials and reviews as "movies" which typically constitute a motion picture production from MGM, Sony or Paramount. A video from you however is significantly more valuable to me than a movie from the likes of them. Thank you so much for your very fine work.
Great review Mark!! Very informative. I already preordered the 200-600 but I really like the size of the 100-400 and the close focusing of the 100-400 when compared to the 200-600. Thanks Mark for making my decision more informative and now I have to make a decision.
I have been a Nikon user for years and now considering switching to Sony. I am primarily a bird photographer so the AF capability is of primary importance. I am not going to rush into it "quite yet", but this has been one of the most helpful reviews of these two lenses I have seen to date. TY!
Hi this is really valuable talk. I am planing to buy the same lens 200-600 but my camera is a7sii and I would be glad if you explain little bit about combination with a7sii and 200-600. Warm regards. Robin
I recently switched to Sony from Nikon where I had the Nikkor 200-500. It's an ok lens but I have been looking forward to trying out the Sony 200-600 with the internal zoom, but seeing this video makes me want both Sony lenses.
Mark thank you so much this is my third time watching this particular video. This time I watched it in 4K on my 60 inch monitor incredible. I’m incredibly happy with my purchase of the A1 and the purchase of the 200-600mm.
Great review Mark, thank you very much. I own a GM 100-400mm + 1.4TC and I mostly shoot at 560mm and I always feel I need more range so I guess I should at least try this 200-600mm for a week and see if that's a better fit to my workflow. Cheers
Best review on the net. I do have the 100-400 GM and the a7lll. This has helped me decide on the 200-600. Yes the big primes are better, but way out of my price range. I will be selling the GM.
You master the subject inside and outside and you have the patience to put everything in clear words. I am so fed up with the caffeine-overdosed maniacs. I come back to your videos as the information content cannot be absorbed in one pass. Very good content! Thank you!
At this time I don’t do any wildlife photography and my max lens is 105. Most of what I shoot is travel photography, landscapes and street shots so the 100-400 or 200-600 would be my first foray into wildlife. I have since picked up the 70-200 f4 to compliment what I currently shoot and have decided it will be the 200-600 for my first long lens. Looking forward to trying it out this fall
@@brucewiebe6490 of you own the 70200 F4, then the 200600 is obvious choice. That said, it will be WAY bigger and heavier than what your used to. Maybe you should rent it first as you haven't shot wildlife and that's what I believe this lense is geared at
I have watched just about every review out there on this lens and Mark, your’s was the best. While many had very good pockets of information, I believe you hit on just about all the others were missing, in particular the 200-600 performance on the 7 series bodies. In the end the 200-600 is for me, but if I already had the 100-400 I wouldn’t feel bad about keeping either. Thanks for a great review.
Great review. Now we know the 200-600 produces sharper images than the 100-400gm + 1.4x, that's good information that many people were looking for. Obviously the 100-400gm wins in the 100-400mm range.
I would have thought like you that the G master would be the sharper lense but it turns out that its not the case. Makes the 200 - 600 unbelievable value. Ive got both.
I went with the 100-400, even after this lens was announced. It just suited my needs better. I was shooting with the 70-300 and I needed some more reach, but I still wanted it to be portable, and I only occasionally do birding. I've used it a surprising amount for landscape photography, however, and I like the compression it gives landscapes. I carry it in my bag almost everywhere. Haven't bought the 1.4, yet, because my wallet is still slightly warm to the touch after getting the 100-400. Works great on my "ancient" a7RII.
I'm not even sure I will buy the 1.4. I probably wouldn't use it that much. I'm completely happy with the 100-400 as is, and I'm not made of money, so I'd rather put what money I do have toward more pressing needs (in my case a fast UWA lens)
Thank you Mark. Once again, a top notch review. This one is particularly relevant, since like myself, I'd imagine there are a lot of us in this same "which one" conundrum. You have certainly helped me make up my mind.
I thought I was going to be able to work without owning this lens as I like to travel reasonably light (I have the 100-400+1.4x Teleconverter and the option of shooting with the A7RIV in APS-C mode) but after using it again at the MotoGP late last year I may buckle and have to add this to my personal kit.
I just got the 100-400 lens. Everything is excellent, except one drawback - the lens extension when zooming. Unlike the 200-600 G lens, it is all sealed inside the tube. After taking some pictures at a cat house, I notice a lot of tiny fine hair/lints on the lens. Not very visible, but quite some stick on the lens. I blow it with an air dust, but doesnt help much. The hairs are like magnet. And it only blows the hair into it. When I zoom in and out, I constantly see new hair/lint come out from the lens. Took me 25 mins to stick them out with tape. I wonder if there's still hair/lint stuck inside. This is going to be a little more maintenance than the 200-600. You may have to periodically vacuum the 100-400 lens's extension part.
I recently bought the 100-400 GM and was wondering how to keep it clean and free of dust. Isn’t this lens dustproof and sealed? As long as the dust and hair stuc on the tube doesn’t go inside between the glass elements and affect my photography it should be fine. Or does it affect the photos as well? I am planning a trip to Namibia where it is windy and dusty. Maybe i should get a 200-600 just for the Africa trips.. hmmm.
I find the combo of A6400 + 200-600 perfect for surf photos and videos. What I also like about thew 200-600 is that it doesn't lose focus as much as the 100-400 when zooming.
Scheveningen Surf How do you find sharpness on the 200-600 at 600mm f6.3 vs 560mm f8 on the 100-400mm +1.4x TC? Do you have any samples you could share comparing these combos?
@@alphaphotography6346 Still trying to figure that out, need to make a proper setup to do some testing but too many nice waves to stay at home or carry both lenses around 🤙🏽😏
Since I already have the 100-400, there's no hurry adding the 200-600 to my kit. But, I'm sure I'll add it eventually. Not a fan of teleconverters, though.
I was at a location known as the "Jedi Transition" last spring with the 70-300G mounted on my A7iii. It wasn't giving me the reach that I really wanted so I mounted it onto my A6000. That proved to be unmanageable trying to pan and keep up with a fighter flying at 400kts while looking through the tiny EVF on the A6000. It was a great idea in theory, but in practice, it was not practical. My "fix" for this problem was to order a 200-600 the first day that they became available.
Nice! Just got this lens, and the jedi canyon is on my list. Any tips? Is it just a gamble as to if something is going to come through any given day? Im from LA so its a long day trip to not see anything...
