I own the Sony RX10MIV but have not been as successful with Birds in flight compared to perched birds. I really dont photograph anything but birds / wildlife. Anyway - Im thinking about the Sony A7IV and Sony 200-600 for capturing BIF and am interested in opinions. It would be AWESOME if anyone can share their images here.....
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Sony A7IV with Sony 200-600 for Bird Photography Only - Opinions
- Thread starter windoze
- Start date
I know that name
The NEX forum it was.I went AF a year ago and went with the 200-600. I just love it. Sharp at the 600mm end which is basically where mine lives. I use it on the A7RIV though and that's quite an amazing sensor IMO.
Images from that setup are here with a few MF Canon tele shots.
So I have no complaints at all and on the A7IV or the new A7RV I'm sure it could well be better with the newer AF specs. I don't miss much at the end of the day. Generally I only shoot at 8 FPS, so that side of it with higher frame rates doesn't appeal. To each their own though for sure.
All the best.
Danny.
Willy81
Forum Pro
Images on your link are beautiful. I recently acquired the A7RV and plan to add the Sony FE 200-600mm to my kit in the Spring (thanks for link with images).I know that name
I went AF a year ago and went with the 200-600. I just love it. Sharp at the 600mm end which is basically where mine lives. I use it on the A7RIV though and that's quite an amazing sensor IMO.
Images from that setup are here with a few MF Canon tele shots.
https://www.birdsinaction.com/Sony-A7RIV
So I have no complaints at all and on the A7IV or the new A7RV I'm sure it could well be better with the newer AF specs. I don't miss much at the end of the day. Generally I only shoot at 8 FPS, so that side of it with higher frame rates doesn't appeal. To each their own though for sure.
All the best.
Danny.
gil
Forum Pro
I have not post processed (PP) yet completed BIF captures due to still adjusting to my new contact lens prescription with astigmatism. Had a cataract procedure last summer and new contact lens prescription about 2 months ago. While I resumed BIF shooting 1 week after cataract procedure )for distance), I was not too comfortable yet with close up work like viewing monitor for PP until a few weeks back but with using reading glasses. Just for web browsing, no need for reading glasses but when trying to detect noise and sharpness while in PP (longer time with the monitor), eyes easily get tired. It is getting better now and soon will resume PP. I was previously using the FE100-400 with the A7IV and had posted some BIF results here some months ago (just search for gil's posting).
Meanwhile with regards to the RX10IV, I tested this one in 2017 for a few days and should be BIF capable. It could follow small/medium/big sizes birds in my area; and slow/ predictable/bit faster flight as sampled below. Bonus was for some landscape if needed.
Cheers,
gil - San Jose, CA
95% Cheap Lens,90% JPG and 100% Handholding Provocateur
Like happiness, photography is often better created than pursued.
Meanwhile with regards to the RX10IV, I tested this one in 2017 for a few days and should be BIF capable. It could follow small/medium/big sizes birds in my area; and slow/ predictable/bit faster flight as sampled below. Bonus was for some landscape if needed.
--
Cheers,
gil - San Jose, CA
95% Cheap Lens,90% JPG and 100% Handholding Provocateur
Like happiness, photography is often better created than pursued.
Last edited:
D
Davev76
Guest
I think all of these the 1.4 tc is being used also.
For more of my photos with this Combo look here:
LINK
--
davev
Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs
https://www.flickr.com/photos/davev
For more of my photos with this Combo look here:
LINK
--
davev
Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs
https://www.flickr.com/photos/davev
Last edited:
IMPRESSIVE!!!I think all of these the 1.4 tc is being used also.
For more of my photos with this Combo look here:
LINK
Thank you for Sharing!
Troy
Excellent shots no matter what was used. Love them.I think all of these the 1.4 tc is being used also.
For more of my photos with this Combo look here:
LINK
Danny.
--
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-----------------
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Mike Arledge
Senior Member
Take care of those eyes Gil and take it easy with the setting up. It does take time IMO to sort it all out to suit yourself.I have not post processed (PP) yet completed BIF captures due to still adjusting to my new contact lens prescription with astigmatism. Had a cataract procedure last summer and new contact lens prescription about 2 months ago. While I resumed BIF shooting 1 week after cataract procedure )for distance), I was not too comfortable yet with close up work like viewing monitor for PP until a few weeks back but with using reading glasses. Just for web browsing, no need for reading glasses but when trying to detect noise and sharpness while in PP (longer time with the monitor), eyes easily get tired. It is getting better now and soon will resume PP. I was previously using the FE100-400 with the A7IV and had posted some BIF results here some months ago (just search for gil's posting).
Meanwhile with regards to the RX10IV, I tested this one in 2017 for a few days and should be BIF capable. It could follow small/medium/big sizes birds in my area; and slow/ predictable/bit faster flight as sampled below. Bonus was for some landscape if needed.
All fantastic shots, but that Stilt shot with the reflection is pure magic. Gorgeous shot and not too much wrong with the RX10IV.
All the best your way Gil and A7IV with the 200-600 and 1.4x TC, nice setup and looking forward to the results ;-)
Danny.
