My first 1/2 a day with the 400-800 was a nightmare. Why... I had the Full Time DMF switch on. With the zoom ring and AF ring being close and very easily moved, I was knocking images out of focus. Once I turned off the function... no issues. Adding a skin to the lens also added some friction to the zoom/AF rings and I've found this to be beneficial as well.
OSS - 1/250th - 1/500th a sec all day long hand-held. I've yet to use a monopod or tripod with the lens. It's also sharper than my 200-600, not at ton but the images are very sharp.
The lens foot is terrible, no argument there... It's since been replaced.
I'd encourage you to give it another shot. It's not impossible you received a dud, my first 200-600 had to go back, it was a mess.
Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with it, the 400-800 has been a "win" for me.
Just my $.02
Hatch
May 18, 2025 at 01:04 PM
Previous versions of hatch1921's message #16817354 « Sony 200-600 Vs Sony 400-800 »