@@lamalinde8037 I am going to assume you are asking either why is it hit or miss if you see anything or why are flight ops currently suspended through the canyon. 1. It is hit or miss as to what you might see because the Jedi Transition is a part of a much larger Low Level Training Route known as "R-2508". Aircrew will schedule a time to enter and exit the airspace, but that is no guarantee that the portion through the canyon will be used. Additionally, although the airspace is scheduled, that schedule is not available to the public. 2. As to why flight ops are currently suspended through the canyon, in the summer of 2019, there was a tragic accident that resulted in the loss of a Navy F/A18E Super Hornet and the pilot. Seven civilians were injured in the crash as debris from the impact came over the "lip" of the canyon and hit them. Flights below the canyon rim were stopped almost immediately pending the results of the Flight Safety Investigation. That investigation has completed, but to the best of my knowledge, flights are still restricted to 1500 feet above ground level.
Must say great informational video, Some nice shots in there that show the performance of the lens. Gives me some ideas on if it would be worth swapping to the Sony over my Sigma, The internal zoom is a big + over the Sigma. Its a bit more expensive but third party lenses normally are cheaper. Having used the 100-400 GM i have ruled that lens out as it does not suit my needs as the focal length is to short, I would prefer to compromise with a slightly slower lens which allows for a more practical zoom range for my photography and is a lower price. £1,799 compared to the 100-400GM at £2,499. It would still be cheaper if i bought a 1.4x tele to for even extra reach. Thanks for a in depth informative video Mark.
This is the best review for this lens , Mark as usual you have gone well detailed . Help us to choose correct lens for use case. It’s Wonderful experience to watch your videos, many times I felt , if I am going through a online course or not . So many explanations and demystifying the properties, functions and controls of sony camera and lenses have. I started loving sony camera after watching your sony Alpha focus masterclass video.
Another fantastic review, Thank you very much Mark for putting this up, really appreciated I have one on preorder and was hoping it would get a good wrap, was thinking of selling my 100-400 GM but will keep it now as well thanks to your review
Lovely work, would love a separate video & photos on the 200-600+1.4x with the a9 and a7RIV once it is out. Esp. the latter on a crop sensor mode. It could be a killer combo. Tnx for sharing, carry on the good work !!!
As usual, fantastically detailed comparison which further complicates which bad decision I need to make because I simply can’t afford the low f stop primes. LOL. Thanks so much Mark. BTW your Patreon membership has been worth every pennny
Thanks for this. I have ordered the 200-600mm lens and think it will suit me well as I build my skills and develop my work flow. I was considering the 100-400mm, but I do not think I need it just yet.
Hey, Mark, I know this video is 3 years old and now we have the A1 & A7rV, but I have a question about ISO. DP Review mentioned the ISO Invariance of some cameras such as the Sony A1. According to their tests, one can shoot at ISO 100 and raise the exposure up in post and achieve the same results as setting the ISO in the camera to achieve proper exposure up to and including ISO 6400. It would be interesting to see you do some testing of Sony's ISO invariance capabilities if they exist.
ISO Invariance when using lossless compression or Uncompressed Raw is really only useful when you can also use slower shutter speeds. You can't, however, shoot Action/Sports using ISO 100 because the shutter speeds would be too slow. Many Action/Sports shooters also shoot using JPEG or Compressed Raw to increase the buffer capacity and clearing so ISO invariance is of not interest. I am aware of the capabilities and will reduce exposure to protect highlights and recover shadows in post-production editing but still use ISO Auto most of the time.
I use an a7iii but for wildlife if I want to reach further I sometimes use my wife's a6400. the sensor has more pixel density and I get higher resolution than the a7iii.
In my personal opinion i love you present the products like a teacher Mark. I really love you're videos in general. I tell you keep up the good work en greetings from Amsterdam the Netherlands.
Simply the best on the topic (and I've seen many). Specifically appreciate the examples and paying service to the a7riii. Wonderful points of consideration as we prepare for assignment across Africa. Currently, at the same cusp you discussed when at the crossroads of a 2017 lens and G-Master glass (100-400) vs a 2019 release (200-600) and all they've learned and put into the lens since 2017.
After watching your many movies on Sony AF and Explaining the A7iii and A9 of PDAF limit at f/11 and A7Riii only f/8. So using the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters with the 200-600mm f/5.6- 6.3 and A7iii/A9 with the 2x a 2ev loss at the 600mm gives a f/13 where at f/11 all images will focus on each but at f/13 only first image focus on all following images but you are at 1200mm (APS-C 1800mm) and f/13 and AF still works where a Canon and Nikon All AF stops at f/8 limit and manual only after. Great performance for any camera, what a buy!!!! Thanks for the great in depth review (s) with photos also!!!!!
Something not mentioned on any reviews , One other thing to add, Sony's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters give proper lens and teleconverter used in metadata also mm range of combined items. This is great for when needing a PP program to give a lens correction or remove chromatic issues if the programs have them. Uploading an image also will review data of correct mm. The Sigma teleconverters used with MC-11 do not, even though they do work with the MC-11 (due to Sonys increased f/ limit). But Sigma website does state they are not compatible with MC-11. This info embedded in metadata will help days or even years later as to what was used for a capture, I know most crop in post anyway. I have shot at 200-300 yards at flying egrets getting a full frame image (2x and APS-C), nice to know how!!
Mark, thank you so much for that awesome review! What do you think about a7R III and this lens combination for aviation photography? I’ve watched a number of examples on YT but still concerned about AF performance. A9 is too expensive for me so far and I am choosing between a7R III and a7 III. Thank you!
Mark thanks as always for the superb content. I'm sitting here near Bozeman while binging on some Galer Tube and I keep hearing you mention: Shooting at ISO 12800 is fine as long as you edit for it in post. In fact, you mention this post production editing technique in several RUclips videos when shooting up to 12800. Could you possibly walk us through those editing techniques in the July questions? Thanks so much fro, the other side!
Hi Ryan - My post-production editing technique is outlined in my free 2-hour Post production masterclass - ruclips.net/video/VF_e55Q742k/видео.html - The link jumps to the appropriate point in the movie. I have fond memories of Bozeman when I was there just over 12-months ago :-)
As an owner of the 70-200mm F4, you are going to think I’m crazy, but I traded it and got the 100-400mm GM. It’s just a more useful range and I’m not going to use the TC. And the size of the 200-600mm is just prohibitive for me. 400mm is great for me, and I prefer the GM quality and focus set up. I have the 24-70mm GM, an 85mm F1.8 and now the 100-400mm GM, so I don’t have too many gaps. Perhaps a wide angle to complete the kit.
