whwiden

Here is an OOC basic jpg shot using a Nikon D750 with the Tamron 150-600mm G2 lens compared to a Nikon F2 300mm film shot. I should have used a slightly faster shutter speed, I think, for the color shot. However, I like the result. It benefits from a little extra sharpening, but I wanted to share the shot as it came out of the camera. Normally, I like to use film for family shots, but it does not really work as well as digital for situations like this, though I offer a comparison below.

I am finding that, despite its size, I use this Tamron lens a great deal. For sports and wildlife, I have been very pleased. I noticed that DXO has a review of this lens.

https://www.dxomark.com/tamron-sp-150-600mm-f5-6-3-di-vc-usd-g2-review-affordable-tele-zoom/

The review is done on a Canon camera. I did not see results on a Nikon camera, but I may have missed it.

The film shot was done on the same field, similar (though a bit darker) light conditions. I used HP5 film, developed in Rodinal, exposed at about 1/1000 sec, assuming about ISO 3200 developed for 4 hours in Rodinal, semi-stand.

Both were handheld, though the Tamron has VR.

Of course, with digital I took over 200 photos to get one shot. With the F2, 36 shots.

Not scientific, I know--but when I went back to my folder containing soccer shots, I was interested in the comparison. I hope you enjoy the contrast between new technology meeting old technology.

Tamron 150-600mm

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Nikon F2/300mm

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agillot

nice shots , i only have old lenses from the 80 s , nikkor , sigma , tokina .i think the newer lenses are better due to more advanced technologie .but still fun to use old stuff .

whwiden

Yes. The old lenses are good for film. Digital not so much. I have used the G2 wide open on the old F2 with interesting results.

r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

I have an old AI 105 f/4 micro Nikkor that I use on my D750 in A mode all the time. She is real sharp. I also use a 50mm f1.4 AI, a 85mm 1.8 AI, and a 300mm 4.5 AI on the 750 once in a while. I have them programmed into the Non-CPU menu. Passion flower shot with the Micro 105mm on the D750 "A" mode 1/125 f/11, ISO200. 2nd is a crop of the first. Download and left click the image to zoom in. You can see the fuzz on the orb in the middle. Light was reflected off a makeup mirror since subject was in deep shade. The old glass can be lots of fun!

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r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

I too have recently bought a 150-600 Tamron G2 and am very happy with the IQ, AF, IS and build quality. The pushed B&W does show some grain.

whwiden

Those are very nice. My favorite old manual lens on digital is a 105mm f/2.5. I think that lens was used to take the famous Afghan Girl shot.

whwiden

Yes, it does show grain but that film does even when not pushed. I like the look but it is not to everyone'S taste.

Bar Loc: da 'YouPee', eh!

I personally kind of prefer the b/w pic. A matter of taste, I know. My schooling and darkroom experience [including my own DR] was all done in that medium.

whwiden

You know, I rather agree with you. Almost all the pictures I frame for display in my home are film shots in black and white. I struggle with digital and color. The exception is wildlife. I used the G2 in Africa with success. I find that color is needed to better identify the animals. Their coloration often hides them in a black and white photo. Also, the auto focus is nice. To shoot the F2 with manual focus takes intense concentration, particularly at 300mm, or at 600mm with my 2X converter. Both focus and lack of VR make it hard. I can see why digital is the better tool for professionals, but I like the film look.

Bar Loc: da 'YouPee', eh!

I hope you had better luck with your 2x converter than I did. My Minolta XD11 pics looked like total crap at 270mm. Kinda explains why I'm pumped on my new Nikkor lens ;) How times have changed :)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I don't know about that. I use a considerable number of old lenses on both my D700 and D800e. They work just fine.
--Bob

whwiden

I like the older lenses. They do work well, but I find a bit more flare, and more purple fringing, and sometimes a bit less sharpness. Someone suggested to me that this might be a function of older lens coatings. I do not know. I use a manual 105mm f/2.5 for portraits sometimes. It does a great job for a softer classic look. But my modern 85mm f/1.8 I find sharper. Same story with my old manual 24mm. The modern 24mm f/1.8 is sharper for landscapes and better in the corners.

The older lenses are far better crafted. Most of mine have a standard 52mm filter. They are smaller, though often not lighter. When I shoot black and white film developed in Rodinal, I find this often creates the appearance of sharpness, coupled with some grain, which is pleasing--but the use on digital reveals some limitations to my eye which I do not see with the film shots.

But the truth is, the pixel peeping does not a good shot make. For a very modest price, you can make a complete full frame kit of lenses if you do not mind manual focus. If you get a good shot, most of these technical issues go away or become of minor relevance (particularly if correctable in a photo editor).

whwiden

Link to some 2X teleconverter samples: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-460200-1.html

whwiden

Just FYI: Here are some shots I took at a political rally using the Nikon 105mm f/2.5 manual lens on a D750.

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r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL