150 - 600 Tamron: According to Ken Rockwell “The Tamron 150-600mm VR/IS is an inexpensive ultra telephoto zoom that works much better than I had expected. It's surprisingly sharp...

richandtd Loc: Virginia

According to Ken Rockwell “The Tamron 150-600mm VR/IS is an inexpensive ultra telephoto zoom that works much better than I had expected. It's surprisingly sharp, doesn't have much distortion, it zooms very well across a large range, its VR (Nikon) and IS (Canon) system works very well, and its silent autofocus really does work very well.”

So would this be a good lens for my D810? Been thinking of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR (Refurbished) $1,249.96

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I recently got the G2 version and am very happy with it after practicing using it at 600mm. I have only experimented on a Canon T2i body.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I have both and personally prefer the 200-500. I would spend the additional $150 for a new one with a 6 year warranty.

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richandtd wrote:

According to Ken Rockwell “The Tamron
150-600mm VR/IS is an inexpensive ultra
telephoto zoom that .......
So would this be a good lens for my D810?
.......

Given that there are a few threads
every month about that lens, your
answer lies at your fingertips.

.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

Have the G2 on a D500 (DX) that I use for birding with good success. Many of the reviews I have read say the G2 suffers from softness at the edges and some vignetting and CA. Vignetting and CA is easily fixed in LR, but haven't worried about corner softness on the DX body. I recently picked up a D850 and will check IQ this week. In the mean time, I'm looking at the Nikon 200-500mm as well, which gets great reviews on FF bodies. The difference in reach is 900mm (35mm effective) vs a true 500mm, so might just stay with the DX body for birding.

Largobob

I use the Nikkor 200-500 on both a D500 and D810. Very nice lens for the price.

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

richandtd wrote:

According to Ken Rockwell “The Tamron 150-600mm VR/IS is an inexpensive ultra telephoto zoom that works much better than I had expected. It's surprisingly sharp, doesn't have much distortion, it zooms very well across a large range, its VR (Nikon) and IS (Canon) system works very well, and its silent autofocus really does work very well.”

So would this be a good lens for my D810? Been thinking of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR (Refurbished) $1,249.96

I use the 200-500 5.6 lens in Florida Wetlands with great results. I shoot birds in flight and would use nothing else for this. You have GROUP AUTO FOCUS on the D810. I use that focusing system for birds in flight and my keep rate is almost 98%.
DO NOT BUY REFURBISHED, it only comes with a 90 day warranty or at most a one year through some camera stores. Buy new, that lens is only another $150.00 NEW at B&H and you get a FIVE year warranty. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175034-REG/nikon_af_s_nikkor_200_500mm_f_5_6e.html?sts=pi
Below is an example of what to expect from your Nikon Lens, Green Heron in flight, Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Florida.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I've used both on a D500, I prefer the Tamron 150-600 G2, it's lighter, 100mm more reach and weather prof.
Check Mike Jacksons (Best of the Tetons) he has both lens and shoots with the G2.

LCD

I opted for the 100-400. The 100-650 was too big for the hand-held stuff that I do.

whitehall Loc: Canada

I upgraded from the first version of the Tamron 150-600, and am very happy with the Canon 7D Mii and Tamron 150-600 G2 combination wich I use excusively for BIF. My other super telephoto needs re met with a Canon 100-400 on my full frame camera ( eg small birds in the bush where a long and heavy lens would be cumbersome).

jsmangis Loc: Peoria, IL

Rather than talk about the lens you are considering, I have included a sample of what the original version can produce. This was taken three years ago when Tamron allowed me to borrow it as a part of a promotional program with a local camera shop. As to your question about using it on your D810, this was taken whole connected to my D610, handheld, at a distance of approximately twenty yards. I have rented the Nikkor lens you mentioned, and it is far too heavy to take handheld shots with unless you have much more upper body muscular development than I do.

(Download)

ggab Loc: ?

richandtd wrote:

According to Ken Rockwell “The Tamron 150-600mm VR/IS is an inexpensive ultra telephoto zoom that works much better than I had expected. It's surprisingly sharp, doesn't have much distortion, it zooms very well across a large range, its VR (Nikon) and IS (Canon) system works very well, and its silent autofocus really does work very well.”

So would this be a good lens for my D810? Been thinking of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR (Refurbished) $1,249.96

Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 600.0 mm
Heavily Cropped

My first attempt at shooting Eagles with the 150-600 G1

(Download)

jmw44 Loc: Princeton, NJ USA

I have a Tamron G1 and was not happy with it. It was not sharp at 400+. I understand the G2 is better, but after having tried the 200-500 on my D500, I decided on it. It is heavier than the Tamron, but you benefit from better glass. The VR works very well. I do use it handheld and will as long as this body of mine doesn't give out.

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

richandtd wrote:

According to Ken Rockwell “The Tamron 150-600mm VR/IS is an inexpensive ultra telephoto zoom that works much better than I had expected. It's surprisingly sharp, doesn't have much distortion, it zooms very well across a large range, its VR (Nikon) and IS (Canon) system works very well, and its silent autofocus really does work very well.”

So would this be a good lens for my D810? Been thinking of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR (Refurbished) $1,249.96

I would think that it would be perfect for the D810. I have my Tamron 150-600 matched up to my D750 and I really like it. I am glad I opted for the 150-600 G2 rather than Nikon's 200-500 version.

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

I bought the Tamron Lenz for my D810. After testing it, it was not as sharp as my Nikon 80-400 so I sent it back and got a refund.

About a year ago I had tested the Nikon 200-500 through the NPS program for 2 weeks. I ended up buying the 200-500 and very happy with it.