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. FYI, I am already in the mid-70 and I am only medium built.
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.
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...
Mar 24, 2024 at 03:39 PM
Previous versions of AGeoJO's message #16506616 « Another look at the G 200-600mm lens »
