I just wanted to say, for all of you who watch, like, and share the videos, it really means a lot! I'm grateful to have you all here. Thank you and Happy Birding! 😀
Awesome to see this; thank you for making this video. It's great when amateur wildlife photographers (like me!) with less money to spend have an inexpensive alternative, and even better when it's still viable and high quality.
I have had the lens for a few days. Unfortunately, the front lens barrel extends automatically when the lens is held down. Is that the same with your example? It's quite annoying, unfortunately. Many thanks in advance!
Says it is only limited backyard photoshoot & goes on to click more bird shots than I ever managed! Thank you for keeping this simple. Even observing your onscreen camera settings is like taking a peek into music notes of a creator - very insightful and well thought out.
Good review explaining how you’re in ideal situation with minimum focus distance. I never thought about shooting feeder, birdbath birds for head shots before. My parents have a few at their house I will have to try it out in the spring.
I have had the lens for a few days. Unfortunately, the front lens barrel extends automatically when the lens is held down. Is that the same with your example? It's quite annoying, unfortunately. Many thanks in advance!
I bought this lens for my A7III. Coming from Sony 70-200mm f4 this new lens is awesome. Price is great and images are as good as the 70-200mm if not a little sharper. I'm totally happy with it. The Sigma tripod collar is no where to be able to get in Australia so I bought one off ebay 3rd party and it's perfect for $70 Aus. Thank you for this upload I was hoping you were going to get this lens for testing 👍🏿
I've got this lens. I've been very happy with it. When I first got it I went to the local bird park so I could guarantee loads of birds to practise on. Wish it came with a tripod foot though.
Yeah, I understand for people who don't need a tripod foot this i great cause they're not paying the extra money for one. But it's kind of a bummer for us that do. No camera store has the foot in stock near me. I'm probably going to look for an inexpensive third party foot since the lens isn't too heavy.
I have had the lens for a few days. Unfortunately, the front lens barrel extends automatically when the lens is held down. Is that the same with your example? It's quite annoying, unfortunately. Many thanks in advance!
@@StefanoIaniro Can't wait. I've been shooting with older Tamron 150-600 G1 and Nikon D7500. I'm considering switching to Sony and it will be between Sony 200-600 and this Sigma.
Hi Stefano, glad you finally got your hands on this lens I had it in September and found it to be really good at everything, although 400mm is a bit short for birds. My images in apsc mode were more suitable for birds due to the magnification. I contacted Sigma and there are no plans to produce teleconverters for it, which is a great shame unlike the version for full frame Panasonic cameras. I am looking forwaard to seeing what you can produce with it on flying birds. I photographed migrating Hobby falcons and it did really well even at long distance. I think what a lot of us would like to know from you is how do you find it compared to the 200-600? There are already comparisons between this and the Sony 100-400 on RUclips. Great Vid as ever Regards Philip in the UK.
Thanks a lot! Yeah I'm pretty sure Sigma has a deal with Sony where they wouldn't produce any teleconvertors. Don't remember where I heard that though. I'll definitely be making a video on this lens compared to 200-600, and hopefully the Sony 100-400 if I can get my hands on one to rent. 🙂
I am of the opinion that if you know you'll be a majority birding photographer: go micro four thirds right off the start. The magnification on a Leica 100-400 with the stabilization of a G9 is an insane combo. Something to consider if you haven't already made the choice to commit to a camera yet.
I have this Sigma in Nikon mount and just added the FT-1 adapter for my N1 camera for more reach and it came to about same price as the Sony version....Sigma knew what they were charging, lol. Nice lens BTW and thanks for sharing!
Since you're not using AF tracking anyway when that close - I would really suggest you turn on *Animal Eye AF* (from what I can tell of your EVF you have it off) Despite the fact that Sony says it only works on mammals, when you fill that much of the frame with a bird the RIV *will* recognize and snap right to their eyes.
@@nerves At normal birding ranges no, it doesn't work as the subject is generally too small in the frame. At the range he was at tho from his blind? It would definitely work.
@@nerves Yeah same here. That lens and that body appear to have issues talking to each other and I'm very frustrated that Sony haven't done anything about it. They've been informed by some of their official "artisans" that there's an issue or two and haven't given them a reply.!
@@StefanoIaniro Woth my a6600 and Sony 70-350mm lens, I managed to get eye AF working on a squirrel in my garden at about 6 feet away and that was through the glass of my window. :)
Nice lens and bird watching setup! I have some red tailed hawks that live around my house, so fun watching them hunt. I've seen them get quite a few snakes but never a squirrel. They'll even drink and cool off in my birdbath 💖
Excellent observation about raptor bait conditions in the backyard, Stefano. I’ve noticed the same thing since I’ve started attracting crowds of birds into my backyard, a Coopers Hawk no less came right up to the bird feeder, along with cats that hide in the grass and bushes or lay motionless on the patio furniture staked out for a bird kill. Let me tell you I never thought I’d see a Red-tailed Hawk perched out in a Palm Tree but that’s the sort of thing that happens when you attract small birds to your garden. Great vid. I’m sticking with my Sony 100-400 though.
