Tamarin 150-600 vs sigma(again!). Need to decide today ! I have a dilemma. We just bought a second D7 50 body and need another 150-600 MM lens. We were at a show and have borrowed a...

photofreak8573 Loc: surprise, arizona (when not in motor home)

I have a dilemma. We just bought a second D7 50 body and need another 150-600 MM lens. We were at a show and have borrowed a sigma 150600 MM to try. To be honest, both lenses perform very well. At first blush the Sigma may focus a little bit faster. I really want to stay with the Tamron can somebody help me out with my decision? Price isn't really an issue since both are in the same ballpark. I'm trying to do test between the both to check the quality and it's very difficult to see any difference. Any information or experiences you guys of had would really help.

ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

If you "really want to stay with the Tamron" then stay with it. If the lens is satisfactory to you then that's all that matters.

That said, don't forget....for another $59 you can get the Sigma dock and do various custom adjustments and upgrade firmware as it becomes available.

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

photofreak8573 wrote:

I have a dilemma. We just bought a second D7 50 bo... (show quote)

I went through your exact dilemma a couple of months ago. After reading many many reviews, most gave the edge to the Sigma lens at the 600 focal length. Add onto that the ability to lock throughout the focal length range (I have found that to be handy), and the Sigma dock. That all pushed me into purchasing the Sigma C. I have not regretted the decision. the IS is incredible. I hand held this thing in low light at a shutter speed of 1/15 (at 600 mm) and a screen in my bedroom at night was crisp!!! Without the IS on, I could not even see the screen I was focusing on it was so blurry!!! You will love either lens so I wouldn't worry too much. I posted some pictures earlier in the year. I will add that link in another post

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

Here are a few shots with the Sigma:

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-332803-1.html

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

I tried both the Tamron and the Sigma on my D7200 at Precision Camera here in Austin this week. The store is having it's annual Photo Expo Dec 3-4 with factory reps from all major brands and there are usually big enough discounts to overcome the sales tax required of brick and mortar stores. I have a Sigma 150-500 now that I like a lot. The new lens is a little lighter, seemed very sharp at 600mm and works with the USB dock I already have for my Sigma 18-300. I'm leaning towards the Sigma being my early Christmas present to myself. Stay tuned!

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

photofreak8573 wrote:

I have a dilemma. We just bought a second D7 50 bo... (show quote)

The Sigma Lens USB Dock would clinch the deal for me.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I shoot with the Tamron. I find the 6 year warranty outshines the "Dock". I've sent my Tamron in for a cleaning and calibration to my 7D Mark II, and it really improved the speed of focus, and sharpness throughout the range. The VC is great for hand held shots, of course on a tripod, the VC is off. The lens fits nicely on my Nest Gimbal head (thanks Carter, at the Camera Cottage)

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

Bill Emmett wrote:

I shoot with the Tamron. I find the 6 year warranty outshines the "Dock". I've sent my Tamron in for a cleaning and calibration to my 7D Mark II, and it really improved the speed of focus, and sharpness throughout the range. The VC is great for hand held shots, of course on a tripod, the VC is off. The lens fits nicely on my Nest Gimbal head (thanks Carter, at the Camera Cottage)

The Sigma also fits nicely on my Nest Gimbal head (also thanks to Carter at Camera Cottage)

Jackdoor Loc: Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

Very pleased with my Tamron 150-600, but if I were buying again, I'd go for Nikon's 200-500. The improved IQ more than makes up for the reduced long end. MT shooter did a comparison that covers both Sigmas, the Nikon and Tamron.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Jackdoor wrote:

Very pleased with my Tamron 150-600, but if I were buying again, I'd go for Nikon's 200-500. The improved IQ more than makes up for the reduced long end. MT shooter did a comparison that covers both Sigmas, the Nikon and Tamron.

I was going to suggest it also. Mine is sharper than my Sigma 150-500, the VR is noticably better, and focus is very fast. Alas also a bit heavier and the hood is ginormous.

It costs more but will hold value.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I will put it this way, the photographer has more to do with the resulting photograph than the lens.
Someone once said that "most lenses are better than most photographers" not meaning to insult anybody.

O2Ra

If you have a Nikon I'd get the Nikon. Sounds like it's going to be a classic. I'm a Sigma fan but I'm thinking about the Nikon . It's that or the Sigma 150-600 Sport for me.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

photofreak8573 wrote:

I have a dilemma. We just bought a second D7 50 bo... (show quote)

I have the Nikon D750 and I have the new Nikon 200-500mm f5.6 lens. I use group auto focus around a central focusing point in the center of the viewfinder. Focusing is fast and very accurate. Look, the Nikon is not that much more and it is a fixed F stop 5.6. And it is NIKON, why use anything else?

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

In the Tamron v. Sigma debate, I prefer the Sigma, but the more expensive sport version. Head to head, I prefer the Sigma because of the dock. (I predict that others will eventually release something similar!). Have not tried the Nikon, but do have every intention of doing so. IMHO. Best of luck!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

cjc2 wrote:

In the Tamron v. Sigma debate, I prefer the Sigma, but the more expensive sport version. Head to head, I prefer the Sigma because of the dock. (I predict that others will eventually release something similar!). Have not tried the Nikon, but do have every intention of doing so. IMHO. Best of luck!

You need to test drive the Nikon, focuses as fast as my Nikon 200-400 f4 and gives it a run for its money on sharpness (really sharp, super sharp) . I cannot say the same for Tamron and Sigma. Like I said, the Nikon 200-500 costs a little more but down the road you will be happy with the Nikon.