Selkii Loc: Oakland, CA & Vancouver Island

Posted this question on another thread based on praise of the Sigma 150-500, but got skipped over, so trying here.

I have a history of researching thoroughly, buying wisely, then having something better and at a comparable price come out the next day, so trying to break that cycle!

Previous Post:
Had a thought...so if the Sigma 150-500 plus teleconverter costs about the same as the Tamron 150-600, what is the downside of going for the 150-500 besides the 1stop loss? With a 1.4 teleconverter, you end up with a 700mm range. And, you end up with a lighter carry than the upcoming Sigma.

How about clarity? I know we can't compare to the unreleased Sigma 150-600, but those here who already have the Sigma 150-500 and/or Tamron 150-600 can opine based on what has been posted, right?

And...yes, we can add the teleconverter to the unreleased lens and end up with an even longer reach, but no matter what we buy, there will always be that next, better item waiting behind the plate glass window.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Looking forward to some replies on this one!

Straight Shooter Loc: Newfoundland, Canada

I have a Sigma 150-500 and have never heard of anyone getting acceptable results with a teleconverter on this lens, which is why I haven't invested in one. Please correct me if I am wrong!

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

You might want to check out this discussion
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-242069-1.html

Selkii Loc: Oakland, CA & Vancouver Island

That is the discussion that prompted my question and in which I did not receive an answer. I am hoping someone will have used the Sigma 150-500 with teleconverter and will share their experience. Better still, a photo example.

Don L G

These where taken with a D300s, Sigma 150-500 and a Kenko 1.4 TC.

I have had good luck with the 1.4 TC.

Don

(Download)

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Selkii, there is one thing I don't have, and that's a dog in this fight, and not likely ever will.
You might start by searching for the LensRentals shootout comparison of 3 or four lenses.
Of course there's no way to know anything about a lens that's not out yet.
Some time back on some of the birding forums it was pretty popular belief that the Sigma was a little soft at the long end. So if it really is soft, you definately don't want to put a multiplier onto it. Also, popular belief is that the Signa is short. Some have said as much as 50mm.
What we also know is that the Tamron is a true 600 and decently sharp at 600 for an inexpensive lens. It's a little slow but that's probably because it's a real 600.
So the question becomes, will the new Sigma be a true 600 and will it be sharp at the long end and will it be faster.
I don't know why the Sigma is short, maybe it Focus Breaths?
Let's not forget, if you own a Nikon, good luck with the availability of the new Sigma.
I would certainly wait until they can be tested side by side. Good luck with your choices. ;-)
SS

jfn007 Loc: Close to the middle of nowhere.

Please check these fellows out. They compare almost any lens one can thing of. Good luck!

http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/lenses

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

The Tamron is optically better than the Sigma. I would not use either with a 1.4x TC - for several reasons, one being a hunch on my part.

A lens that is F6.3 max aperture at the long end will not focus dependably with a 1.4x TC. Your effective aperture will be F9 - it will not be enough light for the camera to AF, and manual focus in such a dark viewfinder will be difficult in all but the best light.

The hunch part is that I'm guessing that you are on a modest budget, and trying to get the best bang for the buck. My guess is that you do not own an adequate tripod/head. Proper support for a 900mm on a cropped sensor camera will be challenging enough, if you add a 1.4 extender there are but 2-3 tripods that are up to the task of holding that lens steady enough to provide consistently good results, and you must have impeccable technique.

Rickyb

Anyone want to buy a Sigma 150-500? Never used to heavy for air travel.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I've used a tele-converter with my Tamron 150-600mm lens. I've had mixed results. Of course, in the very best light the lens performed well. But, as the light dropped off, so did the lens. I've not done a real test on my 6D, which is a low light
wonder. I did do a post when I got the lens, using a 1.6 and 2X converter, of a oil line marker post at 100 yards. Just click on my name, and view all my posts. The date should be in February, or early March. I used a Canon 7D, for the test, on a tripod. Keep in mind the Tamron 150-600mm lens is not made of Tamrons regular glass. It is called a "SP" lens, which Tamron speak for "special" glass. Also, this lens comes packaged with a disk, with a program to remove Chromatic Aboritions, called Silkypix. I also own the Tamron SP 24-70mm VC USM lens, which is also a "special" lens. As far as the Sigma 150-600mm lens, @$2000 est. cost, it's out of the ballpark compared to the Tamron. Look at Regis's pictures using the 150-600mm on a 6D. If you could get sharper than that with a Tamron, you'd have a bird in your hand. But, if you really want a better lens, look at Canon's 200-400 with a built in Tele-converter. Don't let the $10,000 price tag blind you, just write the check, you'll get "L" quality. But, if your not that serious, just write the check for $1069.00 and start shooting with your new Tamron.

MtnMan Loc: ID

You might try posting it in the classifieds. Someone should snap it up.

I've got one and love it but rarely take it on air travel. I bought a Sony NEX-7 for that. The whole kit, with three lenses including a 55-215 lens, weighs less than half the Sigma (without a camera).

Selkii Loc: Oakland, CA & Vancouver Island

Thank you for your reply! I will look for the other thread.

Selkii Loc: Oakland, CA & Vancouver Island

Thank you! This is exactly the info I needed. You are correct about looking to do the best with my budget. Based on this, I will wait for the new Sigma release and see how that compares. Thanks also for the tripod heads up. Fortunately, I have a tank of a tripod besides my walk-around one. Unfortunately, it weighs as much as a tank.

Selkii Loc: Oakland, CA & Vancouver Island

Don, Sharpshooter, jfn007 - Thanks so much! All your info has helped me greatly. Scratch the 150-500 lens. There is a 150-600 in my near future, but it comes down to whether I have the patience to wait for the Sigma reviews or just get the Tamron which has already proven itself.