Sebak

I want to know how the Tamron 150-600mm G2
performs in low light.

For low light photography should I take Tamron 150-600 G2 or Nikon 200-500 mm.

My camera is Nikon D7500.

Please help.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Unfortunately, neither would be my first pick for low light work. My PERSONAL preference would be the 200-500, simply because I have one. A great choice, if you don't mind spending $11k, would be the Nikon 400/2.8. Best of luck.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The Tamron is a variable aperture lens, running f/5 to f/6.3. The question is not how the lens performs in low-light, but how does your camera behave at these smaller apertures for your intended shooting situations? The Nikon is fixed at f/5.6, so at 500mm, you'll have at least 1/3-stop more light reaching the sensor. Neither lens is particularly 'fast' for low-light situations. How do both lenses perform at their max aperture and max zoom? Does either get sharper results when stepped down, making the aperture even smaller? Should you instead be looking at an f/4 or f/2.8 lens?

saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee

I own the G2 and have used it extensively. To answer your specific question, it is not a great low light performer. But at 600MM, you're not going to find a stellar low light performer for $1,300.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

200-500 f5.6 and crop if need be and use pixel enlargement if need be.
.

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

Toss a coin. Either would require a tripod if there is not enough light to shoot, and the D7500 has excellent low light performance for a crop sensor camera, sharing the same pixel density as the Nikon D500. Both lenses will hunt a bit, but either should be decent. A 600mmF4 would have more accurate focus, less hunting and faster acquisition.

What low light situations are you anticipating? Do you shoot raw? Raw will help with both sharpness and noise reduction, giving you adjustment granularity that is not possible with the in camera sharpness, contrast and noise reduction adjustments.

This is a image taken at ISO 5000 with a Sigma 150-600 on a D810, using F7.1 to get a little extra sharpness and depth of field. It is a tiny subject. I shot it hand held at 1/160 sec. Your camera should be comparable, but if you zoom out to 600 with the Tamron, you will not be able to hand hold it. I have found that both lenses are good, but the Tamron is sharp at 600 wide open, weather sealed, and more flexible zoom. If you already own these, then you should already be aware, if you are contemplating a purchase, then you should read this article:

https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-200-500mm-f5-6e-vr

I have used the original and the upgraded Tamrons and Sigmas, and 3 copies of the Nikon. Both the G2, Sigma Sport are a bit sharper than the Nikon, and their build quality is certainly better. I own the Sigma, but If I were to do it over - I'd likely buy the Tamron G2 and lose nothing on image quality and 2 lbs in weight.

How well a particular lens performs in low light is largely a function of the camera you are connecting to it. There is only 1/3 stop difference between F5.6 and F6.3.

(Download)

pahtspix

I have the Tamron 150-600 G2, and by itself, it is NOT a GREAT low light performer..BUT..My Nikon D500 helps make this lens a decent low-light lens due low light capabilities of of the CAMERA..I purchased both together 2.5 years ago, and have not regretted that move!..At the time I checked out the sigma Sport and the Nikon 200-500, and they lost out due to their weight!

ggab Loc: ?

What are you shooting?
Stationary or moving?
What shutter speed? Do you have to shoot at 1/1000 or will 1/250 or longer suffice?
Tripod or hand held?

pahtspix

I use manual mode with ISO AUTO most of the time, and set an upper limit of 4000. I try to keep the aperture at f7.1 in low light. If possible.. I can quickly make the ISO value higher if necessary, and have had many "keepers" at ISO 6400...If I have any objectionable noise at those levels, I deal with it in Photoshop with with Denoise from Topaz Labs. I also Keep the VC control on the lens at #3 (ON and OFF of a tripod!), and find that I've had some decent shots at 1/125th at F6.3..Hand held!..But even better results on a tripod with an electronic shutter release at lower speeds. The VC on this lens is positively amazing!! In low light with slight movement on the part of the subject being "OK"! I shoot mostly birds..LARGE and small!..Good luck on what you decide!..I just KNOW I made the right deci
sion for me 2.5 years ago!!

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

I shoot the 200-500 in low light every morning in Florida's wetland. The shot below was taken at dawn and the Green Heron was close to me. Loved the way the light played off the wing. Actually, I prefer the first hour of light and the last hour of light in the afternoon for birds in flight.

edellington

I own the Tamron G2. But is stays in my bag as a long lens backup. I purchased a used first generation Canon 600mm f/4 prime for $4000. The results are night and day better than the Tamron.

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

I would hope so.