I didn't see any test results on how the AF performs with the 200-600 and the crop sensor on A6400. I think that's will be the ultimate combination for wildlife when you need extra magnification. Currently, I am happy with my Canon 5ds 50mp camera using 300mm F4 and 400mm F5.6 lenses sometimes with 1.4 TC. And I got excellent results. It's so easy to track fast-moving objects with a full-frame high megapixel camera and then crop it if you need it. But sometimes I need a 600mm lens for extra rich and the Sony 200-600mm lens will be the perfect one since the lens is sharp as any pro-Canon, Nikon, or Sony lenses. Nice review.
Great review and must say my experience with the A9ii and the 200-600 for wildlife here in Africa is fantastic. Would really be great if Sony could do a 300 f2.8 or a 400 f4 or f4.5.
Sony is developing its Mirrorless lens range faster than any other company and it is probably just a matter of time before new telephoto lenses are released.
Watching this, I feel the obvious choice is the 200-600mm. However I debated AWHILE about $, size and weight. I feel due to the 100-400mm's macro capabilities and portabilities it is the practical choice. The 100-400 is best for the people that want to shoot a wide variety of subjects. Cheers!
Great review! I'm still torn between this lens and the 100-400. I mostly shoot landscapes and cityscapes but sometimes my subjects are still quite far away. Leaning to the 200-600 for my A7Riii.
@@H3ath agreed. The 100-400 is a better landscape lense. Sharper, lighter within it's range. And the 100-200mm range is really mandatory for landscapes. For wildlife? Recommend the opposite.. 200600G is a better fit
I used my 100-400 for landscapes at the Palouse and Glacier/Yellowstone NP and feel it was perfect. I also have great result shooting insects with it and is very versatile! I am going to use the 200-600 for wildlife and birds.
A thoroughly professional review. I'm considering an ultra-light travel system pitting, perhaps, the Sony RX10 Mk4 against the A6500 and 100-400 Sony zoom with an emphasis on bird and wildlife photography. Is that a comparison you may have already covered in one of your reviews?
The A6400 currently has the best AF performance of any APS-C camera. If wildlife is moving then the shutter speed and ISO have to be raised (unless you like panning with movement blur). This sort of rules out the RX10 lV in all but very bright conditions unless you are prepared to accept high levels of noise. I have reviewed the A6400.
Excellent review. I always learn something new from your reviews, often it’s a surprise, not something I went in looking for. I liked the idea of the quick release camera straps. Is there a brand you prefer? I’d love to get this. I hate changing up camera straps.
Thanks for this great review! I'm working for more then 45 years with Canon. However after buying a Olympus OM-D EM 1 + 60mm just for macro I saw the advantages of mirror-less camera's. Unfortunately Canon is far behind and I'm considering switching to Sony. I would go for the A7 III and maybe an A6500 as backup and for it's cropped sensor with wildlife. However, it will all depend on the 200-600. According to DxOMark all Sony lenses that I would need are sharper than Canon's equivalents. (24-70; 16-35) Since I will have great trips to the USA starting September and again in November I don't have much time to waste. Knowing you're a Sony man what are your thoughts? (I normally use Canon's 100-400 II, 24-70 II and 16-35 IS 4.0 for my trips with the 7D II and 5D III)
The future is Mirrorless and the manufacturers who are innovative with sensor design will win the lion’s share of the market. Sony and Panasonic seem to be pushing harder and faster than the others.
Mark, Super review and thanks for posting it again now as it addresses a question I have facing me. In a couple of weeks I will be going to Svalbard. Among the attractions there are the polar bears and walruses. The former need to be seen at a considerable distance and the latter a pretty good distance as well. I suspect the polar bears will be photographed from the ship so I am taking my 200-600 (and the 1.4x teleconverter). I will also take the 100-400 for use in zodiacs where I assume you can get closer to the wildlife. I wonder if you have suggestions or tips on how to successfully handhold the 200-600 with or without teleconverter on the ship which will likely be moving and vibrating. I would appreciate any thoughts you have. Thanks.
Thanks for posting the question in the Patreon site (I have answered your question there). I only get to answer a small cross-section of the comments made via RUclips. If my RUclips subscribers just as 1 question per year that would be over 400 questions per day from RUclips alone. I just had to turn notifications off for everything except Patreon a few years back.
Thanks Mark. I think at about 4 mins you’ve answered a point that’s been hurting my head. Does APS-C crop on a FF camera impact the effective F-Stop ? If the focus system can still work that implies the F5.6 remains F8 with the 1.4 converter plus crop mode.
Remarkable, Mark. Thanks so much. I'm a Fuji shooter and have an X-T3/XF100-400 rig with which I am very pleased. I am nevertheless tempted by an A7R4/100-400 kit, thinking that the resolution of the A7R4 would allow some pretty aggressive cropping if needed, provided the shutter speed is up in the 1/1000-1/2000 range. What do you think? Thanks again for your thoughtful work.
Hi Mark! Wonderful comparison between these amazing telephoto lenses. I currently own the Sony A7RIV and the 200-600 G lens. I'm not fan of TCs, so I know I will not buy one. I was wondering whether the 100-400 GM lens would have been a better option. I would be losing those extra 200 mm regarding focal length, but the 60MP may still give me the possibilities to crop in and keep high resolution images right? My main concern was with shutter speeds/ISO values. At 600 mm with this amount of MP, I feel I must use higher shutter speeds together with high ISO values with a G lens quality. Would it be better if I used the 100-400 GM lens at 400 mm, with slower shutter speeds? Would I high a higher keep rate? Fabulous work as usual! Big fan! Thanks in advance! Ps: I mainly (99%) shoot wildlife (lots lots of birds, mammals, reptiles, etc.).
If I was not able to help you make up your mind in this comparison review then maybe you need to talk things through on my Patreon channel: www.patreon.com/markgaler
Hi Mark, great review. Based on this I have just purchased the 100-400 for my Sony A7RIV (for portability). One question, you demo ways of carrying the 200-600 with PD anchors attached to the lens eyelets or lens foot … however the 100-400 doesn’t have eyelets. What is the best way to carry the 100-400 using a PD anchor strap?
If you click/tap on the title of the movie you will see a hyperlink/URL to the album of images used in this review. The EXIF data of every ultra HD image is listed.
I'm loving your videos Mark, but this one has left me so undecided. I've seen both these lenses for under $3k AUD lately and am doing a trip to Canada and Alaska in their coming spring so hopefully some good wildlife shot opportunities. I have the 70-200F4 and yet I am still considering the 100-400 on account of the size. Will I regret not having that extra 200mm on my a7iii? Should I pack my a6000? I'm more confused than ever, but thanks for the video.