Sei veramente molto bravo , nei tuoi video trasmetti tutta la passione che hai per il lavoro piu' bello del mondo che e' il fotografo naturalista ! Peccato per me che il tuo inglese e' molto canadese e quindi devo usare i sottotitoli . Ciao , buone feste Stefano .
I have had the lens for a few days. Unfortunately, the front lens barrel extends automatically when the lens is held down. Is that the same with your example? It's quite annoying, unfortunately. Many thanks in advance!
I have had the lens for a few days. Unfortunately, the front lens barrel extends automatically when the lens is held down. Is that the same with your example? It's quite annoying, unfortunately. Many thanks in advance!
So happy I found your channel. Great, honest review with the behind the scenes and editing process. Getting ready to binge watch your other videos. Happy birding.
Coopers Hawk, awesome! I got one a few weeks back too, it landed just as I finished putting my camera strap on, I had to hurry and slap in the battery check connections, and format the card for the day. Managed to get some mediocre images they're up on my insta at DarkWaterPhotoMedia. Right now I've just gotten a new laptop and will begin learning DaVinci Resolve, and also improving my editing skills over on lightroom and photoshop. This time I have the necessary RAM woo hoo! So lockdown or semi-lockdown in Toronto, I gotta keep busy!
@@StefanoIaniro Thank *you* for the videos! But now you are making me question whether the second lens for my a7iii should be the 200-600 or 135 1.8 Don't take it as a need to advise, I'm just complaining 😁
Hi Stefano, I was curious why you purchased the Sigma when you already have the Sony 200-600. I have the 200-600 myself so I’m really interested to hear your reasoning, if you don’t mind sharing it. Thanks! (your results were certainly a great recommendation for this Sigma lens BTW.)
Hey, thanks a lot! A few reasons: I have upcoming projects where I'll need to use 2 lenses. I also have friends/family that I'll lend the lens to when we go out birding/wildlife watching. This lens will also sit in my bag on days when I'm out and photography isn't my main goal but something cool might pop up, like when I'm hiking. It won't be replacing my 200-600, just complementing it 🙂
Excellent video, thank you very much. I have the Sigma 100-400 in Canon mount with MC11 adapter. I have always been disappointed with the focus speed but when it's on it's great. Wondering if anyone has compared the two lenses on Sony A7III?
Thank you! I haven't tried the Sigma 100-400 w/ the MC11 adapter. But over a year ago I was using the 150-600C w/ the MC-11. Compared to that lens, the 100-400 E-mount version is much more reliable usability. Also, the image quality is better!
First time on your channel and this is a great review, so you got a sub out of me. Love that you show the RAWs as well as edited shots. Good amount of alternating between talking to the camera and showing test shots. Didn't get bogged down in technical aspects but still went over most of the key points on the hardware. I've been looking at the 100-400 for the last week trying to decide if I want it or want to save a bit more for the GM, and this went a long ways towards telling me to just save the money and get the Sigma. I have a friend checking with a Sigma rep to see if there might be teleconverters for E mount in the pipeline. Here's hoping! :D
Thanks so much, I'm really happy to hear you enjoyed the video! I heard that Sigma made a deal with Sony that they wouldn't produce any teles. But I'm not too sure how true that is. I wonder which other telephoto lenses they'll start releasing for the e-mount!
@@StefanoIaniro Just heard back from the rep; there is a licensing agreement that Sigma not make any teleconverters for E Mount, however he said he hasn't heard of any issues of compatibility with Sony's teleconverter on the 100-400. Don't know why it didn't occur to me that the Sony TC would work fine since they are both E Mount, I just assumed they wouldn't. Now I'm curious why I haven't seen any reviewers test and confirm it.
The Sony is only better for tracking. I don't think it's sharper, and if you need the macro function you can buy 2 extra macro lenses for the money you save.
@@albertnebe8795 I'm hoping to rent that lens again so I can test them side by side. I don't think I could say that definitely yet, since my old Sony 100-400 images were all taken in darker situations in Ecuador.
@@albertnebe8795 Its not sharper than the GM. Much softer in the corners . Still does a pretty good job though. The thing about the GM is how it holds sharpness right across the frame and at a wider range of apertures than any other zoom I've tested.
Your photos are absolutely stunning with unbelievable feather detail and color! I really appreciate the info in each photo which I have found very helpful! Thank you for sharing! I need to get to South America! :) Quick question: In one video you really loved the Sony GM 100-400 lens which had a fixed closest AF distance (I think around 3.4 feet). Why did you decide to buy the Sigma which has a longer minimum focus distance at 400mm? Please keep sharing! Your videos are wonderful!
Sometimes, I go back and forth on whether or not to sell the GM and the 1.4x to buy this lens so I can put some money in my pocket and hope sigma releases a teleconverter for it some day, but I just love the GM too much, so probably I probably won't. Heh.
Haha, I think if you already own either the Sigma or Sony 100-400, it's hard to justify selling either of them to get the other. However, if you don't have any and you're in the market for one, that's when the decision gets tough 😅
The Sigma's a good lens for the price but I don't think you'd be happy with the downgrade if you've already used the G master. So I think your instincts to ,especially it are well founded.
From everything I have read online, the Sony teleconverters are incompatible with the Sigma 100-400. They released ones for the L-mount version so hopefully they'll release them for the E one day.
Do you know how the autofocus performance is on the sigma 100-400 canon ef model with the sigma mc-11 adapter? I imagine the sony native mount will be better, but I'm wondering how much. Great video and GREAT shots! :D
I'm a rookie..... How far in yards is this lens good for? I'm a hunter and seems like I prefer a system like this over my Swarovski spotting scope...my spotter a 60x zoom 85mm obj...... Will this setup also work for my hunting spotting purpose?
Hello Stefano, I need one suggestion for you... It's very important to me to upgrade my camera gear.. is the tamrom 150-600 G2 works with Sony Full frame camera like Sony a73.. PLEASE LET ME KNOW.... WILL BE WAITING FOR YOUR SUGGESTIONS.😉😉😉😉
I have had the lens for a few days. Unfortunately, the front lens barrel extends automatically when the lens is held down. Is that the same with your example? It's quite annoying, unfortunately. Many thanks in advance!
Great video! Just curious, do you have a video where you discuss your settings? I shoot with an A7R3 so I'm assuming they will be similar to this particular setup.
I love this video! I just recently got this lens for my a6100 and I’ve been so excited to use it, especially for birds. But the autofocus does not work at all and when I zoom in it seems to just bring the focus distance in closer? Very sad that this lens isn’t working with my camera.
Hi Stefano, first of all I really enjoy your videos and easy going style, keep up the good work. I currently use a Sigma 150-600mm C with a Sony A6600 for my wildlife photography but I am now in the market for a 100-400mm lens if money was no issue would you choose the Sigma over the Sony GM lens? Thanking you in advance. Andy
I'm currently struggling to make a choice. This exact Sigma 100-400 vs Sony 200-600. Planning to use this for motorsports, wildlife, spotting. It's probably the unusual comparison but from price perspective these lenses are really close from each other. 1k EUR for the Sigma and 1,4k EUR for the 200-600 where I'm from. If you'd need to decide between the two which one would you go for? :)
A few reasons: I have upcoming projects where I'll need to use 2 lenses. I also have friends/family that I'll lend the lens to when we go out birding/wildlife watching. This lens will also sit in my bag on days when I'm out and photography isn't my main goal but something cool might pop up, like when I'm hiking.
Bought a Tamron 70-180 f/2.8 for my more zoomed photography, but now you're making me want to add to my already absurd amount of lenses. That, or I should buy an A7RIV.
when showing stills with capture info, can you go black background and white text? I've always found the white background a little savage on the eyes on my big tv...
Hi and thanks for a nice video. It seems to me that you switch focus mode even in the middle of a shooting sequence. Do you have a video for how you set up your camera? I've tried different setups but often end up with a lot of misses. I'm using aA7RIII and a Sony 70-300G lense. You got some very nice shots here.
Thank you! And I always have 2 focus modes active. A larger one (usually Zone) and a smaller one (center or flexible spot small). I alternate between the two depending the situation. If zone is having trouble, I'll switch to the other and position the AF box exactly where I want it. I don't have a video where I go into full detail about all my settings, but I strongly recommend the setup guide video by Mark Smith. He goes through the whole menu/custom function buttons in a lot of detail. The video is an hour and gives a bunch of tips that should definitely help!
How did you find that information on the variable minimum focusing distance? Did you test it yourself? This seems like information manufacturers really should be providing us with. I have no way of being confident if the other lenses I'm considering are variable or fixed now.
Hi, Will this lens work on Sony a6400 ..Can you suggest me a telephoto lens for a6400 , I need to take the pics of birds , planes , Ships that are far away etc
Hi, I just got this lens a week ago and I am noticing that the autofocus when shooting in video mode is veeeery slow compared when shooting photos. I mainly do videos and this seems to be an issue for me. I tried it both on my a7iii and a6600 and had the same experience. Have you had similar issues? I also haven't updated the firmware of the lens from 1.0 to 2.0 since I have to ship the lens for that. Thanks!
How is the lens going now for video shooting as I just bought this and waiting for it. Video is a main focus for m also. I hear the stabalization of the lens gets in conflict with the in-camera stab - so should be turned off in lens.
No 🤦♂️ I'd love to. There's not many camera stores nearby that rent them. None have the 600 f4, and only 1 has the 400 2.8. However, rental services are closed due to covid and I'd have to pay about $600 for a 1 week rental if it was open.
