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Archive 2024 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens

  
 
AGeoJO
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p.1 #1 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


With introduction of the GM 300mm and even more so, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6, this lens appears to have lost its appeal and has been pushed to the background by the birding community, in particular and the long lens aficionados, in general on FM. Actually at f/6.3 at the long end, this lens is only barely slower than the Sigma f/5.6. But it is a zoom lens and as such, you have the flexibility of zooming out to 200mm and any FL in between. Plus, a TC can be used to extend the FL further if there is a need to. Since it is a native lens, it can take advantage of the high FPS offered by the camera. To me it provides the mid FL lens that some folks claim to be missing in the Sony lineup.

The obvious drawback is that it is heavier and larger relative to the Sigma lens. Nothing new in terms of prime vs zoom and if there is a need to, I can use a camera support not only to make the handling/operation of that lens easier but also to get the most out of the lens. Only occasionally would I hand hold the lens and I can imagine to use Sigma lens in a similar fashion had I owner/used the Sigma. FYI, I am already in the mid-70 and I am only medium built.

Again, nothing against the Sigma lens and this post is not intended to rain on the Sigma praising parade. As always, the more selection the merrier; right? But I am throwing this out there to remind folks that the G 200-600mm is no slouch and that it holds up well against the new Sigma lens. Oh, yes, the Sigma lens is the new kid on the block and the newness is getting more attention, as anticipated.

Lastly and IMHO, the 200-600mm lens is an excellent performer, at least, my copy is. There are tons of great images displayed in the respective image thread here on FM. But for documentation sake, I am putting a few more here. Some of them may have posted already somewhere else but, hey, why not again. Originally, I wanted to post only images of some Mandarin ducks but later on, I decided to include some of more recent images from my recent visit to Costa Rica where I used that lens a fair amount. All taken at wide open albeit not all at 600mm.

Whether you see my point here or you think that this post is nothing more than garbage, or whatever your opinion, please do express your opinion here. I appreciate all inputs.

Thank you for stopping by...



© AGeoJO 2024

  ILCE-7RM4    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    200mm    f/6.3    1/250s    4000 ISO    0.0 EV  





© AGeoJO 2024

  ILCE-7RM4    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    600mm    f/6.3    1/250s    640 ISO    0.0 EV  





© AGeoJO 2024

  ILCE-7RM4    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    426mm    f/6.3    1/250s    500 ISO    0.0 EV  





© AGeoJO 2024

  ILCE-7RM4    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    600mm    f/6.3    1/250s    800 ISO    0.0 EV  





© AGeoJO 2024

  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    600mm    f/6.3    1/125s    2500 ISO    0.0 EV  





© AGeoJO 2024

  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    200mm    f/6.3    1/250s    1000 ISO    0.0 EV  





© AGeoJO 2024

  ILCE-7RM5    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    600mm    f/6.3    1/250s    2500 ISO    0.0 EV  





© AGeoJO 2024

  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    223mm    f/6.3    1/2000s    5000 ISO    0.0 EV  



Edited on Mar 24, 2024 at 05:20 PM · View previous versions



Mar 24, 2024 at 03:39 PM
A9Lon
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p.1 #2 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


I've been a 200-600 user from day one. It works very well for me most of the time. There are times the AF is not as fast as I'd like and the widest aperture of 6.3 at 550/600mm or what ever it is, can be a handicap in low light. But 85% of the time this very reasonably priced lens produces very good to excellent results.
I've been reading all the posts about the Sigma 500 f5.6 and the 300 GM with a 2X. They both sound very good. But only occasionally do you see anyone mention the phenomenal advantage of the quarter rotation zoom and versatile 200-600 focal range.
Being able to start at 200mm, find a bird/animal in motion and then quickly zoom in to increase the subject's image size is a really handy feature. Also, I do a fair amount of photography from a blind and out the window of my SUV. Being able to zoom is really helpful.
I'm looking closely at the Sigma 500 and the 300mm GM with the converters.
But, I'm mostly really happy with the 200-600.
I'd be in heaven if Sony brought out a 200-600 GM that was a straight f/5.6 aperture, was a bit lighter and had the faster dual linear AF motors, all at a reasonable price. One can dream!