I recommend the FE 100-400 GM + 1.4x TC if weight and portability is the primary concern or the FE 200-600 G if you will be zoomed to the max most of the time and want optimum IQ
Great video as always, I’m just a bit confused, you referenced your action settings, but always talk about adjusting shutter speed, are you using shutter priority instead of aperture priority? I’m looking to pair my A9ii with a super zoom, and this two are the options I’m looking into.
I will take the 200-600mm lens over the 100-400mm due to it’s long term quality (internal zooming) vs. the 100-400mm with the external zooming which will trap air, dust & sands into the lens housing.
I thought so too, but unfortunately with this lens on my A7R4 the focusing is incredibly unreliable, so much so that it's practically useless for shooting moving subjects. I rented two copies before buying it (luckily) and they performed quite stunningly poorly. Using Single Shot autofocus or manual focus, the image quality is very close to my 70-200GM lens even at 600m, which is an amazingly impressive achievement, but all in vain if it misses focus so often. Many people have reported this fenomena with the 200-600 on high resolution R series Sony bodies, but it doesn't seem to be a problem at lower resolutions (A74, A9).
@@erikpeterffy7552 Hey whatever works better for you is great. I’ve been using the 200-600 on my a7iv for couple months now and it has been great. It works great on anything I point at it, including stationary/flyby birds (plus flyby airplanes & air shows). The only down side for me with this lense is it’s weight. It gets heavier after shooting for over an hour without a tripod or a monopod…🤣
Nice review there. I see that you have fit an additional grip like device to the camera on the 600 mil lens. Can you please provide a link to the description and purchasing options for this camera part? Thanks.
Join me on Patreon for the best Alpha Support and Guidance. A single $10 Membership fee includes access to my 500-page camera-specific eBooks, member-only Q&A Forums + Over twenty 1-hour member-only seminars + cameras settings files & access to the Raw files from the lens and camera reviews (there is no contract or commitment beyond the first month). www.patreon.com/markgaler
Before i buy any new Sony gear i always check out Mark's reviews. I know i can trust what he says. I just got the 200-600mm based on Mark's review
Incredible! You covered basically every single possible scenario with both lenses, teleconverters, different bodies and light conditions. Simply impressive! Cant even begin to imagine how much time went in the production on this. Still relevant years later.
Thanks for the positive feedback - be sure to check out my Sony Alpha support channel Patreon.com/markgaler if you like my in-depth presentations
hello, your hair is mesmerizing
Mark, this is an unbelievably useful review. You've answered all the questions I had, compared the two lenses I was considering, and even moved across bodies! Invaluable. Thank you so much for your time and effort; it's made my decision-making process a lot easier.
Mark, I picked up the 200-600mm because of you and I’m about to pick up the 100-400mm for one of our staff. I can’t tell you how invaluable your RUclips videos are. I wasn’t aware that you have a robust online mentoring/feedback as I am one of those shameful people who skips through RUclips videos. I’ll look at your website and sign up promptly. 🙏🏼
You are one of the few who talk about how to carry this lens. At best I find it a struggle to carry this lens all day.
There are clearly pluses and minuses for each lens, even discounting the price factor. In fact the latter needs not be an issue as both lenses can be acquired for roughly the same price if you shop around. However, the killer factor which has informed my decision to buy the 200-600 is that it zooms internally, unlike the 100-400 which extends. This greatly minimises the risk of attracting dust or moisture inside the lens and, for me, is the clear deciding factor.
I have both 100-400 and 200-600 and don't think they are comparable. For me, the closer focus of the 100-400 is necessary for close small wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and such. The 200-600 doesn't function at all for this purpose. When shooting birds and wildlife further away, the 200-600 wins hands down. The big surprise for me is that I also have the 600mm F4, which is hands down the best, but for practical use, the 200-600 is my preferred lens. I deal with its shortcomings with technique. The more I use the 200-600 the better the results get. The 600mm F4 minimum reach and physical size are very restrictive. When I take the 600mm traveling everything centers around it from carrying packing loading on the plane hiking etc.. The 200-600 is just another tool. I don't even think about it until I need it.
You are the best! Highly professional and very detailed.
Hmm
Another EXCELLENT review ! I picked up a 'like new' 100-400 GM to go with my a7iii . . . I also got the 24-105 f4 G lens, so I am covered from 24-400 mm ! I could not be happier! My next lens will be the 24mm f 1.4 GM for astrophotography and I will be set! Thank you Mark for helping me make educated purchases within the Sony line up ! Much appreciated.
Good choice!
I already own the FE 100-400GM+1.4 and will be using this on my A7RIII. Ordered the FE 200-600G to use on my A9 and A6500. Looking forward to use for my wildlife photography. This review has really helped me.
Be ready to deal with cleaning up noise from your images with the 200-600!
@@yitzchallevi8208 a9 has really clean images, noise wouldnt be a problem
Best review on this lens so far.. You went into great depth and actually used the lens on the the a7riii.. very important because shooting on the a9 is almost cheating with that superb auto focusing system! a lot of us buying this lens are going to be owning the a7iii and a7riii so seeing performance on that is important!
Exactly
Just what I needed to see... full-sized downloads. Wasn't too sure about the lens before, but I'm sold now, and pleasantly surprised with the 1.4x extender images. Thanks for posting.
As always Mark you have covered so much information and some I had not even had a chance to consider,thanks so much for your professionalism and taking time to fill us all in...a definite valuable spokesperson for the Sony line,
Wow that 100-400 looks extremely portable compared that 200-600. Thank you for the detailed review of the lens and the comparison.
I picked the 200-600mm zoom for a number of reasons:
1. I wanted one
2. It has internal zoom. So smooth and effortless. It is a work of art and should be appreciated.
3. Need an extender? Get a crop sensor body if you don't already have one. Turns the zoom into a 300-900mm lens. So cool.
4. It is very, very, very sharp.
5. Con - It's heavy and that is why I got a robust tripod.
Just think of all that effort to push and pull in a tube full of glass, the wear and tear of the moving parts when using that 100-400mm lens. I had the 70-300mm lens, nice but when pointed up, the lens was a bitch to zoom. Point down and the lens extends by itself. Whooo. Not good.
For the above top 4 reasons, I also got the 70-200mm f4.0. Also another incredible lens that is very, very, very, very sharp.
