Pat F 4119 wrote:
As primarily a portrait and real estate photographer, it's not often I have a need for a telephoto lens, but there have been times it would have come in handy while out in nature. I primarily shoot with a Sony A7RIV, and have been looking at the Sony 200-600mm, but even used, I've been struggling to justify the expense. So, I'm wondering if anyone can suggest another option that might be more affordable without compromising image quality too much. Thanks.
The answer will depend on what you plan to use this new lens for and what lenses you already have.
The Sony 200-600mm is a great wildlife and birding lens. However, it is large and heavy. It is not a great all-purpose telephoto lens--it is too long for that, and definitely will not be useful as a portrait or real estate lens.
I use the Sony 100-400 GM lens as a wildlife, nature, landscape, and portrait lens, and I love this lens. It is considerably smaller and more versatile than the 200-600mm lens, and with a minimum focus distance of about three feet it has good macro capabilities. While a great lens, it also is a bit more expensive than the 200-600mm.
The brand new Sony 70-200mm f/4 Mark II might be a good fit for you. It certainly would be useful as a portrait lens and as a zoom for general photography. It also can be used as a macro lens.