You have a regret? What about me? I bought the Sigma 60-600 for my Nikon DSLR specifically for a trip to Botswana. I shot about 200 shots before the trip. The trip was delayed two years due to COVID. When I finally took the tour, the lens failed in the first hour of my first game drive. Fortunately the tour company had a loaner camera and lens (Canon) and saved my trip. Upon return home I had the lens repaired (out of warranty). I tested the lens a couple times at home to ensure it was functioning. I returned to the same location with the same company the next year ... one hour into my first game drive... it failed again!! Once again the tour company bailed me out with a Canon 400mm and body. It has been repaired once again (out of warranty). I will hopefully use it effectively this upcoming September in Namibia. Regret? I have two regrets!

@prosunsport1

6 ай бұрын

Wow u put me off sigma for life

Like you said don't expect it to be easy, I've been doing bird photography for over 3 years and each time I go out I'm envisioning all kinds of amazing photos but once I start walking the reality hits I might not even be able to find any birds! When you do find them, to get a clear shot usually takes patience and behaviour prediction or serious stealth like a ghillie suit and crawling through grass.

😂 A few years ago I bought the Nikon 200-500/5.6 and hardly ever used it (my big lens mistake) because of its bulk and weight. I learnt my lesson and didn’t get the 160-600z but instead I got the 100-400z for my Z8. Which I actually carry around with and use.

@hmuz8388

6 ай бұрын

Same story here…even with a monopod, the 200-500 was just too much haha

@craigcarlson4022

6 ай бұрын

Justin, Ha, i did the same dang hing, buying the z 100-400 for its more manageable weight. I did though get the 1.4x to get a bit more reach.

@ericerickson6537

6 ай бұрын

Love the 100-400 s

it's tough to admit when something doesn't work out or isn't for you! Kudos on that, and enjoy your trip!

In my experience, the birds always land right next to me whenever I don’t have the big lens with me!

I was actually going to suggest the 400 4.5. It's a great lens, can't wait to see what you get with it and enjoy the trip in Costa Rica.

Looking forward to your trip!

I still think your video edits and videos in general are the best. It always gives me a good laugh, cheers Omar. 😁😁

I've found wildlife photography to be not so much about the shot, but the enjoyable mindset you end up in while out there doing it in mother nature. That's the part I love most about it, and I'm a mountain biker too!

@johnnykempo

6 ай бұрын

I feel the opposite. I'm never in the moment just admiring wildlife and watching behaviour. I've given up on it and just use binoculars. Much more enjoyable. My shots were never as good as the other local shooters anyhow. Just happy to admire their shots online and enjoy my moments outdoors

You - Omar Gonzalez, always manages to bring a smile to my face :-) I really love your style. Very informative vlogs with humour added. Keep it on. Look forward to you returning from Costa Rica. Thank you for all the good work Sir :-) Greetings from a stormy western Norway

The largest lens that I have and shoot hand held is the Fujifilm 100-400 mm and the XH2, that is my go to system, both are stabilized and that helps. The thing about photographing wildlife and birds is that no matter how much reach you have some times it's never enough, so for hand held photography the above setup works, I will add the 1.4 x. Converter this year. I use a kayak to photograph birds and once a year I travel from the Hudson valley to the Eastern shores of Virginia stopping at Bombay Hook National Wildlife refuge then to Assateague island in Virginia, both great places to photograph different birds and at times a fox.

@georgedavall9449

6 ай бұрын

Enjoyed your comment James, and so true! I might add the old saying that goes something g like this: “ You know, You can never have enough focal length, or get close enough, when it comes to photographing Birds!”

I used my Sigma 150 to 600 sport along with a monopod and an inexpensive gimble head. While walking around I would fold the camera lens down so it’s parallel with the monopod and then when I was ready I would just release the knob and be ready to shoot in five seconds. I would use the rubber grip on the monopod to carry the camera around that way until I was ready to shoot.

@MLee-vcrr

6 ай бұрын

Great minds think alike, I use that lens the same way.

I agree with you regarding how difficult some wildlife photography can be, especially birds. I don't have any very long lenses yet, so I use the xf90mm f2 most of the time on my X-T3. Also for sports. But, that 90 f2 is pretty sweet. I shot indoor flag football today and it did a great job in AF-C for me. I have a vintage Promaster 27-210 from my 1984 film camera that I use sometimes. It's not the greatest lens though. But, it can be fun using the manual focus. Have a great trip to Costa Rica!! Safe travels....

