Owlet

The recent Sony FE 200-600mm f5.6-6.3 G OSS got me excited especially because it's an internal zoom. If this is sharp wide opened at 600mm f6.3, it's a winner. I've used the older Tamron 150-600mm f5.6-6.3 but that lens needed to be stopped down to f8.0 for it to be sharp enough.

 

Haven't been moved at all by the new releases like the 24mm f1.4 GM, CV 40mm f1.2 Nokton or even the FE 135mm f1.8 GM but this 200-600mm.....

 

Decided to finally use my FE 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 GM OSS with 1.4x TC on my a7rii. A better way to carry the setup is by attaching my holster bag to a waist belt to distribute some weight away from my shoulder, it helped on long hikes. Never previously thought of travelling with this setup given the size and weight but pleasantly found it to be rather workable.

 

Was lucky to come across this baby owl but as with most owls, they are typically found under heavy shade.

 

Without a tripod with me, shot this handheld at 560mm f8.0 at 1/25s braced against a tree trunk, ISO was already well into 4 digits. Wish I had the tripod, results would be much better but that is even more weight. I'm reminded why I liked this GM zoom, it's easily handholdable for long periods.

 

That 2/3 of a stop advantage of the new FE 200-600mm at 600mm will make a difference for handheld shots like this without the tripod.

 

Guess I'll only consider adding this new FE 200-600mm to my FE 100-400mm GM if the FE 200-600mm is:

1) sharp wide opened at 600mm f6.3,

2) takes 1.4TC well in terms of resolution,

3) AF performance on A7R3 with 1.4TC, apparently it's CDAF only but may be a non-issue in next Gen bodies.

 

If the new 200-600mm needed to be stopped down to f8.0 for sharpness or image degradation is obvious with 1.4TC, I will stick with my 100-400mm GM (553gms lighter even with 1.4TC).

 

Folks without the 100-400mm GM, the new 200-600mm will be a better choice for birding if the extra weight is not an issue.

Done