Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Dear Hoggers,
I need longer reach for wild birds and planning to get a lens at least 400mm or longer.
Any make/brand considering; Which lens would give the best bang for the buck, that would fit a Nikon F-mount?
Camera would be a Nikon D7200.
Prime is ok but zoom preferred and the least cost. This would be used very rarely so I'm adamant to put much money into it.

These two seems to fit the bill:
1. Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DI VC USD G2
2. Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR AF-S

But maybe there are some other jewels you guys n gals know about that worth considering.

Thanks for any input.

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

Money is important But weight is critical based on use. I have 100-500 that's just too heavy for me to use unless a tripod is usable.

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

I used to have a 600mmF4 which required a tripod. I sold it for a steal at $2500, and replaced it with a Sigma Sport 150-600 which I purchased used for $1100. Other than a stop and 1/3 loss of light, I find the image quality comparable. With new software like On1 NoNoise and the competing Topaz product, I have no problems shooting at ISO 6400 and as high as 12,800. When I shoot I go light - just the camera (D810), sling strap and the lens. No tripod, monopod or anything else. If I were to do it again, I would likely choose a Tamron 150-600 G2 and save a couple of pounds, though I don't mind the heft (8.5 lbs) of my current setup. I use it for 65% of the pictures I take.

Some may respond with a Nikkor 200-500 but for me not having decent environmental sealing (dust and moisture), lower build quality, and noticeably less sharpness than the 600mmF4 and the Sigma or Tamron. and not offering 600mm without a telextender - made it a non-starter for me. Don't mistake my critique of the Nikkor as panning it. It really is a very good lens, and if I had no other alternative I am certain I would be generally happy with the results - but the Sigma and Tamron offer more for around the same cost, which definitely makes me happier.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

I have not given thoughts on weight. That's a good point to consider in a long hike. Given the final choices, I might give weight a second look.

Quixdraw Loc: x

I use the 200-500 on the D7200 with good success. If you can find a TC14EII as well, it comes in very handy and adds little in length and weight. I identify camera and lens used and have quite a few samples using the various combinations of the three components among my postings. I have no experience with the Tamron, but others on UHH do, and seem to like it.

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

The G2 is sharper and has better weather and dust sealing, it's 3 oz lighter, and it goes to 600mm. I would get the Tamron and not have to worry about getting caught in light rain or drizzle.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Thanks for the reply. I'm really digging into the knowledge of the UHH members with this. I hope to help it guide me into getting the best option.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

The two listed are just the ones that readily popped out while researching. But I'm not limiting myself to these. Never the less, your input is listed and gotten the Nikon a vote. Thank you.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Those are very good qualities to have. Thank you again.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

I have the Tamron 150-600mm G2, and have been happy with it. My cameras are the Nikon D7200 & the D500. A friend loaned me his Nikon 200-500, but I did not like it compared to my Tamron. The Nikon 200-500 is heavier, and I did not think the AF was as fast as my Tamron.

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

I have the Tamron 150-600 G2, it is plenty sharp for what I do, (Though I don't pixel peep) VC works well, the only (minor) drawbacks for me are,
1) A bit slow to focus in low light, sometimes hunts.
2) Zoom will drift if pointed up steeply (There is a zoom lock for this, but I often forget to use it)
3) Very long throw on the zoom
I would recommend it, samples below
Shot with D750

Focus point on the center of her forehead to test auto focus. f6.3 1/320 sec. ISO 800 at 600mm approx 30-40 feet away sooc

(Download)

1/320 sec. f6.3 ISO 640 at 550mm hand-held sooc

(Download)

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

What do you mean by "Very long throw on the zoom"? I've never heard that term before, and am a bit curious. I hear you on forgetting to use the zoom lock. Happens to me way too often, and I've had my lens since late 2017!

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

Takes a lot of rotation to go from min. to max. focal length, I can't do it in one motion, I have to turn part way, and then re-grip, to finish.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Another important consideration is the AF speed and accuracy/consistency - the consensus seems to favor the Nikon - after all, it is f5.6 vs 6.3 and OEM vs third party .....

I have the Tamron on a Sony A99 - not happy @600mm - I much prefer shooting @500mm and using Sony Clear Image Zoom to go past 500mm . There is NO (affordable) option for Sony A =-mount .....is why I put up with it.
.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Thanks! I've never noticed that with my Tamron. Will pay closer attention next time I'm out using it.