Do you own the Sony 200-600mm lens? Are you thinking of purchasing it? Here are three awesome accessories that make a great lens ever better.
Not long after the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens was announced, I noted just a small number of shortcomings with it. First is the lack of a zoom lock or tension adjustment mechanism to keep the lens at 600mm. On top of that, it only takes an extremely minor turn of the loosely tensioned zoom ring to go from 600mm down to 500mm and below. For this I came to realize that a LensCoat Lens Cover has the solution built right in.
Second, and who knows why, Sony still has yet to adapt built-in Arca Swiss plates in any of their tripod feet for telephoto lenses (something Tamron has with their much less expensive 150-600mm). Enter the Kirk replacement foot, the option I chose over two other similar products for the lens.
The third accessory isn’t so much making a correction as it is getting the most out of a very portable setup. Check out the latest video above from my YouTube channel to get all the details on my recommendations.
Welcome to Sony.
Another indoor hat wearer!
I was definitely wearing shoes too. Always ready, haha.
And pants I hope!
Let’s not get carried away
That's a lot of lens to hand hold for a long time. I have the Kirk Foot and love it. This lens pretty much lives on my monopod.
I stopped watching when he complained about an internal zooming lens not having a "stopper" at 200mm or 600mm, unbelievable. Genius of the year award goes to you!
GOTTEM. But hey I’m the one that uses the lens every single day, and I know what I want. Lens creep or not, it would be a better lens with a lock.
Ryan, I have owned the 200-400mm f4 VRII from Nikon for many years now and I have no idea what you're talking about. You seem like a really nice guy and I kinda feel bad that I said anything, but can you please explain better what the heck is the issue, because now I am curious. My internal zooming Nikon 200-400mm lens has never needed a lock and that's why no manufacture's have locks on internal zoom lenses. Is your Sony 200-600mm lens somehow moving focal lengths on you by itself or something?
"Is your Sony 200-600mm lens somehow moving focal lengths on you by itself or something?" That's pretty much it. "By itself" may not be entirely true, but it's what it very much feels like to me. The zoom ring is too loose and gets accidentally shifted all the time while out shooting for the day. Added to the fact that the zoom throw is so short, you lose a bunch of focal length with just a tiny nudge off of 600mm. A lock may not be the one and only solution, I would love for the lens to have a Tight - Loose adjustment if I can't have a lock, and if I can't have either, just a tighter zoom ring in the first place. So with that, I found just overlapping the LensCoat pieces in this area creates that friction that Sony didn't give me and that's why I recommended it.
Thanks for the info, just got Kirk Replacement Lens Foot, LensCoat digital Camo, TravelCoat digital camo, Teleconverter Set Digital Camo and raincoat!! also BlackRapid Sport Breathe Camera Strap!! Keeping a lens safe it will last a longtime. Additional I have had the Sigma 150-600mm with teleconverters since it came out and when out and about hand holding I use a super duty binocular harness attached to the lens foot it hangs down in front and carry under a camo jacket. The elastic straps of the harness allow for extra stability when hand holding. And to make yourself a tripod a adjustable bungee cord attached to belt buckle and lens foot, this combo setup allows for a walkabout that feels lightweight and lens is safe from from weather and eyes under a coat. Get a four front pocket coat for other gear like easy access to Teleconverters. A extra large Photo vest (camo) also has big inside pockets front and back big enough for like a large clear plastic trash bag for lens changing. The vest is like a backpack but with handy pockets, a little secret when traveling the vest is not considered a bag and keeps all your gear very, very close and velcro press patches makes for less questions asked!! And you can go in a restaurant with your gear not left in your car or on the floor for those others with fast hands. Oh! Going to Sony because Sigma Teleconverters work but do not give proper lens Metadata!!!
I have the FE 200-600mm and have never had creeping issues at all. Sounds like you are an arm chair critic. On the other hand, my GM 100-400 even when the ring is set to tight, will creep. But it is an external focus, thus the disadvantage is part of the design.