After watching your video I chose the Sony a7 riv and the FE 85 lens. It's incredible for bird photos! Thank you so much for this video

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Great combo would like to see some of your photos😁

Nice Photos ! Thanks for the info . I never thought I would give up my Canon but I am loving my Sony for my wildlife photos and video .

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks... I hear you. I still shoot with Canon but my default is SONY for now.

excellent video on sony lenses, and beautiful photos

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks... appreciate the feedback!

Wow!!! What an amazing video. Thank you 🙌

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Hallyne. Are you a SONY user?

@hacalvi

3 жыл бұрын

@@DavidReidPhotography I had couple of Sony cameras...but simple ones and I'm looking for one with better features to buy. And today you post this video with so many great explanations. I'm following you on Instagram now and I also checked out your website. Loved your portfolio. Congratulations! You are very talented.

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

@@hacalvi Thank you and thanks for the follow :)

Excellent review

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks 😀 appreciate the feedback.

Love that you mention practicality and price range

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Unlike the photography influencers on KZread I'm not given gear or paid by them to review their products. Honest practical opinion here 😂

@MHarvey-tp5km

Жыл бұрын

Thanks

My go to lens for birds is the 200--600mm generally used at the long end ! Having said that I have just purchased the big Daddy 600mm f4 and now it is hard to get it off the camera ! 👍😍

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Now that's a lens I'd love to have!

Awesome video just sold my 200-600 it didn’t like my a7riva most of the time. I just got the 100-400GM!

@DavidReidPhotography

Жыл бұрын

Thanks and great choice. I'm sure you won't be disappointed

Lovely video David. I'm in Australia ( once a free country ). I shoot mainly bird Video and hired the Sony 200-600 and used it on an A7111. Unexpectedly, I had issues with IS at the higher end of the zoom. By this, I mean that when I adjusted the settings during shooting, the camera would shake compared to my Nikon at the same zoom. I was super keen on switching to the new a7iV but am now concerned. Do you have any advice as to what I may have missed?

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim. The SONY 200-600mm lens is more challenging to use than I think we're first lead to believe. Most KZread videos that show how amazing this lens is are sponsored and most likely not telling the full story. I treat this lens more like a 100-400mm lens. I only shoot birds that are close to me with this lens. I feel there is a false sense you can take photos of birds that are very far away and get a quality shot. There are many factors outside the lens that limit this. Things such as ground heat (I'm assuming you have lots of the in Australia) that will make the image look out of focus and blurry. Another thing I always use is either a monopod if I'm moving around a lot or a tripod with a gimbal. This is a must with this lens and again even the 100-400. Sure you can hand hold it but more often than not you need more stability to maximize the shutter speed. I've had success with this lens when the shutter speed has been 1/2500 ++ Here is an image on Instagram taken at 1/8000 with a bird far off in the distance. I used a tripod and gimbal to get it. In order to get this shot I must have taken 100 for every good one. instagram.com/p/CUBRwivgsHa/ I heard someone say recently. More important than reach is distance. Find ways to get closer to the bird. Hope that helps.

I have settled on the Sony 200-600 as my main lens for bird photography, with also the 70-200 GM2 which I use for taking larger mammals (and virtually anything) and with 2x teleconverter for birds too. I sold my 100-400 GM, as I rarely used when I have the other two lens - and I prefer the internal zoom of the 200-600 and 70-200. The 600 F4 GM looks incredible, but I can’t justify the cost and also I prefer zooms to quickly adapt to subject changing distance

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info. I'm curious what body are you using with the 200-600mm lens? I haven't had limited success when using the SONY a7RIV.

@Jonathantuba

2 жыл бұрын

@@DavidReidPhotography I am using the A1. I find the 200-600 good reliable sharp lens. The only thing I have against it is the weight to carry on long hike, or if holding up waiting for bird to take off. A monopod or tripod is solution, but then that is something else to carry.

Very informative!! Thank you. I have the Sony A6300 but bought the 100-400 G lens and absolutely love it. Currently saving up for the Sony A1 what camera would you recommend as a step up before spending the $8k on the A1?

