waynetgreen Loc: Florida

Greetings,
I'm normally a landscape shooter but having recently moved to Florida, I am craving a telephoto to capture the amazing wildlife here. Can't justify the price tag on the Nikon 200-500 so I was considering either tne Sigma or Tamron 100-400. Reading the reviews, both lenses are almost identical including price and features. I have no doubt that both are a little soft at 400. Looking for real world experience from actual users. I'm not entirely sure that most online reviews aren't designed to sell equipment vs the actual truth. The lens will be coupled with a D750 and occasionally a D7100. Thanks in advance!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

For long range stuff you will want to keep it on the 7100 !

In objective Imatest testing, the Tamron was sharper - see my previous postings - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-594579-1.html - https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-597795-1.html

FWIW, there are third party tripod collars for both the Sigma and Tamron - but the Sigma cannot rotate in the collar.

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PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

IMHO save your $$$ for the Nikon 200-500. I have one. Check Nikons site for refurbished.
$1250

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/refurbished-camera-lenses/af-s-nikkor-200-500mm-f%252f5.6e-ed-vr-refurbished.html

I had a Sigma and sold it as it was soft on the high end of the range. My 200-500 is sharp through the entire range.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

Coupled to your D7100 focal length is 150/600. You might consider a refurb or used, Keh, Nikon, B&H, Tamron or Sigma. I've used the Tamron 150/600 G2 for several years and love it.

Zooman 1

Why not go for the Sigma 150-600 or 60-600 or the Tamron 150-600G?

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Because of the PRICE - read the OP's second sentence....

Zooman 1

I know the Sigma 150-600 C is under $1,000.00 and even less used.

waynetgreen Loc: Florida

I was thinking that coupled with a D7100, I would effectively have a 150-600.

Pistnbroke Loc: UK

Forget the D750 not enough POI but I have two tamron 100-400 and its great for the birds at about $500.
Couple it to the D 7100 and if you don't have the tap in console do the the fine focus adjust at 400 mm or it will be all out of focus.
the collar from the Nikon 80 -200 fits with a bit of filing in the screw hole for about $20

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

I have the 200-500, but it is too heavy, for me, to carry for handheld shooting. I have been delighted with my “pre-owned” Tamron 100-400. It has performed well, is super lightweight, and the zoom rotates in the same direction as Nikon glass. With either the Sigma or Tamron, spend a few extra bucks and get the USB console for updates.

waynetgreen Loc: Florida

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the responses.

eagle80 Loc: Kutztown, PA

I have had both but love the Sigma.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I have the Sigma 100-400 that I use on a Canon 6d2 and 7d2 (with or without the Sigma 1401 teleconverter). I also found a tripod collar and agree with a previous poster that when attached, the lens is not rotatable. The lens also came with the usb dock, which I’ve used for custom configuring and firmware updates. When I first bought the lens, I thought the focus was a little off with both bodies. Rather than calibrate it myself, I called Sigma in NY. The tech was very helpful and recommended that I send it in for an auto focus calibration. I had it back in about 10 days. It’s light and easily very usable handheld. I haven’t used it with the collar yet. I’ve been very pleased with the lens and find it plenty sharp for my uses. It takes 67mm filters, which is also handy since the 7d2’s 10-18mm and 18-135mm take the same size. The lens does not come with a case but neoprene boots are available that fit nicely. The lens zoom can be used as a push-pull or with the barrel ring. Since buying the 100-400, I haven’t used my Sigma 150-600mm C. I can’t speak for the Tamron but have been very pleased with the Sigma, which was more than a $1000 less than the coveted Canon.

waynetgreen Loc: Florida

Great info! Thanks

rosjan

I took the Tamron 100-400 on safari in Zambia this summer and got some really great pictures. I used it with ease on a D7200. The reviews for the Tamron were a bit better than those for the Sigma. I chose not to go with the 150-600 because of the weight.