Watching your video I'm surprised you get good focus on the eye of those birds using zone or a larger spot. I often shoot birds on or near my feeders and have always used the small flexible spot and then put that right on the eye, it's almost like playing a video game moving the spot quick enough since birds never sit still. Sometimes I also notice eye AF engages even on things as small as house finches, it really depends on the bird/eye color. I don't have this lens but I do have the Sony 100-400 in addition to the 200-600, I find the close focusing of the 400 can really be great when shooting small subjects from a blind. More recently I started using my 135GM for small birds, the detail is truly amazing using that lens but even from a blind being so close can make many of the birds more skittish. One question, do you find subject acquisition is better on the A7iii vs the A7RIV? I have the A7R3 and compared to the A7iii it seems noticeably slower, thinks like face or eye detect are snappier on the lower megapixel camera.
Yeah I've been using Zone AF for the better part of two years, and certainly feel like I have a better grasp now of when it works best. There wasn't much competing with the birds in the video, which helps. I also switched to my alternate AF area which I chose as center for this video. That helps a lot when Zone sometimes starts autofocusing on the birds shoulder/wing instead of the head. So far I found the a7RIV performed better with this lens, but I also don't use eye AF, not too sure if it the 7III/RIV would be better with it on,
I've kept my A7Riv even though I just bought an R5. Feels like hard work using the Sony now. The Canon really spoils you with the eye AF. But when I need more reach I'll break out the Sony with the 200 - 600.
@@markrigg6623 Sony has eye AF, both animal and human, they had it before Canon. If you haven't enabled it on your RIV you're missing out on a great feature.
I just wanted to say, for all of you who watch, like, and share the videos, it really means a lot! I'm grateful to have you all here. Thank you and Happy Birding! 😀
I love how you showed us all the different stages of editing! Really helpful :)
Yay! Happy to hear, was hoping that would help.
Hello again after years! I'm still amazed at how versatile this Sigma 100-400 is mounted to a Nikon 1v2 body, getting 270mm to over 1000mm in reach!
Awesome to see this; thank you for making this video. It's great when amateur wildlife photographers (like me!) with less money to spend have an inexpensive alternative, and even better when it's still viable and high quality.
Glad you enjoyed! Sigma did a great job with this lens. I'm excited to see which other telephoto lenses they release in the future 🙂
I have had the lens for a few days. Unfortunately, the front lens barrel extends automatically when the lens is held down. Is that the same with your example? It's quite annoying, unfortunately. Many thanks in advance!
Says it is only limited backyard photoshoot & goes on to click more bird shots than I ever managed!
Thank you for keeping this simple. Even observing your onscreen camera settings is like taking a peek into music notes of a creator - very insightful and well thought out.
I'm glad you found it helpful! Thanks so much 🙂
Good review explaining how you’re in ideal situation with minimum focus distance. I never thought about shooting feeder, birdbath birds for head shots before. My parents have a few at their house I will have to try it out in the spring.
Thanks! It's a lot of fun and is great practice, I definitely recommend it 🙂
I own this lens with a Sony A7iv. It is tack sharp!! Great if you want a light lens, with no tripod. Also so much cheaper. 5 stars Sigma
I have had the lens for a few days. Unfortunately, the front lens barrel extends automatically when the lens is held down. Is that the same with your example? It's quite annoying, unfortunately. Many thanks in advance!
You gotta stop reposting same things in multiple comments. USE LENS LOCK? @@SebastianWorldwide
I bought this lens for my A7III. Coming from Sony 70-200mm f4 this new lens is awesome. Price is great and images are as good as the 70-200mm if not a little sharper. I'm totally happy with it. The Sigma tripod collar is no where to be able to get in Australia so I bought one off ebay 3rd party and it's perfect for $70 Aus.
Thank you for this upload I was hoping you were going to get this lens for testing 👍🏿
Yeah I'll definitely be looking into a 3rd party tripod collar, as well. Glad you enjoyed the video 🙂
I've got this lens. I've been very happy with it. When I first got it I went to the local bird park so I could guarantee loads of birds to practise on. Wish it came with a tripod foot though.
Yeah, I understand for people who don't need a tripod foot this i great cause they're not paying the extra money for one. But it's kind of a bummer for us that do. No camera store has the foot in stock near me. I'm probably going to look for an inexpensive third party foot since the lens isn't too heavy.
I have had the lens for a few days. Unfortunately, the front lens barrel extends automatically when the lens is held down. Is that the same with your example? It's quite annoying, unfortunately. Many thanks in advance!
Glad to see this video from you. I've been contemplating it for some time but I haven't seen many birders thoroughly review it. So thanks!
Thank you! I'll have more videos on it coming up 🙂
@@StefanoIaniro Can't wait. I've been shooting with older Tamron 150-600 G1 and Nikon D7500. I'm considering switching to Sony and it will be between Sony 200-600 and this Sigma.
Hi Stefano, glad you finally got your hands on this lens I had it in September and found it to be really good at everything, although 400mm is a bit short for birds. My images in apsc mode were more suitable for birds due to the magnification. I contacted Sigma and there are no plans to produce teleconverters for it, which is a great shame unlike the version for full frame Panasonic cameras. I am looking forwaard to seeing what you can produce with it on flying birds. I photographed migrating Hobby falcons and it did really well even at long distance. I think what a lot of us would like to know from you is how do you find it compared to the 200-600? There are already comparisons between this and the Sony 100-400 on RUclips. Great Vid as ever Regards Philip in the UK.
Thanks a lot! Yeah I'm pretty sure Sigma has a deal with Sony where they wouldn't produce any teleconvertors. Don't remember where I heard that though. I'll definitely be making a video on this lens compared to 200-600, and hopefully the Sony 100-400 if I can get my hands on one to rent. 🙂
I have been looking at the Sigma 150-600 for Canon. Is the Sony version similar glass?
I am of the opinion that if you know you'll be a majority birding photographer: go micro four thirds right off the start. The magnification on a Leica 100-400 with the stabilization of a G9 is an insane combo. Something to consider if you haven't already made the choice to commit to a camera yet.
I have this Sigma in Nikon mount and just added the FT-1 adapter for my N1 camera for more reach and it came to about same price as the Sony version....Sigma knew what they were charging, lol. Nice lens BTW and thanks for sharing!
Since you're not using AF tracking anyway when that close - I would really suggest you turn on *Animal Eye AF* (from what I can tell of your EVF you have it off) Despite the fact that Sony says it only works on mammals, when you fill that much of the frame with a bird the RIV *will* recognize and snap right to their eyes.
Yeah it's been a while since I tried animal eye AF. I'll try giving it a shot in a future video, thanks! 🙂
It’s never really worked well for me using the 200-600 and animal eye af on my A7Riv
@@nerves At normal birding ranges no, it doesn't work as the subject is generally too small in the frame. At the range he was at tho from his blind? It would definitely work.
@@nerves Yeah same here. That lens and that body appear to have issues talking to each other and I'm very frustrated that Sony haven't done anything about it. They've been informed by some of their official "artisans" that there's an issue or two and haven't given them a reply.!
@@StefanoIaniro Woth my a6600 and Sony 70-350mm lens, I managed to get eye AF working on a squirrel in my garden at about 6 feet away and that was through the glass of my window. :)
You are such a peaceful being. Virtual high five bro.
You have that soothing voice of an NPR radio host, and very well-presented video!
Nice lens and bird watching setup! I have some red tailed hawks that live around my house, so fun watching them hunt. I've seen them get quite a few snakes but never a squirrel. They'll even drink and cool off in my birdbath 💖
Thank you so much, merci pour ce review! This lens is on my buy list since the Sony 100-400 is completely out of my price range.
Excellent observation about raptor bait conditions in the backyard, Stefano. I’ve noticed the same thing since I’ve started attracting crowds of birds into my backyard, a Coopers Hawk no less came right up to the bird feeder, along with cats that hide in the grass and bushes or lay motionless on the patio furniture staked out for a bird kill. Let me tell you I never thought I’d see a Red-tailed Hawk perched out in a Palm Tree but that’s the sort of thing that happens when you attract small birds to your garden. Great vid. I’m sticking with my Sony 100-400 though.
Sei veramente molto bravo , nei tuoi video trasmetti tutta la passione che hai per il lavoro piu' bello del mondo che e' il fotografo naturalista ! Peccato per me che il tuo inglese e' molto canadese e quindi devo usare i sottotitoli . Ciao , buone feste Stefano .
I got this lens about two weeks ago and I'm absolutely in love with it. It's worth twice what I paid for it.
I have had the lens for a few days. Unfortunately, the front lens barrel extends automatically when the lens is held down. Is that the same with your example? It's quite annoying, unfortunately. Many thanks in advance!
There is a lens lock button isn't there? @@SebastianWorldwide
" Virtual High Five " ......I love it!!!
Very nice Video! Usually when I get new stuff I test it in my backyard too.
Thanks so much 🙂
What I love about this lens is the ability to push/pull zoom. You could get from 100mm to 400mm and back in an instant.
I like that too. Not as quick as the 200-600, but no complaints 🙂
I have had the lens for a few days. Unfortunately, the front lens barrel extends automatically when the lens is held down. Is that the same with your example? It's quite annoying, unfortunately. Many thanks in advance!
@@SebastianWorldwide Use the LENS LOCK button?
So happy I found your channel. Great, honest review with the behind the scenes and editing process. Getting ready to binge watch your other videos. Happy birding.
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed!
Wow thats a pretty sick backyard with that many birds...
wonderful! beautiful video, thanks for sharing
Thank you for showing different editing stages!
Coopers Hawk, awesome! I got one a few weeks back too, it landed just as I finished putting my camera strap on, I had to hurry and slap in the battery check connections, and format the card for the day. Managed to get some mediocre images they're up on my insta at DarkWaterPhotoMedia. Right now I've just gotten a new laptop and will begin learning DaVinci Resolve, and also improving my editing skills over on lightroom and photoshop. This time I have the necessary RAM woo hoo! So lockdown or semi-lockdown in Toronto, I gotta keep busy!
That's awesome! Congrats on the photos and the new laptop! I upgraded my computer a couple months ago too. What a difference!
