MtnMan Loc: ID

Depends on what you want to use it for. The Nikon 200-500 is fabulous for wildlife.

Just when I thought my lens GAS had subsided Tamron is coming out with this next week. It will complement my 24-85 nicely:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1317272-REG/tamron_afa025n_700_sp_70_200mm_f_2_8_di.html

PS: Osprey chasing off Eagles? Not in Idaho.

MtnMan Loc: ID

I'd be interested in a comparision of the VR on the Nikon to the OS on the Sigma. The VR on my Nikon 200-500 is far superior to the OS on my Sigma 150-500...although I used to think it was pretty good. It is likely the Sigma OS has improved too.

lrm Loc: Sarasota, FL

That's funny --- my Nikon 200-500 is a constant 5.6. Where did you get the idea that it is not.

Kfallsfotoman

I rented the Tamron 150-600 two weeks ago for the eagles that stop here on their migration. Handling, zoom range, and functionality I loved the lens. I had some issue with my camera so didnt't get the results i was hoping to get. I tried it on a friends body and loved the images. I understand there is a newer version of the lens out.

I have not used the sigma or nikon in this zoom range.
But have used the nikon 80-400 (both versions) and really liked them - but the extra 200mm when shooting when shooting wildlife was great.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Just so you know, that lens has been out for over a month, I have sold several of them and they are in stock. Its even faster focusing than their G1 model, better stabilization, better weather sealing, and has an Arca compatible foot on the tripod collar. No idea how they can sell such a lens for only $1299, but they do!

therwol Loc: USA

Sorry. I misinterpreted the meaning of that. This lens has an electronic diaphragm that will not close down on cameras that are more than ten years old, including most of Nikon's film cameras. Hence the aperture remains "constant" at f5.6. This may be useful for some to know, but it may confuse others. I'm sorry about that.

jackpi Loc: Southwest Ohio

The Tamron 150-600mm G2 is very high quality. I have both it and the Nikon 200-500mm. Comparing prints large, you can't tell the difference in quality. The Nikon focuses a bit faster and more reliably, probably because it is an f/5.6 lens throughout its focal length range vs 5-6.3 for the Tamron. Wider aperture means more focus points and faster target acquisition. But the Tamron is 2 lb lighter and has a wider focal length range. I use them both on the D500. For stationary or slowly moving subjects (birds on a pond) or aircraft in flight (highly predictable low angle rate motion), I prefer the Tamron, because its 600mm fills the frame better than 500mm. For birds in flight (high angle rate panning), I use the Nikon, because I get 50% more in-focus shots.

If you put a TC on either lens, image quality drops, but only noticeably for large print sizes.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

When I purchased my Sigma Sport, it was an easy choice. I had ordered a Tamron at first, and when it arrived, it did what a lot of Tamron lenses do, from my own personal experience -- it failed completely within the first 5 minutes as it quit focusing at all. I must admit that previously I also thought badly of Sigma lenses, but not since the ART and SPORT series. I never did try the Nikon because it's neither 'N' coated nor is it weather sealed, but I know folks who own and like it quite a bit. As MT Shooter said, with the newer Tamron, things are more of a toss up, but I plan to stick with my Sigma Sport due to the weather sealing issue. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all lens feet would be Arca? Best of luck.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Just to be clear, as I have seen some on UHH who are confused about this, 5.6 is the MINIMUM f-stop at any zoom. The lens goes to at least f22 at any zoom.

As with all recent lenses it does not have an aperture ring so requires a camera that controls aperture electronically. Or an adapter that lets you do so. Otherwise, yes, it will be a constant 5.6.

MtnMan Loc: ID

B&H says the Nikon model is available Mar. 17. Tamron must like you better. 😃

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Could be, I have 4 Nikons mount and 3 Canon mount in stock right now. Not to mention they replaced the Tamron 70-200mm F2.* G1's in my rental inventory on March 1st.

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

I agree. My 200-500 on my D7200 is a combo that is hard to best. I think the 200-500 would work very well on your D810.

rfmaude41 Loc: Lancaster, Texas (DFW area)

Since when is this NOT a constant aperture lens ????????

BTW: this works, also, on my F100 and F6, which are definitely pre-2007.....

therwol Loc: USA

I already answered that. It was a misinterpretation of the term and I apologized. The electronic diaphragm will not work on some cameras, hence the aperture remains constant at f5.6. On other cameras, it does work, hence it is not constant. Don't blow a gasket.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"has an Arca compatible foot on the tripod collar...." Sweet!!! so tired of having to pay tribute to Kirk... Albeit their Arca style foot for the AF-S 200-400mm f/4 IF ED VR is superb... btw, I have the 200-500mm Nikkor and it's excellent VR is to be admired, and optics are very good also... That said, it's focus speed is rather slow compared to that of the AF-S 200-400mm f/4 IF ED VR which snaps into focus with blinding speed... Possibly the extra stop of light (twice as bright) helps this... Or maybe when Nikon service the 200-400mm for me they sprinkled some magic dust inside... lol Nope the 200-400mm gets my vote every time... and when matted to a Sirui P-424 monopod it literally floats weightlessly... Don't use my Wimberly Gimbal nearly as much now...

btw, the CL-L2 Soft Case is likely the finest offered... it come with this glass and I believe also with the 400mm, 500mm and 600mm Nikkors...
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/247039-REG/Nikon_4315_CL_L2_Soft_Case.html
So amazingly well designed... I can be out the door with camera mounted on lens in a wink of an eye...
Once on location can be on my monopod in less than one minute... Thank you Nikon... :)
Attention to details can/and does make a difference...