I got 5 lenses, and my main lens to go is Tamron G2 150-600mm. And wondering to sell them all and get 600mm F4 prime. It took me like 3-4months to understanding bird/animal photography. Best tip, careful with the background, and always take them in eye level, hight. Then, have depth in the direction the animals are looking.

Rented the Sony 200-600 a few weeks back to take out with my APS-C body. Had no immediate intention to buy it, but the weight cured me of any desire for the lens. Got some great photos, don’t get me wrong. But I knew from that weekend that I simply wouldn’t take the thing out that much if I owned it. I’ve come to appreciate my 70-350 all the more on my A6700. It’s a great little combo that punches well above its weight - literally.

Funny video 😂 picked up the 100-400 in the sales and have to say I love it. Very tempted by the 400mm but already own the 500pf and wanted something with a zoom to be less restrictive hence the 100-400 and I’m very pleased. Look forward to seeing your Puerto Rico trip 😀

Dude that piece where you AI’ed the hawk in cranked me up 😂

Ha! I was about to write that you should try the 400 f/4.5! I just picked up a refurbished one from Nikon. It’s amazing. Perfect with or without the 1.4x. I use for everything and especially hummingbirds.

Haha, funny but still informative. I like your focus on ergonomics and handling more than other stuff!

This has to be one of the funniest camera videos i watched in a while 😭😭

Switch to the M 4/3 system from Om-systems as quickly as you can. advantages, light weight. cheaper. and rain resistant, which can certainly be very useful on Costa Rica with those humid weather conditions.😂

Ooo… nostalgia!! I had this same monster/ beast/ tank (your choice of endearment) stuck on a Zfc via an FTZ… go figure! I had a Z6ii as well, but wanted the extra magnification of the cropped sensor. BUT… I do have a decent bunch of birds (bee eaters, migratories like spoonbills and fishing raptors) and larger animals like mugger crocks, spotted deer and leopard shot at a comfortable distance. Most of the clearer shots were rested on the back of a seat on the safari 4x4. Pure hand-held with the 150-600 Sport was only for hurried shots where getting in position was not an option. I do love its image-stabilization, specially since the Zfc is IBIS-deficient. Got it from MPH (big shout-out!) and sold it to a local camera store soon after the Safari. Good shooting experience, but not keen to be constantly reminded that I need to visit the gym more!

You should try the OM-1 paired with the 40-150mm f2.8 (+ TC when needed). wonderful, robust and Compact! Alternativ is the Leica 100-400mm.

@99jlink

6 ай бұрын

So glad to see a fellow Olympus enthusiast! Just today I captured cardinals, woodpeckers and bluejays in my own back yard in Montclair, NJ, with my Olympus 200mm f4 lens, attached to a Fujifilm X-T20 camera. What a light and compact combo! Alas, manual focus and no IS, but the camera is mounted on a tripod. I've had that lens for 50 years, and it's a beauty! (Omar, so good to watch your video up on Mills Reservation!)

Omar’s Videos are such a treat, ya know? He seems like the type of Guy You could spend all Day with, and it only seemed like a couple of hours. 😊 Peace and please stay safe and well.

Seeing the size of that thing, i suddenly "get" micro four thirds. The pana-leica 100-400 is about 500g lighter than the nikon 100-400, shorter with double the reach. Sure, you get worse iso performance but to have a 200-800 equivalent that actually fits in your backpack with other lenses and gear - honestly seems like not a bad deal.

Lovely shot of the flamingo :) Disappointed you didn't get a penguin.

I bought the 300mm PF F4 based on your Nikon lense lineup but it is a bit short and I don't have a teleconverter. My local camera store had a 500mm PF 5.6 and it has worked out well. I'm on the fence regarding the 180-600mm because of its weight. It make take awhile to save for it but I think the 600mm F6.3 would get more use. My favorite walking around lens for casual wildlife is the Fuji 70-300 and X-T5 as it is a so light and has reasonable reach. The Fuji 150-600mm is too slow for cloudy dark days but works well on bright days and doesn't feel like a burden.

Congrats for capturing the once in a lifetime pink flamingo shot!

Love the humor, I lived in NJ most of my life but now live Florida, however, I never went to the Montclair cliffs. Will have to do that next time i'm up there.

(more advice to newer photographers)With long lenses, big thing is practice. Its like using a macro, its not hours of practice, its months. You need to stand differently than a lighter lens. You need to place your hands differently too. Tripods do make a difference, but that lens is handholdable.

Grande Omar! Buon viaggio!

