Ira

I just got the new Tamron 100-400mm lens and took it for a test run yesterday after doing AF fine tune adjustments using the TAP-in console and it's software.
The lens is very light, and easy to walk around with (39.3ozs. without the collar). It is very sharp throughout the entire range. The AF works well. The Vibration control works very well even though you don't notice it in the view finder when its working. I also set the VC up to be more noticeable in the view finder using the Tap-in console . It helped some what, but it is only slightly more noticeable in the view finder. It is much different then the Tamron 150-600mm's VC that locks solid when you hit the sutter button(too much). This feels more like the Nikon VR. I did notice some color fringing in the hottest over exposed areas. You can notice it on the Egret photo bellow in the area with the highlights on the green leaves. I'm not worried about it, it would be able to be removed in lightroon with defringe or remove chromatic aberration. I'm not sure if it is the camera or a characteristic of this lens. Also, the tripod collar is sold separately ($100). The lens sells for $800. It seems to be a great len at this point.
Here are some examples from my first day using it with my Nikon D7200.

Alligator @ 1-800sec - f7.1 - ISO 320 - 400mm (very slightly cropped)

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Egret @ 1-1000sec - f6.3 - ISO 220 - 180mm (not cropped)

(Download)

Drip Dry McFleye

Thanks for posting! I'm quite interested in that Tamaron 100-400 lens for use while hiking in places where wildlife is likely to be found. I know a 150-600 or 200-500 would give extra reach reach but the sheer bulk and weight of such a rig puts me off. Really having a hard time making the final choice.

Dan R Loc: Way Way Way Upstate NY

Thanks for posting. I usually use more wide angle lens, but am considering looking for a distance lens.

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

Where did you capture these images?

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

I like mine as well.

Ira

I took the photos at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands in Boynton Beach, Florida.
There are also another two places to photograph wildlife within 3 miles from Wakodahatchee. Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands, and the Loxahatchee National Refugee, where I am a volunteer. I also use a Tamron 150-600 G2, but wanted a smaller good quality lens for hiking. The 100-400 is much lighter, but doesn't have the same reach.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Looks good!

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Nice shots! FYI, you mentioned that the tripod collar goes for $100. I didn’t specifically look for one for your lens but I’ve had success in finding quality collars for others on eBay for much less (<1/2) than the oem versions. Needless to say, there is a lot junk out there so being cautious is an understatement.

Ira

Yup,
I bought a Vello for my Nikon 70-200mm f4 (it is the same size as the one for the new Nikon 300mm F4P lens). The Quality is great and it was less then half the price, I highly recommend it for those lenses. I couldn't find one for this lens from Vello.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Nice shots. That lens is a lot more affordable than Canon's 100-400mm lens.

planepics Loc: St. Louis burbs, but originally Chicago burbs

I rented the 70-400 G2 and an a77ii to go with it for my semi/triennial trip to Oshkosh last summer (pics on mf FB page). I was quite impressed the combo. It was my first rental experience (Lensrentals) and will probably do it again. I still had bad shots, but those were my fault. Tripod collar was included, but I ended up hand-holding most of the week. If I had $1,700 - $2,200 I'd get the lens!