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I think pure sharpness-wise, they are close. As for rendering, it's tougher. The Nikon looks good, but was also in very harsh light for most of my tests. I'd have to (and likely will) compare them side-by-side. I do find Nikon VR better than Sony OS though - and it seemed like that was the case with this lens. However, as mentioned in the video, I only had limited testing time with VR (with everything, but really limited with VR due to the bright conditions and urgency to get some shots).
You only live onceGreat stuff @Steve !!! Can't wait to see the full review
I already updated my dream configuration list just in case I suddenly find some 10 grant to change my entire gear to MILC based on Z9.
Sadly the reality is that photography had to get on hold for already a couple of months now, the new contract I was expecting for earning some money is delayed to 01/2023, my computer is dying, while I am desperate to move to the Apple universe and inflation is eating up the existing money .
So should I stay calm and keep my old gear or go for a change no matter what ???
Well, on the one hand, it seems a bit decadent in these times to spend so much money for camera lens that probably would allow to help an entire family in Ucraine through the coming winter.
On the other hand life can be over really quick. Just a few days ago, we found my brother-in-law dead in his kitchen, a man being 73 years old but so dynamic, creative and agile that he was able to push even people to their limits being 20 years younger. Just a few months before he managed to fulfil his dream of getting a special little offroad car. Today we all agree that getting it and using it to the best of his liking during his last few months he had was the best he could have done.
So, under this impression I am really thinking of eliminating words like future, budget, planning, sometime, ..., from the vocabulary, go and get the things I would love get my hands on at least once in my life, use them, learn and work with them as much as I can.
A very good friend once said: "If I look back, in the vast majority of cases don't regret things I did, but regret the things I didn't do."
Sounds like an excellent excuse for getting a new toy, doesn't it
That's great news!
It was last mon/tues! Then it was two days driving back, a couple days working and tweaking the 4200 word script, and then post processing, and then putting it all together. I'm tired just thinking about it LOL!
Yeah, no way to know how long it'll take to get these in stock. They'll start shipping soon, but how many is the question. I feel like this is THE lens for wildlife work and I'm even seeing shooters using other brands thinking about switching because of it. It could take some time for sure.
Yes -- `i placed my preorder for this lens with Grays of Westminster this morning.
It's really a tough call. I can say I've never been closer to just switching back 100%, but I also enjoy having both systems. Although I like the Z9, I have a lot more fun with the a1, so that's part of it. I just really like that little camera.
Folk "forget" just how much work it takes to generate videos that they watch "without" having to pay for them.
Thank you for creating the video. Great work (again). I hope Nikon thanks you by giving you one the first 600 F/4 TC to ship in the US.
Honestly, I would have been all over it but no time yet. But yes, for sure an update is coming for the guide.
This is the lens I wanted and the reason I jumped ship to Sony. Now that I have the a1 it is just so brilliant to use and so customizable I won't be leaving. I sure would love to have the built in TC but it isn't enough especially at that price point (17K with sales tax) that would make me switch or even add. I suspect Sony will take note and do something so I will sit and wait. The reality is it is going to likely take folks a year or more to get this lens. I have no doubt it is going to be amazing and they will have a long waiting list for it even at that price point.It's really a tough call. I can say I've never been closer to just switching back 100%, but I also enjoy having both systems. Although I like the Z9, I have a lot more fun with the a1, so that's part of it. I just really like that little camera.
As for the lens, I think it's on par with the 600 GM (with and without TCs). If I liked the Z9 as much as the a1, I'd seriously start thinking about selling my Sony gear. Having the TCs built-in makes a big difference - I can't tell you (would be embarrassed to say, really) how many shots I've missed while messing with TCs.
However, I still don't feel like the Z9 is there - it's certainly not there from a customization standpoint. For me, I always feel like the a1 is actively trying to help me get the shot while the Z9 feels like it takes more effort to get the same results. If that makes sense.
If I were you, I'd rent / borrow / try a Z9 again and see what you think of it before selling anything. IIRC, you had a Z9 and weren't overly thrilled with it at the time. Firmware was helped though. I'd just hate to say that you should ditch all your sony gear and switch without your having tried the Z9 with the newest firmware first.
