600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
p.3 #1600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
arbitrage wrote:
I will order the 600/6.3. Just waiting for my dealer to get enough stock that he will discount the price for me. Hopefully by late October. Maybe earlier.
This lens will be in addition to my 300GM and 600/4GM. What I'm not sure about is my new 100-400/4.5GM. That will stay for now but I could see it being sold eventually.
I want the 600/6.3 for maximum lightweight and portability. I also want to be able to reach 840/9 which I can't with the 300GM. I'm also hoping that the AF is better than the 300/2xTC.
This is exactly my train of thought as well regarding the 600/6.3, I have the 300GM with both extenders that I am using for all my bird photography and as good as this combination is I need some additional reach for some species which is not achievable with that combination. I've pre-order the 600/6.3 to use in conjunction with the 300 and TCs for overseas travel but I'm still ordering the 600GM to use here in Canada during the grey winter months . At first it seems kind of silly to have both 600s but for the type of shooting I do and the locations where I do it makes some sense, or at least I have convinced myself that it does.
I will order the 600/6.3. Just waiting for my dealer to get enough stock that he will discount the price for me. Hopefully by late October. Maybe earlier.
This lens will be in addition to my 300GM and 600/4GM. What I'm not sure about is my new 100-400/4.5GM. That will stay for now but I could see it being sold eventually.
I want the 600/6.3 for maximum lightweight and portability. I also want to be able to reach 840/9 which I can't with the 300GM. I'm also hoping that the AF is better than the 300/2xTC.
This is exactly my train of thought as well regarding the 600/6.3, I have the 300GM with both extenders that I am using for all my bird photography and as good as this combination is I need some additional reach for some species which is not achievable with that combination. I've pre-order the 600/6.3 to use in conjunction with the 300 and TCs for overseas travel but I'm still ordering the 600GM to use here in Canada during the grey winter months . At first it seems kind of silly to have both 600s but for the type of shooting I do and the locations where I do it makes some sense, or at least I have convinced myself that it does.
Sep 17, 2026 at 08:22 AM
p.3 #2600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
robert614 wrote:
Now that everyone’s had a little time to think about it, just curious who plans on ordering one of these lenses. And who’s going to take a pass
No option for "Both"?
Now that everyone’s had a little time to think about it, just curious who plans on ordering one of these lenses. And who’s going to take a pass
No option for "Both"?
Sep 17, 2026 at 08:39 AM
p.3 #3600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
I’m a fence sitter waiting for real copy, trusted user reviews and images. My gut tells me I’ll get more use out of the 400 due to its faster aperture coupled with in cam apsc crop and 1.4x for birds as opposed to the slower 600, but we will see.
Sep 17, 2026 at 09:01 AM
p.3 #4600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
Cliff L. wrote:
robert614 wrote
Now that everyone’s had a little time to think about it, just curious who plans on ordering one of these lenses. And who’s going to take a passI thought about it. But I figured the vast majority would choose one or the other. I guess I was wrong! 😄
Sep 17, 2026 at 09:16 AM
p.3 #5600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
I think both lenses, assuming that they perform well, are shrewd offerings by Sony. They provide a route for enthusiasts with high performing cameras to be able to shoot a wide array of distant subjects, without having to sell a kidney to fund it or a mule to carry it.
I am not a birder and have all my needs and more covered by the amazing 300. What Sony did to lighten that lens, all while making it better than an other 300/2.8 is just amazing.
Jim
I am not a birder and have all my needs and more covered by the amazing 300. What Sony did to lighten that lens, all while making it better than an other 300/2.8 is just amazing.
Jim
Sep 17, 2026 at 09:54 AM
p.3 #6600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
Think I am going for the 400mm. When I saw the rumors, I was all set to pre order a 600mm, but I really like the idea of a faster lens when light is an issue and being able to either use in camera crop (A7RV) or get a 1.4TC (or both!), which appears to work well with this lens. I hike A LOT through rugged and steep terrain and have a cotton carrier so being able to have this lightweight setup hanging off the front of me seems like some sort of utopian dream. Can't wait!
Sep 17, 2026 at 10:37 AM
p.3 #7600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
Leaning towards the 400/4.5 and 1.4xTC, allready have the 400-800 and in good light it delivers very good result at 800mm... it's on the heavier side of the fence for travel and hiking so a 1Kilo lens is welcome.
Sep 17, 2026 at 01:04 PM
p.3 #8600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
I’ll eventually get the 600 and pair it with the 100-400/4.5-5.6. Very manageable for wildlife centered hikes.
