Sony 600F4 GM - The Everything About It Thread...

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Back shooting A9/A9II I would have put the 200-600 neck and neck with the 600GM when the light was favorable. However, once shooting on a higher MP sensor (first A7RIV and now A1) I see a significant difference and the 600GM has that magic sharpness and rendering. I rarely use my 200-600 anymore as I'm just too addicted to the 600GM. I also rarely use my 600GM with TCs anymore as I'm also just too addicted to the rendering of the bare lens. Maybe I'll use TCs a bit more once we head into Spring/Summer with more light. These winter days I'm usually craving f/4 and wish I had a 600 f/2.8 ;)
 
Back shooting A9/A9II I would have put the 200-600 neck and neck with the 600GM when the light was favorable. However, once shooting on a higher MP sensor (first A7RIV and now A1) I see a significant difference and the 600GM has that magic sharpness and rendering. I rarely use my 200-600 anymore as I'm just too addicted to the 600GM. I also rarely use my 600GM with TCs anymore as I'm also just too addicted to the rendering of the bare lens. Maybe I'll use TCs a bit more once we head into Spring/Summer with more light. These winter days I'm usually craving f/4 and wish I had a 600 f/2.8 ;)

Thanks for confirming what I already believed to see in the image threads. I think it is a clear choice, albeit an expensive one.
 
Couple more from my first outing. The 600GM and a1 are like peanut butter and jelly.
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My best long telephoto has been the Nikon 500 mm PF. I have not had one of the exotics. I expect that from an optical standpoint, I’d like any of the top exotics from Nikon, Sony and Canon. What particularly impresses me about the Sony 600 mm is that it is so light. If I have my numbers correct, I think it weighs a couple of ounces less than the Nikon 500 mm f4. And way less than the Nikon 600 mm f4.

I hope that Nikon slims down the new Z mount exotics. If so, I might try one. But kudos to Sony for this lens.
 
My best long telephoto has been the Nikon 500 mm PF. I have not had one of the exotics. I expect that from an optical standpoint, I’d like any of the top exotics from Nikon, Sony and Canon. What particularly impresses me about the Sony 600 mm is that it is so light. If I have my numbers correct, I think it weighs a couple of ounces less than the Nikon 500 mm f4. And way less than the Nikon 600 mm f4.

I hope that Nikon slims down the new Z mount exotics. If so, I might try one. But kudos to Sony for this lens.

There's also the weight distribution. The CG is closer to the camera body.
 
I remember saying I would never own a A1. Why, affordabilit. Well I now own one. I look at the 600gm as a never in this lifetime…………now I see this thread and am trying to figure out how do I get this……hahahahaha

better contact a divorce lawyer first

Great images

Joe
It’s the best photography investment I’ve ever made.
 
I’d love for @Steve to do a review on the Sony 600GM! He also has the canon and Nikon 600’s which would be a great review of the 3. I don’t know anyone else that owns all 3. Anyone else want to see this?
 
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I'm using the A1 200-600 , nice set up but must admit I find it a little soft and flat at times unless the conditions and shot is spot on . Don't get me wrong it's great to use as a walk around setup, I definitely prefer this set up in use over my D850 . I recently tried my friends 600mm f4 GM on my A1 , blooming thing blew me away and now finding it hard going back to my 200-600 . Speed of focus needed for fast micro adjustments , contrast and just image pop way better than my 200-600 to my eyes . Its nicely balanced to handhold too
 
Did my very first full day outing with the 600 f:4 yesterday (rented for a week). It does take a little bit getting used to handling such a large lens after so many years of using mostly smaller zooms but good habits are coming back.
On the positive side of things, the lens is as sharp and optically stunning as everybody says (it doesn’t show well on files downsized in iPad but the images do pop with detail). Backgrounds are super smooth as expected, even when backgrounds are closer than desirable. It is indeed light (for that size), well balanced and I managed quite well for 4 hours and 6+ miles yesterday.

Nothing stunning and quick iPad process only so not exhibition worthy but hopefully I can hit a few keepers over the next few days.

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I'm using the A1 200-600 , nice set up but must admit I find it a little soft and flat at times unless the conditions and shot is spot on . Don't get me wrong it's great to use as a walk around setup, I definitely prefer this set up in use over my D850 . I recently tried my friends 600mm f4 GM on my A1 , blooming thing blew me away and now finding it hard going back to my 200-600 . Speed of focus needed for fast micro adjustments , contrast and just image pop way better than my 200-600 to my eyes . Its nicely balanced to handhold too
Did my very first full day outing with the 600 f:4 yesterday (rented for a week). It does take a little bit getting used to handling such a large lens after so many years of using mostly smaller zooms but good habits are coming back.
On the positive side of things, the lens is as sharp and optically stunning as everybody says (it doesn’t show well on files downsized in iPad but the images do pop with detail). Backgrounds are super smooth as expected, even when backgrounds are closer than desirable. It is indeed light (for that size), well balanced and I managed quite well for 4 hours and 6+ miles yesterday.

Nothing stunning and quick iPad process only so not exhibition worthy but hopefully I can hit a few keepers over the next few days.

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nice shots! Did you shoot ospreys with Mark yet?
 
Got my Sony 600mm last week. Awesome lens, looks big but feels really light. Went out for a bird hide 2 days ago, snow in the background and beautiful ligt. Pics look amazing to me, very happy with this lens.

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This lens continues to impress me! Got this little gem with the 1.4X attached. Matched with the a1 at 20FPS I had exactly 4 images with the bird doing a call and only one with this much drama. The peak moment sure happens quickly! Little wood pecker in FL last week.
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A spotted Sandpiper sneaking up on a fly
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cropped a bit tighter
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hybrid Red-naped x Red-breasted Sapsucker admiring its new line of sap wells
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a freeloader claiming the sap wells for himself
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all: a1, 600 GM
 
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