Mar 24, 2024 at 04:00 PM
Douglas L
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p.1 #3 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


Great samples from the 200-600, Joshua! I have the 300GM+2XTC that will replace the 200-600 as my main hummingbird lens but the 200-600 will still be my main airshow lens because of its versatility. It's not going anywhere, unless Sony makes a lighter Mark II.




  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    600mm    f/7.1    1/4000s    320 ISO    -0.3 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    524mm    f/6.3    1/4000s    320 ISO    -0.3 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    489mm    f/6.3    1/5000s    500 ISO    -0.3 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    467mm    f/6.3    1/4000s    320 ISO    -0.3 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    356mm    f/11.0    1/125s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    600mm    f/6.3    1/640s    320 ISO    +0.3 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    518mm    f/6.3    1/4000s    1000 ISO    -0.3 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    404mm    f/6.3    1/4000s    800 ISO    -0.3 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    448mm    f/16.0    1/125s    100 ISO    0.0 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    478mm    f/9.0    1/3200s    250 ISO    -1.0 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    576mm    f/6.3    1/3200s    320 ISO    0.0 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    376mm    f/6.3    1/4000s    200 ISO    -1.0 EV  




Mar 24, 2024 at 04:21 PM
RikWriter
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p.1 #4 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


The 200-600 is an excellent lens for the money. Anyone just starting out in bird/wildlife photography, this is one the best lenses you can recommend. The one area the Sigma has on it, though, as well as the new Sony 300 2.8 is weight.


Mar 24, 2024 at 05:48 PM
AGeoJO
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p.1 #5 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


A9Lon wrote:
I've been a 200-600 user from day one. It works very well for me most of the time. There are times the AF is not as fast as I'd like and the widest aperture of 6.3 at 550/600mm or what ever it is, can be a handicap in low light. But 85% of the time this very reasonably priced lens produces very good to excellent results.
I've been reading all the posts about the Sigma 500 f5.6 and the 300 GM with a 2X. They both sound very good. But only occasionally do you see anyone mention the phenomenal advantage of
...Show more

Thank you for your input, Lon! The internal zooming mechanism is a welcome feature and you made a great point about the short zooming rotation that allows a quick zooming action.



Mar 24, 2024 at 06:30 PM
AGeoJO
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p.1 #6 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


Douglas L wrote:
Great samples from the 200-600, Joshua! I have the 300GM+2XTC that will replace the 200-600 as my main hummingbird lens but the 200-600 will still be my main airshow lens because of its versatility. It's not going anywhere, unless Sony makes a lighter Mark II.


Thank you for your input and superb images, Doug! I am looking forward to the next iteration of this lens whenever Sony introduces it.



Mar 24, 2024 at 06:39 PM
AGeoJO
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p.1 #7 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


RikWriter wrote:
The 200-600 is an excellent lens for the money. Anyone just starting out in bird/wildlife photography, this is one the best lenses you can recommend. The one area the Sigma has on it, though, as well as the new Sony 300 2.8 is weight.


Thank you for your input, Rick! Point well taken in regards to the weight and therefore ease of transport and operation of those 2 new lenses. But as mentioned, in case of the Sigma 500, especially, it is more between a zoom lens and a prime lens. The difference in the aperture is slight and under real life conditions may not matter much, if any.



Mar 24, 2024 at 06:43 PM
A9Lon
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p.1 #8 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


Quote from Joshua, "I am looking forward to the next iteration of this lens whenever Sony introduces it."
Me too!

Edited on Mar 24, 2024 at 07:11 PM · View previous versions


Mar 24, 2024 at 07:07 PM
Al Trujillo
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p.1 #9 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


The 200-600mm is not just a poor-man's substitute to the higher end 600mm's but may be every bit a GM except in name only.


Mar 24, 2024 at 07:09 PM
TGPhotography
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p.1 #10 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


The 200-600 is still my goto lens for hummingbirds even though I have the 600GM.

If a photo is terrible at 600mm f/6.3, a different lens won't save it. A 600mm f/4, 500mm f/5.6, or 600mm f/5.6 will not magically rescue a bad photo.

A few samples of the 200-600 with the A9 and A1











Crop from above showing how much detail you can get from it:


Works just fine for other species:











Mar 25, 2024 at 12:40 AM
A74me
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p.1 #11 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


exceptional images by everyone.


Mar 25, 2024 at 02:19 AM
tuomkok
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p.1 #12 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


For what it can do - including ability to zoom - 200-600 G is one of the best lenses in its class.


Mar 25, 2024 at 02:39 AM
Peire
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p.1 #13 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


AGeoJO wrote:
With introduction of the GM 300mm and even more so, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6, this lens appears to have lost its appeal and has been pushed to the background by the birding community, in particular and the long lens aficionados, in general on FM. Actually at f/6.3 at the long end, this lens is only barely slower than the Sigma f/5.6. But it is a zoom lens and as such, you have the flexibility of zooming out to 200mm and any FL in between. Plus, a TC can be used to extend the FL further if there is a need
...Show more

Beautifully colourful,gorgeous birds pictures as usual Joshua!

Being not a birder I use 200-600 for landscapes and catscapes (at home).



Mar 25, 2024 at 05:22 AM
Peire
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p.1 #14 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


Douglas L wrote:
Great samples from the 200-600, Joshua! I have the 300GM+2XTC that will replace the 200-600 as my main hummingbird lens but the 200-600 will still be my main airshow lens because of its versatility. It's not going anywhere, unless Sony makes a lighter Mark II.


Excellent,dynamic and colourfull shots of deadly birds made of steel Douglas!

Edited on Mar 25, 2024 at 12:08 PM · View previous versions



Mar 25, 2024 at 05:25 AM
Douglas L
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p.1 #15 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


TGPhotography wrote:
The 200-600 is still my goto lens for hummingbirds even though I have the 600GM.

If a photo is terrible at 600mm f/6.3, a different lens won't save it. A 600mm f/4, 500mm f/5.6, or 600mm f/5.6 will not magically rescue a bad photo.

A few samples of the 200-600 with the A9 and A1

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53536156588_9f80bd4d26_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51852140903_a44711d993_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52504283632_e67eedeffc_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51893922759_a6c1921345_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51695642281_e51ecd3a75_h.jpg

Crop from above showing how much detail you can get from it:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51695920353_80b0495551_h.jpg

Works just fine for other species:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51013514923_2c9697b6ab_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794946387_9dbd779bb4_h.jpg






Great shots, love the one with ants on the beak! I rarely use the 600 GM for hummingbirds. In my particular shooting situation, I can get very close to to the hummers, about 6-9', the 200-600's MFD works great for me. The 300GM+2XTC will give me a higher magnification and a slightly brighter aperture, maybe a slightly sharper image too. But I don't have any complaint about the 200-600's image quality. I would have paid $3000 for it when it came out. I think the 200-600 moved some folks from Nikon and Canon to Sony.

Here are some hummers working on different flowers in my yard from last year, all shot at close to the 200-600's MDF. Can't wait for them to come back next month.




  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    600mm    f/6.3    1/1000s    500 ISO    0.0 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    535mm    f/6.3    1/1000s    400 ISO    -0.7 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    600mm    f/6.3    1/800s    500 ISO    0.0 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    600mm    f/6.3    1/1000s    400 ISO    -0.7 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    600mm    f/6.3    1/1000s    500 ISO    0.0 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    600mm    f/6.3    1/800s    500 ISO    0.0 EV  






  ILCE-1    FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS lens    600mm    f/6.3    1/1000s    500 ISO    0.0 EV  



Edited on Mar 26, 2024 at 03:36 AM · View previous versions



Mar 25, 2024 at 05:26 AM
InFocus2014
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p.1 #16 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


Joshua, from all the great photo’s you (and Douglas) have posted over time, and with all your photographic talent, I think you could make a pinhole lens look good.

