nervous2 Loc: Provo, Utah

I would appreciate a bit of advice from my friends on Ugly Hedgehog. I currently use a Nikon D7100 DSLR and would like to buy a super telephoto zoom. I think after reading prior discussions and doing the best research that I can, I have narrowed my choice to (1) the AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 E ED VR or (2) the Tamron SP 150-600 f/5.6 Di VC USD G2 for Nikon. I can purchase a Nikon refurbished Nikkor 200-500 thru this coming Monday on the Nikon USA website for $1175 (includes sales tax collected by Nikon) and while I really have no problem with manufacturer refurbished equipment, the warranty is only for 90 days. Alternatively I can purchase a brand new Tamron 150-600 G2 from a Canadian seller with 100% feedback on nearly 11,000 eBay sales for $999.99 with either a 1 year Tamron International Warranty, or if I purchase it thru my cute little daughter-in-law who is Canadian I can have a 6 year warranty with Tamron Canada. I realize that I can go to B&H and purchase either lens new with a USA warranty but either one carries a price of approx. $1400 and I may get some pushback from the household appropriations committee. Frankly, I am leaning towards the Tamron with the Canadian Tamron warranty.

I would first appreciate any thoughts from my knowledgeable friends as to which lens might serve me better. I shoot mostly landscapes but would like to get into animal and bird shots as well. I may at some point upgrade my camera to the D500 or possibly I will venture into the full frame world with a D850. First, any comments or experience on the two lenses from the standpoint of quality would be helpful and second, am I absolutely nuts to consider the new Tamron with the Canadian warranty at a savings over a new USA lens of some $400? Thank you in advance for your assistance and be a bit gentle as I have rather tender feelings. LOL

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Firstly, the Nikon is a fixed minimum f5.6 at all focal lengths and the Tamron is a variable f5.6 to F6.3, the Tamron has 100mm more reach, but at a wide open f6.3 so you might want to take that into consideration.

ELNikkor

That 1/3 of a stop at the long end will be absorbed by the latitude of the sensor, the extra reach at the long end might be just what you need some day. I'd say, considering your unique situation of having a "Canadian Connection", you should go that route; the final image quality between the two has been indistinguishable from the photos I've seen here on UHH and elsewhere.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

B&H would charge 1397 for a new Nikon, no tax, free shipping and 4% store credit. I am quite pleased with both lenses. The Tamron has a 100.00 rebate right now with a 6 year warranty and 4% credit as well. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=tamron%20sp%20150-600mm%20f%2F5-6.3&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ps

steve33 Loc: Yarmouth MA

I have a sigma 150-600 contemporary zoom. I use it with my Nikon d5300 and d500. I'm very happy with it. I also use the sigma 1.4 telextender with it. I think this lens is similar to the tamron. Sigma lens can be used with USB adapter, to customize lens settings.

KGOldWolf

I purchased the refurbished Nikon from their site and am very happy I did. I can’t speak about the Tamron but I chose Nikon because i’ve Always been happy with their product (going as far back as a Nikon F w/Photomic Head meter and 55mm 3.5 micro!)

One thing, weight is surprising. 7.5 pounds doesn’t sound like much be it feels heavy after a few hour session (then again, I’m 69!)

I wouldn’t worry about the 90 issue. It just passed a rigorous inspection and adjustment by qualified Nikon techs.

Tjcoates Loc: Johnson City, TN

I use the Nikon 200-500 with the D7100 and find it to be a great combination. So much so the two are usually set up and ready to go >90% of the time. Great images and not to heavy as I generally shoot hand held.

mleuck

Only put a Nikon on a Nikon!

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Why?

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

I have the 7200 and am deciding between the two...I am leaning more towards the Tamron due to the extra 100mm and I don't think the f/6.3 variable is a big deal for me. However, I think it might affect the AF points - someone correct me if am wrong but I think above 5.6 you can only use the center focus point on the 7x00...if this is the case then the 200-500 has some advantage here. I do like the fluorine coating of the Tamron, and other features like zoom lock. I think if Nikon added the fluorine coating "N" designation it would be a gold ring lens.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

I have the D7200 and the Sigma 150-600mm f5.6-6.3 Sport and do not have a problem with the AF points.

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

The Nikon is a good choice. The G2 is a better choice - sharper, dust and moisture sealing, wider focal length range, and it's a little lighter. Although the Nikon is ok at max aperture, it improves slightly at F8. On the other hand the G2 is even sharper wide open at 600mm.

If you are not a brand loyalist, youll find more value in the Tamron.

I made a similar comparison in 2016, and ended up with a Sigma 150-600 Sport, mostly because of the image quality. After using several G2s, I can say without hesitation, the Tamron is optically similar at 600, and a bit sharper at shorter focal lengths.

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

No. The firmware on the lens presents it as a 5.6 lens, so all focus points are available.

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

I imagine there is a rationale for this, but given my experience with Tamron and Sigma, I can't think of one good reason. For the record, of the 15 lenses I own, only 4 are Sigma or Tamron. All are sharp and leave nothing to be desired.

chrisg-optical Loc: New York, NY

Thanks Gene glad to hear that ... was a concern of mine so it looks like it tilted me in favor of the Tamron.