Sep 17, 2026 at 01:08 PM
p.3 #9600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
I have the 400-800 for birding, but I'd sure love to not have to have a monopod and monogimbal to take photos. Already have the 100-400gm original with 1.4TC, not sure if it's just pangs of GAS. Would love to know how the 300GM+2xTC compares to this new 600. But frankly, I would probably always prefer more reach and the capability to zoom.
Sep 17, 2026 at 01:53 PM
p.3 #10600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
Jack Flesher wrote:
I’m a fence sitter waiting for real copy, trusted user reviews and images. My gut tells me I’ll get more use out of the 400 due to its faster aperture coupled with in cam apsc crop and 1.4x for birds as opposed to the slower 600, but we will see.
Just so you know that the APS-C mode does not have as many megapixels as you think.
I’m a fence sitter waiting for real copy, trusted user reviews and images. My gut tells me I’ll get more use out of the 400 due to its faster aperture coupled with in cam apsc crop and 1.4x for birds as opposed to the slower 600, but we will see.
Just so you know that the APS-C mode does not have as many megapixels as you think.
Sep 17, 2026 at 01:59 PM
|
p.3 #11600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
howard wrote:
Just so you know that the APS-C mode does not have as many megapixels as you think.
Oh duh, 1.5 squared, or 1/2.25x, so around 29mp. Thanks.
Jack Flesher wrote
I’m a fence sitter waiting for real copy, trusted user reviews and images. My gut tells me I’ll get more use out of the 400 due to its faster aperture coupled with in cam apsc crop and 1.4x for birds as opposed to the slower 600, but we will see.Oh duh, 1.5 squared, or 1/2.25x, so around 29mp. Thanks.
Sep 17, 2026 at 02:32 PM
p.3 #12600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
Still on the fence but definitely keeping an eye on them. The release of the 1-4GM 4.5 helped me get a 1-4 GMv1 recently for a really good price, but the AF is definitely slower than my more recent Sony lenses so I might upgrade to one of these eventually. Still not sure about 400 versus 600 though, the 600 would fill a gap on the long end that my 1-4 doesn't cover, but I'd rather have the cheaper and brighter 400.
Sep 17, 2026 at 03:45 PM
p.3 #13600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
Change my vote to ordered 
I'm sure it's going to be a fun lens to shoot with. The size/weight are very attractive and if it takes the 1.4x well... then I might consider putting the 400-800 up for sale with the 200-600.
Good times!
Hatch
I'm sure it's going to be a fun lens to shoot with. The size/weight are very attractive and if it takes the 1.4x well... then I might consider putting the 400-800 up for sale with the 200-600. Good times!
Hatch
Sep 17, 2026 at 03:52 PM
p.3 #14600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
InFocus2014 wrote:
I was ready to pre-order the 600mm to possibly replace my GM 300mm f2.8 (w/converters), when I read a comment from a tester that said the stabilization didn't seem as good as other Sony telephoto primes. That caused me to apply the brakes. I'll, now, just wait until the hype is over from the reviewers that are in the good graces of Sony (where they receive cherry-picked pre-production samples and cannot possibly be completely unbiased). The minimum focus distance is also a concern.
At 79, stabilization has become increasingly important to me, so I do not want any unpleasant surprises. I...Show more →
Well it'll be a lot better than the 200-600G that's for sure.
I was ready to pre-order the 600mm to possibly replace my GM 300mm f2.8 (w/converters), when I read a comment from a tester that said the stabilization didn't seem as good as other Sony telephoto primes. That caused me to apply the brakes. I'll, now, just wait until the hype is over from the reviewers that are in the good graces of Sony (where they receive cherry-picked pre-production samples and cannot possibly be completely unbiased). The minimum focus distance is also a concern.
At 79, stabilization has become increasingly important to me, so I do not want any unpleasant surprises. I...Show more →
Well it'll be a lot better than the 200-600G that's for sure.
Sep 18, 2026 at 12:01 AM
p.3 #15600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
ksimms wrote:
Think I am going for the 400mm. When I saw the rumors, I was all set to pre order a 600mm, but I really like the idea of a faster lens when light is an issue and being able to either use in camera crop (A7RV) or get a 1.4TC (or both!), which appears to work well with this lens. I hike A LOT through rugged and steep terrain and have a cotton carrier so being able to have this lightweight setup hanging off the front of me seems like some sort of utopian dream. Can't wait!
That extra light in the 400 is only an advantage if you don't crop, if you crop the 400 to 600 FOV you'll lose that advantage. Not meant to change your mind again ofcourse, just information
Think I am going for the 400mm. When I saw the rumors, I was all set to pre order a 600mm, but I really like the idea of a faster lens when light is an issue and being able to either use in camera crop (A7RV) or get a 1.4TC (or both!), which appears to work well with this lens. I hike A LOT through rugged and steep terrain and have a cotton carrier so being able to have this lightweight setup hanging off the front of me seems like some sort of utopian dream. Can't wait!