--
--------
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www.birdsinaction.com
-----------------
I can always justify a need, but I can never justify a want.
I'd get an A9 personally for anything moving and especially for anything that is moving quickly.
Or perhaps an A1 if you have cash to burn.
20 fps of razor sharp images guarantees you a far higher success rate.
Last edited:
Images on your link are beautiful. I recently acquired the A7RV and plan to add the Sony FE 200-600mm to my kit in the Spring (thanks for link with images).I know that name
I went AF a year ago and went with the 200-600. I just love it. Sharp at the 600mm end which is basically where mine lives. I use it on the A7RIV though and that's quite an amazing sensor IMO.
Images from that setup are here with a few MF Canon tele shots.
https://www.birdsinaction.com/Sony-A7RIV
So I have no complaints at all and on the A7IV or the new A7RV I'm sure it could well be better with the newer AF specs. I don't miss much at the end of the day. Generally I only shoot at 8 FPS, so that side of it with higher frame rates doesn't appeal. To each their own though for sure.
All the best.
Danny.
novographer
Well-known member
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I'd get a used A9. Outstanding camera body and mine is mated to a 200-600mm almost all the time. Unless you can spring for an A1, the next best thing for bird photography is an A9. While the A7IV is a competent body, you just can't beat the 20fps for BIF work. There is the A9II as well but the difference between the two is minimal and does not warrant the extra money. A decent one should be about $2,200 to $2,300 on eBay.
Or wait for the A9III
Lan
Veteran Member
Have you tried the 200-600? If not, I would try and go out and test it for yourself. In my experience the 200-600 is awkwardly big and heavy - see this comparison at Camerasize.com:
https://bit.ly/3iJ7HwX
Couldn't see the RX10IV, so I've used the RX10III instead.
https://bit.ly/3iJ7HwX
Couldn't see the RX10IV, so I've used the RX10III instead.
Last edited:
I know that this is an 200-600 thread but since it evolved into a "which body is best for BIF," I've been comparing an a7RV and a1, both using a 70-200 f/2.8 gm II. The frame rate obviously is greater on the a1, and the focus on the a1 probably is faster to acquire. However, the 7RV is no slouch on focusing and combined with the greater MP, works well for smaller birds, etc. One consideration that kept out at me this morning - shooting the higher frame rate of the a1 produces a dizzying number of images to review. I burned nearly 1,000 images in about 45 minutes this morning - that's a lot to go through. I know, I could shoot at a slower rate or be more discriminating in my shots but it's hard to resist . . .I'd get a used A9. Outstanding camera body and mine is mated to a 200-600mm almost all the time. Unless you can spring for an A1, the next best thing for bird photography is an A9. While the A7IV is a competent body, you just can't beat the 20fps for BIF work. There is the A9II as well but the difference between the two is minimal and does not warrant the extra money. A decent one should be about $2,200 to $2,300 on eBay.
Or wait for the A9III
Steve
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Oh yes, the A7IV has amazing AF abilities especially with the recent firmware updates. From personal experience, I've seen that if I did not have the 20fps I would have definitely missed some BIF shots that I really love. I, personally, would not buy any body specifically for bird and BIF photography without the high frame rate. Yes, it is tedious to go through a huge number of shots, however, I'd prefer that to than not getting the shot I wanted.I know that this is an 200-600 thread but since it evolved into a "which body is best for BIF," I've been comparing an a7RV and a1, both using a 70-200 f/2.8 gm II. The frame rate obviously is greater on the a1, and the focus on the a1 probably is faster to acquire. However, the 7RV is no slouch on focusing and combined with the greater MP, works well for smaller birds, etc. One consideration that kept out at me this morning - shooting the higher frame rate of the a1 produces a dizzying number of images to review. I burned nearly 1,000 images in about 45 minutes this morning - that's a lot to go through. I know, I could shoot at a slower rate or be more discriminating in my shots but it's hard to resist . . .I'd get a used A9. Outstanding camera body and mine is mated to a 200-600mm almost all the time. Unless you can spring for an A1, the next best thing for bird photography is an A9. While the A7IV is a competent body, you just can't beat the 20fps for BIF work. There is the A9II as well but the difference between the two is minimal and does not warrant the extra money. A decent one should be about $2,200 to $2,300 on eBay.
Or wait for the A9III
Steve
grsnovi
Veteran Member
I've been using the Sony A7IV and Sony 200-600 for capturing BIF for a couple of years now and I love it. I use this as my walk around lens for hiking. Works well for BIF and great for critters on the ground. Just got the A7RV and it looks like the tracking is going to mean many more keepers.
gil
Forum Pro
limited samples below. There were not many BIF subjects at that time. The Great White Egret was mostly a test for sharpness and I was satisfied compared to my FE 100-400+A7IV. To sum up 1st day test results so far, the FE200-600 + A7IV combo could easily capture big to medium sizes BIF subjects. Those are usually slow and predictable fliers.
For small BIF subjects like the Killdeer and Yellowlegs below, those are also with predictable flight pattern and thus ok. The main reason for the FE200-600 (from FE100-400) was for the extra reach especially using the 1.4XTC. So far, I am generally satisfied except with the extra weight/bulk.
