New to the Group & I need your Suggestions

[Centofanti]

I am new to the group living in Surprise, Arizona (attached to Phoenix). I am almost a new Sony onwer leaving Canon after 20 years and here is my question:

As a long-time Canon user, I am tired of the lack of a fast 300-600mm lens option that doesn't cost over $11k. Since photography is just a hobby for me, that price point is out of the question.
Because of this, I’m planning to trade in my Canon R5, my 70-200mm f/2.8, and the 100-500mm f/7.1 (which I honestly can't stand because of the slow aperture at the long end).
Here is the Sony setup I am thinking about switching to:

• Sony A7R V (or A7R VI if available) - This is my absolute max budget for the body.
• Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II
• Sony FE 400mm f/4.5 (paired with a 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverter to get that 600mm reach)

For context on what I shoot: I do not shoot birds. Instead, I focus on large animals in national parks and zoos, as well as Air Force fighter jets taking off and landing directly overhead.
What do the Sony experts here think of this transition? Does this kit make sense for my shooting style, or would you suggest a different lens combination?

 

[THXGEEK]

Hello & welcome, Michael!

I am hardware-agnostic and own both Sony and Canon gear (among others). I agree, the Canon RF100-500mm is somewhat slow at the long end. Not to mention, Canon does not have the huge variety of third-party lenses that are available on the Sony FE and Nikon Z platforms. So moving to Sony is probably worthwhile for your intended subjects....

The lenses you have specified are excellent choices and will pair well with the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. My only caution is that you may misss the flexibility of a zoom at the long end. If it is at all possible, you might wish to consider saving your nickels and dimes for the new Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 in place of the 400mm f/4.5. Weight and bulk aside, I have found that the 100-400 f/4.5 is quite awesome with both teleconverters AND still allows me the flexibility to find and zoom in on my subjects.

YMMV of course.

I'm sure others will chime in with their opinions.

Cheers!

 

[Unframed Dave]

Welcome aboard.

The 70-200mm is a cracker of a lens. I've taken mine all over the place and never found anything negative to say about it.

400 is quite long for large animals at close range. I doubt you'd need a teleconverter, but only you know your exact situations.

See my post here:

Mammals - Iberian Lynx - Gato Clavo - Andalusia

Gato Clavo is an unbaited series of hides near the town of Ajucar. These were taken over 9 4 hour hide sessions. One of my main takeaways from this experience is that if you leave the hide for a toilet break, take a camera with you!

www.alphashooters.com

Shots 2,4,5 and 6 were all taken with a 300mm prime. The others were much farther away or extreme close ups.