hatch1921
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Upload & Sell: On
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 p.31 #13 · Sony 400-800 f/6.3-8 G It's here!! | |
nmerc_photos wrote:
FWIW - I had the 400-800, tested it for about a week and sold it.
Ultimately I realized a few things:
- I don't value zoom versatility, I prefer to just get framing right with my feet or prime focal length
- on the 400-800 more than any other lens, I kept bumping the focal length ring and would end up all over the place. very annoying. wish they included a lock
also, I probably am not the intended audience since I would pin that lens at 800mm for 90%+ of the time
- The OEM foot and hood both are lacking. I expect Wimberley/Zemlin will fix that eventually
foot is far too small, hood is too large and heavy
- IQ of the 400-800 was very good when filling the frame, but fell off fast when cropping
- Rampant CA with the 400-800 more than any lens I've ever used
hopefully should be an easy fix with software when DXO gets around to it
- I got much better results IQ wise with the 300GM + 2x and then cropping to 800mm equivalent FOV, than with the 400-800
for this reason, that will be my choice. significantly smaller and lighter, while being faster and better IQ.
- The 400-800 is what I consider a big and heavy lens
if I'm going to take a big and heavy lens out (as opposed to 300GM), I may as well just take a 600 f4 out. they feel the same, fatigue the same, both need support, etc.
- Reviews overall have been pretty mixed. People coming from 100-400s and 200-600s seem to be pretty impressed. Those with access to 300 f2.8s, 400 f2.8s or 600 f4s are less impressed. As expected I suppose. I think I fell victim to the hype train reviews and expected far more out of the lens than I should have given it falls into the "budget" category.
- Of our local group - most shoot Sony now and 6 of us got our hands on the lens. 5 of us have or are reselling it. But then again - all of us have the 300GM, 600GM, or both.
as with most things, I think it'll depend on your current lens setup, your budget, and use case. for those of us with access to the wildlife primes, I don't think the 400-800 is a very easy sell. especially if you're considering traveling abroad and space is already limited. if you can afford the 300GM and don't absolutely need zoom versatility, it seems like a much better option.
a couple users from Arizona have stated they love it, and get 330+ days a year of sun. Here in Michigan, its potential is a lot more difficult to unlock
I will say the image (when filling the frame) is very sharp. and the AF was incredibly fast. it felt on par to my Nikon exotic lenses when used on a Nikon body.
If you're someone who doesn't have access to one of the wildlife primes, I think you'll probably be very happy with the 400-800....Show more →
I can't argue with most of your points in the thread, I will say CA hasn't raised its ugly head, at least I can't tell, maybe it's just the subjects I'm photographing.
I've rented the 300GM and the 600GM (amazing glass) and for me the 400-800 is working well. I wasn't a fan of swapping out the teleconverters with the 300mm and 95% of what I tend to photograph is at the 600mm range, the 2xTC was nice but it wasn't much of an improvement over my 200-600 in the end. The 600GM is next level compared to the 400-800 and it's amazing with the 1.4xTC on it. The weight and size are not horrible. I'm finding the 400-800 sits in the middle with some compromise. It's not light weight but not crazy heavy, who wouldn't want f/5.6 or f/4 but I'm producing nice shots (to me) and it's 1/2 the cost of the 300 + a 2x and it's 10K cheaper than the 600mm. As I've mentioned previously, there's tradeoffs. I'd love to own the 300 or 600GM, but based on my shooting habits/style the 400-800 is working for now. I still love the 200-600 and I don't see me selling it.
I can see the struggle people would have living in Michigan or anywhere low light conditions are the norm. I couldn't imagine shooting in the deep woods with this thing, not ideal.
As I mentioned, I wish Sony didn't set the limitations they have with Sigma as the new Sigma 300-600 F/4 could be a real winner. The weight is nutty but like anything ... compromises.
I've babbled enough... I think people should rent the lens and shoot with it if they are on the fence, or buy and return/sale it.
It's not a "one size fits all" lens by any means. Here in AZ where we have tons of sunshine, it's working out well for me.
Hatch
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. The company even provides a wrench for the lens foot which is a nice touch. The price wasn't all that bad and it made it to Arizona from China in about a week. I purchased the Desert scheme, looks just like the photo. 
