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Abandon Sony 200-600G due to weight

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Interceptor121

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When I bought my A1 I also got the 100-400 GM and the 200-600 G

I then sold the 100-400 as it was not really useable for video and optically it was marginally better than the 200-600

However the 200-600 is just to heavy for what I do.

I walk around 8-10 Km with the camera on a strap attached to the lens hoops but I get hip pain

The lens is too big to go side but too long to go front or back and a back pack is not an option

I am now thinking of going back to my MFT set up with 100-400 or to get back the 100-400 and use in APSC mode when I need reach

In essence I just can't bear the weight of the 200-600 and I am also not impressed of the performance at the long end

It is a shame there are no professional level APSC bodies
 
If okay with primes:
  1. Sony 300GM f2.8: Expensive, lite, and works great with TCs. Get 1.4TC may be you have FF 300, 420, and then APSC 630mm (you can do APSC 450 also, but 300+TC14 might be better)
  2. Sigma 500 f5.6 (APSC 750) if this fL works, good cost to value!

 
I got the 100-400 GM for other uses. I got my Sigma 50-500mm in FT mount out and tested it on my OM1 and decided the weight of the 200-600mm was too much for me. I always wanted a 300/4 and bought a used one even though it was more expensive than a discounted new 200-600mm.

Now happy with 40-150/2.8, 300/4, MC14 & 100-400 GM - options depending on what I’m shooting and where. I have a backpack that can top load two bodies with tele lenses plus a couple of smaller lenses. Unlikely to hike that far in any sort of demanding terrain with that much weight at my age, but who knows.

A
 
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gnPhoto said:
If okay with primes:
  1. Sony 300GM f2.8: Expensive, lite, and works great with TCs. Get 1.4TC may be you have FF 300, 420, and then APSC 630mm (you can do APSC 450 also, but 300+TC14 might be better)
  2. Sigma 500 f5.6 (APSC 750) if this fL works, good cost to value!
https://www.instagram.com/neelagopi/
Click to expand...
300mm too expensive for the limited use needs 2x TC

sigma as all third parties limited to 15 fps

i would prefer the 50-400 as it is black same limitation of the sigma
 
That's the "specialness" of FF at work. Bigger and more expensive and heavier gear was to be the inevitable result of the market narrowing.

Interest in high performance aps-c has always been there. Aside from Fuji, the camera makers seemed quite happy with the seeming trend towards FF "specialness" over aps-c practicalities when it came to longer focal lengths. "Bargain birders" got no respect.
 
I would consider the Fuji XH2/XH2S the closest thing to professional APS-C bodies, you could get one of those and a 100-400 or 500 f/5.6, but they're a compromise in other areas compared to the best full frame bodies. Of course there's also the Fuji 150-600, but that is a fairly simular walking around and handling experience to the 200-600.
 
Interceptor121 said:
When I bought my A1 I also got the 100-400 GM and the 200-600 G

I then sold the 100-400 as it was not really useable for video
Click to expand...
Why???
Interceptor121 said:
and optically it was marginally better than the 200-600

However the 200-600 is just to heavy for what I do.

I walk around 8-10 Km with the camera on a strap attached to the lens hoops but I get hip pain

The lens is too big to go side but too long to go front or back and a back pack is not an option

I am now thinking of going back to my MFT set up with 100-400 or to get back the 100-400 and use in APSC mode when I need reach

In essence I just can't bear the weight of the 200-600 and I am also not impressed of the performance at the long end

It is a shame there are no professional level APSC bodies
Click to expand...
 
G Pik said:
Interceptor121 said:
When I bought my A1 I also got the 100-400 GM and the 200-600 G

I then sold the 100-400 as it was not really useable for video
Click to expand...
Why???
Click to expand...
Stabilisation on monopod is poor
G Pik said:
G Pik said:
and optically it was marginally better than the 200-600

However the 200-600 is just to heavy for what I do.

I walk around 8-10 Km with the camera on a strap attached to the lens hoops but I get hip pain

The lens is too big to go side but too long to go front or back and a back pack is not an option

I am now thinking of going back to my MFT set up with 100-400 or to get back the 100-400 and use in APSC mode when I need reach

In essence I just can't bear the weight of the 200-600 and I am also not impressed of the performance at the long end

It is a shame there are no professional level APSC bodies
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
For my use, I'm happy with the 50-400 and cropping, at 600mm equivalent in APS-C mode I'm at ~27MP and after a 2x crop I'm at ~15MP... Not much worse on paper than what I'd be getting with one of my M4/3 bodies and a similarly sized 100-400 for it. I figure under that I'm always at an advantage, they're all f6.3 at the long end so... 50-400 with an advantage at 50 thru a crop to 600mm and similar output at a crop to 800mm vs 200-800mm.

I find the 50-400 super versatile, the wider short end and the MFD at both ends are all pretty useful, and the button customization options are underrated.
 
