I’m a sports and wildlife, especially BIF, shooter. My wildlife targets are usually in the wild, and distant. I’ve already sold my Nikon Z6, preparing for new entries in ’21, but keeping my Nikon F850/D500. I was on a wait list for the Canon R5 and 100-500 RF lens. Now on a wait list for the Sony A1 with the 200-600 lens.
How comfortable am I with this decision - not very. I’m looking for ways to improve my comfort level.
First one to a PF style 600mm for their mirrorless lineup could be a huge plus. Since Sony already has an entry, this applies to Canon and Nikon. They both have 600 primes on their mirrorless roadmaps - Nikon also has a 200-600. Roadmaps are usually caveated these days with ‘probably delayed’. Sony has the 200-600, a plus (check) and an FE 600mm f/4 (check), but .. the Sony FE 600 at 3.04 kg is about the same weight as the Canon EF 600mm (not the model for mirrorless, but can be adapted). Somehow, I’m expecting the updated mirrorless 600 versions to come in weighing less than the Sony. For a return to Nikon, I would also like to see a new camera; one with improved AF detection and tracking over the Z 7II/6II. Canon is making some innovative changes in their RF lens lineup and I expect they will come up with some interesting entries.
I rented a Canon R5 and the 100-500. Loved the R5, but not that impressed with the 100-500. A new firmware update came out while I had the rental that did improve responsiveness and performance though. So I would consider a Canon RF 600 very seriously.
Contributing to my discomfort is the lack of experience showing on the Sony A1. From what I can find, there are very few reviews that demonstrate solid experience, mostly another first look, exercising AF in very limited situations, etc.. For wildlife and BIF, what I’ve seen drops to pieces and bits. And this is in stark contrast to the R5, where there was a large amount of experience showing early, though ‘with pre-production cameras’. Now there are plenty of ‘six months with the Canon R5’ pieces available.
Anyone else in this situation? What else are you considering to increase your comfort level?
How comfortable am I with this decision - not very. I’m looking for ways to improve my comfort level.
First one to a PF style 600mm for their mirrorless lineup could be a huge plus. Since Sony already has an entry, this applies to Canon and Nikon. They both have 600 primes on their mirrorless roadmaps - Nikon also has a 200-600. Roadmaps are usually caveated these days with ‘probably delayed’. Sony has the 200-600, a plus (check) and an FE 600mm f/4 (check), but .. the Sony FE 600 at 3.04 kg is about the same weight as the Canon EF 600mm (not the model for mirrorless, but can be adapted). Somehow, I’m expecting the updated mirrorless 600 versions to come in weighing less than the Sony. For a return to Nikon, I would also like to see a new camera; one with improved AF detection and tracking over the Z 7II/6II. Canon is making some innovative changes in their RF lens lineup and I expect they will come up with some interesting entries.
I rented a Canon R5 and the 100-500. Loved the R5, but not that impressed with the 100-500. A new firmware update came out while I had the rental that did improve responsiveness and performance though. So I would consider a Canon RF 600 very seriously.
Contributing to my discomfort is the lack of experience showing on the Sony A1. From what I can find, there are very few reviews that demonstrate solid experience, mostly another first look, exercising AF in very limited situations, etc.. For wildlife and BIF, what I’ve seen drops to pieces and bits. And this is in stark contrast to the R5, where there was a large amount of experience showing early, though ‘with pre-production cameras’. Now there are plenty of ‘six months with the Canon R5’ pieces available.
Anyone else in this situation? What else are you considering to increase your comfort level?
