moosus wrote:
I've been a member for about a year and have learned quite a lot. My query: I use a Nikon7200 and have a variety of Nikon lenses. My walk about is the 28-300mm 3.5/5.6, which I like but I want more "reach." I see for about the same price as a Nikon 200-500mm lens, Tamron and Sigma offer longer lenses (400-600mm on the upper end ) but I'll need to buy a "tap-in and/or a console" to fine tune the focus? I'm not even sure what those nouns are and if I have to go deep into the menu to "fine tune" anything, I'm pretty sure that operation would be beyond my capabilities. Not interested in YT. Will I need to buy either of these 2 components to get sharp, automatically focused captures with the T.'s or S'.s, or should I stick with the Nikon 200-500mm. Thanking you in advance. MM
I've been a member for about a year and have learn... (
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The "Tap-in" modules are used to fine tune things other than focus... such as AF speed, how image stabilization is handled and possibly more. They also might be used to install new firmware in a lens, such as may be necessary with some future camera. You don't "need" to buy them, but it's nice to have the option if you want control over some of the lens' features. I believe your D7200 has some sort of micro focus adjustment, anyway. The ability to "fine tune" the lens' focus would likely be more important to someone using a Nikon camera without that feature (D3000/D5000 series cameras?)
You should compare the image quality and general function of the "candidates" you're considering. Some high points:
Nikkor AF-S 200-500mm VR has continuous f/5.6 max aperture. The Tamron and Sigma are all f5 to f/6.3 variable aperture lenses. Autofocus speed should be similar.... The Tamron uses "USD" and the Sigma "HSM", which are both ultrasonic drive systems similar to the "AF-S, Silent Wave" drive the Nikkor uses. All of them have image stabilization, too.
Look for lens reviews online.
The-Digital-Picture.com primarily tests and compares Canon gear, but they have tested some Nikon, Sigma and Tamron stuff, too. For example, you can compare the image quality of the Nikkor 200-500mm with the Tamron 150-600mm G2, Sigma 150-600mm "Contemporary" and Sigma 150-600mm "Sport" lenses. Can't compare them on the same camera... though. The 46MP D850 was used for the Nikkor lens and the Canon EOS 5Ds-R for the Sigma and Tamron lenses. Both cameras are full frame, so the "corner" image samples you see won't apply to your DX camera. To my eye, there isn't a lot of difference between the Tamron and the Nikkor with both at 500mm... but the Nikkor is quite a bit sharper with them both at 200mm.
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1035&Camera=1210&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1079&CameraComp=979&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=1&APIComp=0The Sigma 150-600mm "Contemporary" appears to have slightly better sharpness than the Nikkor lens with both at 200mm.... But the Nikkor appears to be considerably sharper at 500mmm. NOTE: the test shots from the Sigma were with done with a much more forgiving, 21MP Canon 1Ds III, so it was also necessary to switch to a more comparable 24MP D3X for the Nikkor test shots.
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1035&Camera=614&Sample=0&FLI=3&API=0&LensComp=978&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=6&APIComp=0The bigger, heavier, more expensive "pro-oriented" Sigma 150-600mm "Sport" appears to have an edge at both 200mm and 500mm (again using 1Ds III & D3X cameras):
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1035&Camera=614&Sample=0&FLI=3&API=0&LensComp=978&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=6&APIComp=0 I didn't look at the original Tamron 150-600mm, which was discontinued a couple years ago when the better G2 was introduced.
Bryan doesn't review the Nikkor in detail... But has extensive write-ups on the Tamron and Sigma lenses that you might find informative. The Tamron 150-600mm "G2" is the most recently introduced of these lenses, you can find links to reviews of the others:
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-150-600mm-f-5-6.3-Di-VC-USD-G2-Lens.aspxPricewise:
- Tamron 150-600mm f5-6.3 VC USD (original model, discontinued)... $900
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 OS HSM "Contemporary"... $1000.
- Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 VC USD "G2"... $1300.
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 OS HSM "Sport"... $1800.
- Nikkor AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6 VR ED... $1400.
All the above are relatively large and hefty lenses. You will probably not want to hand hold any of them very long (the Sigma "Sport" is the heaviest) and will want a tripod or at least a monopod for use with them at times. If you prefer a more hand-holdable lens, you may want to consider:
- Sigma 100-400mm f/5-5.3 OS HSM (no option for tripod mounting ring)... $700.
- Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC USD.... $700 (optional tripod ring sold separately, $129)
- Nikkor AF-S 80-400mm f.4.5-5.6 VR ED (incl. t'pod ring)... $2100.
Of them all, the last (and most expensive) is probably the best in all respects... sharpest, fastest focusing, most robust and best sealed for weather resistance.
Look around for more reviews and comparisons online. It may be difficult to find someone who has experience with all the lenses.