Your post came at a good time, for me, as I was considering going to the GM 300mm with converters or, more likely, the Sigma 500mm. It probably makes more sense to put up with the weight and size of the 200-600 for all that flexibility. Fortunately, the Sigma’s apparent May back-order fulfillment date didn’t facilitate any of my hasty (and notoriously poor ) decisions. I will probably end-up with both lenses.

Thanks for your post!

Jeff



Mar 25, 2024 at 05:39 AM
psharvic
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p.1 #17 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


Yes, a timely post, Joshua. There have been many, many examples of what this 200-600 can do here on FM. I'm completely happy with mine. IMO at 600 it does 95%+ of what the GM600 does at a fraction of the cost. Even though I'm at 600 most of the time I've occasionally had to zoom back for a picture a fixed 600 would have missed. No 300 or 500 interest for me.


Mar 25, 2024 at 06:42 AM
TGPhotography
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p.1 #18 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens




Douglas L wrote:
Great shots, love the one with ants on the beak! I rarely use the 600 GM for hummingbirds. In my particular shooting situation, I can get very close to to the hummers, about 6-9', the 200-600's MFD works great for me. The 300GM+2XTC will give me a higher magnification and a slightly brighter aperture, maybe a slightly sharp image too. But I don't have any complaint about the 200-600's image quality. I would have paid $3000 for it when it came out. I think the 200-600 moved some folks from Nikon and Canon to Sony.

Here are some hummers working
...Show more

Great hummingbird shots as usual!

The mfd is why the 200-600 is great for hummingbirds. I can always get within a couple feet of them. If I am going somewhere exclusively for hummingbirds, I take the 200-600. If I am going somewhere with hummingbirds and other species, I take the 600GM.

The 200-600 works great for video too, since most of the time I stop down to keep shutter following the 180 rule.



Mar 25, 2024 at 07:21 AM
chiron
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p.1 #19 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


AGeoJO wrote:
With introduction of the GM 300mm and even more so, the Sigma 500mm f/5.6, this lens appears to have lost its appeal and has been pushed to the background by the birding community, in particular and the long lens aficionados, in general on FM. Actually at f/6.3 at the long end, this lens is only barely slower than the Sigma f/5.6. But it is a zoom lens and as such, you have the flexibility of zooming out to 200mm and any FL in between. Plus, a TC can be used to extend the FL further if there is a need
...Show more

Wonderful images, Joshua, Nat Geo worthy and beautiful. My favorites are the first Mandarin and then the bird (species?) flying in the rain. I wonder if you rwould say more about how you process these? Not only is that information very helpfulin understanding the lens, but it also helps those of us who are working on strengthening our post-processing skills. For example, what sharpening was applied to the Mandarin images? And how did you handle color in the images?



Mar 25, 2024 at 07:33 AM
chiron
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p.1 #20 · Another look at the G 200-600mm lens


TGPhotography wrote:
The 200-600 is still my goto lens for hummingbirds even though I have the 600GM.

If a photo is terrible at 600mm f/6.3, a different lens won't save it. A 600mm f/4, 500mm f/5.6, or 600mm f/5.6 will not magically rescue a bad photo.

A few samples of the 200-600 with the A9 and A1

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53536156588_9f80bd4d26_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51852140903_a44711d993_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52504283632_e67eedeffc_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51893922759_a6c1921345_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51695642281_e51ecd3a75_h.jpg

Crop from above showing how much detail you can get from it:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51695920353_80b0495551_h.jpg

Works just fine for other species:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51013514923_2c9697b6ab_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51794946387_9dbd779bb4_h.jpg




Great shots, TG, full of life and filled with gorgeous light!



Mar 25, 2024 at 07:35 AM
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