New 2009 2010 BMW Z4 - ZPOST
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   New 2009 2010 BMW Z4 - ZPOST > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > Off-Topic Discussions Board > Photography/Videography

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      08-21-2019, 11:30 AM   #1
dcstep
Major General
United_States
1290
Rep
7,389
Posts

Drives: '09 Cpe Silverstone FR 6MT
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 M3  [8.40]
Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS - First Impression

Many readers here know me, but for those that don't, I've been shooting super-telephoto lenses for over 10-years now, hand holding 99+% of my shots for over 8-years. I started with an EF 400/5.6, then a EF 500/f4 Series I, then a Series II. I started my transition to Sony in 2017 with the FE 100-400mm and adapted EF lenses, then acquired the FE 400/f2.8 from the first shipment and now I've acquired the FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS, from this latest first shipment.

I don't count shots, but I'm into seven figures of clicks, shooting super-telephoto lenses and selling images on Getty as a second job. (It doesn't pay the rent, but it pays for the equipment and I could ramp it up). So, I say that because shooting super-telephoto, particularly handheld, is a learned skill. A newbie to super-tele should not expect to spend $13,000 on a new lens and go out on their first outing and match my results. I work at this and have been working at it for over a decade.

Here's my very first shot with the new lens on my a9:
First Shot With New 600mm Lens by David Stephens, on Flickr

I wouldn't normally post a crappy shot like that, but it's the very first shot, shooting handheld, out the car window, on a hot day, at a long distance, with an extreme crop, down to under 1000p per side. What's important is that this is one of 136 out of 136-images that were in focus. 100% tracking is not unusual with the a9 and Sony's native lenses.

This one shows the potential much better:

Cropped Only For Composition by David Stephens, on Flickr

Here's a huge crop of the same image:

Close Up Of Egret Catching Shad by David Stephens, on Flickr

BTW, 103 out of 103-images were tack sharp in this burst.

Finally, a slow flight shot:

Snowy Egret Landing by David Stephens, on Flickr

62 out of 66 in sharp focus, going from bright sun to deep shade, fighting the "white bird" exposure problem at the transition.

Over the next few days, I'll do more "testing" to shore up these shooting reactions. It's definitely a keeper, so my FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS is for sale for $11,500, if anyone is interested.

Dave
__________________
Appreciate 0
      08-21-2019, 11:35 AM   #2
Drv4fun
First Lieutenant
120
Rep
371
Posts

Drives: '13 M3 (original owner)
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: USA

iTrader: (1)

Wow!
Appreciate 0
      08-21-2019, 10:53 PM   #3
M_Six
Free Thinker
M_Six's Avatar
United_States
16535
Rep
7,447
Posts

Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Foothills of Mt Level

iTrader: (0)

DC, I think you and Ed have shown that Sony has thrown down the gauntlet and no one else has picked it up. Sony is king when it comes to BIF shots. Stellar images.
__________________
Mark
markj.pics

"There is no shame in dropping fruit in your glass."
-UncleWede
Appreciate 0
      08-26-2019, 11:29 AM   #4
dcstep
Major General
United_States
1290
Rep
7,389
Posts

Drives: '09 Cpe Silverstone FR 6MT
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 M3  [8.40]
Quote:
Originally Posted by M_Six View Post
DC, I think you and Ed have shown that Sony has thrown down the gauntlet and no one else has picked it up. Sony is king when it comes to BIF shots. Stellar images.
The Sony glass is pretty darn good on a high resonlution body, like the a7RIII. Look here to see whiskers and fur in a 26mp shot:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/63029289?image=0

Here it is at 1600x1600p:
Cottontail Bunny Portrait by David Stephens, on Flickr
__________________
Appreciate 0
      08-26-2019, 11:32 AM   #5
dcstep
Major General
United_States
1290
Rep
7,389
Posts

Drives: '09 Cpe Silverstone FR 6MT
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 M3  [8.40]
Here's where I compare the FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS to the FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/63027738

Both lenses are pretty amazing. Anyone want a 400/f2.8. "Only" $11,500. ;-)
__________________
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
fe 600mm f/4 gm oss, sony a9, sony alpha

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:16 AM.




zpost
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST