Sony FE 200 600 G and FE 100-400 GM Lens Review and Comparison Test
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2019
- In this extended lens review Mark looks at the Sony FE 200-600 G and compares it to Sony's FE 100-400 GM + 1.4X Teleconverter. When you are looking for a super telephoto lens there is more to the decision making process than just Price or Image Quality. The information in this movie will help photographers make the correct choice to find a telephoto zoom lens that is suitable for their own imaging workflows.
FE 200-600 Gallery: The gallery of Ultra HD (4K) images can be found here: flic.kr/s/aHsmEsvPhd
FE 100-400 Gallery: www.flickr.com/gp/markgaler/h...
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Excellent review, the best actually. Very informative and with massive detail. Loved it!
As always Mark you have covered so much information and some I had not even had a chance to consider,thanks so much for your professionalism and taking time to fill us all in...a definite valuable spokesperson for the Sony line,
Mark, this is an unbelievably useful review. You've answered all the questions I had, compared the two lenses I was considering, and even moved across bodies! Invaluable. Thank you so much for your time and effort; it's made my decision-making process a lot easier.
You are the best! Highly professional and very detailed.
Hmm
As expected a thorough and most informative presentation by Mark. Always a pleasure and great learning experience. Thanks!
Just what I needed to see... full-sized downloads. Wasn't too sure about the lens before, but I'm sold now, and pleasantly surprised with the 1.4x extender images. Thanks for posting.
Thank you Mark. Once again, a top notch review. This one is particularly relevant, since like myself, I'd imagine there are a lot of us in this same "which one" conundrum. You have certainly helped me make up my mind.
Before i buy any new Sony gear i always check out Mark's reviews. I know i can trust what he says. I just got the 200-600mm based on Mark's review
Loved your images and your measured, intelligent presentation. Thank you.
Great review Mark!! Very informative. I already preordered the 200-600 but I really like the size of the 100-400 and the close focusing of the 100-400 when compared to the 200-600. Thanks Mark for making my decision more informative and now I have to make a decision.
Another fantastic review, Thank you very much Mark for putting this up, really appreciated I have one on preorder and was hoping it would get a good wrap, was thinking of selling my 100-400 GM but will keep it now as well thanks to your review
Thank you for all the great info! Definitely want the 200-600. Time to start saving!
Great review, just received mine today and can't wait to get out there. Thx a lot, Mark
Another excellent thorough review with the information I need to make a decision!
Best review on this lens so far.. You went into great depth and actually used the lens on the the a7riii.. very important because shooting on the a9 is almost cheating with that superb auto focusing system! a lot of us buying this lens are going to be owning the a7iii and a7riii so seeing performance on that is important!
Exactly
Great review. For moments listening to his commentsI felt I was taken pictures right alogn. Big thanks.
Wow, great video review! Thanks for including that comparison with the 100-400 w/ 1.4 tc.
Your videos are very professional, thank you.
I already own the FE 100-400GM+1.4 and will be using this on my A7RIII. Ordered the FE 200-600G to use on my A9 and A6500. Looking forward to use for my wildlife photography. This review has really helped me.
Be ready to deal with cleaning up noise from your images with the 200-600!
@@yitzchallevi8208 a9 has really clean images, noise wouldnt be a problem
Excellent video Mark. I have recently bought the 200- 600mm and use it for surfing images and it is great lens. I recommend it.
Smashing review Mark, sold me on the 100-400 + 1.4X......
Another EXCELLENT review ! I picked up a 'like new' 100-400 GM to go with my a7iii . . . I also got the 24-105 f4 G lens, so I am covered from 24-400 mm ! I could not be happier! My next lens will be the 24mm f 1.4 GM for astrophotography and I will be set! Thank you Mark for helping me make educated purchases within the Sony line up ! Much appreciated.
Good choice!
Incredible! You covered basically every single possible scenario with both lenses, teleconverters, different bodies and light conditions. Simply impressive! Cant even begin to imagine how much time went in the production on this. Still relevant years later.