Mark: All of your Video reviews have been very thorough and insightful and this one on the 200-600 especially so for those of us who have been doing what we can with the 100-400 GM and unwilling to go non-OEM w/ adapter. Thanks especially for testing with both A7R-3 and A9. Additionally, I echo your point on the advantage of the 100-400 for close up work and have even employed extension tubes to expand that capability further. Mark, I do find it odd that you refer to your video tutorials and reviews as "movies" which typically constitute a motion picture production from MGM, Sony or Paramount. A video from you however is significantly more valuable to me than a movie from the likes of them. Thank you so much for your very fine work.
Excellent review, the best actually. Very informative and with massive detail. Loved it!
Great review Mark!! Very informative. I already preordered the 200-600 but I really like the size of the 100-400 and the close focusing of the 100-400 when compared to the 200-600. Thanks Mark for making my decision more informative and now I have to make a decision.
I have been a Nikon user for years and now considering switching to Sony. I am primarily a bird photographer so the AF capability is of primary importance. I am not going to rush into it "quite yet", but this has been one of the most helpful reviews of these two lenses I have seen to date. TY!
Hi this is really valuable talk. I am planing to buy the same lens 200-600 but my camera is a7sii and I would be glad if you explain little bit about combination with a7sii and 200-600. Warm regards. Robin
I just recently switched brands to Sony and am delighted. Pull the trigger!
Smashing review Mark, sold me on the 100-400 + 1.4X......
I recently switched to Sony from Nikon where I had the Nikkor 200-500. It's an ok lens but I have been looking forward to trying out the Sony 200-600 with the internal zoom, but seeing this video makes me want both Sony lenses.
Mark thank you so much this is my third time watching this particular video. This time I watched it in 4K on my 60 inch monitor incredible. I’m incredibly happy with my purchase of the A1 and the purchase of the 200-600mm.
Glad you enjoyed it
Great review Mark, thank you very much. I own a GM 100-400mm + 1.4TC and I mostly shoot at 560mm and I always feel I need more range so I guess I should at least try this 200-600mm for a week and see if that's a better fit to my workflow. Cheers
Best review on the net. I do have the 100-400 GM and the a7lll. This has helped me decide on the 200-600. Yes the big primes are better, but way out of my price range. I will be selling the GM.
You master the subject inside and outside and you have the patience to put everything in clear words. I am so fed up with the caffeine-overdosed maniacs.
I come back to your videos as the information content cannot be absorbed in one pass. Very good content! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I remain conflicted but this review has helped. Best review I’ve seen so far with comparison of the 100-400 vs 200-600.
Bruce Wiebe I agree. He’s clear and concise in his approach to reviewing gear, and also with his tutorials.
How much birding do you do? If it's 80 percent of the time then 200600g. If 50 percent or less than go for the 100400
At this time I don’t do any wildlife photography and my max lens is 105. Most of what I shoot is travel photography, landscapes and street shots so the 100-400 or 200-600 would be my first foray into wildlife. I have since picked up the 70-200 f4 to compliment what I currently shoot and have decided it will be the 200-600 for my first long lens. Looking forward to trying it out this fall
@@brucewiebe6490 of you own the 70200 F4, then the 200600 is obvious choice. That said, it will be WAY bigger and heavier than what your used to. Maybe you should rent it first as you haven't shot wildlife and that's what I believe this lense is geared at
Yes
I have watched just about every review out there on this lens and Mark, your’s was the best. While many had very good pockets of information, I believe you hit on just about all the others were missing, in particular the 200-600 performance on the 7 series bodies. In the end the 200-600 is for me, but if I already had the 100-400 I wouldn’t feel bad about keeping either. Thanks for a great review.
I agree and will have both if it preforms like my 100-400 on my A7riii and A6500. I tried a 1.4xTC and the IQ suffered.
Great review Mark, would love to see a review on how it performs
on an A6000, is it useable on the older model?
The most useful review of this lens i have seen. "Down to earth", good examples, and (thank god) no "woooows", "yeeeah" teenagetalk!
Exactly
Great review. Now we know the 200-600 produces sharper images than the 100-400gm + 1.4x, that's good information that many people were looking for. Obviously the 100-400gm wins in the 100-400mm range.
I would have thought like you that the G master would be the sharper lense but it turns out that its not the case. Makes the 200 - 600 unbelievable value. Ive got both.
I went with the 100-400, even after this lens was announced. It just suited my needs better. I was shooting with the 70-300 and I needed some more reach, but I still wanted it to be portable, and I only occasionally do birding. I've used it a surprising amount for landscape photography, however, and I like the compression it gives landscapes. I carry it in my bag almost everywhere. Haven't bought the 1.4, yet, because my wallet is still slightly warm to the touch after getting the 100-400. Works great on my "ancient" a7RII.
The 1.4 teleconverter will soften your images a bit, especially on the long end.
I'm not even sure I will buy the 1.4. I probably wouldn't use it that much. I'm completely happy with the 100-400 as is, and I'm not made of money, so I'd rather put what money I do have toward more pressing needs (in my case a fast UWA lens)
Thank you Mark. Once again, a top notch review. This one is particularly relevant, since like myself, I'd imagine there are a lot of us in this same "which one" conundrum. You have certainly helped me make up my mind.
Excellent video Mark. I have recently bought the 200- 600mm and use it for surfing images and it is great lens. I recommend it.
Just bought 200-600. Great lens! Mark-thank you for your great work and this channel!
I thought I was going to be able to work without owning this lens as I like to travel reasonably light (I have the 100-400+1.4x Teleconverter and the option of shooting with the A7RIV in APS-C mode) but after using it again at the MotoGP late last year I may buckle and have to add this to my personal kit.
I just got the 100-400 lens. Everything is excellent, except one drawback - the lens extension when zooming. Unlike the 200-600 G lens, it is all sealed inside the tube.
After taking some pictures at a cat house, I notice a lot of tiny fine hair/lints on the lens. Not very visible, but quite some stick on the lens. I blow it with an air dust, but doesnt help much. The hairs are like magnet. And it only blows the hair into it. When I zoom in and out, I constantly see new hair/lint come out from the lens. Took me 25 mins to stick them out with tape. I wonder if there's still hair/lint stuck inside. This is going to be a little more maintenance than the 200-600. You may have to periodically vacuum the 100-400 lens's extension part.
I recently bought the 100-400 GM and was wondering how to keep it clean and free of dust. Isn’t this lens dustproof and sealed? As long as the dust and hair stuc on the tube doesn’t go inside between the glass elements and affect my photography it should be fine. Or does it affect the photos as well?
I am planning a trip to Namibia where it is windy and dusty. Maybe i should get a 200-600 just for the Africa trips.. hmmm.
