What to upgrade next?

[EdHarrison]

I enjoy bird and wildlife photography. I currently own the Sony a1 combined with the 200-600 f/5.6-6.3. If I only had enough money to upgrade one which of the following should I get? The Sony a1ii or the 400-800mm?

 

[Unframed Dave]

600mm f4.

The A1 is a superb camera, and all you need.

The 200-600 is a superb lens, which in my view outperforms the 400-800.

I don't think the extra reach at the 800 end is worth much when you have 50mp worth of cropability. Especially given that you process your shots. The sacrifice in light is fine, if you're prepared to push the iso, I don't process, so I'm not.

Save your dollars and get the 600, then you'll notice a difference. While your saving get down to the gym, you need some core to lug it around.

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

I would say the opposite to Dave on the 400 800, but I have a good copy, many don't, so it's a lottery. I don't think the A1 ii has anything you need over the A1.
Personally, the 100 Macro is well worth looking at, or the 70 200 F4 mk.II

 

[spudhead]

Well I guess it depends on what you feel is lacking in your setup, the A1 mk1 is possibly as good at most things as the mk2 and I personally don`t think the mk2 has much I would use over the first version. usually when people ask this question glass or body my answer would normally be glass, I don`t have the 400-800 but at some point I may give one a try. obviously the 400-800 needs more light but I guess if you consider price point and have realistic expectations, and use it carefully it could be a decent upgrade. I would hang on to the 200-600 my copy is good and I have had it since release date, if you have the funds I would consider a prime with or without tcs, it is no secret on here primes are my go to most of the time for bird shots