That extra light in the 400 is only an advantage if you don't crop, if you crop the 400 to 600 FOV you'll lose that advantage. Not meant to change your mind again ofcourse, just information
Sep 18, 2026 at 06:16 AM
p.3 #16600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
I think I've decided that I want the 600mm. Bit I'm going to wait. There will be at least a few people who buy them and don't like them, and I'll pick one up for less.
Sep 18, 2026 at 09:02 AM
p.3 #17600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
400 f4.5 I know I’m going to use by itself less than I would with the 1.4x for a 560/6.3. And I can crop that to apsc and get an acceptable or marginally useful 840/6.3.
The 600/6.3 therefore probably makes more sense in that I can crop to a marginally useful 900/6.3. But now I don’t have 400 and adding the 1.4x for 840 at f9 isn’t very attractive. A conundrum for me and why I will wait for some real user feedback on both. Ideally from one of you who buys both!
The 600/6.3 therefore probably makes more sense in that I can crop to a marginally useful 900/6.3. But now I don’t have 400 and adding the 1.4x for 840 at f9 isn’t very attractive. A conundrum for me and why I will wait for some real user feedback on both. Ideally from one of you who buys both!
Sep 18, 2026 at 09:31 AM
p.3 #18600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
I will probably pick up one of these, but most likely will rent them first to get a better idea how they compare to my current long lenses. The reach of the 600mm is compelling, but after carefully looking through Dustin Abbott's reviews and seeing how sharp the 400mm is with the 1.4x and showing marginally better contrast than the bare 600mm, I might lean to the 400mm. The use case for me is ultra light weight travel tele when limited to weight by carry on restrictions.
Sep 18, 2026 at 09:43 AM
p.3 #19600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
CPWarner wrote:
I will probably pick up one of these, but most likely will rent them first to get a better idea how they compare to my current long lenses. The reach of the 600mm is compelling, but after carefully looking through Dustin Abbott's reviews and seeing how sharp the 400mm is with the 1.4x and showing marginally better contrast than the bare 600mm, I might lean to the 400mm. The use case for me is ultra light weight travel tele when limited to weight by carry on restrictions.
I took a quick look at Dustin’s video on the 600. I know he had to do his normal test shots outdoors to get the proper framing. Which can introduce some extra variables. So his results should be taken with a grain of salt, but it appears that the weight of this lens is the main reason to pick one up
The bare 600 looks excellent. But I’m not convinced once you add a 1.4x tc. I have the feeling my 400-800 can keep up, if not beat it.
Still on the fence, but I think weight and size are it’s strongest suit. Hopefully we’ll see more comparisons as more people get their hands on them
I will probably pick up one of these, but most likely will rent them first to get a better idea how they compare to my current long lenses. The reach of the 600mm is compelling, but after carefully looking through Dustin Abbott's reviews and seeing how sharp the 400mm is with the 1.4x and showing marginally better contrast than the bare 600mm, I might lean to the 400mm. The use case for me is ultra light weight travel tele when limited to weight by carry on restrictions.
I took a quick look at Dustin’s video on the 600. I know he had to do his normal test shots outdoors to get the proper framing. Which can introduce some extra variables. So his results should be taken with a grain of salt, but it appears that the weight of this lens is the main reason to pick one up
The bare 600 looks excellent. But I’m not convinced once you add a 1.4x tc. I have the feeling my 400-800 can keep up, if not beat it.
Still on the fence, but I think weight and size are it’s strongest suit. Hopefully we’ll see more comparisons as more people get their hands on them
Sep 18, 2026 at 10:26 AM
p.3 #20600mm f6.3/400mm f4.5 preorder poll
From Dustin's video, it looks like the 400 is sharper than the 600 bare and the 400 + 1.4 TC is also ever so slightly sharper (or at worst equal) to the 600 bare as well. The 600 can do a respectable 840 and the 400 + 2x looks a mess to me (as does the 600 + 2x).
So I think this comes down to if you need a 400+560 or a 600+840. I wouldn't use either of these with 2x TCs except in case of emergency. If you don't need 840, the 400+560 looks the best buy.
So I think this comes down to if you need a 400+560 or a 600+840. I wouldn't use either of these with 2x TCs except in case of emergency. If you don't need 840, the 400+560 looks the best buy.
 |
||
 |
||
|
|
||
 |
||
|
Sep 18, 2026 at 12:10 PM