Thanks for the positive feedback - be sure to check out my Sony Alpha support channel Patreon.com/markgaler if you like my in-depth presentations
I have watched just about every review out there on this lens and Mark, your’s was the best. While many had very good pockets of information, I believe you hit on just about all the others were missing, in particular the 200-600 performance on the 7 series bodies. In the end the 200-600 is for me, but if I already had the 100-400 I wouldn’t feel bad about keeping either. Thanks for a great review.
I agree and will have both if it preforms like my 100-400 on my A7riii and A6500. I tried a 1.4xTC and the IQ suffered.
Nice review ! Thank you so much Mark
This is the best review for this lens , Mark as usual you have gone well detailed . Help us to choose correct lens for use case. It’s Wonderful experience to watch your videos, many times I felt , if I am going through a online course or not . So many explanations and demystifying the properties, functions and controls of sony camera and lenses have. I started loving sony camera after watching your sony Alpha focus masterclass video.
Thanks for the extended feedback
Great review Mark, thank you very much. I own a GM 100-400mm + 1.4TC and I mostly shoot at 560mm and I always feel I need more range so I guess I should at least try this 200-600mm for a week and see if that's a better fit to my workflow. Cheers
such a great detailled review, thank you so much!
Thanks you for your positive feedback - be sure to subscribe so you don't miss new content as it is released.
Mark: All of your Video reviews have been very thorough and insightful and this one on the 200-600 especially so for those of us who have been doing what we can with the 100-400 GM and unwilling to go non-OEM w/ adapter. Thanks especially for testing with both A7R-3 and A9. Additionally, I echo your point on the advantage of the 100-400 for close up work and have even employed extension tubes to expand that capability further. Mark, I do find it odd that you refer to your video tutorials and reviews as "movies" which typically constitute a motion picture production from MGM, Sony or Paramount. A video from you however is significantly more valuable to me than a movie from the likes of them. Thank you so much for your very fine work.
Simply the best on the topic (and I've seen many). Specifically appreciate the examples and paying service to the a7riii. Wonderful points of consideration as we prepare for assignment across Africa. Currently, at the same cusp you discussed when at the crossroads of a 2017 lens and G-Master glass (100-400) vs a 2019 release (200-600) and all they've learned and put into the lens since 2017.
Mark thank you so much this is my third time watching this particular video. This time I watched it in 4K on my 60 inch monitor incredible. I’m incredibly happy with my purchase of the A1 and the purchase of the 200-600mm.
Glad you enjoyed it
What a review! Thank You Mark!
Soooo thorough! Excellent review.
this is EXACTLY the review I was looking for - thanks!
Great reviews as usual, thank you 👍
You are one of the few who talk about how to carry this lens. At best I find it a struggle to carry this lens all day.
Excellent reviews...a must watch!
Wow that 100-400 looks extremely portable compared that 200-600. Thank you for the detailed review of the lens and the comparison.
Mark, I picked up the 200-600mm because of you and I’m about to pick up the 100-400mm for one of our staff. I can’t tell you how invaluable your CZcams videos are. I wasn’t aware that you have a robust online mentoring/feedback as I am one of those shameful people who skips through CZcams videos. I’ll look at your website and sign up promptly. 🙏🏼
Best review so far. Thanks!
Excellent review Mark.
There are clearly pluses and minuses for each lens, even discounting the price factor. In fact the latter needs not be an issue as both lenses can be acquired for roughly the same price if you shop around. However, the killer factor which has informed my decision to buy the 200-600 is that it zooms internally, unlike the 100-400 which extends. This greatly minimises the risk of attracting dust or moisture inside the lens and, for me, is the clear deciding factor.
I have both 100-400 and 200-600 and don't think they are comparable. For me, the closer focus of the 100-400 is necessary for close small wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and such. The 200-600 doesn't function at all for this purpose. When shooting birds and wildlife further away, the 200-600 wins hands down. The big surprise for me is that I also have the 600mm F4, which is hands down the best, but for practical use, the 200-600 is my preferred lens. I deal with its shortcomings with technique. The more I use the 200-600 the better the results get. The 600mm F4 minimum reach and physical size are very restrictive. When I take the 600mm traveling everything centers around it from carrying packing loading on the plane hiking etc.. The 200-600 is just another tool. I don't even think about it until I need it.
