1st Pics w/ Sony a7RIV and 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 - 08 Apr 2020

Rain the past couple of days have flooded the yard and fields, but skies were clearing, so I decided to try the Sony a7RIV and 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G lens. There has been significant static on the internet regarding image quality with this setup, so I was curious to see if the issue presented itself to me. I'd be shooting Auto-ISO (100-3200) w/ min. SS of 1/2000 sec. at f/5.6 or f/6.3.

The willows in the field are starting to flower, so a quick macro shot was easy for the camera. AF points locked on nicely to the flowers from about 10' away.

An Eastern Towhee was singing in the morning Sun in the woods out back, and I managed a few photos from 30' away. Again, the camera locked AF on the bird nicely, and all images were sharp!

Since other birds were not cooperating I took the opportunity to shoot the neighbor's horses as they came by for a quick pet.

As I was heading back to the house I spotted a pair of Canada Geese swimming in the flooded pond through the hedges and fence. I managed a somewhat clean shot through the hedges and the resulting image (see top) was razor sharp! Nothing wrong whatsoever with this combo.

A Leopard Frog hopped by me while I sloshed across the field. Again, the camera locked focus nicely on the frog from the minimum focus distance of about 10'.

I had to photograph the first Daffodil blooming in the yard, as well as the Siberian Squill that had bloomed a day or two ago. 

The a7RIV and 200-600 is a solid combo, and I wouldn't hesitate to use it in the field. At 10 fps, though, it might be a tad slow for birds in flight, so I'll put the 200-600 back on the a9 (20 fps) and return the 100-400 to the a7RIV. I'll be carrying both cameras in the field as I'll be able to use the 100-400 for short telephoto and macro photography.