Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

While trying to decide on the purchase of a Tamron 150-600mm versus the Sigma 150-500mm lens, I wanted to estimate the apparent difference in size of an object--the blue heron--when taken with a full frame camera and the lenses extended to their respective longest focal length.

According to several published reviews, both lenses exhibit some sharpness degradation at focal lengths greater than 300-400mm; most other features and specifications seem quite comparable. So it all boils down to weight, size, price, and most importantly image size on the film/sensor plane.

The two images below are intended to depict the difference between a field-of-view of 5.0 deg for the 500mm (left image) and 4.1 deg for the 600mm (right image) as viewed at a distance of approximately 30 feet.

It seems that a small amount of cropping, especially when using a high resolution camera, could bring the left image to the equivalent of that obtained with the 600mm Tammy lens. So, is it worth the $200.00 difference in price between the two lenses? The size? The weight?

I would like to hear recommendations from those who have had first-hand experience with either or both of these two lenses. Thank you.

FOV Comparison

Stef C Loc: Conshohocken (near philly) PA

can you attach the whole image?

VietVet Loc: Brooklyn, NY

Looking at both images as they are the one on the right look a bit clearer. It would have been better if you uploaded store original for a better look at the quality of each image. Thanks for posting this, I'm thinking of purchasing one of these lenses.

MtnMan Loc: ID

I have a Sigma 150-500. It is the best camera purchase I have made. It works exceptionally well. I paid over $1,000 for it a couple of years ago.

If I had to do it today I'd likely buy the Tamron. The extra reach would be worth it to me. I frequently end up cropping my images taken with the Sigma even when taken in DX mode, which I do quite often.

The thing I'd want to compare is using it handheld with OS on. The Sigma OS is awesome. With animals you are often handholding at the long end and animals are most active in dim light. I haven't seen any comparisons that address this. This the reason I said "likely".

jmizera Loc: Austin Texas

While I don't have experience with these specific lenses, I have owned both Tamron and Sigma lenses. Sigma is definitely a higher quality build in general.

RetiredPhotog Loc: South West Ohio

I made the comparisons at a camera shop in July and came to basically the same results. I would have purchased the Tamaron for a $200 difference but you can find the Sigma now which I paid $849. That much of a difference I had to go with the Sigma. I haven't been disapointed.

I made my comparisons shooting both at 500 mm using the same ISO, shutter speeds f stops and same subject.

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

Thank you for your input.

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

Thank you for responding.

amehta Loc: Boston

I think the two images are simulations to show the FoV difference, not pictures taken with the two lenses.

amehta Loc: Boston

If I was in the market for a lens like this and had access to both for a few minutes of shooting, I would shoot both at 500mm and also shoot the Tamron at 600. I would compare the two 500mm shots, and then crop the Sigma 500mm shot to match the Tamron and compare those.

I don't think the performance of these lenses in the 150-300mm range really matters. we get a long lens to use at the extreme. :-)

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

We lab tested an early version of the Tamron on a Canon mount earlier in the year and did a direct comparison against the Sigma.

At 500mm wide open the Tamron started to go soft; not significantly but quite clearly. At 600mm wide open the softness was definite but again not what you would call a major problem.

At 500mm wide open of the two the Sigma was sharper.

Sharpness improved in both lenses as you decrease aperture size. At F11 the Tamron was at it's best; the Sigma at F8.

This was shooting a calibrated card at 10 and 15 metres in lab conditions.

Using the Tamron in field tests it proved to be very versatile, light in weight for what it is, with a good OS that was comparable with the Sigma.

Emphasising that this was an early Canon mount Tamron and there have apparently been some changes since we had the test unit the decision was made to stick with the Sigma as on the Tamron high quality above 500mm was difficult to get.

This was a lab test based on a specific set of requirements which it could be argued has little to do with the real world. I know people with both lenses; both have very happy users. Like all these long zooms there is a 'sweet spot' - you just have to find it.

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

Having owned both the 150-500 and a 50-500 Sigma for Nikon, and having tried the 150-600 on a Canon - I would say the Tamron provides better image quality at the same focal lengths. If you stop any of these lenses down to F8, the differences lessen, but still the Tamron seems to have more contrast and higher acuity. Of the three, the least desirable is the 150-500 Sigma - the 50-500 is better, and the 150-600 is the best of the lot. I did not have access to the Nikon mount of the 150-600, but I did use it on a 5D MkIII, loosely comparable to a D800, which is what I used the Sigmas with.

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

Thanks for your detailed input.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I only tried out the Tamron 150-500 for Nikon but liked the quality of the photos. I have used both the Sigma 150-500 and the 50-500 and like both of them. I would rent the lenses and try them out and see what you think is better for you

Tamron 150-600


Tamron 150-600


Sigma 150-500

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

I have used both lenses. Actually two copies of the Sigma 150-500mm lenses, and I sent both back. I have been pleased with the Tamron lens so far.

With older Sigma lenses you take your chances, either you get a good copy or you don't. Sigma had some problems in the past but they have greatly improved their newer lenses. One thing I noticed right away is the color and contrast on the Tamron was better than the Sigma copies I tried.

IMHO I would go with the Tamron lens, I don't think you will be sorry.

Jim D