Bill Koepsel Loc: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

I am a birder and sports photographer am in need of a big lens. Any experiences out there of these lens?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The Nikon is faster focusing, sharper at full zoom, fixed aperture, and MUCH better stabilization.

IBM

I don't have that lens ,but I been around , if it is just picking the best and not trying to save money ,get the Nikon, you will
Be much happier in the long run ,in many ways ,

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

The Nikon is sharper, and may have an edge in build quality. But neither are intended for use in harsh conditions. For the same price as the Nikon you can get the Tamron 150-600 G2 which is sharper that the Nikon, moisture sealed, and a 20% longer in focal length, and if you decide you want to use it on a tripod, it's foot is already equipped with an Arca-Swiss compatible dovetail.

I looked a the Nikon, the original Tamron and the two Sigmas - the C and the Sport - and found the Sport sharper and better built, with the Nikon a close second optically. I've since spent some time with a single copy of the G2 and found it to be every bit as sharp as the Sport, and almost 2 lbs lighter.

richandtd Loc: Virginia

Check out nikon USA.com cause they sell new and refurbished equipment I bought a refurbished D810 50 1.8 and 17 - 35 2.8 and their all like new

richandtd Loc: Virginia

This is there right now
AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR (Refurbished)
$1,249.96

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

You might want to get a copy of Steve Perry's book "Secrets to Stunning Wildlife Photography". He has some very good information on equipment in Part 2: Tech Talk under "Lenses for Wildlife" in addition to everything you need to learn about technique. I am constantly looking at other birder's work and what equipment they use. The biggest TECHNICAL differences I see between my image's and others' are tack sharpness, contrast and how they can blur the background. Part of it comes from using long, faster, primes like the the Nikon 500mm f4 VR which is about $10,000 or the Canon version at about $9000. Primes are inherently sharper with more contrast than zooms and the larger aperture helps separate the subject from the background providing a nice blur. I use a D500 with a Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 G2 and am getting some nice sharp images (but not tack sharp) after tuning the lens to my camera. The others in the class (Tamron 150-600 G1, Sigma 150-600 Contemporary and Sport, Nikon 200-500) are pretty close to each other so pick your poison. I hear others say, and they show, good results with all of these lenses. Good Luck!

(Download)

Mark7S

I am using the Nikon D7500 with Tamron 150-600G2 - handheld and getting sharp images. Absolutely agree on all Steve Perry writings - great information

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

Gene, I opted for the Tamron 150-600 G2 over the Nikon 200-500 and have no regrets at all. I just need to get out and use it more.
I also have the Tamron 24-70 G2 which I prefer over its Nikon cousins. ~FiddleMaker

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

I bought the Hikkor 200 - 500mm f5.6 over the Sigma and Tamron 150 - 600mm offerings and never regretted it for a moment. I used mine on a Nikon D500 and it matched beautifully. It seemed to snatch birds out of the sky when I was using it for birds in flight - even better than my Nikkor 300mm f4 PF ED VR + TC14EIII. I preferred my 200 - 500mm to my Canon 100 - 400mm f4.5/5.6L IS II, which I used with a Canon 7D mark II. Though I no longer shoot Nikon, I still regard the Nikkor 200 - 500mm as a cracking lens withexcellent AF and optical performance. Take a look at UHH member Steve Perry's review on YouTube.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Here are some comparisons.

https://photographylife.com/nikon-200-500mm-vs-tamron-150-600mm-vs-sigma-150-600mm-c/1
http://www.davemclelland.com/nikon-200-500-vs-tamron-150-600-lens-comparison/
http://www.davemclelland.com/nikon-200-500-vs-tamron-150-600-lens-comparison/
http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/296-tamron-af-200-500mm-f5-63-di-ld-if-sp-lab-test-report--review
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/tamron_200_500.html
http://www.imaging-resource.com/lenses/tamron/200-500mm-f5-6.3-di-ld-if-sp-af/review/

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

jerry41, thanks for posting the above links. I have a D750 and a Tamron 150-600 G2 and so I was very interested in the very first link from photographylife.com ~FiddleMaker

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I've been using the Tamron 150-600 G2 on a D500 since it came out and love it. Take a look at Mike Jacksons (Best of the Tetons) he has both The Nikor 200-500 and Tamron 150-600 G2and prefers thew Tamy.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Right On!

GLKTN Loc: TN

I just got it new at Adorama for $1196.00