Last edited:
Interceptor121 said:
When I bought my A1 I also got the 100-400 GM and the 200-600 G

I then sold the 100-400 as it was not really useable for video and optically it was marginally better than the 200-600

However the 200-600 is just to heavy for what I do.

I walk around 8-10 Km with the camera on a strap attached to the lens hoops but I get hip pain

The lens is too big to go side but too long to go front or back and a back pack is not an option

I am now thinking of going back to my MFT set up with 100-400 or to get back the 100-400 and use in APSC mode when I need reach

In essence I just can't bear the weight of the 200-600 and I am also not impressed of the performance at the long end

It is a shame there are no professional level APSC bodies
Click to expand...
You have started a lot of threads complaining about various aspects of Sony gear. I think you will be happier with m4/3. I have a friend who ended up going with Olympus because his arthritis reached the point where all full frame gear was essentially unusable. He is happier now. And with your previous experience you will be able to choose the perfect m4/3 setup.

I had stopped using the 200-600 because of its weight and size, but tried it again after the announcement of the 400-800, and decided that the weight of the 200-600 wasn't the main problem for me, as much as it was the somewhat unwieldy nature of the beast. I tried the 400-800, despite the increased weight, and found it "more wieldly" - I cannot say exactly what Sony changed in the new lens, but I find it easier to manage. Maybe it's the location of the strap lugs? The weight distribution? I don't know. Whatever it is, I'm actually happier with the 400-800 than I was with the 200-600. It also helps that the Leofoto replacement foot arrived shortly after the lens did, and it works very well (I like that the foot on this lens is held on by four serious bolts, rather than a flimsy catch). And it helps that I don't hike long distances to get to where I am going to be shooting - I rarely go more than one or two km.

I'm not recommending that you get the 400-800 - if you find the 200-600 unmanageable, then the 400-800 is likely to be worse. It may only be a little longer, and fixed length, like the 200-600, but it is heavier.

Enjoy your m4/3 setup!
 
Weight is my big concern and after a lot of thought, I bought the 70-350mm and I'm thrilled with it as a hiking telephoto. The fact I'm using ASPC mode on my a7cr doesn't bother me a bit, plenty enough for my purposes.
 
As someone who has (and uses) both the 200-600 and the 70-350, I agree about the weight advantage. And I sometimes think the 70-350 has nicer colours. Here is a heavy crop from yesterday with the 70-350:

Cropped and upscaled in Topaz Photo AI
Cropped and upscaled in Topaz Photo AI

Cheers

MM
 
Interceptor121 said:
When I bought my A1 I also got the 100-400 GM and the 200-600 G

I then sold the 100-400 as it was not really useable for video and optically it was marginally better than the 200-600

However the 200-600 is just to heavy for what I do.

I walk around 8-10 Km with the camera on a strap attached to the lens hoops but I get hip pain

The lens is too big to go side but too long to go front or back and a back pack is not an option

I am now thinking of going back to my MFT set up with 100-400 or to get back the 100-400 and use in APSC mode when I need reach

In essence I just can't bear the weight of the 200-600 and I am also not impressed of the performance at the long end
Click to expand...
This caught my attention. For video with much lower resolution lower optical performance at the end should not be an issue. Or do you shoot also stills?
Interceptor121 said:
It is a shame there are no professional level APSC bodies
Click to expand...
 
AlephNull said:
Interceptor121 said:
When I bought my A1 I also got the 100-400 GM and the 200-600 G

I then sold the 100-400 as it was not really useable for video and optically it was marginally better than the 200-600

However the 200-600 is just to heavy for what I do.

I walk around 8-10 Km with the camera on a strap attached to the lens hoops but I get hip pain

The lens is too big to go side but too long to go front or back and a back pack is not an option

I am now thinking of going back to my MFT set up with 100-400 or to get back the 100-400 and use in APSC mode when I need reach

In essence I just can't bear the weight of the 200-600 and I am also not impressed of the performance at the long end

It is a shame there are no professional level APSC bodies
Click to expand...
You have started a lot of threads complaining about various aspects of Sony gear. I think you will be happier with m4/3. I have a friend who ended up going with Olympus because his arthritis reached the point where all full frame gear was essentially unusable. He is happier now. And with your previous experience you will be able to choose the perfect m4/3 setup.

I had stopped using the 200-600 because of its weight and size, but tried it again after the announcement of the 400-800, and decided that the weight of the 200-600 wasn't the main problem for me, as much as it was the somewhat unwieldy nature of the beast. I tried the 400-800, despite the increased weight, and found it "more wieldly" - I cannot say exactly what Sony changed in the new lens, but I find it easier to manage. Maybe it's the location of the strap lugs? The weight distribution? I don't know. Whatever it is, I'm actually happier with the 400-800 than I was with the 200-600. It also helps that the Leofoto replacement foot arrived shortly after the lens did, and it works very well (I like that the foot on this lens is held on by four serious bolts, rather than a flimsy catch). And it helps that I don't hike long distances to get to where I am going to be shooting - I rarely go more than one or two km.

