allend

I am torn between Nikon 200-500, Sigma 150-600, and Tamron 150-600 lenses. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

Following... I'm in the same boat literally.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I have the 200-500 and G2 on a D500 and D850. Quite comparable, but I lean toward the Nikon. I shoot with two Canon full frame shooters who have the Contemporary and after a few birding sessions, they concede the 200-500 shots are a little sharper, whatever that's worth. Somehow I don't think it's my expertise!

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

In my opinion, having used all of these, the Tamron G2 and the Sigma Sport share the top spot for image and build quality. The Nikon is not far behind. The Sigma and Tamron were, for all intents and purposes, as sharp as my 600mmF4 AF-S II. The Nikkor was not. Close, but it fell short.

I didn't care for the first iterations of the Tamron or Sigma.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

If you have a body that can focus tune and fast focus and accuracy matters, I would stick with the 200-500 - if not, then flip a coin....

..The fact that it is OEM and f5.6 vs 6.3 matters - IMO.

If you are on a high pixel density body, and maximize your image quality, you can crop your way to 600 - and beyond and use well applied software for pixel enlargement if needed.

..

allend

Thanks for the inputs.

Hyperhad Loc: Thunder Bay, Canada

I have the Sigma Sport and a D850. I have not used it enough to form a solid opinion yet, but am happy some far. My friend has the 200-500, so I'm looking forward to some more comparisons between our two lenses.
The Sigma is solid and weather-sealed. It feels well-built, the zoom is smooth, and I like the fact that I can pull or push to zoom, which is faster. The lens is heavy, and it does extend when zooming, which throws off the balance of my Gimbal Head. Finally, using the USB Dock you can adjust focus speed and focus points, and load updates. Much more testing to come.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I own both Sigma 150-600 lenses, the Contemporary in Nikon mount and the Sport in Canon mount, plus the Nikkor 200-500. I also have the matching Sigma 1.4X teleconverters plus a Sigma 2X teleconverter and the Canon 1.4X III teleconverter and a Nikon 1.4X teleconverter. When shooting in ample daylight or the darkness of night the Sigma Sport with its teleconverter does a pretty good job. It's kind of a pain aiming it at a star cluster but it not too bad. I've also used the Sigma Sport with 2X teleconverter to photograph sun spots. It helps to have the right size solar filters; I have two of them.
How would I rate the lenses?! The Canon lens takes 1st place. I forgot to mention I have a Canon 100-400L II. The Sigma Sport beats the Nikkor in just about everything except weight so it's number 2. The Nikkor is actually a very good lens, especially for the price, and it's one of the few lenses the Nikon teleconverter works on, but I'd be very hesitant to take it places I'd take the Canon or Sigma Sport; so it ranks third. I carry the Sigma Contemporary in the trunk of my motorcycle, a Honda GL1800B, and I've not had a problem with it. I carry it in a padded bag along with a D500, an awesome combination. Of the 4 lenses I've mentioned, it comes in fourth.
All I know about the Tamron lenses is what I have read but if they are anything like the Tamron SP 70-200, they are both good lenses.
Here's the order I'd put them in minus the Canon, Sigma Sport, Tamron G2, Nikkor, Sigma Contemporary, Tamron G1.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

What Nikon body are you using mostly and are you focusing on moving subjects and have you done a focus calibration on ALL of them ??...

..

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

Buy the Nikon just because of the resale value. Good Luck.

mleuck

Why put a 3rd party lens on a Nikon body? Buy Nikon.

mleuck

Why put a 3rd party lens on a Nikon body? Buy Nikon.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

That is certain to help the OP. Not quite as good as purchasing for resale value...

Largobob

You might want to contact Steve Perry, a member of this group, who may be able to offer some well-informed comments about those lens choices. I have found his advice very helpful. I purchased a 200-500 based on his recommendation.....and it is an amazing lens. The others may be as well, but I don't have any experience with them.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

Several of us have the Tamron 150-600mm and all like it. Canon and Nikon owners.