Thank you for all the great info! Definitely want the 200-600. Time to start saving!
As expected a thorough and most informative presentation by Mark. Always a pleasure and great learning experience. Thanks!
Your videos are very professional, thank you.
I find the combo of A6400 + 200-600 perfect for surf photos and videos. What I also like about thew 200-600 is that it doesn't lose focus as much as the 100-400 when zooming.
Scheveningen Surf How do you find sharpness on the 200-600 at 600mm f6.3 vs 560mm f8 on the 100-400mm +1.4x TC? Do you have any samples you could share comparing these combos?
@@alphaphotography6346 Still trying to figure that out, need to make a proper setup to do some testing but too many nice waves to stay at home or carry both lenses around 🤙🏽😏
Since I already have the 100-400, there's no hurry adding the 200-600 to my kit. But, I'm sure I'll add it eventually. Not a fan of teleconverters, though.
Loved your images and your measured, intelligent presentation. Thank you.
Wow, great video review! Thanks for including that comparison with the 100-400 w/ 1.4 tc.
I'm one of those oddballs that love ISO values at 800-3200. It's like a lovely layer of grain but with sharpness still
That Bird (Eagle or falcon maybe) in flight was incredible love that.
I was at a location known as the "Jedi Transition" last spring with the 70-300G mounted on my A7iii. It wasn't giving me the reach that I really wanted so I mounted it onto my A6000. That proved to be unmanageable trying to pan and keep up with a fighter flying at 400kts while looking through the tiny EVF on the A6000. It was a great idea in theory, but in practice, it was not practical. My "fix" for this problem was to order a 200-600 the first day that they became available.
Nice! Just got this lens, and the jedi canyon is on my list. Any tips? Is it just a gamble as to if something is going to come through any given day? Im from LA so its a long day trip to not see anything...
@@nizloc4118 the Jedi transition is not currently being used after the crash this summer.
Why
@@lamalinde8037 I am going to assume you are asking either why is it hit or miss if you see anything or why are flight ops currently suspended through the canyon.
1. It is hit or miss as to what you might see because the Jedi Transition is a part of a much larger Low Level Training Route known as "R-2508". Aircrew will schedule a time to enter and exit the airspace, but that is no guarantee that the portion through the canyon will be used. Additionally, although the airspace is scheduled, that schedule is not available to the public.
2. As to why flight ops are currently suspended through the canyon, in the summer of 2019, there was a tragic accident that resulted in the loss of a Navy F/A18E Super Hornet and the pilot. Seven civilians were injured in the crash as debris from the impact came over the "lip" of the canyon and hit them. Flights below the canyon rim were stopped almost immediately pending the results of the Flight Safety Investigation. That investigation has completed, but to the best of my knowledge, flights are still restricted to 1500 feet above ground level.
Great review. For moments listening to his commentsI felt I was taken pictures right alogn. Big thanks.
Must say great informational video, Some nice shots in there that show the performance of the lens. Gives me some ideas on if it would be worth swapping to the Sony over my Sigma, The internal zoom is a big + over the Sigma. Its a bit more expensive but third party lenses normally are cheaper. Having used the 100-400 GM i have ruled that lens out as it does not suit my needs as the focal length is to short, I would prefer to compromise with a slightly slower lens which allows for a more practical zoom range for my photography and is a lower price. £1,799 compared to the 100-400GM at £2,499. It would still be cheaper if i bought a 1.4x tele to for even extra reach. Thanks for a in depth informative video Mark.
This is the best review for this lens , Mark as usual you have gone well detailed . Help us to choose correct lens for use case. It’s Wonderful experience to watch your videos, many times I felt , if I am going through a online course or not . So many explanations and demystifying the properties, functions and controls of sony camera and lenses have. I started loving sony camera after watching your sony Alpha focus masterclass video.
Thanks for the extended feedback
Thanks Mark For a great video on the 100 to 400 and 600 out of my reach at the moment.
Another fantastic review, Thank you very much Mark for putting this up, really appreciated I have one on preorder and was hoping it would get a good wrap, was thinking of selling my 100-400 GM but will keep it now as well thanks to your review
Lovely work, would love a separate video & photos on the 200-600+1.4x with the a9 and a7RIV once it is out. Esp. the latter on a crop sensor mode. It could be a killer combo. Tnx for sharing, carry on the good work !!!
I have the A7riv + 100-400 + 1.4, it is witchcraft.. Results like in the video but with incredible AF and 50% more Mp...
@@clayd333 Tnx
Great review, just received mine today and can't wait to get out there. Thx a lot, Mark
As usual, fantastically detailed comparison which further complicates which bad decision I need to make because I simply can’t afford the low f stop primes. LOL. Thanks so much Mark. BTW your Patreon membership has been worth every pennny
Thanks for the positive feedback. I start with the bag I am prepared to carry and then work backwards from there.
Thanks for this. I have ordered the 200-600mm lens and think it will suit me well as I build my skills and develop my work flow. I was considering the 100-400mm, but I do not think I need it just yet.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for clear and informative explanation, I think 200-600 is best for me ☺
Another excellent thorough review with the information I need to make a decision!
Hey, Mark, I know this video is 3 years old and now we have the A1 & A7rV, but I have a question about ISO. DP Review mentioned the ISO Invariance of some cameras such as the Sony A1. According to their tests, one can shoot at ISO 100 and raise the exposure up in post and achieve the same results as setting the ISO in the camera to achieve proper exposure up to and including ISO 6400. It would be interesting to see you do some testing of Sony's ISO invariance capabilities if they exist.
ISO Invariance when using lossless compression or Uncompressed Raw is really only useful when you can also use slower shutter speeds. You can't, however, shoot Action/Sports using ISO 100 because the shutter speeds would be too slow. Many Action/Sports shooters also shoot using JPEG or Compressed Raw to increase the buffer capacity and clearing so ISO invariance is of not interest. I am aware of the capabilities and will reduce exposure to protect highlights and recover shadows in post-production editing but still use ISO Auto most of the time.
I use an a7iii but for wildlife if I want to reach further I sometimes use my wife's a6400. the sensor has more pixel density and I get higher resolution than the a7iii.
In my personal opinion i love you present the products like a teacher Mark.
I really love you're videos in general. I tell you keep up the good work en greetings from Amsterdam the Netherlands.
Thanks for the positive feedback - I was a senior lecturer of photography at a University for 14 years so I picked up a few skills along the way :-)
Simply the best on the topic (and I've seen many). Specifically appreciate the examples and paying service to the a7riii. Wonderful points of consideration as we prepare for assignment across Africa. Currently, at the same cusp you discussed when at the crossroads of a 2017 lens and G-Master glass (100-400) vs a 2019 release (200-600) and all they've learned and put into the lens since 2017.