Thanks Mark For a great video on the 100 to 400 and 600 out of my reach at the moment.
Great review Mark, would love to see a review on how it performs
on an A6000, is it useable on the older model?
I remain conflicted but this review has helped. Best review I’ve seen so far with comparison of the 100-400 vs 200-600.
Bruce Wiebe I agree. He’s clear and concise in his approach to reviewing gear, and also with his tutorials.
How much birding do you do? If it's 80 percent of the time then 200600g. If 50 percent or less than go for the 100400
At this time I don’t do any wildlife photography and my max lens is 105. Most of what I shoot is travel photography, landscapes and street shots so the 100-400 or 200-600 would be my first foray into wildlife. I have since picked up the 70-200 f4 to compliment what I currently shoot and have decided it will be the 200-600 for my first long lens. Looking forward to trying it out this fall
@@brucewiebe6490 of you own the 70200 F4, then the 200600 is obvious choice. That said, it will be WAY bigger and heavier than what your used to. Maybe you should rent it first as you haven't shot wildlife and that's what I believe this lense is geared at
Yes
Best comparison video out there!!
Thanks mark, very informative.
Must say great informational video, Some nice shots in there that show the performance of the lens. Gives me some ideas on if it would be worth swapping to the Sony over my Sigma, The internal zoom is a big + over the Sigma. Its a bit more expensive but third party lenses normally are cheaper. Having used the 100-400 GM i have ruled that lens out as it does not suit my needs as the focal length is to short, I would prefer to compromise with a slightly slower lens which allows for a more practical zoom range for my photography and is a lower price. £1,799 compared to the 100-400GM at £2,499. It would still be cheaper if i bought a 1.4x tele to for even extra reach. Thanks for a in depth informative video Mark.
Excellent review. I always learn something new from your reviews, often it’s a surprise, not something I went in looking for. I liked the idea of the quick release camera straps. Is there a brand you prefer? I’d love to get this. I hate changing up camera straps.
Peak Design is the brand I use.
That Bird (Eagle or falcon maybe) in flight was incredible love that.
You master the subject inside and outside and you have the patience to put everything in clear words. I am so fed up with the caffeine-overdosed maniacs.
I come back to your videos as the information content cannot be absorbed in one pass. Very good content! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
In my personal opinion i love you present the products like a teacher Mark.
I really love you're videos in general. I tell you keep up the good work en greetings from Amsterdam the Netherlands.
Thanks for the positive feedback - I was a senior lecturer of photography at a University for 14 years so I picked up a few skills along the way :-)
The most useful review of this lens i have seen. "Down to earth", good examples, and (thank god) no "woooows", "yeeeah" teenagetalk!
Exactly
Extremely well made review!!! Respect!
Thanks for watching
Superb hands on analysis
Amazing video, should return again to make up my mind.
by far the best Video for this lense i watched
Very informative review, thank you very much! I already watched it more than a year ago and come back now with a question. Some months ago I also started to carry the lens horizontally on a strap as you show in your video at 21:20. After a while I‘m now recognizing a slight knocking sound when I lift up the lens on the tripod collar, so for me it seems that the tripod collar attaching plate on the lens is loosening a bit. I was just worrying if these 4 tiny screws are too weak for carrying the setup like this the whole time.
Did you also experience this?
Would be a pity as I don‘t like to carry the lens on the 2 original strap attaching points at all, as the lens hangs always in some sort of an unconfortable position.
Thanks for clear and informative explanation, I think 200-600 is best for me ☺
Mark, thank you so much for that awesome review! What do you think about a7R III and this lens combination for aviation photography? I’ve watched a number of examples on YT but still concerned about AF performance. A9 is too expensive for me so far and I am choosing between a7R III and a7 III. Thank you!
Superb review!
Hey, Mark, I know this video is 3 years old and now we have the A1 & A7rV, but I have a question about ISO. DP Review mentioned the ISO Invariance of some cameras such as the Sony A1. According to their tests, one can shoot at ISO 100 and raise the exposure up in post and achieve the same results as setting the ISO in the camera to achieve proper exposure up to and including ISO 6400. It would be interesting to see you do some testing of Sony's ISO invariance capabilities if they exist.
ISO Invariance when using lossless compression or Uncompressed Raw is really only useful when you can also use slower shutter speeds. You can't, however, shoot Action/Sports using ISO 100 because the shutter speeds would be too slow. Many Action/Sports shooters also shoot using JPEG or Compressed Raw to increase the buffer capacity and clearing so ISO invariance is of not interest. I am aware of the capabilities and will reduce exposure to protect highlights and recover shadows in post-production editing but still use ISO Auto most of the time.
Thanks Mark. I think at about 4 mins you’ve answered a point that’s been hurting my head.
Does APS-C crop on a FF camera impact the effective F-Stop ?
If the focus system can still work that implies the F5.6 remains F8 with the 1.4 converter plus crop mode.
Lovely review I'm going to order the lens for my A6400
Did you buy it for the 6400? How is it performing especially the autofocus? I also own the 6400 and researching if the 200-600 will be good fit.
I have been a Nikon user for years and now considering switching to Sony. I am primarily a bird photographer so the AF capability is of primary importance. I am not going to rush into it "quite yet", but this has been one of the most helpful reviews of these two lenses I have seen to date. TY!
Hi this is really valuable talk. I am planing to buy the same lens 200-600 but my camera is a7sii and I would be glad if you explain little bit about combination with a7sii and 200-600. Warm regards. Robin
I just recently switched brands to Sony and am delighted. Pull the trigger!
Excellent Excellent ! ! 😃 Exactly the analysis comparison I needed.
Glad it was helpful!
Totally different level of review to the rest. Superb. Cap doffed!
I recently switched to Sony from Nikon where I had the Nikkor 200-500. It's an ok lens but I have been looking forward to trying out the Sony 200-600 with the internal zoom, but seeing this video makes me want both Sony lenses.
Very nice Review, Thanks
Excellent! Very well done.
For the benefit of wildlife shooters how would you rate the AF on A9, A7RIII, A7III, A6500 and A6400, to keep it simple with the 100-400 & 200-600.
I know the bodies are very different and straddle both full frame and APSC but these are the prime candidates when somebody wants to get into wildlife. So all things apart if you rate AF speed people can factor in sensor size, crop factor, IBIS and of course cost to come up with what's most suitable for them
Lovely work, would love a separate video & photos on the 200-600+1.4x with the a9 and a7RIV once it is out. Esp. the latter on a crop sensor mode. It could be a killer combo. Tnx for sharing, carry on the good work !!!
I have the A7riv + 100-400 + 1.4, it is witchcraft.. Results like in the video but with incredible AF and 50% more Mp...
@@clayd333 Tnx
Since I already have the 100-400, there's no hurry adding the 200-600 to my kit. But, I'm sure I'll add it eventually. Not a fan of teleconverters, though.
youve got a solid review man
Thanks for the good Video! Subbed.
Very helpful! Thank you
I can't wait for this lens.
I went with the 100-400, even after this lens was announced. It just suited my needs better. I was shooting with the 70-300 and I needed some more reach, but I still wanted it to be portable, and I only occasionally do birding. I've used it a surprising amount for landscape photography, however, and I like the compression it gives landscapes. I carry it in my bag almost everywhere. Haven't bought the 1.4, yet, because my wallet is still slightly warm to the touch after getting the 100-400. Works great on my "ancient" a7RII.
The 1.4 teleconverter will soften your images a bit, especially on the long end.
I'm not even sure I will buy the 1.4. I probably wouldn't use it that much. I'm completely happy with the 100-400 as is, and I'm not made of money, so I'd rather put what money I do have toward more pressing needs (in my case a fast UWA lens)
Best review on the net. I do have the 100-400 GM and the a7lll. This has helped me decide on the 200-600. Yes the big primes are better, but way out of my price range. I will be selling the GM.
