A Weekend with the Sony 200-600mm and 600mm Lenses

Shawn C. Steiner shared his take on the new Sony 200-600mm and 600mm Lenses

Used the 600mm prime and 200-600mm lens at the same time has, unfortunately, led to some unfair comparisons. The 200-600mm is not as fast when it comes to autofocus, nor is it as sharp when working wide open. This isn’t to denigrate it—it’s perfectly acceptable, considering its price and standard G branding. I would recommend stopping down a hair when you can and, though teleconverters are a lot of fun, the 1.4x will serve you better than the more demanding 2x that I used.

Everything else about the lens is solid. The lens is weather sealed and feels like it can hold up to enduring some adventures. Optical SteadyShot is very good and works very well with cameras that offer in-body stabilization. Focusing is fast with the DDSSM AF system, and worked very well when tracking subjects. The front element has a fluorine coating that should help keep it clean.

Sony 200-600mm FE in USA at Amazon, BHphoto, FocusCamera, BuyDig, Adorama and Henyrs.
Sony 600mm FE GM in USA at Amazon, BHphoto, FocusCamera, BuyDig, Adorama and Henyrs.
Sony 200-600mm FE in Europe at Amazon DE. Calumet DE. Amazon UK. WexUK. ParkCameras. Amazon FR. Amazon IT. Amazon ES.
Sony 600mm FE GM in Europe at Calumet DE.WexUK. ParkCameras.
Sony 200-600mm FE in Asia at Sony Japan. Sony Australia.
Sony 600mm FE GM in Asia at Sony Japan. Sony Australia.