Awesome! I'm a nikon user, but that looks like an awesome lens. Beautiful images.
Thanks so much! Would love to try out one of the mirrorless Nikons in the future 🙂
It looks like they make one with a Nikon F mount!
Wow great shots man!
Great video ! Compact & filled with all the right info!
Amazing results! Thanks for sharing!
I absolutely love the emotions you show in your videos when you speak about birding
Thanks so much! 😀
@@StefanoIaniro Thank *you* for the videos! But now you are making me question whether the second lens for my a7iii should be the 200-600 or 135 1.8
Don't take it as a need to advise, I'm just complaining 😁
Face @ 6:34 is like, "Ye fucking got me, m8."
😂😄
Hi Stefano, I was curious why you purchased the Sigma when you already have the Sony 200-600. I have the 200-600 myself so I’m really interested to hear your reasoning, if you don’t mind sharing it. Thanks! (your results were certainly a great recommendation for this Sigma lens BTW.)
Hey, thanks a lot! A few reasons: I have upcoming projects where I'll need to use 2 lenses. I also have friends/family that I'll lend the lens to when we go out birding/wildlife watching. This lens will also sit in my bag on days when I'm out and photography isn't my main goal but something cool might pop up, like when I'm hiking. It won't be replacing my 200-600, just complementing it 🙂
Very nice review that I wanted, asked to check out, l'm looking forward to the videos to come. Thanks!
Thanks so much! 🙂
Excellent video, thank you very much. I have the Sigma 100-400 in Canon mount with MC11 adapter. I have always been disappointed with the focus speed but when it's on it's great. Wondering if anyone has compared the two lenses on Sony A7III?
Thank you! I haven't tried the Sigma 100-400 w/ the MC11 adapter. But over a year ago I was using the 150-600C w/ the MC-11. Compared to that lens, the 100-400 E-mount version is much more reliable usability. Also, the image quality is better!
First time on your channel and this is a great review, so you got a sub out of me. Love that you show the RAWs as well as edited shots. Good amount of alternating between talking to the camera and showing test shots. Didn't get bogged down in technical aspects but still went over most of the key points on the hardware.
I've been looking at the 100-400 for the last week trying to decide if I want it or want to save a bit more for the GM, and this went a long ways towards telling me to just save the money and get the Sigma. I have a friend checking with a Sigma rep to see if there might be teleconverters for E mount in the pipeline. Here's hoping! :D
Thanks so much, I'm really happy to hear you enjoyed the video! I heard that Sigma made a deal with Sony that they wouldn't produce any teles. But I'm not too sure how true that is. I wonder which other telephoto lenses they'll start releasing for the e-mount!
@@StefanoIaniro Just heard back from the rep; there is a licensing agreement that Sigma not make any teleconverters for E Mount, however he said he hasn't heard of any issues of compatibility with Sony's teleconverter on the 100-400.
Don't know why it didn't occur to me that the Sony TC would work fine since they are both E Mount, I just assumed they wouldn't. Now I'm curious why I haven't seen any reviewers test and confirm it.
I love your energery btw stefano
I still can't decide if I should go for this sigma or sony 100-400 ... so waiting for your other videos, hopefully they will help with the decision.
Hope they'll help too! I think it'll be a tough decision between the two. Both are great lenses
The Sony is only better for tracking. I don't think it's sharper, and if you need the macro function you can buy 2 extra macro lenses for the money you save.
Awesomely done .. nice lens ❤️
Thanks so much 🙂
I love your video and specially output photos. those makes me decide to buy this lens. . hope it can work well with my a6600. .
Nice video. Can you do one on how you used the Sony auto focus in this?
Great video and awesome shots
Man, these shots were well edited in my eyes! Great Video! Abnormal sharpness of the A7R IV :O
Thank you! I was a bit worried how this lens would perform on the R4 considering the high MP. Definitely impressed image quality wise.
@@StefanoIaniro yes, I also heared, that it's even sharper than the gm..
@@albertnebe8795 I'm hoping to rent that lens again so I can test them side by side. I don't think I could say that definitely yet, since my old Sony 100-400 images were all taken in darker situations in Ecuador.
@@StefanoIaniro that would be interesting indeed! :)
@@albertnebe8795 Its not sharper than the GM. Much softer in the corners . Still does a pretty good job though. The thing about the GM is how it holds sharpness right across the frame and at a wider range of apertures than any other zoom I've tested.
Your photos are absolutely stunning with unbelievable feather detail and color! I really appreciate the info in each photo which I have found very helpful! Thank you for sharing! I need to get to South America! :) Quick question: In one video you really loved the Sony GM 100-400 lens which had a fixed closest AF distance (I think around 3.4 feet). Why did you decide to buy the Sigma which has a longer minimum focus distance at 400mm? Please keep sharing! Your videos are wonderful!
You should collaborate with Morton Hilmer he shoots Nikon has some amazing videos as well.
Great video.. as always. But, can you please share the details on the blind?
