Which Super Zoom
Apr 17, 2024 17:18:14 #
I am thinking of replacing my Tamron 150-600 Di VC lens. I have a Nikon D7000 and a new Z7ii. I have been very happy with the Tamron it works well on the D7000, BUT it does not auto focus on the Z7ii. As best as I can find it is the firmware/software on the lens and cannot be updated. I love the Z7ii and the focusing capabilities. I am thinking of the Nikon's F mount 200-500 f/5.6 E ED (used it can be had for 900 range at MBP) or the Z mount 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 VR (new 1,700 no used listed that I have found). I have the F to Z adapter. I have been happy with my past used purchases from the usual suspects (KEH, B&H). I have a few F mount lens those that autofocus work with the F2Z adapter and work on the Z7ii. I have two Z mount lenses 24-120 and the 105, both are S lenses and have to me outstanding image quality. I would be using this lens for birds and other nature photos. If you have either or both which do you think has the best image quality and would be my best option?
Apr 17, 2024 17:58:14 #
If money matters right now , the 200-500 ..... if ultimate return on investment matters, save up for the 180-600.
Apr 17, 2024 22:16:43 #
I own two 200~500 Nikon f/5.6 Zooms. One on a D850. One on a D500. Buy one and enjoy it! They are worth twice what Nikon charges for them. Don't tell them that I said so!!
Apr 17, 2024 23:23:10 #
I had a Tamron 150-600 first generation, bought it to use on my D7100. My experience with that lens, it was slow to lock focus, it liked to wander and maybe only half the shots I got were not soft or not out of focus. Finally dumped it. Because I now have a Z8 and still have the D850, I have been debating with myself as to whether I want to Nikkor 180-600 or the Nikkor 100-400 and get a 1.4x teleconverter to use with the 100-400 when I want a little more reach. The 100-400 would replace my 70-200 f/2.8 Nikkor, not that I would sell off the 70-200, just mount it on the D850 when needed. I do not do much wildlife photography, and a not sure I NEED a lens that goes beyond 200 mm; I can always rent something rather than purchase one.
Apr 17, 2024 23:32:50 #
b top gun wrote:
I had a Tamron 150-600 first generation, bought it... (show quote)
I agree about the Tamron. I was foolish enough to give them a second choice and had a bad experience with BOTH of them. NOT again. I would NEVER recommend a Tamron long zoom!!!
But I do recommend the Nikon 200~500 f/5.6! It's a really nice big zoom for wildlife!
Apr 17, 2024 23:34:08 #
Apr 18, 2024 06:18:54 #
b top gun wrote:
I had a Tamron 150-600 first generation, bought it... (show quote)
Make sure you go to a place and actually hold a 100-400 Tamron lens. I may have bit off more than I can chew with that one! It is heavy. I had to by a new head for my tripod, a ring for the lens, and I cannot carry it in my pack with my gear. I need to lift weights to build up my muscles!
Apr 18, 2024 08:11:47 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
GVC48507 wrote:
I am thinking of replacing my Tamron 150-600 Di VC... (show quote)
Nikon's F mount 200-500 f/5.6 E ED, it's the only lens you will need
Apr 18, 2024 08:23:05 #
GVC48507 wrote:
I am thinking of replacing my Tamron 150-600 Di VC... (show quote)
I have had the Nikon 200-500 almost for as long as I can remember. It has two drawbacks that may or may not bother you. The lens is heavy and is not weather proof. Results from the lens are excellent.
Today, if I was going to be using a Z7II, I would be looking for a compatible Z lens.
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Apr 18, 2024 08:30:53 #
Retired , a few days ago , a member posted some shots done with a Tamron 150/600 G2 , i posted a comment that said , your great shots prove that there is nothing wrong with that lens . Its like cars , some brands are fine some are not , nothing to do with the price .
Apr 18, 2024 08:47:29 #
I'm not sure what the weight difference is between the Tamron 150-600mm and the Nikon 200-500mm is, but I'd bet the Nikon will produce better images. I love my Tamron 150-600mm G2, and it has excellent image quality for my purposes, but after using the Canon lower end RF100-400mm on my R6, I'd stick with the Nikon lens for your Nikon cameras.
Apr 18, 2024 10:47:55 #
GVC48507 wrote:
I am thinking of replacing my Tamron 150-600 Di VC... (show quote)
I shoot with Nikon glass on my Z9 and have no personal experience with Tamron glass.
Brad Hill recommends the Tamron Z 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD at his blog:
http://www.naturalart.ca/voice/blog.html
See what he says about Nikon and Tamron glass in his blog postings around Dec 2023 and 2024.
If I were you I would consider getting the Nikon 180-600mm Z mount lens for your Z7ii.
Based on just specs, unless there is not enough light, I think your current Tamron lens with the FTZ adapter ought to AF on your Z7ii.
Apr 18, 2024 11:14:37 #
The 180-600 is better and lighter and has better features than the 200-500…but is probably more expensive (didn’t check prices)…and is a better match for the Z bodies than the DSLR lens on the adapter. If you have the budget get it…if not and the other is more affordable…get it but realize what you’re giving up.
Apr 18, 2024 11:27:27 #
I absolutely agree. We went to Africa for three weeks in 2018--about two thirds on safari with the animals. The Nikon 200-500 lens had just started shipping but I was able to get one through B&H the day before we left home. After a couple of days it was permanently on my D850 and my other three lenses rotated on my D800. I would guess that 75% of my saved pictures from that trip were with the 200-500 lens and they were very satisfactory.
Apr 18, 2024 11:37:07 #
b top gun wrote:
I use only Nikon glass on my Nikon bodies.
That is why you need the 200-500 ...
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