@DavidReidPhotography

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment. One camera I'm interested in checking out is the new SONY A7RV The SONY A7RIV is a pretty good camera for bird photography so I'm guessing the A7RV will be even better. The other camera is the SONY A9II and possibly A9III when and if it comes out. The SONY A1 is a great camera. If I was looking now I'd certainly check out the A7RV or A9II/A9III more closely before buying the A1.

@77brian01

Жыл бұрын

@David Reid Photography thank you!! I appreciate the information. Birds just have my heart. I love all animals and take pictures of everything but birds definitely take my top spot! 🌞💯🥳🎉

David thank you for your informative videos! I have a Sony A7RII, I don't have any lenses above my Sony 50mm. Best budget zoom lens IYO Tameron 28-200 f2.8-5.6 lens or the 70-300 f4.5-6.3 to get me started? ? I have some Eastern Screech owls nesting in my yard along with other birds near the lake I would like to shoot. Would appreciate your advice.

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Hi James thanks for the comment. I personally haven't had much luck with 3rd party lenses most specifically SIGMA. In fact I sold my SIGMA (Canon) 150-600 for the SONY 200-600. When I look back at all the gear I purchased there is one thing that is common amongst the errors I made. My rush to purchase. I strongly advise buying the manufacturers brand lens and the best version you can get. If it means buying used I'd strongly consider that. The SONY 100-400mm lens is my go to lens and is on one of my bodies every time I go out. With the A7RIV or the A1 I can punch in during post to frame the shot I want and this lens is sharp throughout and fairly responsive. The A7RII (which I also have and use the SONY 100-400 with) has the resolution to punch in as well and with good glass you should get some nice sharp images. I realize the price difference between the Tamron and SONY lenses is $1,000's of dollars but you won't be disappointed with the SONY lens. You have a great camera with lots to offer and it needs a lens just as capable. Hope that helps

sold my 100-400mm GM and bought 200-600mm G which is installed on my A7Riv. I also have a 70-200mm GM on my A7Riii. I sometimes used the 1.4 TC with crop sensor mode to get 400mm F4.

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

How are you enjoying the 200-600 lens?

@cameraprepper7938

2 жыл бұрын

@@DavidReidPhotography I have the 200-600mm and are happy with it, for the money it is very good, but I wish for 300mm 4.0, 400mm 4.5 and 500mm 5.6

Why do you prefer 100-400mm GM over 200-600mm? Thank you for this comparison video.

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Overall the SONY 100-400 is sharper and faster then the SONY 200-600 lens. If I take the SONY 200-600 out I always use a gimbal. When you add that to the lens price you might as well buy the SONY 100-400. I've never been let down by the SONY 100-400. Can't say that about the SONY 200-600.

Good Morning , David. Thank you for the information and beautiful video. I am a super amateur bird watcher trying to get some photos. I am less of a photographer than a birdwatcher. I have the Sony 6000. Do I understand correctly, if I get a better lens, the body won't process it correctly? Or could I get one of these lenses for the 6000? Thank you.

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. The SONY 6000 has a crop sensor and will give you a 1.5X factor on any lens you use. For example the SONY 100-400mm will now become a 150-600mm lens. Perfect for bird photography. With a crop sensor you can use basically any lens not the case when you have a full frame sensor. With those cameras you can only use full frame lenses to cover the sensor. If you get a better lens say the SONY 70-200mm or the SONY 100-400mm you'll have a pretty good setup. And if you buy a new body in the future those lenses will still work. Hope that helps.

@liselbitsangravat

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for talking the time to respond. It does help.

I had 100 400 when it released and paired it with a7rii (stolen now) and a6400 .. later got a9 with a 200 600 and riii for my landscape and portrait work. For birding a9 and 200 600 work just great. The immediate twist fro 200 to 600 is pretty fast and snappy, which drags on 100 400. 100 400 is sharper and pairs well with riii when i am in the jungle capturing tigers and lions. I really wish birds eye af comes on firmware update to some old cameras..