Thank you! This is the Tragopan V+ (the older model)
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed, thank you!
Sometimes, I go back and forth on whether or not to sell the GM and the 1.4x to buy this lens so I can put some money in my pocket and hope sigma releases a teleconverter for it some day, but I just love the GM too much, so probably I probably won't. Heh.
Haha, I think if you already own either the Sigma or Sony 100-400, it's hard to justify selling either of them to get the other. However, if you don't have any and you're in the market for one, that's when the decision gets tough 😅
The Sigma's a good lens for the price but I don't think you'd be happy with the downgrade if you've already used the G master. So I think your instincts to ,especially it are well founded.
I thought you could use the Sony converters on this, did you try it?
From everything I have read online, the Sony teleconverters are incompatible with the Sigma 100-400. They released ones for the L-mount version so hopefully they'll release them for the E one day.
Do you know how the autofocus performance is on the sigma 100-400 canon ef model with the sigma mc-11 adapter?
I imagine the sony native mount will be better, but I'm wondering how much.
Great video and GREAT shots! :D
Thanks so much! And no, the only sigma telephoto that I've used adapted on the Sony cameras is the Sigma 150-600. Which this 100-400 outperforms 🙂
This man knows his craft!
Beautiful shots.
Thank you!
I'm a rookie..... How far in yards is this lens good for? I'm a hunter and seems like I prefer a system like this over my Swarovski spotting scope...my spotter a 60x zoom 85mm obj...... Will this setup also work for my hunting spotting purpose?
Really enjoyed your video. So good I subscribed. 😁
I have the lens and the backyard birds. Where do I get the blind?
every video every time I watch your videos it simply puts a big smile on my face. you are awesome dude :)
Beautiful video and awesome review man 👊🏼🔥 +1 sub ! Keep it awesome !
In very short excellent job.
Great edits, nice video thank you
Ciao Stefano, what type of AF did you use with the Sigma when photographing birds? Thanks and congratulations🙏
Very nice and educational video, I subscribed to the channel!
Hello Stefano,
I need one suggestion for you... It's very important to me to upgrade my camera gear.. is the tamrom 150-600 G2 works with Sony Full frame camera like Sony a73.. PLEASE LET ME KNOW.... WILL BE WAITING FOR YOUR SUGGESTIONS.😉😉😉😉
I have had the lens for a few days. Unfortunately, the front lens barrel extends automatically when the lens is held down. Is that the same with your example? It's quite annoying, unfortunately. Many thanks in advance!
Use the smallest focus point since your so close
Great sidekick lens for your 200-600 or any other large lens. I wonder about the F mount version or the Tamron F mount. Thanks
Ok I’m buying this lens. But have you test for BIF? There’s another video I watched where this lens couldn’t even focus on a walking dog.
Good job! Would you say the Image fidelity/clarity is more due to the lens or the body?
I'd say it's more due to the lens. Also, I've been swapping it on both bodies and I think I prefer it on the R4.
thanx!
Great video! Just curious, do you have a video where you discuss your settings? I shoot with an A7R3 so I'm assuming they will be similar to this particular setup.
I love this video! I just recently got this lens for my a6100 and I’ve been so excited to use it, especially for birds. But the autofocus does not work at all and when I zoom in it seems to just bring the focus distance in closer? Very sad that this lens isn’t working with my camera.
Amazing Work ✌️
Hi Stefano, first of all I really enjoy your videos and easy going style, keep up the good work. I currently use a Sigma 150-600mm C with a Sony A6600 for my wildlife photography but I am now in the market for a 100-400mm lens if money was no issue would you choose the Sigma over the Sony GM lens? Thanking you in advance. Andy
Awesome Review. Do have a aps-c kamera to test the lens with. That would be super interesting for me. :) Happy shooting.
Thanks so much! And no I don't have any APS-C cameras sadly. Sorry!
good job, greetings from Germany
Stefano...great review!...have you compared to sony 70-350mm especially how it relates to autofocus keepers?
I'm currently struggling to make a choice. This exact Sigma 100-400 vs Sony 200-600.
Planning to use this for motorsports, wildlife, spotting.
It's probably the unusual comparison but from price perspective these lenses are really close from each other.
1k EUR for the Sigma and 1,4k EUR for the 200-600 where I'm from. If you'd need to decide between the two which one would you go for? :)
Wow... Thank you for sharing. :)
Between the A7III and the A7RIV which one is better for wildlife? I have the A7III and trying to decide whether to pick up the A7RIV
Nice review I’m not a wildlife photographer but I really enjoy all this photos. Question here... Can I reach the moon 🌙 with this lens?
Why this when you have the 200-600G?
A few reasons: I have upcoming projects where I'll need to use 2 lenses. I also have friends/family that I'll lend the lens to when we go out birding/wildlife watching. This lens will also sit in my bag on days when I'm out and photography isn't my main goal but something cool might pop up, like when I'm hiking.
Bought a Tamron 70-180 f/2.8 for my more zoomed photography, but now you're making me want to add to my already absurd amount of lenses.
