Boy did you ever nail that one.

I began as a bridger about 10 years ago but now I am a dedicated Sony user starting with the A6000, then the A6500 with success in landscape, travel, family portraits, movies, and general photo-journalism. However when it came to my other hobby, Radio-controlled, high-speed model airplanes, I realized there was somethings lacking in trying to reliably photograph these small, incredibly fast moving subjects in flight. First of all, the Sony line of bright stabilized zoom lenses is very expensive and not really in the super zoom category. Secondly, trying to use other brand zoom lenses on the Sony, by consensus, results in significant loss of focusing speed and thereby tracking capability. Another flaw was the ability to continuously zoom into digital (clear image zoom) with zoom rings.

So, in November 2019 I bought an RX10m4 with assurances that the menu is similar to other new Sony cameras(I have 2 already), and that I could still use raw* out to 600mm(equiv) and the Zeiss glass is astonishingly sharp even within a one inch, 21mp sensor. After covering two major model airplane events, one of which was primarily turbojet (200mph) models, the results are in: The RX10M4 is perfect for this application and outstanding for most photography genres.

*Note JPG is required for clear image zoom.

I have worked as a volunteer photographer for charitable organizations for about 8 years. Many of my pictures have been published in the local newspaper, and used as promotional material for charity websites and newsletters. All of my hardware and software is self-purchased and top notch. Considering the appreciation I receive and the personal satisfaction, I deem myself a professional. Am I deluded?

This a autofocus zoom lens in pristine condition. Comes complete with cap, hood, box and sleeve. Please make an offer.

Chocked? Choked!

I splurged on a Sony RX10MIV "open box" from BUYDIG.COM, saved around $300, came perfect! I was also gifted 72mm Hoya UV and CP filters. Wow what a Christmas! I can now shoot with a super long telephoto to my heart's content.

I use the leveler display in my A6500 occasionally.

I've been using the Zeiss 18-70 on both my 6500 and 6000 for about 2 years. It is worth every cent, because it yields the sharpest, brightest image. It is especially good indoors with a bounce flash. You would love it.

Examples of model plane photos are on my website(SMUGMUG).

https://desert-view.smugmug.com/Hemet-Modelmasters-Jet-rally-June-8-2019/

The flying planes were taken with the Sony Alpha 6500, Sony kit 55-210 lens plus Olympus 1.7X extender.
Stationary planes, same camera with Zeiss 16-70 lens.

All RAW with Photoshop elements 18 processing, a few with "INPIXIO" dabbling.

I specialize in photographing very fast radio-controlled model airplanes with my Sony alpha 6500 camera. I recently purchased the Sony FE 70-300 (G) lens for that purpose. Surprising, but Sony doesn't make a clamp for their lens, but I was able to find the attached pictured Chinese clamp designed for the Sony lens and an adaptable gimbal on Ebay. Considering several factors about the lens/camera/photographer combination my question is would there be a benefit with it or should I go it hand held?

Factor 1. The combined optical stabilization of lens/camera combo is extraordinarily(amazingly) good.
Factor 2. The lens is heavy and the combo can be difficult to manipulate
Factor 3. The quality of the pictured clamp and gimbal is unknown.
Factor 4. I have a lot of successful experience chasing these models, but with lighter gear.
Factor 5. The pictured items are not expensive (both less than $100).
Factor 6. Sometimes I will be using Sony's Digital Crop equivalent to 900mm.(300X1.5X2)

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

My workflow starts with the Adobe raw included in Photo shop Essentials version 18. I then save the resulting JPG and refresh my memory regarding lighting and ISO at the event shoot. If ISO is above 800, I do a little pixel peeping particularly at faces. If I detect significant noise, I use Franzis Denoise Projects, which is slightly time consuming but very effective. On the other hand if noise is less pronounced, I use "Perfectly Clear Complete", "reduce noise preset" on the JPG. This is very fast and gives excellent, sharp, bright results. IN some cases the picture may require small reduction exposure if the intended mood was dim. My gear is usually Sony 6500, Zeiss 16-70 glass.

Rainbow Falls, Island of Hawaii, Hilo

I was fortunate to see and photograph the Rainbow Falls in December. Enjoy

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At my age, even the lizard looks better!

Pictures from Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm.
This farm draws thousands of families from Riverside and Los Angeles counties during September through November.

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