Add Sigma 500 to Sony 100-400/Sony 200-600 as I age?

[Ontario79]

I am an almost 70 yr old who enjoys wildlife photography, BUT I am finding it more difficult to hike and hold bigger lenses. I currently use a Sony 100-400mm and a Sony 200-600 mm for most of my shots, but the 200-600 is getting heavier every day, although it gives great results if I can lean against a vehicle or with a tripod.

I have always dreamt about the big Sony primes but weight and cost are prohibitive, so the sigma 500 looks attractive because of light weight and reasonable cost. I have never used a long prime (I have used portrait primes (50/85)), is the quality much better than zooms? is this a good alternative to my 200-600 with less weight? Better quality????? But less reach? I do sometimes extend the 200-600 with a 1.4 TC. If i extend my sony 100-400 with the 1.4TC (which is a reasonable weight) will this give me similar quality as the sigma prime at 500mm.

ALL thoughts are greatly appreciated, trying to maximize my photographic fun while i still can. Do I Buy the sigma 500 because it will give better photos (than Sony 100-400 with or without the TC) but better mobility than the 200-600? Or just be happy with the sony 100-400, and use the 200-600 when close to my vehicle. Are prime long lenses MUCH better than zooms.

Sigma 500 f 5.6

Sony 100-400 f 4.5-5.6

Sony 200-600 f 5.6-6.3

I use a Sony aR7v and aR7iv

MANY thanks

 

[Unframed Dave]

I have really got into using a monopod with my heavier lenses. Not just for support, but they make carrying them easier. If I get the length right, my carbon fibre pod counterbalances the lens and camera. You do have to very aware of people around you. I have very broad shoulders, but the 600, sticks out either side, and you have the length of the monopod sticking out in front. I have modified my pod with some thick padding, wrapped in camo tape to stop it digging into my shoulder so much. I'll add a snap to show what I mean. I use the wimberly monopod gimble as well which means I can achieve support for the lens at various angles.

I'm still at the discovery stage of owning long primes, but I would definitely say I can see an improvement in sharpness over the 200-600. It is subjective and there are times I find a 600 prime really limiting. Great for birds, but if an otter popped up out of the water at minimum focus, best I'd get is a quarter of it's face. Swings and roundabouts.

• SM-G981B
• 5.4 mm
• ƒ/1.8
• 1/50 sec
• ISO 320

 

[Unframed Dave]

This is quite useful.....

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[Tinopener]

I bought some camo tape I put it down now I cant find it