Tamron and TC: I have the Tamron 150-600mm, not the G2. I am thinking of upgrading. I'm wondering if anyone has the G2 and uses a 1.4tc with it? Do you think you lose much image...

Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota

I have the Tamron 150-600mm, not the G2. I am thinking of upgrading. I'm wondering if anyone has the G2 and uses a 1.4tc with it? Do you think you lose much image quality? Post pics if you like.
Thanks, Marsha

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I went to investigate the variable aperture on this model and to determine the zoom focal length where you'll lose autofocus with a TC applied. According to topic #10 in this review, the tested high-end Nikon bodies were able to autofocus even at f/9 with the G2 and Tamron TC. You should investigate your specific camera before making a decision. Determine too how much of an impact occurs on the AF responsiveness if AF is retained.

http://photographylife.com/reviews/tamron-sp-150-600mm-f5-6-3-g2

Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota

CHG_CANON wrote:

I went to investigate the variable aperture on thi... (show quote)

Thank you...I'll read this review.

Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota

CHG_CANON wrote:

I went to investigate the variable aperture on thi... (show quote)

Great review..very thorough! Thank you!

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Pixelpixie88 wrote:

I have the Tamron 150-600mm, not the G2. I am thinking of upgrading. I'm wondering if anyone has the G2 and uses a 1.4tc with it? Do you think you lose much image quality? Post pics if you like.
Thanks, Marsha

I have the 70-200 with the 2X teleconverter. Found in rainy/overcast conditions you loose light and image quality. In bright sun, it's fine, but use a tripod.

Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

I have the 70-200 with the 2X teleconverter. Found in rainy/overcast conditions you loose light and image quality. In bright sun, it's fine, but use a tripod.

Yes...I'm already deciding against the TC. Thanks!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Pixelpixie88 wrote:

I have the Tamron 150-600mm, not the G2. I am thinking of upgrading. I'm wondering if anyone has the G2 and uses a 1.4tc with it? Do you think you lose much image quality? Post pics if you like.
Thanks, Marsha

In order to use that lens with TC you will need a very good tripod with a good gimbal head or a very good monopod with a good video fluid head.

Here is a full frame shot with Nikon D500 and the Tamron 1.4X on a good tripod and gimbal, wide open aperture, in good light and my standard sharpening and PP in Elements 9 and reduced in size for viewing here. Optically, it is pretty good - but the real challenge is accuracy in aiming and of course, motion blurring.

..

(Download)

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Pixelpixie88 wrote:

I have the Tamron 150-600mm, not the G2. I am thinking of upgrading. I'm wondering if anyone has the G2 and uses a 1.4tc with it? Do you think you lose much image quality? Post pics if you like.
Thanks, Marsha

Marsha, I have tried the combo and it is dark, slow to focus, and you do take a hit in image quality. Sorry I don't have any images to show you. I suspect that you will be more than pleased with the G2, particularly if you are using it with a 36mp or higher full frame camera.

I took these with a D810 and an optically equivalent to the G2 Sigma Sport 150-600. You really can't go wrong, and to add the TC would make it harder to hand-hold and if you are not hand holding, keeping a twitchy active subject in the frame will be harder.

(Download)

Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota

Gene51 wrote:

Marsha, I have tried the combo and it is dark, slo... (show quote)

Thanks Gene...I'm thinking "no" to a TC. I really don't want to lose image quality. If you look at my Flickr page..birds, do you think the G2 will be a good investment for me? I have the original Tamron 150-600.

Your flowers are beautiful!!

Marsha

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

Pixelpixie88 wrote:

I have the Tamron 150-600mm, not the G2. I am thinking of upgrading. I'm wondering if anyone has the G2 and uses a 1.4tc with it? Do you think you lose much image quality? Post pics if you like.
Thanks, Marsha

I haven't tried that configuration, but the difference in IQ with a 1.4tc is typically around 10%; around 50% with a 2.0tc. I doubt that Tamron has found a way to improve on that 10%.

The bigger problem is that the widest aperture of your lens with the TC will be be f/9, not f/6.3 when your focal length is large. Your camera may not autofocus at f/9 or may only autofocus in bright light with one or a few central focus points. (Even at f/6.3 you will be limited in the number of focus points available in your DSLR).

I don't know what camera you have, but if you have a full frame camera, buying a crop sensor camera for birds and wildlife would make a better investment than the G2 version of that lens. (900mm fov vs 600mm).

Pixelpixie88 Loc: Northern Minnesota

jackpinoh wrote:

I haven't tried that configuration, but the differ... (show quote)

I have the Nikon D7200 and while it is a good camera for me, I've decided not to get a TC for my lens. Thanks..Marsha

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

Pixelpixie88 wrote:

I have the Nikon D7200 and while it is a good camera for me, I've decided not to get a TC for my lens. Thanks..Marsha

I think that is a wise choice.

Einreb92 Loc: Philadelphia

Pixelpixie88 wrote:

I have the Nikon D7200 and while it is a good camera for me, I've decided not to get a TC for my lens. Thanks..Marsha

Hi Marsha. I shoot with the 7200 and the G2. (You can check some of my shots here). While the reviews I have read say that particular tc isn’t bad, there is some compromise. I have been having a ball shooting birds and a couple good ones of the moon. Tripod usage results in better captures, but handheld, the G2 is no slouch. There really is a noticeable improvement between G1 and G2, in my limited testing. I haven’t yet cursed myself for not having the additional reach of the tc, and the image quality is so good, and with the performance of our body, even if I have to crop a bit, still, I end up with very nice images. Now I’m just waiting for those flying creatures to return. Good luck with your final choice.
Bernie

67skylark27 Loc: Fort Atkinson, WI

Hello again! I didn't see this post until much later. What did you decide to do?
I have the original Tamron 150-600 and now the G2 with the 1.4x converter
and have some thoughts after shooting it through the summer. I can post some
pics too if you are still working on what to do.

saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee

Marsha, If you are interested, I have posted three sets of bird images fairly recently that I have taken with the Tamron G2 coupled with a Nikon D500. Click on my posts and have a look. The lens is performing well for me and I think it is an improvement over my Sigma 150x600 C. I do not use the TC. Chris Picard (saxman71)