Further tests on Swallows in flight but already captured some Sandpipers (still for PP) after the 1st day. Most captures were still through panning and landing. Some take offs (ducks) are still for PP. Limited opportunities yet for incoming.
--
Cheers,
gil - San Jose, CA
95% Cheap Lens,90% JPG and 100% Handholding Provocateur
Like happiness, photography is often better created than pursued.
For small BIF subjects like the Killdeer and Yellowlegs below, those are also with predictable flight pattern and thus ok. The main reason for the FE200-600 (from FE100-400) was for the extra reach especially using the 1.4XTC. So far, I am generally satisfied except with the extra weight/bulk.
Further tests on Swallows in flight but already captured some Sandpipers (still for PP) after the 1st day. Most captures were still through panning and landing. Some take offs (ducks) are still for PP. Limited opportunities yet for incoming.
--
Cheers,
gil - San Jose, CA
95% Cheap Lens,90% JPG and 100% Handholding Provocateur
Like happiness, photography is often better created than pursued.
gil
Forum Pro
Thanks Danny. At 67, yes, really taking it easy. I am still good for up to 10 miles hike with that combo but needed more restsTake care of those eyes Gil and take it easy with the setting up. It does take time IMO to sort it all out to suit yourself.I have not post processed (PP) yet completed BIF captures due to still adjusting to my new contact lens prescription with astigmatism. Had a cataract procedure last summer and new contact lens prescription about 2 months ago. While I resumed BIF shooting 1 week after cataract procedure )for distance), I was not too comfortable yet with close up work like viewing monitor for PP until a few weeks back but with using reading glasses. Just for web browsing, no need for reading glasses but when trying to detect noise and sharpness while in PP (longer time with the monitor), eyes easily get tired. It is getting better now and soon will resume PP. I was previously using the FE100-400 with the A7IV and had posted some BIF results here some months ago (just search for gil's posting).
Meanwhile with regards to the RX10IV, I tested this one in 2017 for a few days and should be BIF capable. It could follow small/medium/big sizes birds in my area; and slow/ predictable/bit faster flight as sampled below. Bonus was for some landscape if needed.
All fantastic shots, but that Stilt shot with the reflection is pure magic. Gorgeous shot and not too much wrong with the RX10IV.
All the best your way Gil and A7IV with the 200-600 and 1.4x TC, nice setup and looking forward to the results ;-)
Danny.
. Sorry for the FE100-400 as it is now on the sideline. I may let it go but for birding travel again (hopefully soon), it is preferable than the FE200-600.--
Cheers,
gil - San Jose, CA
95% Cheap Lens,90% JPG and 100% Handholding Provocateur
Like happiness, photography is often better created than pursued.
Same age here Gil. I'm using a monopod more now days. The Sony 200-600 is around 400 grams lighter than the FD 500 F/4.5L, so I don't find it too bad mate. But yeah, certainly more stops the further I go ;-)Thanks Danny. At 67, yes, really taking it easy. I am still good for up to 10 miles hike with that combo but needed more restsTake care of those eyes Gil and take it easy with the setting up. It does take time IMO to sort it all out to suit yourself.I have not post processed (PP) yet completed BIF captures due to still adjusting to my new contact lens prescription with astigmatism. Had a cataract procedure last summer and new contact lens prescription about 2 months ago. While I resumed BIF shooting 1 week after cataract procedure )for distance), I was not too comfortable yet with close up work like viewing monitor for PP until a few weeks back but with using reading glasses. Just for web browsing, no need for reading glasses but when trying to detect noise and sharpness while in PP (longer time with the monitor), eyes easily get tired. It is getting better now and soon will resume PP. I was previously using the FE100-400 with the A7IV and had posted some BIF results here some months ago (just search for gil's posting).
Meanwhile with regards to the RX10IV, I tested this one in 2017 for a few days and should be BIF capable. It could follow small/medium/big sizes birds in my area; and slow/ predictable/bit faster flight as sampled below. Bonus was for some landscape if needed.
All fantastic shots, but that Stilt shot with the reflection is pure magic. Gorgeous shot and not too much wrong with the RX10IV.
All the best your way Gil and A7IV with the 200-600 and 1.4x TC, nice setup and looking forward to the results ;-)
Danny.
All the best to you and your's Gil.
Danny.
--
--------
开云·官方wen站登录入口-开云online(中国)
欢迎您访问⩤开云网站官网在线登录入口⩥⩤开云官方在线官网登录入口⩥！我们提供简单的：开云官方官网线上平台入口、网页版、登录、入口、注册、app、下载、链接、网址、手机版网站、访问开云官方网站在线登录入口的全站服务，这里是您享受丰富在线服务的最佳平台。通过开云官方官网登录入口，用户可以快速注册并登录，浏览各类优质商品。我们的平台覆盖了时尚、健康、美妆等多个领域，确保为您提供多样化选择。我们始终关注用户体验，致力于让每一次购物都成为一次愉快的旅程。
www.birdsinaction.com
-----------------
I can always justify a need, but I can never justify a want.
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