Great review.
I picked the 200-600mm zoom for a number of reasons:
1. I wanted one
2. It has internal zoom. So smooth and effortless. It is a work of art and should be appreciated.
3. Need an extender? Get a crop sensor body if you don't already have one. Turns the zoom into a 300-900mm lens. So cool.
4. It is very, very, very sharp.
5. Con - It's heavy and that is why I got a robust tripod.
Just think of all that effort to push and pull in a tube full of glass, the wear and tear of the moving parts when using that 100-400mm lens. I had the 70-300mm lens, nice but when pointed up, the lens was a bitch to zoom. Point down and the lens extends by itself. Whooo. Not good.
For the above top 4 reasons, I also got the 70-200mm f4.0. Also another incredible lens that is very, very, very, very sharp.
Fantastic videos!
Okay, this may be a stupid question but, at 27:50 or so you're showing the Steady Shot Mode set to 1, but the switch above it shows Steady Shot turned off. Is the mode going to make a difference then?
Very nice video!
Hi mark! Excelent review like always!! Did you find at the long term some issue with the smooth-tigh ring on the 100-400 or works fine when i need to keep the zoom at 100mm and the lens looking to the floor? Im thinking to get this lens but i dont Know because that “problem” which i see in some forums and comments.
I have not had a problem with my smooth / tight ring and I have owned it since it was first released.
Mark Galer's Alpha Creative Skills thank you mark!!!
I was at a location known as the "Jedi Transition" last spring with the 70-300G mounted on my A7iii. It wasn't giving me the reach that I really wanted so I mounted it onto my A6000. That proved to be unmanageable trying to pan and keep up with a fighter flying at 400kts while looking through the tiny EVF on the A6000. It was a great idea in theory, but in practice, it was not practical. My "fix" for this problem was to order a 200-600 the first day that they became available.
Nice! Just got this lens, and the jedi canyon is on my list. Any tips? Is it just a gamble as to if something is going to come through any given day? Im from LA so its a long day trip to not see anything...
@@nizloc4118 the Jedi transition is not currently being used after the crash this summer.
Why
@@lamalinde8037 I am going to assume you are asking either why is it hit or miss if you see anything or why are flight ops currently suspended through the canyon.
1. It is hit or miss as to what you might see because the Jedi Transition is a part of a much larger Low Level Training Route known as "R-2508". Aircrew will schedule a time to enter and exit the airspace, but that is no guarantee that the portion through the canyon will be used. Additionally, although the airspace is scheduled, that schedule is not available to the public.
2. As to why flight ops are currently suspended through the canyon, in the summer of 2019, there was a tragic accident that resulted in the loss of a Navy F/A18E Super Hornet and the pilot. Seven civilians were injured in the crash as debris from the impact came over the "lip" of the canyon and hit them. Flights below the canyon rim were stopped almost immediately pending the results of the Flight Safety Investigation. That investigation has completed, but to the best of my knowledge, flights are still restricted to 1500 feet above ground level.
When dealing with such nice high end lenses, it would be helpful for the wildlife group to see a reference to the DISTANCE that your subjects were when the photos were taken. For instance how close were you and with what lense to get the Gorilla photos?
Great review. Now we know the 200-600 produces sharper images than the 100-400gm + 1.4x, that's good information that many people were looking for. Obviously the 100-400gm wins in the 100-400mm range.
I would have thought like you that the G master would be the sharper lense but it turns out that its not the case. Makes the 200 - 600 unbelievable value. Ive got both.
Hello, I would like to know if u use a UV or otherr filter on the sony 200-600 mm. lens. There seem to be focussing issues due the use of UV filters or other filters as an extra (protection-)glass on top of this lens. Do you also think the B+W 010 UV Haze MRC nano 95mm. filter is a good choice to put on this lens? I've heard focussing could seem to look good when shooting, but later on when checking on computerscreen they don't look sharp and seem all out of focus. Thanks for your advance. Keep up the good work and nice video's! They are very helpfull.
I don’t use UV filters on any of my lenses.
Nice review there.
I see that you have fit an additional grip like device to the camera on the 600 mil lens. Can you please provide a link to the description and purchasing options for this camera part?
Thanks.
It is Sony’s grip extension for the A9, A7Rlll, A7lll
I find the combo of A6400 + 200-600 perfect for surf photos and videos. What I also like about thew 200-600 is that it doesn't lose focus as much as the 100-400 when zooming.
Scheveningen Surf How do you find sharpness on the 200-600 at 600mm f6.3 vs 560mm f8 on the 100-400mm +1.4x TC? Do you have any samples you could share comparing these combos?
@@alphaphotography6346 Still trying to figure that out, need to make a proper setup to do some testing but too many nice waves to stay at home or carry both lenses around 🤙🏽😏
I'm loving your videos Mark, but this one has left me so undecided. I've seen both these lenses for under $3k AUD lately and am doing a trip to Canada and Alaska in their coming spring so hopefully some good wildlife shot opportunities. I have the 70-200F4 and yet I am still considering the 100-400 on account of the size. Will I regret not having that extra 200mm on my a7iii? Should I pack my a6000? I'm more confused than ever, but thanks for the video.
I recommend the FE 100-400 GM + 1.4x TC if weight and portability is the primary concern or the FE 200-600 G if you will be zoomed to the max most of the time and want optimum IQ
I'm one of those oddballs that love ISO values at 800-3200. It's like a lovely layer of grain but with sharpness still
Mark, you mention the Phase Detect AutoFocus on the A7riii won't work below f8. Is that limitation any different with an A7riv? I've tried to find references to this but am not having any luck.
It’s changed to f/11 on the A7RlV and f/16 on the A9
Mark thanks as always for the superb content. I'm sitting here near Bozeman while binging on some Galer Tube and I keep hearing you mention: Shooting at ISO 12800 is fine as long as you edit for it in post. In fact, you mention this post production editing technique in several CZcams videos when shooting up to 12800. Could you possibly walk us through those editing techniques in the July questions? Thanks so much fro, the other side!
Hi Ryan - My post-production editing technique is outlined in my free 2-hour Post production masterclass - czcams.com/video/VF_e55Q742k/video.html - The link jumps to the appropriate point in the movie. I have fond memories of Bozeman when I was there just over 12-months ago :-)
Ryan Stones "Binging on some Galer Tube," lol. I've binged on some myself.
Great, detailed video.
Thanks for the review Mark, as always great work. Just out of curiosity for the rest of us that still have the older A7riii cameras what would the 200-600 performance be like??
The second half of this review was using an A7RIII camera
Mark Galer's Alpha Creative Skills sorry Mark I meant A7rii
I personally felt the A7Rll was the first full frame mirrorless camera that had decent Phase Detect AF (it was the first to benefit from the BIS sensor). The 200-600 should work really well on this camera.
A thoroughly professional review. I'm considering an ultra-light travel system pitting, perhaps, the Sony RX10 Mk4 against the A6500 and 100-400 Sony zoom with an emphasis on bird and wildlife photography. Is that a comparison you may have already covered in one of your reviews?
The A6400 currently has the best AF performance of any APS-C camera. If wildlife is moving then the shutter speed and ISO have to be raised (unless you like panning with movement blur). This sort of rules out the RX10 lV in all but very bright conditions unless you are prepared to accept high levels of noise. I have reviewed the A6400.
Remarkable, Mark. Thanks so much. I'm a Fuji shooter and have an X-T3/XF100-400 rig with which I am very pleased. I am nevertheless tempted by an A7R4/100-400 kit, thinking that the resolution of the A7R4 would allow some pretty aggressive cropping if needed, provided the shutter speed is up in the 1/1000-1/2000 range. What do you think? Thanks again for your thoughtful work.
Maximum shutter speed of the A7RlV is 1/8000 second - check out my A7RlV review for more info
Hi Mark, a question that nobody knows is the removable tripod mount the same fit as the 100-400 fe, I think they are the same but longer mount.! Thanks Mark!
Not sure of the answer to this one - the screw thread fittings were different but didn’t notice size.