I'm not recommending that you get the 400-800 - if you find the 200-600 unmanageable, then the 400-800 is likely to be worse. It may only be a little longer, and fixed length, like the 200-600, but it is heavier.

Enjoy your m4/3 setup!
Click to expand...
Interesting you found 400-800 more comfortable than 200-600. I have both too, but feel about the same.

I like using the QD Magpul port on the Leofoto lens foot attached to a Peak Design strap. Slung cross body to my side hiking was manageable. With a monopod I use two QD Magpul like this video.

However, for very very long multi day hikes nothing beats a proper backpack with good harness system. Puts the load on the hips. Alternatively, my spouse really likes using whistling wing's speed-shooter harness.
 
Waku Waku said:
AlephNull said:
Interceptor121 said:
When I bought my A1 I also got the 100-400 GM and the 200-600 G

I then sold the 100-400 as it was not really useable for video and optically it was marginally better than the 200-600

However the 200-600 is just to heavy for what I do.

I walk around 8-10 Km with the camera on a strap attached to the lens hoops but I get hip pain

The lens is too big to go side but too long to go front or back and a back pack is not an option

I am now thinking of going back to my MFT set up with 100-400 or to get back the 100-400 and use in APSC mode when I need reach

In essence I just can't bear the weight of the 200-600 and I am also not impressed of the performance at the long end

It is a shame there are no professional level APSC bodies
Click to expand...
You have started a lot of threads complaining about various aspects of Sony gear. I think you will be happier with m4/3. I have a friend who ended up going with Olympus because his arthritis reached the point where all full frame gear was essentially unusable. He is happier now. And with your previous experience you will be able to choose the perfect m4/3 setup.

I had stopped using the 200-600 because of its weight and size, but tried it again after the announcement of the 400-800, and decided that the weight of the 200-600 wasn't the main problem for me, as much as it was the somewhat unwieldy nature of the beast. I tried the 400-800, despite the increased weight, and found it "more wieldly" - I cannot say exactly what Sony changed in the new lens, but I find it easier to manage. Maybe it's the location of the strap lugs? The weight distribution? I don't know. Whatever it is, I'm actually happier with the 400-800 than I was with the 200-600. It also helps that the Leofoto replacement foot arrived shortly after the lens did, and it works very well (I like that the foot on this lens is held on by four serious bolts, rather than a flimsy catch). And it helps that I don't hike long distances to get to where I am going to be shooting - I rarely go more than one or two km.

I'm not recommending that you get the 400-800 - if you find the 200-600 unmanageable, then the 400-800 is likely to be worse. It may only be a little longer, and fixed length, like the 200-600, but it is heavier.

Enjoy your m4/3 setup!
Click to expand...
Interesting you found 400-800 more comfortable than 200-600. I have both too, but feel about the same.

I like using the QD Magpul port on the Leofoto lens foot attached to a Peak Design strap. Slung cross body to my side hiking was manageable. With a monopod I use two QD Magpul like this video.

However, for very very long multi day hikes nothing beats a proper backpack with good harness system. Puts the load on the hips. Alternatively, my spouse really likes using whistling wing's speed-shooter harness.
Click to expand...
Interesting, looks sorta like the fishing rod harness that some here have suggested and tried out.
 
Interceptor121 said:
G Pik said:
Interceptor121 said:
When I bought my A1 I also got the 100-400 GM and the 200-600 G

I then sold the 100-400 as it was not really useable for video
Click to expand...
Why???
Click to expand...
Stabilisation on monopod is poor
Click to expand...
Probably your technique, use a tripod!
Interceptor121 said:
Interceptor121 said:
Interceptor121 said:
and optically it was marginally better than the 200-600

However the 200-600 is just to heavy for what I do.

I walk around 8-10 Km with the camera on a strap attached to the lens hoops but I get hip pain

The lens is too big to go side but too long to go front or back and a back pack is not an option

I am now thinking of going back to my MFT set up with 100-400 or to get back the 100-400 and use in APSC mode when I need reach

In essence I just can't bear the weight of the 200-600 and I am also not impressed of the performance at the long end

It is a shame there are no professional level APSC bodies
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Geo C
http://www.gec.photography
 
Last edited:
G Pik said:
Interceptor121 said:
G Pik said:
Interceptor121 said:
When I bought my A1 I also got the 100-400 GM and the 200-600 G

I then sold the 100-400 as it was not really useable for video
Click to expand...
Why???
Click to expand...
Stabilisation on monopod is poor
Click to expand...
Probably your technique, use a tripod!
G Pik said:
G Pik said:
G Pik said:
and optically it was marginally better than the 200-600

However the 200-600 is just to heavy for what I do.