Great video.
I am ordering the 100-400 and the Teleconverter 1.4 for my Sony A7RV. The 100-400 is so compact.
Good choice!
Clicked on tile expecting Rush to play Fly by Night. Got lens review instead. I do however, enjoy my Sony 200-600 very much.
After watching your many movies on Sony AF and Explaining the A7iii and A9 of PDAF limit at f/11 and A7Riii only f/8. So using the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters with the 200-600mm f/5.6- 6.3 and A7iii/A9 with the 2x a 2ev loss at the 600mm gives a f/13 where at f/11 all images will focus on each but at f/13 only first image focus on all following images but you are at 1200mm (APS-C 1800mm) and f/13 and AF still works where a Canon and Nikon All AF stops at f/8 limit and manual only after. Great performance for any camera, what a buy!!!! Thanks for the great in depth review (s) with photos also!!!!!
Something not mentioned on any reviews , One other thing to add, Sony's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters give proper lens and teleconverter used in metadata also mm range of combined items. This is great for when needing a PP program to give a lens correction or remove chromatic issues if the programs have them. Uploading an image also will review data of correct mm. The Sigma teleconverters used with MC-11 do not, even though they do work with the MC-11 (due to Sonys increased f/ limit). But Sigma website does state they are not compatible with MC-11. This info embedded in metadata will help days or even years later as to what was used for a capture, I know most crop in post anyway. I have shot at 200-300 yards at flying egrets getting a full frame image (2x and APS-C), nice to know how!!
Mark, thank you so much for that awesome review! What do you think about a7R III and this lens combination for aviation photography? I’ve watched a number of examples on YT but still concerned about AF performance. A9 is too expensive for me so far and I am choosing between a7R III and a7 III. Thank you!
Mark thanks as always for the superb content. I'm sitting here near Bozeman while binging on some Galer Tube and I keep hearing you mention: Shooting at ISO 12800 is fine as long as you edit for it in post. In fact, you mention this post production editing technique in several RUclips videos when shooting up to 12800. Could you possibly walk us through those editing techniques in the July questions? Thanks so much fro, the other side!
Hi Ryan - My post-production editing technique is outlined in my free 2-hour Post production masterclass - ruclips.net/video/VF_e55Q742k/видео.html - The link jumps to the appropriate point in the movie. I have fond memories of Bozeman when I was there just over 12-months ago :-)
Ryan Stones "Binging on some Galer Tube," lol. I've binged on some myself.
What a review! Thank You Mark!
this is EXACTLY the review I was looking for - thanks!
As an owner of the 70-200mm F4, you are going to think I’m crazy, but I traded it and got the 100-400mm GM. It’s just a more useful range and I’m not going to use the TC. And the size of the 200-600mm is just prohibitive for me. 400mm is great for me, and I prefer the GM quality and focus set up. I have the 24-70mm GM, an 85mm F1.8 and now the 100-400mm GM, so I don’t have too many gaps. Perhaps a wide angle to complete the kit.
Im thinking about selling my 70-200 GM for the 100-400gm just for more reach. Do you regret selling your 70-200f4?
How do you like using it after selling the 70-200 F4?
Totally different level of review to the rest. Superb. Cap doffed!
I didn't see any test results on how the AF performs with the 200-600 and the crop sensor on A6400. I think that's will be the ultimate combination for wildlife when you need extra magnification. Currently, I am happy with my Canon 5ds 50mp camera using 300mm F4 and 400mm F5.6 lenses sometimes with 1.4 TC. And I got excellent results. It's so easy to track fast-moving objects with a full-frame high megapixel camera and then crop it if you need it. But sometimes I need a 600mm lens for extra rich and the Sony 200-600mm lens will be the perfect one since the lens is sharp as any pro-Canon, Nikon, or Sony lenses. Nice review.
Great review and must say my experience with the A9ii and the 200-600 for wildlife here in Africa is fantastic. Would really be great if Sony could do a 300 f2.8 or a 400 f4 or f4.5.
Sony is developing its Mirrorless lens range faster than any other company and it is probably just a matter of time before new telephoto lenses are released.
Watching this, I feel the obvious choice is the 200-600mm. However I debated AWHILE about $, size and weight. I feel due to the 100-400mm's macro capabilities and portabilities it is the practical choice. The 100-400 is best for the people that want to shoot a wide variety of subjects. Cheers!
You have highlighted the 100-400 strengths - portability and close focusing distance (now only bettered by the FE 20-70 F4 G)
Great review! I'm still torn between this lens and the 100-400. I mostly shoot landscapes and cityscapes but sometimes my subjects are still quite far away. Leaning to the 200-600 for my A7Riii.
i love my 100-400 for landscapes
@@H3ath agreed. The 100-400 is a better landscape lense. Sharper, lighter within it's range. And the 100-200mm range is really mandatory for landscapes. For wildlife? Recommend the opposite.. 200600G is a better fit
I used my 100-400 for landscapes at the Palouse and Glacier/Yellowstone NP and feel it was perfect. I also have great result shooting insects with it and is very versatile! I am going to use the 200-600 for wildlife and birds.
Superb hands on analysis
Excellent review Mark.
Nice review ! Thank you so much Mark
Amazing video, should return again to make up my mind.
A thoroughly professional review. I'm considering an ultra-light travel system pitting, perhaps, the Sony RX10 Mk4 against the A6500 and 100-400 Sony zoom with an emphasis on bird and wildlife photography. Is that a comparison you may have already covered in one of your reviews?
The A6400 currently has the best AF performance of any APS-C camera. If wildlife is moving then the shutter speed and ISO have to be raised (unless you like panning with movement blur). This sort of rules out the RX10 lV in all but very bright conditions unless you are prepared to accept high levels of noise. I have reviewed the A6400.
Excellent review. I always learn something new from your reviews, often it’s a surprise, not something I went in looking for. I liked the idea of the quick release camera straps. Is there a brand you prefer? I’d love to get this. I hate changing up camera straps.
Peak Design is the brand I use.
by far the best Video for this lense i watched
Extremely well made review!!! Respect!
Thanks for watching
Best comparison video out there!!
Had the 100-400 but sold it, didn't like the extending zoom. Replaced it with the 70-200 f/4 and the 200-600.
Thanks for this great review!