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment and insight. Can't wait to put the 200-600 to the test this spring and summer. For me on the SONY a7RIV it was just ok but we'll see how it performs with the SONY A1

@DipeshMehrotra

2 жыл бұрын

@@DavidReidPhotography must try again ..

Sony needs Lenses like 300mm 4.0, 400mm 4.5 and 500mm 5.6 ! Sony also need a 1.4x Tele Converter GM for the Sony 135mm GM !

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Completely agree!

Hello, is there a 600mm lens for the sony a99ii a-mount, i can only find e-mount. Thanks.

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Good question I'm not sure about which lenses SONY has for each mount. 😕

@davidtuck4256

3 жыл бұрын

@@DavidReidPhotography Hi, it doesn't have to be a sony, sigma or tamron, i just need to know it will go on the a99ii .Thanks.

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

@David Tuck I'm not aware of any manufacturer who has a lens that size for the A-Mount.. sorry😞

I've also been pretty disappointed by the 200 600 on the a7riv. I've still gotten some great shots on it, but the autofocus just isn't consistent at all. It's pretty rough with birds in flight, but even still animals and birds it'll frequently just miss focus even when it shows the focus points right on in the view finder

@DavidReidPhotography

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for your comment. I've recently noticed an improvement when I use a very fast CF Express card. While making this 8K video I started to notice that my photos also improved. Not sure yet if this was just a fluke or if there is something to be said about speed all the way through the photo taking process. If that's true then slower lenses like the SONY 200-600mm G would suffer even more. Food for thought at this point. You can see the 8K video here kzread.info/dash/bejne/i3-jm82IacmfnJs.html

Will Sony ever have a 100-500 or 200-500? I miss a lens that is smaller but that can reach 500mm

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Maybe. I always wonder how this type of lens would perform overall specifically the f stop.

Sehr schön.👌 Viele liebe Grüße Jörn

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😀

David, I have a question. I am using a Sony 200-600 on an a6400. I am happy with the Auto Focus for Birds in Flight, it is not 100%, but every good. I am thinking of getting an a7RIII for the resolution upgrade ( a1 is total out of reach at this point.) Will I be disappointed with the Auto Focus on the a7RIII for birds in flight photography.

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the question. I can't speak specially to the Sony a7 riii but I can say that the Sony a7 rii is not suitable for bird photography. It's ok but will not keep up with the demands of most bird photography. Now saying that I have one and use it for birding. I use it as a portrait camera. If the bird sits for me then I'm good. If it moves slightly or from branch to branch or fly's I switch to the Sony a7 riv. For me the A7RIV is the only Sony camera outside of the A1 and A9's for bird photography (other cameras work just not as good) If you can save up or shop around for a used A7RIV, A1 or A9 I think you'll end up happier with one of those.

@danielhaferman9087

2 жыл бұрын

@@DavidReidPhotography Thank you very much. Yes I think I will see how the prices of the a7RIV go in the near future. Studies have been done on the Auto Focus performance and the a6400 has scored very high on BIF.

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Black Friday will be here soon and Sony is known for deep discounts then. Last year the Sony A7RIV was a great deal 😁

@danielhaferman9087

2 жыл бұрын

@@DavidReidPhotography Thanks

@fluxcapacitor8416

Жыл бұрын

does the sony a7iv good for bird photography?

Which lens would be great for my sony a7iii

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

That's always a hard question to answer. I've always said that if you don't have a 70-200mm f 2.8 lens you need one. Outside of birding it's one of the best all-round lenses every photographer should own. The first birding lens would have to be a SONY 100-400mm lens. This lens gives you good reach and versatility if you're a beginner. Hope that helps.

