Using it for wildlife and distant subjects has been a lot of fun. The huge zoom range lets me frame birds, boats, and details across a lake without having to move closer. I was surprised by how much reach is available from one camera, and I appreciate not having to swap lenses while out for the day.
The camera has some heft to it, but the larger grip makes it comfortable to hold for longer sessions. Controls are laid out in a way that became familiar fairly quickly, and the electronic viewfinder is useful when sunlight makes the rear screen harder to see. I also like having physical controls available rather than relying on menus for every adjustment.
For birds, I have found the focusing system dependable when I give it a clear subject and enough contrast. Keeping a distant bird centered can take some practice, especially when branches or other objects are nearby, but the reach makes it possible to get close-looking frames from a considerable distance. The stabilization is also helpful when using the long end of the zoom.
Low-light results are more dependent on steady technique, which makes sense with such a long focal range. In daylight, though, it has become one of my favorite options for outdoor walks and wildlife trips. I can go from a wider view of the surroundings to a distant subject without changing lenses or carrying a separate telephoto setup.
Video has been useful for recording birds and other outdoor activity, and the ability to zoom while recording gives me plenty of flexibility. Battery life has been reasonable for my outings, although I still keep an eye on the charge when I plan to spend many hours away from an outlet. The size is the main tradeoff, but the versatility makes that easier for me to accept.
There is a learning curve with such an extensive zoom range, yet I have enjoyed figuring out how to get the best results from it. It feels sturdy, gives me an enormous amount of reach, and handles a wide variety of subjects without requiring a bag full of lenses. For wildlife, travel, and outdoor photography, it has been a very satisfying camera to use.