I'm working for more then 45 years with Canon. However after buying a Olympus OM-D EM 1 + 60mm just for macro I saw the advantages of mirror-less camera's. Unfortunately Canon is far behind and I'm considering switching to Sony. I would go for the A7 III and maybe an A6500 as backup and for it's cropped sensor with wildlife. However, it will all depend on the 200-600. According to DxOMark all Sony lenses that I would need are sharper than Canon's equivalents. (24-70; 16-35) Since I will have great trips to the USA starting September and again in November I don't have much time to waste. Knowing you're a Sony man what are your thoughts? (I normally use Canon's 100-400 II, 24-70 II and 16-35 IS 4.0 for my trips with the 7D II and 5D III)
The future is Mirrorless and the manufacturers who are innovative with sensor design will win the lion’s share of the market. Sony and Panasonic seem to be pushing harder and faster than the others.
youve got a solid review man
Lovely review I'm going to order the lens for my A6400
Did you buy it for the 6400? How is it performing especially the autofocus? I also own the 6400 and researching if the 200-600 will be good fit.
Mark, Super review and thanks for posting it again now as it addresses a question I have facing me. In a couple of weeks I will be going to Svalbard. Among the attractions there are the polar bears and walruses. The former need to be seen at a considerable distance and the latter a pretty good distance as well. I suspect the polar bears will be photographed from the ship so I am taking my 200-600 (and the 1.4x teleconverter). I will also take the 100-400 for use in zodiacs where I assume you can get closer to the wildlife. I wonder if you have suggestions or tips on how to successfully handhold the 200-600 with or without teleconverter on the ship which will likely be moving and vibrating. I would appreciate any thoughts you have. Thanks.
Thanks for posting the question in the Patreon site (I have answered your question there). I only get to answer a small cross-section of the comments made via RUclips. If my RUclips subscribers just as 1 question per year that would be over 400 questions per day from RUclips alone. I just had to turn notifications off for everything except Patreon a few years back.
Thanks Mark. I think at about 4 mins you’ve answered a point that’s been hurting my head.
Does APS-C crop on a FF camera impact the effective F-Stop ?
If the focus system can still work that implies the F5.6 remains F8 with the 1.4 converter plus crop mode.
Excellent reviews...a must watch!
such a great detailled review, thank you so much!
Thanks you for your positive feedback - be sure to subscribe so you don't miss new content as it is released.
Remarkable, Mark. Thanks so much. I'm a Fuji shooter and have an X-T3/XF100-400 rig with which I am very pleased. I am nevertheless tempted by an A7R4/100-400 kit, thinking that the resolution of the A7R4 would allow some pretty aggressive cropping if needed, provided the shutter speed is up in the 1/1000-1/2000 range. What do you think? Thanks again for your thoughtful work.
Maximum shutter speed of the A7RlV is 1/8000 second - check out my A7RlV review for more info
Hi Mark! Wonderful comparison between these amazing telephoto lenses. I currently own the Sony A7RIV and the 200-600 G lens. I'm not fan of TCs, so I know I will not buy one. I was wondering whether the 100-400 GM lens would have been a better option. I would be losing those extra 200 mm regarding focal length, but the 60MP may still give me the possibilities to crop in and keep high resolution images right? My main concern was with shutter speeds/ISO values. At 600 mm with this amount of MP, I feel I must use higher shutter speeds together with high ISO values with a G lens quality. Would it be better if I used the 100-400 GM lens at 400 mm, with slower shutter speeds? Would I high a higher keep rate? Fabulous work as usual! Big fan! Thanks in advance! Ps: I mainly (99%) shoot wildlife (lots lots of birds, mammals, reptiles, etc.).
If I was not able to help you make up your mind in this comparison review then maybe you need to talk things through on my Patreon channel: www.patreon.com/markgaler
Hi Mark, great review. Based on this I have just purchased the 100-400 for my Sony A7RIV (for portability). One question, you demo ways of carrying the 200-600 with PD anchors attached to the lens eyelets or lens foot … however the 100-400 doesn’t have eyelets. What is the best way to carry the 100-400 using a PD anchor strap?
I have attached either a Titanium Leofoto Quick-Release plate or Peak Design anchor point to the foot of the 100-400 lens
Soooo thorough! Excellent review.
Excellent review. Which images at the end were shot using the A7iii ?
If you click/tap on the title of the movie you will see a hyperlink/URL to the album of images used in this review. The EXIF data of every ultra HD image is listed.
I'm loving your videos Mark, but this one has left me so undecided. I've seen both these lenses for under $3k AUD lately and am doing a trip to Canada and Alaska in their coming spring so hopefully some good wildlife shot opportunities. I have the 70-200F4 and yet I am still considering the 100-400 on account of the size. Will I regret not having that extra 200mm on my a7iii? Should I pack my a6000? I'm more confused than ever, but thanks for the video.
I recommend the FE 100-400 GM + 1.4x TC if weight and portability is the primary concern or the FE 200-600 G if you will be zoomed to the max most of the time and want optimum IQ
Best review so far. Thanks!
Great video as always, I’m just a bit confused, you referenced your action settings, but always talk about adjusting shutter speed, are you using shutter priority instead of aperture priority?
I’m looking to pair my A9ii with a super zoom, and this two are the options I’m looking into.
I use ISO Auto Minimum Shutter Speed in Aperture Priority to control my shutter speed
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thank you.
I will take the 200-600mm lens over the 100-400mm due to it’s long term quality (internal zooming) vs. the 100-400mm with the external zooming which will trap air, dust & sands into the lens housing.
I thought so too, but unfortunately with this lens on my A7R4 the focusing is incredibly unreliable, so much so that it's practically useless for shooting moving subjects. I rented two copies before buying it (luckily) and they performed quite stunningly poorly. Using Single Shot autofocus or manual focus, the image quality is very close to my 70-200GM lens even at 600m, which is an amazingly impressive achievement, but all in vain if it misses focus so often. Many people have reported this fenomena with the 200-600 on high resolution R series Sony bodies, but it doesn't seem to be a problem at lower resolutions (A74, A9).
@@erikpeterffy7552 Hey whatever works better for you is great. I’ve been using the 200-600 on my a7iv for couple months now and it has been great. It works great on anything I point at it, including stationary/flyby birds (plus flyby airplanes & air shows). The only down side for me with this lense is it’s weight. It gets heavier after shooting for over an hour without a tripod or a monopod…🤣
Nice review there.
I see that you have fit an additional grip like device to the camera on the 600 mil lens. Can you please provide a link to the description and purchasing options for this camera part?
Thanks.
It is Sony’s grip extension for the A9, A7Rlll, A7lll