I just bought the Nikon 800Z and I love it. Long lenses are life

I had a similar lesson. Long ago I had the Nikon 200-500mm F mount. Great lens optically, really good VR, excellent value, but it was too big and heavy. I enjoyed using it but hated carrying it. It stayed home often. For my Z8, I went for the 100-400S and 1.4x TC. Up to 560mm of reach at the same size as a 70-200. The larger 180-600mm is a better range for wildlife and my recommendation for a dedicated birder. But for everyone else the 100-400 is more versatile and compact. Works well for portraits, landscape, macro, and wildlife. I bring it on walks and hikes often and it never feels like a burden. With a 24-70 or 24-120 you have a great two lens setup that can cover most situations. Excellent setup for travel. Oh and please put a towel or pad on your car to prevent scratches!

Try state line lookout. Over looks the Hudson. They have a nesting pair of falcons there. Almost guaranteed to get some great shots.

The first part of the video was really fun to watch, because you do not take yourself too seriously. I really like a Fuji 150-600, the good thing about it is that it is possible to handhold it. The aps-c makes is a 900 mm equivalent. Composing with this lens is a lot of fun. However, at some point even with this fuji 4.4 lb setup eventually I need some rest.

@mortenthorpe

6 ай бұрын

Yeah, the Fuji 150-600 with the x-H2S is amazing… I use it a lot for birding, and it’s light and gives some great images

@kalistratov_photos

6 ай бұрын

@@mortenthorpe This lens was an expensive purchase for me, but that's the case you don't regret buying such an incredible piece of craftsmanship.

I forgot my camera strap when I went to Puerto Rico last October. What a pain when I switched lenses. Definitely learned my lesson.

great shot of that flamingo, Omar!

You got some really nice shots!

For hybrid wildlife shooting - video particularly requires a zoom lens. You’ll figure it out.

I own a big lens. Big lenses beg you, every day, to go outside. That’s the penance of buying a big lens, but I love it. And yep, you gotta bring a tripod, wear camo, and wait for a long time, but the payoff is pretty sweet sometimes.

Today we’re going to try something dumb…😂 your humor kills it.

This lens has a very good IQ, but a bad design flaw: front-heavy!

I feel your pain Omar lol I recently got 180-600mm and went out one early morning having all these awesome ideas of capturing birds, BUT it is not that easy! Like when I am on my way to an event or portrait shoot I can more or less think about what kind of images I am going to make and it is easier because of the experience I already have. Bird photography is something else... If you ever can get the 180-600mm. It is not that heavy and VR is incredible! Actually when I went to shoot an event after a few days of trying out 180-600 and my 24-120 felt so shaky that I thought something was wrong with my hands or brain lol Btw that is simply amazing that Nikon lent you 400mm ! Have fun!

Have Fun. Costa Rice is a hoot. Pura Vida!

Love my Tamron 150-600mm g2 and the z611 awesome combo just light enough to hand hold some epic shots

That is not a lens, it is a freakin' Bazooka! :-)

I think if you go into it with the right expectations, it's quite enjoyable and manageable. I use a GFX 100 ii with tilting viewfinder, battery grip, and Sigma 150-600 Contemporary lens via Fringer Adapter. I took off the tripod collar and use a long peak design shoulder strap. It's definitely heavy, but I handhold it for several hour long sessions and have a great time. I just go into it with the expectation of a nice workout 😂

Eagle Rock or Mills Reservation! My old photo haunts when I lived in MTC. I enjoy your vids!

Whoa! That flamingo on that tree! :-D

I think the Sigma 150-600 series lenses are great for someone new getting into wildlife. The contemporary is priced right for what you get. The Sport adds weather sealing and slightly better AF for the extra price and more rugged for a more serious shooter. I sold my Sigma to get the RF200-800 for Canon and I am liking it so far. I did get some great photos with the Sigma. Glad Nikon is back in the game.

What people don't get about nature photography is that you must study a lot, not about photography, but about your "models": knowing the habits of the species, timing, feeding sites, etc. In addition, you have to deal with the environmental conditions (quality of light) and distance (comfort zone for that specie, if you know its behaviors you can achieve better approaches) That is 75-80% of the work, if you don't know where the animals are, you will hardly have photos. 2-3 kg of glasss is the least of the problems (imagine using a 6kg 400 2.8/600 f4)

It would be great if you could take your fuji x-t20 and if you could find a xf70-300 to take as a comparison since they would be close to the same focal length but way lighter. I have the x-t3 with xf100-400 and just bought the xf150-600 but for traveling I don't think I would want to take them. Have a great time in Costa Rica, looking forward to the pics.

the flamingo shot was crazy 😁

Next time try with a monopod. Awesome setup Omar.

