Sigma 150-500 vs Tamron 150-600 for Nikon: I need some practical advice on deciding between the Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus and the new Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3...

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

I need some practical advice on deciding between the Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Autofocus and the new Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD for my Nikon D5200 and any future upgrades to said camera.
Important to know:
1. I will' more often than not, be shooting handheld at the farthest range of the zoom
2. Normally, I shoot wildlife/birds in good lighting conditions
3. I would be using a hood and/or a filter. I mention this because finding good quality circular polarizing filters and UV filters from which to choose can become an issue. The Tamron takes 95mm while the Sigma takes an 86mm.
4. Weight/size is not a concern. If I want it, I will find some way to lug it.
5. I do not do any PP at this time
6. I do not shoot RAW at this time
I think I would rather have the ability to zoom to 600, unless there is a compelling argument for the Sigma or against the Tamron.
Thanks fellow Hogs

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

I have the Sigma lens and a Sigma polarizing filter for it. At this time I've not found a one-to-one comparison of the two lenses. Both will provide good results for the cost. Based on other UHH members who have posted photos with the Tamron lens, I've pre-ordered a Nikon version and will do 1-1 comparisons when it arrives. If the Tamron is sharper and as quick focusing as the Sigma, then I'll sell the Sigma. Otherwise, I'll return the Tamron.

I haven't had any issues shooting hand held. My advice is to wait for good comparisons before you jump in.

amehta Loc: Boston

MadMikeOne wrote:

I need some practical advice on deciding between t... (show quote)

The Sigma was released in 2008, the Tamron in 2014. I would get the newer lens, simply because both Sigma and Tamron have made a dedicated effort to compete with the Canon/Nikon high level lenses in the past few years. If Sigma updates their lens, it's a new question.

Since you mentioned it, I would not suggest that you stop shooting jpg at this time. But I would suggest raw+jpg. If you do start doing more post processing, you will have todays shots to work with. You can never go back and take the shot again. I have used DSLRs for almost seven years, but I've only been working with raw files this year. I started shooting raw+jpg about 4-5 years ago, so there are some shots and events I can go back and improve. My overall photography wasn't at a point then that it mattered, but it is now.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

amehta wrote:

The Sigma was released in 2008, the Tamron in 2014... (show quote)

Thanks. You give me great advice. I have some questions re: RAW + jpeg vs. RAW vs. jpeg only. Is itOK toPM you?
Thanks,
Mike

amehta Loc: Boston

MadMikeOne wrote:

Thanks. You give me great advice. I have some questions re: RAW + jpeg vs. RAW vs. jpeg only. Is itOK toPM you?
Thanks,
Mike

Yes, definitely.

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

MadMikeOne wrote:

I need some practical advice on deciding between t... (show quote)

the sigma is $869 today just got a heads up .

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

IMHO, use of filters on super telephoto lenses is risky -especially if you have a body that you can not micro adjust the focus with. Why? Because longer focal length lenses exacerbate auto focusing issues with filters. Higher quality filters will help somewhat - quite costly either way at 86 or 95mm ! Overall, The Tamron is the winner here if the extra cost does not matter.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

imagemeister wrote:

IMHO, use of filters on super telephoto lenses is risky -especially if you have a body that you can not micro adjust the focus with. Why? Because longer focal length lenses exacerbate auto focusing issues with filters. Higher quality filters will help somewhat - quite costly either way at 86 or 95mm ! Overall, The Tamron is the winner here if the extra cost does not matter.

Thank you. The extra cost does not really matter as much as getting the images I want with good detail and clarity. (I still have a kidney I can sell as well as a lung and a few hunks of a really clean liver.) Kidding! I happen to be quite attached to my body parts!

jschilds1 Loc: raleigh nc

i rented the sigma 150-500 about 3 weeks ago and was very impressed. would have purchased but wanted to see the tamron 150-600. saw,tested and purchased the tamron last tues and worth spending the extra money. couple of test shots below

(Download)

amehta Loc: Boston

MadMikeOne wrote:

Thank you. The extra cost does not really matter as much as getting the images I want with good detail and clarity. (I still have a kidney I can sell as well as a lung and a few hunks of a really clean liver.) Kidding! I happen to be quite attached to my body parts!

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

jschilds1 wrote:

i rented the sigma 150-500 about 3 weeks ago and was very impressed. would have purchased but wanted to see the tamron 150-600. saw,tested and purchased the tamron last tues and worth spending the extra money. couple of test shots below

Beautiful. Thank you.

photon56 Loc: North America

Nice pics...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

MadMikeOne wrote:

I need some practical advice on deciding between t... (show quote)

Here's a review. Why the author used small gray type, I can't understand. If you can read it, he offers his opinion on three tele's.

http://scenictraverse.com/blog/2014/2/19/which-lens-to-buy-sigma-150-500-or-nikon-80-400-or-tamron-150-600

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Love the Green Heron hunting!

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

jerryc41 wrote:

Here's a review. Why the author used small gray type, I can't understand. If you can read it, he offers his opinion on three tele's.

http://scenictraverse.com/blog/2014/2/19/which-lens-to-buy-sigma-150-500-or-nikon-80-400-or-tamron-150-600

Thanks Jerry. I read it and did find it very helpful. I am interested to find out what he thinks about the Tamron once he receives it and uses it. I will see if I can find that. I liked that he actually has and uses the Nikon and the Sigma lenses and was commenting with actual hands on usage.
I actually ordered the Tamron last night from B&H. I have no qualms about sending it back if it does not do what I need it to do.