@quotywood3862

2 жыл бұрын

@@DavidReidPhotography Thanks

I am just surprised you would take the FE 100-400mm over the FE 200-600mm. Many people I know actually sold off their FE 100-400mm and went with the FE 200-600mm which to them is much more versatile with its extended reach. They also felt the FE 100-400mm is somewhat overpriced and they didn't find much difference in the sharpness between the 2 lenses even when the FE 100-400mm is a G Master. For me, 400mm is just not enough for birds. In fact, I am about to upgrade and probably migrate over to Sony from Canon myself. One of the key reasons I am picking Sony is because I would rather have the FE 200-600mm over the Canon RF 100-500mm. The external zoom design of the Canon is just inferior in my opinion. Like all external zooms, too much of the lens is retracted which makes it an innate issue of having a very long throw. Being a Canon shooter, I am sure you must remember the EF 70-200mm? An internal design and the throw is short with the zoom ring being buttery smooth. On the RF 100-500mm, it would probably take me 4 turns to get from 100mm to 500mm. We all know what an external zoom feels like, I am currently using the Sigma 150-600mm, but the Contemporary version. It is just not great when you need to adjust the zoom ring which makes taking BIF shots that much more difficult. Whereas with the Sony FE 200-600mm, it is only a 90 degrees turn to get from 200mm to 600mm. Likewise, I don't shoot with huge primes, if I did I would probably pick the R5 as Canon has a plethora of RF telephote primes coming. But, as a single super zoom shooter, the lens matter a ton. I was thinking about the A7R IV, but since the A9 III will be coming in Q1 2021, I would like to take a look at the specs first. Either way, the FE 200-600mm is a lock, at least for now.

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

I guess it would depend on the conditions which you normally shoot. On a very bright day you might see somewhat equal results. Or maybe with a SONY a9II body. I often shoot in less than ideal lighting and with the SONY a7RIV body. So far the 100-400 is much more reliable with grabbing focus and sharpness. But I'll keep trying the 200-600 to see if I can find a way to shoot to achieve reliably sharp photos.

@Rascallucci

3 жыл бұрын

@@DavidReidPhotography Personally, I just can't do without the reach. I mean I have effectively been shooting at 960mm wide open 99% of the time with my Sigma 150-600mm on an APS-C body. If anything I would like more reach even. I get it, low light is an issue, but that is more of a factor of the body in noise control at high ISO in my opinion. I just don't see any way to get around it unless you shoot with a 400mm f/2.8 prime. Or if 400mm is not long enough, shoot with a high res body like the A7R IV in APS-C crop mode and add on a 1.4x TC to lose one stop of light to f/4, that will get you to 840mm. Plus, may be use Topaz DeNoise AI in post to help out.

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Agree, ends up to be a wall we all run in to. More reach, more $$... adds to the challenge of bird photography 😀

@meynp4337

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, the reach is much critical than the sharpness or IQ for BIF. I gave up on the Canon R5 just because Canon has no 200-600 lens to use for BIF. I will buy the Sony 200-600 with the Sony A1 (or A74 if it works).

@leonardotayala

3 жыл бұрын

@@meynp4337 I bought the Sony 200-600 2 weeks ago without having rented it first. Saw tons of videos and was convinced enough. On my Sony a7riv I am very disappointed at 600mm. Under every conceivable setting. On a stable monopod, with very high shutter speeds, with decent iso, with different mode settings on the lens (1-3). I am very critical but even still, am very disappointed on soft feather detail at 600mm. I definitely regret it. Looking to make a switch

I would have like to hear the reasons why you don’t use or consider a lens for bird photography. It would have been more useful.

@DavidReidPhotography

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like a good idea for a *new video* . Are you looking for any specific info or my experience in the field with the lens?

@heidijohnson3910

Жыл бұрын

@@DavidReidPhotography I am interested in hearing more about the different lens and speeds. What different about them? What works best.

@DavidReidPhotography

Жыл бұрын

@@heidijohnson3910 Thanks for your comment and I'll certainly keep that in mind for an upcoming video.

Sony A1 plus Sony 600mm 4.0 GM is my way to go for Bird Photography. A perfect combo in everything. Nothing can top it, if you miss the shot, it's your fault. As simple as that.The Sony 200-600mm is a nice lens but nothing more than that - too slow for me, autofocus is slow too and the image quality is just average.

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks... a dream lens for sure 😀

@Stefan1968ful

2 жыл бұрын

@@DavidReidPhotography I know it is expensive. But we waste so much money on equipment we don't need, better to save money and get the right thing from the start. This lens will pay back everything, it is simply perfection. Especially when you are paid for your work, it is an investment into your business.

