MatthewK
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 p.9 #10 · Official 600PF image and discussion thread | |
Just returned from a trip to Florida, and the 600PF was the only lens I took, leaving the 180-600 and 800PF at home. This was the first "real" chance to use the lens with non-backyard birds since buying it last Fall, so wanted to see whether or not it would work as my only lens for prime time use.
First part of the trip was staying in the Tampa suburbs, and there were a lot songbirds to work with. Northern Parula, B&W Warblers, Palm Warblers mostly, along with the usual resident Carolina Wren, Catbirds, Titmice, Chickadee, etc. The 600PF performed well, though the conditions were extremely challenging: deep shadow, harsh highlights, tangled/twiggy environs. I was able to get close-ish to a lot of these birds, and rarely ran into the MFD limit. The AF was great, however, I ended up relying on Single Point AF for getting on target because the Auto Area/3D/1x1 Custom Subject Detect modes all were easily tripped up by the conditions. Not a fault of the lens, just wanted to mention it.
 B&W Warbler by M K, on Flickr
 Northern Parula by M K, on Flickr
The second part of the trip I was able to visit Ft. DeSoto, and it was a remarkable experience. It was like playing the game on cheat mode compared to the frustration of shooting warblers the days prior. The 600PF was stellar, and while the 186 would have probably been a better choice due to versatility, I don't think I'd choose it over the PF simply for the size/weight and ability to easily maneuver it while switching shooting positions (I was on my belly a lot). 800PF would have been way too much reach for this place and how close the birds would come, and the 600 f/4 overkill due to the extreme shallow DOF, again, due to how close you are to the birds. I think either the 600PF or 180-600 are the perfect choices for Ft. DeSoto, but who am I, I've only been there one morning for a couple of hours.
 Semi-palmated Plover by M K, on Flickr
 Reddish Egret by M K, on Flickr
 Reddish Egret by M K, on Flickr
 Royal Terns by M K, on Flickr
 Black Skimmer by M K, on Flickr
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