Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I was thinking of buying a 150-600 Tamron G2 lens. All my UHH searches are older reviews.
Anyone have one and can give me a review. Also looked at sigma 150-600 but the sport is heavy and pricey and contemporary seems not as good as newer Tamron G2. Camera is Canon d77. Use will vary but wildlife and birding are potential subjects

cfhelz45 Loc: The Villages, Florida

I have this lens. The only drawback is it is very large and the weight has to be dealt with. I have shot handheld but a monopod works better. It is a very good lens.

gasstro Loc: Indiana

The Tamron 150-600 is a great lens for the hobbyist photographer. I had the first version initially, but have been using this since they were introduced. Very sharp lens even at 600mm. The only negative I have found that it needs a sunny day for best results. It's a lot lighter and easier to carry around than the 4.0 primes. I mostly use it on a monopod or a tripod with gimbal, but it's not too hard to handhold if that's a preference. I have looked at the Sigma and seen some reviews. It's built like a tank, but is difficult to balance as a lot of the weight is near the front element. Good luck with your decision!

User ID

UHH needs a separate section devoted to tamron and sigma 150-600 and all verrrrry similar new versions that may arrive.

This is NOT a gripe about the frequent repetitive 150-600 threads in this section but is suggested cuz since these are long detailed repetitive discussions it would be beneficial for those seeking that info to have a dedicated treasure trove rather than have to jump around in this section to locate all the threads about these lenses.

Maybe a slightly broader section ... perhaps called “Birder Lenses” ? I do think gathering such info “all under one roof” would be more helpful than having it scattered across time in the main section. It’s really a major topic.

gouldopfl

I just sold my Tamron SP 150-600 G2 f/2.8 to MPB. It is an excellent lens but I can no longer handhold that lens. I do have the SP 70-200 with x1.4 extender and until I get my Canon R5 later this year I will probably not get another long lens. The new lenses are much lighter than there EF mounts. I have purchased a couple of RF mount lenses and they are much better than EF on the adapter but EF mount Sigma or Tamron are also excellent.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I have owned both versions of this lens - with the original (now refereed to as G1) I was on a waiting list at my local camera store and got one of the first 4 they received. I have also owned both versions of the Canon 100-400L.

All have been good lenses and all can produce great images. Here is a link to a review of the 4 available 150-600 lenses on the market done a couple of years ago when the G2 was still pretty new. I read this back when it came out in another version complete with images by a wildlife photographer whose conclusion was that he could do usable images for publication with any of them but the G2 was the overall best choice.

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=19903

When the G1 came out it had problems with some cameras, including my 7DII and 6D at the time. The lens went to Tamron for a firmware upgrade and tuning while Canon came out with firmware updates to solve the problem. The G2 of course has the TAP to make adjustments and upgrades on your own. I am even using my G2 with a 1.4x extender - in very good light it will AF sometimes, otherwise I use MF. This is an older Tamron extender and I am considering getting the latest Tamron extender made for this lens and some of their other zooms/primes.

I usually keep the G2 with Canon 80D on a tripod for shooting out the door to the feeders etc in the backyard. For handheld and walking around I use my 100-400L mk2 with my 7DII or 5DIV. I have been posting images of birds and plants from my yard a lot lately since the Warden (aka wife) won't give me a pass to get out except to go to the doctor.
I wonder if I could convince one of my doctors to have an appointment at the park where I like to take pictures of water birds. Maybe offer him a camera and lens plus a few dozen homemade chocolate cookies-I need to make a new batch for the family anyway.

Two sample shots with the G2, at about 65-70 feet, out of camera and after cropping and processing.
80D, Tamron 150-600 G2, 1/250 @ f/8.0, ISO-400 with fill flash on a gloomy cloudy day This was a quick draw shot - focus is just a hair off.
It is a female Hooded Oriole - they love hummingbird nectar

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imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The Tamron 100-400 tests best optically ......

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-597795-1.html
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Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I did a search for this topic and found mostly older reviews and NOT G2.
Dont know where these many threads are hidden

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

As a practical matter, all the 150-600's test very, very CLOSE optically. The biggest differences will be in cost weight and warranty. ALL of their tripod collars are compromised ie no good - and should be used with an auxiliary support bracket for maximum stabilization/control.
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nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

I have the G1 and have had good results with it. I usually use it with a monopod because it is big and heavy. Here is a shot I recently took with it.

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Cuw

I've had the g2 version for a while, have had no issues with this lens. Use it with my 7II. Lens is sharp, it's weather sealed, build quality is superb. I believe that you'll love the g2.

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

Buy a Canon 100-400 I or II. You will be happier than buying an inferior lens that will let you down in more ways than one. Seriously.

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

I bought the Nikon version last Dec. and I am very happy with it. Focus is very accurate right out of the box and the VR is amazing.
Here is a couple sample pictures. On the first one I focused on the center of her forehead to test the accuracy of the auto-focus.
I highly recommend it!

600mm, ISO 800, f6.3, 1/320th sec handheld sooc, auto-focus

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400mm, ISO800, f6, 1/1250th sec.handheld sooc, auto-focus

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600mm, ISO400, 1/20th sec. on a tripod, mirror up, delay mode, manual focus

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olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Actually not a bad idea, some sort of telephoto/long telephoto section. For many of the frequently repeated posts.... There is an awful lot of great information and experience post's that would not require constant repeats due to layout of the forum.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I do agree with this - especially if fast/accurate AF matters ....

I have used the Canon 300 2.8 and 400 5.6 primes - and recently a friend had a Sigma 150-600 SPORT lens for sale - so I tried it out. I have to say it was a great disappointment and I returned it to him quickly. I only tested it and used it at 600mm - and yes, on a tripod and with micro focus adjustment on a 80D.
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