Rose and I were just talking about that - I think Sony is pretty much going to have to get a 400 / 600 with TC out sooner rather than later. The bodies are great, but people look at the entire system. I'll no doubt shoot more Nikon now that this 600 is out - even though I like my a1 bodies better. It's the complete system that matters, and I'm sure Sony knows it. And if anyone from Sony is reading this, I'm happy to test-drive your pre-production primes too
As for long lens shooting, Sony has more to do besides refreshing the 400/600GM lenses. They have not shown any activity over 200mm focal length, and are starting to trail Nikon badly, that now not only has superb 400/600Z lenses, but also superb 400/4, 500/5.6 and 800/6.3 lenses. I have made peace with having to go for the 600/4GM, simply because the A1 is such a marvel and the Z9 is not my kind of camera, but I would have preferred e.g. a 500mm f4.5 kind of lens with some special optics to reduce size and weight, or e.g. a high quality 600mm f5.6 prime lens, purely for portability reasons.Rose and I were just talking about that - I think Sony is pretty much going to have to get a 400 / 600 with TC out sooner rather than later. The bodies are great, but people look at the entire system. I'll no doubt shoot more Nikon now that this 600 is out - even though I like my a1 bodies better. It's the complete system that matters, and I'm sure Sony knows it. And if anyone from Sony is reading this, I'm happy to test-drive your pre-production primes too
That's an excellent point. I've mentioned in the past that Sony is sorely lacking things like a 300 F4, 300 2.8, 500 F/4, 200-400 F/4, as well as lighter optics like a 500 PF or something like Nikon's 400 4.5. Nikon is really just destroying everybody in the long lens arena. Part of me wonders if Sony is only making a token effort in that department - basically just giving what they feel are the essential lenses. Time will tell.As for long lens shooting, Sony has more to do besides refreshing the 400/600GM lenses. They have not shown any activity over 200mm focal length, and are starting to trail Nikon badly, that now not only has superb 400/600Z lenses, but also superb 400/4, 500/5.6 and 800/6.3 lenses. I have made peace with having to go for the 600/4GM, simply because the A1 is such a marvel and the Z9 is not my kind of camera, but I would have preferred a 500mm f4.5 kind of lens with some special optics to reduce size and weight.
I wonder if Sony has ány plans at all above 200mm...
Completely agree.As for long lens shooting, Sony has more to do besides refreshing the 400/600GM lenses. They have not shown any activity over 200mm focal length, and are starting to trail Nikon badly, that now not only has superb 400/600Z lenses, but also superb 400/4, 500/5.6 and 800/6.3 lenses. I have made peace with having to go for the 600/4GM, simply because the A1 is such a marvel and the Z9 is not my kind of camera, but I would have preferred e.g. a 500mm f4.5 kind of lens with some special optics to reduce size and weight, or e.g. a high quality600mm f5.6 prime lens, purely for portability reasons.
I wonder if Sony has ány plans at all above 200mm...
the a1, would like more lens choices over 200mm especially portable GM.
In fact I was expecting more In Canadian, since the 400mm is 18 200 ca and in us is almost 14000. The 600mm is almost 15 500 Us. I think the deal is better in Canadian for this lens. I am going to cancel my 400 mm f2.8 and my 800mm f6.3 and get only this téléobjectif
So does Hejnar the place Steve recommended for the 500pf and I have used theres for everything since then.
Life is too short! Live the moment present and do what it bring the most joy to you.Great stuff @Steve !!! Can't wait to see the full review
I already updated my dream configuration list just in case I suddenly find some 10 grant to change my entire gear to MILC based on Z9
Sadly the reality is that photography had to get on hold for already a couple of months now, the new contract I was expecting for earning some money is delayed to 01/2023, my computer is dying, while I am desperate to move to the Apple universe and inflation is eating up the existing money .
So should I stay calm and keep my old gear or go for a change no matter what ???
Well, on the one hand, it seems a bit decadent in these times to spend so much money for camera lens that probably would allow to help an entire family in Ucraine through the coming winter.
On the other hand life can be over really quick. Just a few days ago, we found my brother-in-law dead in his kitchen, a man being 73 years old but so dynamic, creative and agile that he was able to push even people to their limits being 20 years younger. Just a few months before he managed to fulfil his dream of getting a special little offroad car. Today we all agree that getting it and using it to the best of his liking during his last few months he had was the best he could have done.
So, under this impression I am really thinking of eliminating words like future, budget, planning, sometime, ..., from the vocabulary, go and get the things I would love get my hands on at least once in my life, use them, learn and work with them as much as I can.
A very good friend once said: "If I look back, in the vast majority of cases don't regret things I did, but regret the things I didn't do."
Sounds like an excellent excuse for getting a new toy, doesn't it
One photographer has opined on a different website forum that it makes more economic sense to purchase a 50-60mp body to use with a 200mm zoom and then crop the shots in lieu of forking over $15+k for the new Z 600mm