That, or I should buy an A7RIV.
Hi, can you share the link where you got your bird blind please. Thanks
when showing stills with capture info, can you go black background and white text? I've always found the white background a little savage on the eyes on my big tv...
Thanks for this
Great content.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Stefano, Are you still using this lens. If so, Could you please share your thoughts after using it on long term?
Stefano what type of tripod would u recommend for beginners? Carbon fiber/alum , etc. other
nice review thanx.
Hey did you ever do your review of this lens?
Hi and thanks for a nice video. It seems to me that you switch focus mode even in the middle of a shooting sequence. Do you have a video for how you set up your camera? I've tried different setups but often end up with a lot of misses. I'm using aA7RIII and a Sony 70-300G lense. You got some very nice shots here.
Thank you! And I always have 2 focus modes active. A larger one (usually Zone) and a smaller one (center or flexible spot small). I alternate between the two depending the situation. If zone is having trouble, I'll switch to the other and position the AF box exactly where I want it. I don't have a video where I go into full detail about all my settings, but I strongly recommend the setup guide video by Mark Smith. He goes through the whole menu/custom function buttons in a lot of detail. The video is an hour and gives a bunch of tips that should definitely help!
@@StefanoIaniro Thanks a lot. I will definitely check out this video.
how you compare it with the sigma 150-600 with MC adapter? the focus works as the same?
Thanks, great video
How did you find that information on the variable minimum focusing distance? Did you test it yourself? This seems like information manufacturers really should be providing us with. I have no way of being confident if the other lenses I'm considering are variable or fixed now.
Hi, Will this lens work on Sony a6400 ..Can you suggest me a telephoto lens for a6400 , I need to take the pics of birds , planes , Ships that are far away etc
Hi, I just got this lens a week ago and I am noticing that the autofocus when shooting in video mode is veeeery slow compared when shooting photos. I mainly do videos and this seems to be an issue for me. I tried it both on my a7iii and a6600 and had the same experience. Have you had similar issues? I also haven't updated the firmware of the lens from 1.0 to 2.0 since I have to ship the lens for that. Thanks!
How is the lens going now for video shooting as I just bought this and waiting for it. Video is a main focus for m also. I hear the stabalization of the lens gets in conflict with the in-camera stab - so should be turned off in lens.
Is this compatible with Sony a6400? Btw, cool videos and images.
Thank you! Yes this e-mount version of this lens is compatible with the a6400
@@StefanoIaniro cool thanks
Have you ever had the pleasure of using a 600 f4 prime? Or the 400 f2.8?
No 🤦♂️ I'd love to. There's not many camera stores nearby that rent them. None have the 600 f4, and only 1 has the 400 2.8. However, rental services are closed due to covid and I'd have to pay about $600 for a 1 week rental if it was open.
@@StefanoIaniro $600 for a week??? Goddamn. Guess it's 200-600 for life 😂
@@ulisesgonzalezzuniga7550 Haha yeah it's crazy. I'm hoping one day I can get my hands on it, but for now I'm very happy with what I have 🙂
great review. Is there compatible teleconverter?
Thank you! And no, no teles work with this lens at the moment.
which mode you select in sony 200-600 for stabilisation ? for bird photography
Watching your video I'm surprised you get good focus on the eye of those birds using zone or a larger spot. I often shoot birds on or near my feeders and have always used the small flexible spot and then put that right on the eye, it's almost like playing a video game moving the spot quick enough since birds never sit still. Sometimes I also notice eye AF engages even on things as small as house finches, it really depends on the bird/eye color. I don't have this lens but I do have the Sony 100-400 in addition to the 200-600, I find the close focusing of the 400 can really be great when shooting small subjects from a blind. More recently I started using my 135GM for small birds, the detail is truly amazing using that lens but even from a blind being so close can make many of the birds more skittish. One question, do you find subject acquisition is better on the A7iii vs the A7RIV? I have the A7R3 and compared to the A7iii it seems noticeably slower, thinks like face or eye detect are snappier on the lower megapixel camera.
Yeah I've been using Zone AF for the better part of two years, and certainly feel like I have a better grasp now of when it works best. There wasn't much competing with the birds in the video, which helps. I also switched to my alternate AF area which I chose as center for this video. That helps a lot when Zone sometimes starts autofocusing on the birds shoulder/wing instead of the head. So far I found the a7RIV performed better with this lens, but I also don't use eye AF, not too sure if it the 7III/RIV would be better with it on,
@@StefanoIaniro I don't think I can use AF-C with animal eye-AF on my a7III. Just from the top of my head, I could be wrong though.
I've kept my A7Riv even though I just bought an R5. Feels like hard work using the Sony now. The Canon really spoils you with the eye AF. But when I need more reach I'll break out the Sony with the 200 - 600.
@@markrigg6623 The eye AF looks great on the R5! Which lens are you using with it?
@@markrigg6623 Sony has eye AF, both animal and human, they had it before Canon. If you haven't enabled it on your RIV you're missing out on a great feature.