I walk around 8-10 Km with the camera on a strap attached to the lens hoops but I get hip pain
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Reading comprehension is clearly not your forte

Do you walk 10km with a camera a big lens AND a tripod? I don't think so

Besides the size of the lens is such that if you have wind it will vibrate on a tripod unless you have a very heavy tripod which again means you are not walking with your set up
G Pik said:
G Pik said:
G Pik said:
G Pik said:
The lens is too big to go side but too long to go front or back and a back pack is not an option

I am now thinking of going back to my MFT set up with 100-400 or to get back the 100-400 and use in APSC mode when I need reach

In essence I just can't bear the weight of the 200-600 and I am also not impressed of the performance at the long end

It is a shame there are no professional level APSC bodies
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
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If you want to get in touch don't send me a PM rather contact me directly at my website/social media
 
Last edited:
Martin_99 said:
Interceptor121 said:
When I bought my A1 I also got the 100-400 GM and the 200-600 G

I then sold the 100-400 as it was not really useable for video and optically it was marginally better than the 200-600

However the 200-600 is just to heavy for what I do.

I walk around 8-10 Km with the camera on a strap attached to the lens hoops but I get hip pain

The lens is too big to go side but too long to go front or back and a back pack is not an option

I am now thinking of going back to my MFT set up with 100-400 or to get back the 100-400 and use in APSC mode when I need reach

In essence I just can't bear the weight of the 200-600 and I am also not impressed of the performance at the long end
Click to expand...
This caught my attention. For video with much lower resolution lower optical performance at the end should not be an issue. Or do you shoot also stills?
Martin_99 said:
It is a shame there are no professional level APSC bodies
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
The 100-400 for video is not very effective even with a monopod for longer shots

The 200-600 is totally toast with a monopod and is too heavy anyway for almost any type of video unless you shoot a trap on a tripod
 
Interceptor121 said:
G Pik said:
Interceptor121 said:
G Pik said:
Interceptor121 said:
When I bought my A1 I also got the 100-400 GM and the 200-600 G

I then sold the 100-400 as it was not really useable for video
Click to expand...
Why???
Click to expand...
Stabilisation on monopod is poor
Click to expand...
Probably your technique, use a tripod!
Interceptor121 said:
Interceptor121 said:
Interceptor121 said:
and optically it was marginally better than the 200-600

However the 200-600 is just to heavy for what I do.

I walk around 8-10 Km with the camera on a strap attached to the lens hoops but I get hip pain
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Reading comprehension is clearly not your forte

Do you walk 10km with a camera a big lens AND a tripod? I don't think so
Click to expand...
Why not? I do it all the time.

A 1.8kg tripod + 1kg gimbal + 1kg body w/ grip + 3kg lens (600 f/4) + 600g monopod. Most I've done was a 16km hike with it, after seeing a sea eagle on the same hike without the lens (of course the stupid thing didn't show up when I showed up with the right setup).

I've done overnights with that setup, but it's more of a setup camp at vantage spot then just go roaming around with nothing else but the camera and tripod. Definitely not fun, conceded on food and creature comforts to make the weight somewhat bearable.

Most annoying thing is putting away the camera tbh.
 
Last edited:
Interceptor121 said:
G Pik said:
Interceptor121 said:
G Pik said:
Interceptor121 said:
When I bought my A1 I also got the 100-400 GM and the 200-600 G

I then sold the 100-400 as it was not really useable for video
Click to expand...
Why???
Click to expand...
Stabilisation on monopod is poor
Click to expand...
Probably your technique, use a tripod!
Interceptor121 said:
Interceptor121 said:
Interceptor121 said:
and optically it was marginally better than the 200-600

However the 200-600 is just to heavy for what I do.

I walk around 8-10 Km with the camera on a strap attached to the lens hoops but I get hip pain
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Reading comprehension is clearly not your forte

Do you walk 10km with a camera a big lens AND a tripod? I don't think so
Click to expand...
I think quite a few use a sturdy tripod (1.5 to 2.5Kg) + fluid head (~1Kg) + long tele (1.5 to 3kg) to shoot videos of birds or wildlife

I dont shoot videos, but for landscapes/seascapes I carry a 2Kg tripod, 1.2kg head, FF camera, 1635GM2, 70200GM2, and lens filters. I once did a 10KM trail with this combo (but back then I had a different tripod+head which were combined about 2.2Kg so kg lighter).


On that hike I was with two professional photographers who had payload twice of mine (multiple bodies, lenses, filters sets, and a beefier Gitzo tripod).

So its pretty common to hike with such payload (not to mention, rain covers, jacket, backpack, water, few snacks etc, which add up to the weight).
https://www.instagram.com/neelagopi/
 
Last edited:
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