Dude, use a Monopod. Tony and Chelsea use one. And, get a Fuji to Nikon F adapter and hook up your XT-20!

Haha...I did what you did but with a new 'contemporary' variant for USD600 late 2023! Love it for its ease of use and light weight while in Japan. Much more portable than the 'sport'.

I'm a lot like you. My solution is to use a 300mm f/4L IS from Canon. It's not long enough, but I can hand hold it and it's relatively light. It's for those times when I'm wandering through the woods and I run into something with feathers or fur. It happens regularly. No tripod or blind for me! The 300mm has been my companion for almost 15 years. I'm jealous of your choice of lenses because they appear to be even smaller than mine.

Hey, Nikon should have sent you the 500mm PF! Holy smokes! Lightweight and such stunning shots! I have the 300mm PF too and either of them paired with my Nikon Z 7ii, amazing handheld stuff! Good luck and have fun!!

I’ve used that lens for years. It needs a monopod! Upgraded to the 180-600 and NEVER looked back!

Out there body building for birds. 💪

That's what I've got. You're gonna love 400f4.5, then you're gonna buy it 😊 such a sweet lens.

I bought the Nikon 180-600mm. It is ever so slightly heavier than the Sigma sport 150-600mm. I think there's 40 grams difference between them. Both are heavy lenses. I have the Sigma sport 70-200mm and it's 1800 grams or nearly 4 pounds. But the 180-600mm and 150-600mm are longer lenses so they feel even heavier than the 70-200mm. I got my first owl shot and was surprised later to get photos of an otter. I was thrilled. And I got a mediocre shot of a juvenile bald eagle in a tree far away. Overall it was a great day and will be hard to top.

I have the contemporary and I love it handheld

You should check out the Nikkor 180-600 as the image stabilization on it (Z lens and system) will be on another level compared to this older Sigma. I know this via comparing F Tamron 100-400 to my Z70-200/2.8 with Z2.0x TC. EDIT: Or the Z 400/4.5 lolz

Hey Omar! I just tried using this yesterday! I was working with a wildlife group and wanted to try it on my Zf. Um…. Yeah. No. Instead I use the Tamron 150-500 on my X-H2S for birding. It’s fabulous! And because it’s a full-frame lens it really helps out on APS-C. However, that 400 is on my list for next year. Enjoy!! If you had NOT gotten the 400mm I would have said if youhave an X-T5 trade that bad boy for the Tamron and you’ll be able to handhold. 😊

At one point I thought you were carrying a sniper rifle but it was the tripod under your arm🤣🤣🤣

My go to long Zoom is the Nikkor AF-S 80-400 f4.5-f5.6, use it on the Fuji XH2S for sports and wildlife with the Fringer II adapter, and the Nikon D810 for landscapes.

I had ordered the new 180-600 Nikkor Z, but instead got the Sigma 100-400 for my Fujifilm. I am a wimp, and I knew I would seldom carry that big lens. The Sigma 100-400 will fit in a camera bag. Now I am needing to upgrade my X-t3. I may wait for the X-t6 and just practice while accepting the added grain and less resolution of the X-t3 (she does everything else perfectly).

Love the flamingo

Try using bait - especially in the winter when the birds are having a bit more trouble finding food. If you bait a location on a semi-regular basis the birds will return so you can have an easier time planing your outing and getting results. You can set up near-by perches so the resulting shots look more natural. Keep up the good work and enjoy the new type of photography.

Every time I watched your videols I really enjoy it. haha .Pls review Fuji 18mm 1.4

I also have the Sigma 150-600 and yes, it’s a hell of a lump to cart around. I also have the cheap 75-300 Canon which is my go-to for casual opportunist shooting as it’s so light to carry. The Sigma is vastly superior optically but I tend to only use it on a planned shoot where I take a tripod. The optical stabilisation is very good on the sigma but for fast shooting (1/1000+) I turn it off. The other drawback is the 6.3 aperture at anything over 400mm so it needs good light (or suffer very high ISO with lots of noise). I do love the 600mm reach though so will probably hang onto it for those rare times I actually plan a shoot and am prepared to cart all the gear to a location.

