Tamron 150-600mm vs. 150-600mm G2: I'm considering buying the Tamron 150-600mm lens. A used 150-600mm lens varies from $650-$800 where the G2 is around $1300. Is the G2 worth the extra...

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

I'm considering buying the Tamron 150-600mm lens.

A used 150-600mm lens varies from $650-$800 where the G2 is around $1300. Is the G2 worth the extra cost?

I currently have a D3300 and D7100 with an 18-55mm and a 70-300mm. Enjoy wildlife and landscape photography.

Thanks

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

I’ve been saving all my Amazon gift cards and Discover Card rewards for that exact lens. However, I think I’ve reconciled to getting the Nikon P900. I’ve had the Sigma 150-500mm and it was really a bear to lug around and also take aim with it.
I know the results will not be the same as the Tamron, but I think the 83x reach will make up for it.
I have enough to Amazon GCs to get the P900 but I’m just waiting to see if I get any more for Christmas.

edellington

Taken with the Tamron 150-600mm G2.
It works well in bright sunlight. Not so well in shade due to limited aperture range.

(Download)

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

I bought the G1 two years ago and have been very happy with it. The G2 is supposed to focus closer and be better weather sealed, but costs considerably more. Only you can decide if it's worth it to you. Both versions are large and relatively heavy lenses. Maybe rent one for a week from lensrentals.com. That's what I did and when I decided to purchase it from them the rental fee was deducted from the purchase price. Here's some sample pics I took all with that lens.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/37991479@N08/albums/72157650944053099/page1

agillot

the G2 is a up grade from the original , the original is ok , loose some sharpness when you get to 600mm , that wont be a issue if you dont have to crop a lot .i used the original once , easy to hand hold to shot moving birds .

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

steve DeMott wrote:

I'm considering buying the Tamron 150-600mm lens.

A used 150-600mm lens varies from $650-$800 where the G2 is around $1300. Is the G2 worth the extra cost?

I currently have a D3300 and D7100 with an 18-55mm and a 70-300mm. Enjoy wildlife and landscape photography.

Thanks

Without hesitation, YES!

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

I had, and still have, the 150-600 G1 (on sale for a few more days for $800).

When I picked up my D850, the G2 model followed us home. Totally recreated with improved optics, 7-foot CLOSER minimums focus, better vibration control, zoom lock at any length, weather sealing, better tripod foot, really sexy curve to the front of the lens

, and a bunch of other good stuff, the G2 is a totally capable partner for the D850.

That said, the G1 version is a good performer on APS-C bodies. Well worth the extra $500 for me, but you'll have to make that decision. If you plan to upgrade to full frame, yes. If you're satisfied with crop body, maybe not.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

p.s. - Even the hood is redesigned. They're cleverly named HA011 and slightly larger HA022 and they are not interchangeable.

I can tell the difference because the 022 is the one with pizza sauce on it.

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

edellington wrote:

Taken with the Tamron 150-600mm G2.
It works well in bright sunlight. Not so well in shade due to limited aperture range.

Great photo.
Thanks for the info. By limited aperture range I assume it's because it starts at f/5.

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

nimbushopper wrote:

I bought the G1 two years ago and have been very h... (show quote)

Wonderful photos on flickr. Thanks.

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

Agillot, Gene51 and Oddjobber
Thanks to everyone for your input. I think I'll save a few more pennies and purchase the G2 after the new year.

r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

steve DeMott wrote:

I'm considering buying the Tamron 150-600mm lens.

A used 150-600mm lens varies from $650-$800 where the G2 is around $1300. Is the G2 worth the extra cost?

I currently have a D3300 and D7100 with an 18-55mm and a 70-300mm. Enjoy wildlife and landscape photography.

Thanks

Yes.

r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

steve DeMott wrote:

Agillot, Gene51 and Oddjobber
Thanks to everyone for your input. I think I'll save a few more pennies and purchase the G2 after the new year.

Read other posts about the G2 or Sigma. I own the G2 and IMHO after testing the G1, G2 Sigma C on MY OWN body I opted for the G2 and am VERY pleased.

r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

The G2, at least my copy is very sharp. A big improvement over the G1. Seems to have lots less CA than the Sigma IMHO.

r.grossner Loc: Rockford IL & Sarasota FL

steve DeMott wrote:

Great photo.
Thanks for the info. By limited aperture range I assume it's because it starts at f/5.

With a D750 I can shoot at ISO 6400 and the noise seems like ISO 800 on older or crop bodys. Yes any lens likes more light. What are the alternatives other than EXPENSIVE fast primes?