SONY HAS RELEASED not one, but two 600mm lenses, the longest full-frame lenses in its range. In addition to a prime 600mm f4 lens, which will undoubtedly be expensive and possibly pushing $20,000, the more versatile FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS, at a little over $3000, (we expect) is much more affordable!
Add in a 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverter and you now have up to a full-frame 1200mm super-telephoto! So, why the 200-600mm and not the 600mm prime? We have no doubt the 600mm prime will be superior optically, but how much resolution do you need? And if the 200-600mm is anything like Sony’s 100-400mm, you’ll be more than happy with the resolution and clarity on offer. We think this is a great Sony lens for sport and wildlife photographers – the perfect lens for Antarctica or the Arctic!
The 200-600mm has built-in optical stabilisation with three different mode settings and the overall length of the lens does not change while zooming. However, at the 600mm end of the zoom range, the maximum aperture will drop to f6.3, so you may need to push the ISO up a stop or two to compensate, maintaining the fast shutter speeds that will be needed, even with image stabilisation in operation.
Inside, five ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and an aspherical element are arranged in a new optical design that minimises chromatic aberration. An 11-blade circular aperture mechanism is claimed to produce beautiful bokeh (out-of-focus blur), and Sony’s original Nano AR coating should suppress unwanted reflections, glare, or ghosting in images.
The lens is equipped with Sony’s DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) focusing system, which is claimed to be remarkably fast, accurate and exceptionally quiet. Sony understands the need for quiet on the set, especially in wildlife situations!
The lens is built to be dust and moisture resistant while a fluorine coating on the front element is said to resist dirt and fingerprints. By the time you read this, the lens should be available for purchase and we’re guessing between $3000 and $4000, depending on exchange rates!
For more information, visit www.sony.com.au