With Patagonia jacket You must be a PRO :P

Hi Omar - What did you film the video on outdoors? The link in the description does not work. ☹️

I think we've all been where you were with that big lens. A whole day of handholding that giant will wear you out and possibly affect your desire for getting out there. Rather than bringing a tripod, I sometimes use a monopod to reduce shake and when the camera is not attached, use it as a walking stick. It seems to be a decent compromise.

i have the Contemporary version its a beast as well but slightly lighter. use it with a 1dx mk1 and loves the combo but its fun hand shooting even thou heavy

I just got back from Alaska where I shot handheld, on an older version of this lens without HSM (meaning I had to manual focus it) lol and got some pretty great shots from whaling and falconing

@therealmattmendoza

22 күн бұрын

but yeah it is a beast and is a pain to use but I really just wanted to humble brag

Have you thought about the tamron 150-500 for fuji? 400 4.5 would be amazing in a crop body also

Wow i can't believe you got a shot of the ever elusive pink flamingo of Montclair!! 🦩😂

I have the Sigma sport on a Canon 7d body. 7lb 8oz without the hood. Waiting to try out the gimble I purchased.

Dark Helmet... Yes! (Spaceballs) That's the higher version of the contemporary lens yes? I thought they would have sent you the Plena.

I know you’re mostly a Fuji and Nikon guy but you should definitely give Olympus and Panasonic MFT a shot for wildlife and nature photography!

@katesavage2001

6 ай бұрын

I shot Nikon, Fuji, and Panasonic MFTs. Today I went out with my Z8 + 500mm and G9 M2 +100-400. My keeper rate was much better with the Nikon because it was cloudy and the Nikon combo could handle the challenging lighting scenarios.

@ThatNorma

6 ай бұрын

I mean I respect that but Nikon is basically the sweetspot for wildlife , why swap if hes already at Nikon with a great choice of lenses

Thanks for sharing.

That's why I brought the Tamron 150-600 G2, instead of the Sigma 150-600 Sport, it's 1kg lighter and weather sealed as well.

You want light and small? The XF70-300mm is real light with a long reach, and accepts a TC. It's amazing in size. You've lost your Fuji way. A serious intervention is required. The 150-600mm is rather light too, maybe for sunnier days.

As I am now a tad older, my 100-400 is the "longest" lens I can successfully, but just barely, shoot handheld.

It's clear everyone has different points of view. I shoot a lot of wildlife and need the 600mm focal length a lot. I own the Z9 and use the sigma 60-600 sport and find the weight helps me get good handheld "run and gun" style vide and great birds in flight. I recently started using the 180-600 and while it's fantastic (and lighter). It has terrible stabilization with birds in flight on video. It surpassed my expectations in every other way.

I have the same sigma lens for sony e-mount and its definitely not an easy lens to lug around and shoot with all day. But I love the images that I'm able to get with it! However, I think i would go with tamrons version of the lens if given a second chance.

Had that lens myself and returned after the first outing. I’m not weak but it was far too heavy….and very hard to keep steady at 600mm. I’m a hand holder too….went to the Nikon 200-500 which is better but still heavy….will be getting the Nikon 180-600 when funds allow….ps in many reviews the contemporary 150-600 is actually sharper than the sport and hand holdable

Having the same issue with what Fuji birding lens to upgrade to from my cheap 230 - can’t decide if the Tamron 500mm is just too heavy to lug about!

I was so stressed in the beginning that you were gonna scratch that blue paint on your Bugatti.

Have you used the Fuji 70-300? Santa recently dropped it off but I haven’t had the opportunity to use it much. Don’t know how it compares to a full frame.

This video convinced me, that i should stick to Fuji and not go full frame. These full frame big zoom lenses are ridiculous for a hobbyist.

Have fun in Costa Rica!

The 400mm f/4.5 is expensive but amazing

I use the Sigma 150-600 (non-sport version) with Canon 5D IV for motorsport photography - handheld. I can't stand monopods, they just block natural movement and tripods are an absolute no-no for racing. Took some getting used to but it's now my most used lens - and my Canon 70-200 f/2.8 is feeling neglected :D

I owned the F mount Sigma Sport 60-600mm, OMG was it heavy. I kept it for about a year, always had to use a tripod with gimbal. Finally I sold it and boutght the Nikon z 100-400 and what a joy it was. Two days ago I also bought the 400 f/4.5, and my what a weight difference and IQ difference. :-) Also I bought a 70-180 f/2.8 for low light 🙂

That's why you need a micro 4/3 setup! 😂

@cyano3d

6 ай бұрын

Now i get it why bird shooters prefer crop

Best wishes for your trip!

My prediction: You'll love the 400 f/4.5. Take a TC too; it works well with both the 1.4 and 2x. All you need now is a camo jumpsuit!