@markrigg6623

2 жыл бұрын

The image quality and focus speed are a bit better than average in my opinion. It's noticeably better then the 3rd party options from Sigma and Tamron. Ive got the 100-400 gm and the sharpness difference isn't massive. There's several youtube reviews that do a direct IQ comparison and the lens compares very favourably. The other thing to note is that many photographers are using the 200-600 with a 1.4 TC, and getting very acceptable results. So I think you're being a bit harsh, maybe youve got a bad copy?. I own a 600 f4 , but would never get rid of my 200-600. It's the best of its type on the market. Seriously, it's quite a sharp lense. Just my 2 cents worth.

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

@@markrigg6623 I'll keep trying with this lens. Where I'm seeing the issue is at 600mm with distant birds. When shooting large birds (egrets, swans, herons) at 70m / 230ft good shots were hard to get. Maybe 1 out of 50-80 photos were what I'd say worth it. Now at 25m / 84ft I was able to capture many more usable photos. At this point the way I see it is that this lens is good for filling the frame with birds close to you rather than pulling in birds at a distance. But I'll still try to get it to work 😃

@markrigg6623

2 жыл бұрын

@@DavidReidPhotography Yeah fair enough. Just remember that with distant birds, the 600mm might help you get a reasonable sized subject in the frame, but the problem is you've got all that air between you and the bird. So heat haze and general atmospheric distortion could well be the cause of your problems. It's certainly something I had to adjust to, the fact that with all that focal length, getting close was still critical to getting genuinely sharp clear photos. Hope things improve for you.

Interestingly he preferred 100-400 but not 400mm f2.8. I am not convinced with your video.

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

🤔 3 challenges with the 400mm f 2.8 1) Cost $11,998.00 - Not a first choice for bird photography. In time maybe but not #1 or #2 or possibly #3 2) Portability - it's lighter but not light or portable 3) Flexibility - it's only 400mm Some reasons why I would get the 100-400 first before buying the 400mm. If you have the spare cash sure go for it and while you're at it send one my way 😂

I will NOT call the Sony 100-400 4.5-5.6 GM a "must have bird photo lens", it is too expensive compared to both Sony 200-600mm 5.6-6.3 (which are as good as to better than the 100-400 GM) and the Sigma 100-400 and Tamron 150-600mm. You forgot !? the Sony 135mm 1.8 GM which are the sharpest Lens you can get and you can make incredibly crops from images with Sony A7RIV with the Sony 135mm 1.8 GM Lens !!! Sony need a 1.4x Tele Converter GM to the Sony 135mm GM !

@DavidReidPhotography

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment but I think we'll have to agree to disagree. For me the SONY 200-600 G isn't sharp enough for the SONY A7RIV or SONY A1. Those sensors have so much to give that the 200-600 simply can't keep up. Also the light needed for the 200-600 is significantly more than the 100-400. If you live near or around the equator where the sun is very bright all year round then yea maybe the 200-600 works. But once you head away from the equator the sun isn't as bright all year round and the 200-600 simply sites on the shelf. Sorry just the physics of the lens. hanks for your comment and POV I just can't agree (yet) to the SONY 200-600 as a must have lens for high megapixel cameras

@cameraprepper7938

2 жыл бұрын

I have seen MANY reviews of both Lenses, a lot of them side by side and I no Pro Photographers who have tried both, at 400mm the two Lenses are VERY close, BUT at 600mm the 200-600 are BETTER ! You need a 1.4x to reach 600mm with the 100-400. About light you are SO wrong, first the aperture 5.6 on the 100-400 are only 1/3 stop more light than the 200-600mm at aperture 6.3 by 600mm, Fx 100 to 125 ISO !). At 600mm with the 100-400mm + 1.4x the aperture are 8.0 compared to the 200-600 at 600mm with aperture 6.3 which are 2/3 stop better than the 100-400mm + 1.4x You really sound like a noob ! I have done Photography since 1979, for some years I was a pro Photographer and I have been teaching in photography. You cannot learn me news here.