Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Reviews
Great lens
By Ted
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-14
I purchased the Sony to replace my Sigma 150-600 dg dn sport. The Sigma is a good lens. When it came to action the sigma could not keep up. The Sony is so much better at tracking birds. The auto focus is superior to the Sigma. I love the internal zoom. This is a great lens for Sony users.
Don't skimp on the filter
By Marlon
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-05
Surely, if you can afford getting this lens, then don't cheap out on the 95mm filter. I didn't think it would make a difference, but it does make a small difference, and for wildlife work, that's a big deal. The lens is sharp enough. Do your part and get the hundred-plus dollar multicoated name brand filter.
Awesome
By Kirk
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-27
I'm using this with a Sony a6600, so with the crop sensor, this lens gets me some serious range. It remains to be seen how often I'll actually haul this thing around to shoot, but as an hobbyist, I have been blown away by how close this gets me to my subject.
Simply the sharpest tele-zoom on the market as of today.
By William
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-14
I have shot professionally for over 50 years. During that time I have shot Sony, Nikon, and Canon 35 mm and digital camera's. All make exceptional glass for their camera's.
I am going on record stating that the Sony 200-600 is probably the sharpest tele-zooms I have ever used.
The entire zoom range is accomplished with just a 1/4 turn of the zoom ring.
The lens is sharp throughout it's zoom range from 200-600 mm.
Combined with the a9, a9II, a1, or A7rIV or V, this lens focuses fast and accurately.
I never recommend a teleconverter as I believe the focusing speed is comprised as I shoot mostly birds in flight. This lens also does well on sitting birds.
Yes, the lens is not light, but I place my left hand just behind the lens hood and this helps balance the lens as I hand hold all the time, I also recommend the vertical grip be added to any Sony body to help with balancing this lens hand held.
I also recommend reversing the tripod collar and using it as a carry handle. Makes the unit much easier to walk around with.
I shoot primarily in Florida's wetlands and I generally walk around with this lens. If I walk long distances or I use my bicycle I put this unit on a cotton carrier which works well for me.
I am 74 and have little difficulty walking around with this lens.
If your thinking about this lens I strongly suggest you try both the 100-400 and 200-600 before you buy and see which is best suited for you.
Again, I am strongly promoting this lens as an all in one wildlife lens.
I also own the Sony 600 f4, and in my professional opinion at closer ranges I have trouble telling which lens I have used especially after a visit to photoshop.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
Super happy with this lens
By Joseph
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-11-16
Super happy with lens, and was well worth the money. So far I have had no issues with it, so I am definitely happy with.
If you don't mind the weight and size...
By Doug
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-11-15
I went back and forth deciding between the Sony G Master 100-400 and this lens. I bought both and tested them on my A7III. I ended up sticking with the 100-400, but really only because I ultimately valued the 100-200 focal length more than the 400-600 range and because the 100-400 is lighter and more compact (and fits better in my bag with my other gear).
But man -- the 200-600 is a beautiful lens that delivers! I didn't see any drop-off in performance across the focal range, the action on it is excellent, and it has all the features one would need. It is a hair slower than the 100-400, but that's hardly an issue. The autofocus performance is stellar. I had no problem nailing the focus on cyclocross racers pretty frequently (and I'm not a great technical photographer). If you don't mind the size and weight, this lens is a no brainer.
Best Telephoto for the Price
By Fred
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-14
I rented this lens (and an A74 body) before purchasing both. I have used it for almost one year. It is amazingly sharp, well built, and has a smooth internal zoom with a short throw from 200 to 600. Since I also use (and love) Nikon D850, I recently got the Nikon AF-S 200-500 as a potential replacement (to get to a one camera setup). I had to send it back after testing both because the Sony was sharper in every situation both at large and small apertures. The only downside to this lens is that it does not have a larger aperture like f4, but of course that would make it ridiculously heavy and expensive. If you want a tack sharp lens with a smooth feel at a reasonable price, you can't go wrong with this one. I also bought the 1.4x teleconverter which seems to work well (extending the range to 840mm). Unfortunately, neither Sony nor Canon nor Nikon make their tripod feet Arca-Swiss compatible, so I had to buy a Really Right Stuff replacement foot.
Long Lens Value for Sony
By Eric
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-09
TLDR: This is the best value long lens for Sony systems.
I recently moved from a Nikon D500 + 500mm pf to the Sony A1 + FE 200-600 for bird photography. The Sony 200-600 is more versatile, being a zoom, but heavier than the 500mm pf. Image quality of the Sony is equal to the 500mm pf. The bokeh is surprisingly good even at f/6.3. Resolving power is excellent, even on the 50mp A1. The next step up for Sony is the 600mm f/4 at $13K. IMHO this lens is 80% of the 600mm f/4 at 1/7th the price. Highly recommended.