Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS

Reviewers consistently describe it as sharp through the range, including at 600mm wide open, with very good contrast and low chromatic aberration. AF is fast and reliable for birds in flight on current bodies, and the internal zoom is singled out as a handling advantage over extending rivals.

The drawbacks are weight, the 2.4m minimum focus distance, and f/6.3 at the long end in poor light. Results with the 1.4x stay good; the 2x is usable only in strong light. For the money, most testers see no real competitor in its range.

Owners call it the best value in Sony's long-lens line and many say it lives on their camera for birding and motorsport. The short zoom throw and fixed length make it easy to frame fast action.

Most complaints are about weight on long walks, the 2.4m minimum focus for small subjects close by, and a tripod foot that many swap for an aftermarket Arca-compatible one. A few find the 95mm filters expensive.