Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

Hello fellow Hogs.
This thread is aimed at Nikon shooters in particular. I would like to know if any Nikon shooters have compared the Sigma 150-550mm to the Tamron 150-600mm lens, which one they thought performed better and why.
I've done a search here on the hog and found Regi's comparison. The difference is he's shooting with a Canon and his Sigma is a 50-500mm lens. I'm really interested in Nikon comparison of the two.
I recently upgraded from the D3100 to the D7100.
I am in the market for a longer lens than my current Nikkor 70-300mm lens. My price range is between $800 - $1,000 dollars for better glass. I've found that bird photos (Bald Eagles & Hawks in particular) have become my fancy. I just can't get a good reach with the Nikkor 70-300mm lens.
Any suggestions and or comparisons welcome.
Thank you in advance.
Sunnybuck.

NealB Loc: Lowell Indiana

I haven't compared the 2 but I purchased the Sigma 150-500mm for my D7100 mainly because of comments on the Hog and the $869.00 price. I am new to photography and wanted to experiment with a long lens but did not to spend a lot of money. I have been 100% satisfied with the purchase. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control I have not been able to practice as much as I would like. If you are wanting 600mm I would wait until the Sigma 600mm Contemporary version is released. It will be at the Tamron price point also.

Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

Thank you NealB. Hope your circumstances change and you get to practice, practice some more and experiment with that lens soon.
I didn't realize Sigma was coming out with a 600mm. Have you got any insight as to when Sigma will be coming out with theirs?
Sunnybuck

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

mtparker Loc: Cape Charles & Springfield, Virginia

There is a comparison that has been running in the Lens Lust forum of Nikon Café (nikoncafe.com/xenf).

Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

Thank you, I had not heard of this forum before. I'll check it out.

Shellback Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas

MTShooter did a comparison between the two lens but one was done with a Canon
Not sure if this is what you're looking for
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-266902-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-266922-1.html

Hope this helps

CaptainBobBrown

I've shot both D7000 & D7100 with both Sigma 150-500 and Tamron 150-600 and found the longer reach of the Tammy to be a significant advantage for small bird shooting. Both lenses are about the same size so for me the Tamron lens has worked out very well. See www.flickr.com/CaptainRBrown for photos shot with these two lenses as well as more recently with the Oly E-M1 and 50-200 lens (some with the EC14 teleconverter).

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I'm going to chime in as I'm a Nikon shooter, but FX, not DX! I had the Tamron on loan for a short while and I thought it was a good lens. A bit soft at 600. I did not have it long enough to judge its AF speed. It is a really good buy at it's current price and some on here, Regis, have some fantastic shots to show for it! That being said, Sigma will have two versions. I own the Sport version of their 150-600 and I find it a wonderful lens, especially for it's price of $ 2,000. Is it as good as Nikon's 400/2.8 or 500/4 ? No, but it costs thousands less! It's a keeper for me. Shortly (say March?) Sigma will be releasing another version of their 150-600 with a price similar to the existing Tamron. Which will be better -- who knows? Will they both be close, I would bet the farm they will. Add to this equation, Sigma's existing 150-500, which was just reduced in price, and this make it a supreme bargain. I have not ever shot with it, or even held it, so I'd be hard pressed to comment further. I can't imagine it's bad, perhaps someone else on here, might have additional comments. I know I made the right decision, but you really do have a tough choice with this one. Interestingly, Sigma, in my opinion, used to make real junk; however they seem to have turned completely around and they are making some wonderful, and sought after lenses. The 50/1.4 ART comes to mind. The newer Sigma lenses use a USB dock to accept customization and firmware upgrades which, to me is a major differences between brands. Ya get what ya pay for. YMMV

NealB Loc: Lowell Indiana

The Sigma 150-600mm Sports version is already out. I have not heard a date on the Sigma 15-600mm Contemporary version. From what I have heard the Sigma 150-600mm lenses will replace the 150-500mm lens. Both 150-600mm lenses work with the Sigma USB dock so you can tune the lens at home to your camera and update the firmware via the internet. Nikon DonB on this site had the 150-500mm and sold it to get the 150-600mm Sports version so he can tell you how they both perform. MT Shooter on this sight has the most information on the Sigma lenses I know and he could help you out. You can send him a private message on the site or contact him at camera cottage.com.

Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

Wow CaptainBobBrown! I checked out your flickr photos. Simply amazing and that's the type of birding I'm talking about. I'm thinking I'm leaning toward the Tamron 150-600. I'm reasonably sure I'm going to have to also invest in a much better tripod than my manfroto cheapy. Thanks for the info and the opportunity to view your photos.

Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

Thanks Shellback. I saw MT's original post. I was more interested in the results from a Nikon.

Sunnybuck Loc: Pleasanton, Kansas

Thank you cjc2 for chiming in here. I saw both Regis's and Mt's comparisons. And yes, I've heard that Sigma used to make some real junk and that's the reason I'm a bit uneasy about purchasing a Sigma.
My birding fancy has taken me beyond what my 70-300 can give me.
I sot about a thousand photos this weekend with the 70-300 of a young Bald Eagle and a Golden Eagle. Both of which were located within a mile of each other. Unfortunately, none of the photos are any good. The 70-300 has become extremely soft at 300mm and are more blurry and grainy than is acceptable. I now know where these 2 birds hang out and I will stalk them if I must. Thus the reason for this post. I must redeem myself....

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I'm not sure you need to redeem anything. If you have figured out where they might be, you have more than half the battle done. Those do everything 300s are not my favorite class of lenses and I think you will make out much better with any of the four you are considering. If you have the funds, you will not be sorry About the Sigma 150-600 Sport! Try Roberts or Camera Cottage to see if either have one. The Tamron seems to be in stock at B&H. Best of luck.