Old Nikkor 80-400 or new Tamron 150-600? I have an original edition Nikkor 80-400mm zoom, Nikon's first entry into the VR world. It is a lovely lens and has never disappointed me in...

JFO Loc: Oregon

I have an original edition Nikkor 80-400mm zoom, Nikon's first entry into the VR world. It is a lovely lens and has never disappointed me in more than ten years. I have owned it for almost as long as Nikon has manufactured it. But I keep seeing beautiful images made with and hearing high praise for the Tamron 150-600mm zoom. Other than the obvious-the additional 200mm of telephoto throw-are there any other reasons for me to consider selling the Nikkor and saving up the difference to buy the newer Tamron? Or, for that matter, good reasons for NOT doing it? I'd love to hear some experienced opinions from the congregation. Currently using a D-800. Thanks to all. John O.

amehta Loc: Boston

JFO wrote:

I have an original edition Nikkor 80-400mm, Nikon'... (show quote)

I think you should wait to see how the Sigma 150-600mm Sport and Contemporary lenses compare. You have waited this long, another few months won't hurt. :-)

JFO Loc: Oregon

amehta wrote:

I think you should wait to see how the Sigma 150-600mm Sport and Contemporary lenses compare. You have waited this long, another few months won't hurt. :-)

Thanks for the advice, Amehta, but I have a fear of Sigma. I have one of their 28-300s in the closet that wobbles and rattles and is completely inoperative, given to me by my brother (who was going to throw it away) to fiddle with. In another case, a camera salesman friend told me of a Sigma lens that came into his store for repairs and was found to have a piece of scotch tape holding a critical adjustment in place when their technician opened it up to check it. In spite of the good words about the brand seen here, there will be no Sigma in my bag.

amehta Loc: Boston

JFO wrote:

Thanks for the advice, Amehta, but I have a fear o... (show quote)

That's too bad. Sigma has made a concerted effort in the past few years to improve it's high-end offerings, with some real winners. I hope that the 150-600mm Sport will be the best way to get to 600mm on a Nikon FX camera for less than $5k.

amehta Loc: Boston

For the Tamron 150-600mm vs Nikon AF 80-400mm question, I think you need to decide for yourself. Everyone has different standards for what they consider "acceptable" image quality in different situations, which seems to be particularly applicable in this comparison.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

JFO wrote:

I have an original edition Nikkor 80-400mm zoom, Nikon's first entry into the VR world. It is a lovely lens and has never disappointed me in more than ten years.....

keep the 80-400.

Dan L Loc: Wisconsin

Rent one for a week and shoot your style and more.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

JFO wrote:

I have an original edition Nikkor 80-400mm zoom, N... (show quote)

Keep the Nikon for the quality reason. Remember that, good thing doesn't come cheap. $1000 something for a 600mm lens, it's too good to be true!
I have the same thought for this Tamron, after my Sigma 50-500mm failed on the AF after some moderate use for 5 years. But after more research, I finally decide to stay with Nikon. I will order the Nikon 300mm F4 AF-S prime and a 1.4X tele/converter. I don't want the other zooms from Nikon such as the old and the new version of the Nikon 80-400mm AF-D or AF-S. Both of them can't compare to the prime as the matter of sharpness. Besides that the D version is too slow of AF, and the newer AF-S version is a bit over price!

thelazya Loc: Wendell, MN

I find it interesting that you will consider the Tamy and not the Sigma.

CaptainBobBrown

I've been using a Tamron 150-600, mostly at 600, for hand-held small bird shooting for several weeks. Before that I used a Sigma 150-500 at 500. You can compare shots from both at www.flickr.com/CaptainRBrown. Look at the EXIF data for details of which lens used for each bird shot. Tamron shots are the most recent. In terms of AF speed and ease the Tamron is a little faster and surer even in low light but it's different from Sigma in that it usually takes one flick of the AE-L button to get exact focus (back button focus setup) and holding it longer causes hunting. Last night at sunset got a quick focus on a bat at 100' flitting above me for insects with the Tammy. No chance of that with the Sigma. I'd go for the Tammy. Don't bother ordering from B&H. Check out Murphy Camera for quicker delivery (days to weeks instead of months or never from B&H).

JFO Loc: Oregon

CaptainBobBrown wrote:

I've been using a Tamron 150-600, mostly at 600, f... (show quote)

Thanks for that info, Bob. As you may have read above, there is not much chance of me buying a Sigma. A quick press of the AE-L button rather than holding it down is new information for me. Thanks for providing my lesson for the day. As for B&H; I don't do business with them for reasons we needn't go into here. We are fortunate to have a world-class camera shop right here in Portland in Pro-Photo Supply. I always buy there or elsewhere locally when I can. Thanks for your insight. John O.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

JFO wrote:

Thanks for the advice, Amehta, but I have a fear o... (show quote)

Same here, no Sigma in my bag or on my camera -period!

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

JFO wrote:

Thanks for that info, Bob. As you may have read above, there is not much chance of me buying a Sigma. A quick press of the AE-L button rather than holding it down is new information for me. Thanks for providing my lesson for the day. As for B&H; I don't do business with them for reasons we needn't go into here. We are fortunate to have a world-class camera shop right here in Portland in Pro-Photo Supply. I always buy there or elsewhere locally when I can. Thanks for your insight. John O.

You do need to hold down the button what ever it's AE-L or AF/ON for back button focusing, when shooting flying bird with AF-c for continues focusing1