wishiwasfishing Loc: texas

Whats the best lens for birding with no tripod canon 100 400 or new tamron 150 600. Thanks for the help

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Hmmm, 50% more focal length for 50% less money. Not a terribly hard decision if you can find one.

Chris F. Loc: San Francisco

I own both and while I do mostly agree with MT Shooter I still prefer the 100-400 over the 150-600 mainly due to the ability of the lens to lock on the subject and focus quicker and (although minor) the slightly faster speed of the lens. The Tammy is still a good value for the $$ though.

Chris

wishiwasfishing Loc: texas

. I have never spent that much on camera lens before . I hear tamrons are very hard to find.Thanks for the help.

MTG44 Loc: Corryton, Tennessee

I have both and am very pleased with the 150-600.Can't beat the price.

Bill Golden Loc: Briarcliff NY

I agree with Chris. I also have both. I would add that the 100-400 is much easier to carry all day and handhold. If the rumors are correct a new version of the 100-400 is soon to be announced. The current ones might then go down in price.
Bill

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

You might want to check out Sigma. Their 150-500 is very good (I just got one) and they coming out with a 150-600, which is supposed to be announced very soon. You might want to wait for the reviews.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

I own both and prefer the Canon 100-400mm over the Tamron. True, the Tamron gives you more reach but the Canon is the sharper of the two. I find it also focuses quicker, and is, at least I think it is better built.

If you look around you can find good used copies for not much more than the cost of the Tamron.

http://www.adorama.com/US%20%20%20%20650194.html

Jim D

NOTE: I have also compared the 100-400mm lens against two copies of the Sigma 150-500mm lens and, in both cases, found the Canon sharper when the photos were cropped to the same size. Was it just my lens? I don't know but this is what I have found.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Well depends on what you mean by "birding".
For birds just sitting there, the slower, dimmer, Tamron should work well, but better on a tripod then hand held.

For BIF and other action shots, the faster, lighter Canon will work better following the action hand held.

Your ability and skill level also comes into play.
Some can successfully hand hold a 500 f4 and capture bird action with excellent results.
Other people have difficulty moving a 300 around and retaining sharp focus.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The only fallacy with that logic, is that both lenses are F5.6 at 400mm and also equal up to that point (my Canon 100-400mm goes to F5 at 170mm), and the Tamron only loses 1/3 stop more from 460-600mm.

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

That's part of what I mentioned.
If I'm trying to lock focus on fast, erratically flying birds I would still rather be whipping around the 100-400 then the 150-600.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

So you think the Tamron will lock focus as quickly as the Canon?

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

You'll be much happier with the Tamron 150-600mm. Yes, they are hard to find on the shelf. Now, your question is "Why?" First they are a very popular lens for all sorts of telephoto uses. For animals in the wild, the added reach of the 600mm end keeps you away from the animal, not risking scaring it away, or putting you in danger. As for birds, it is the best lens on the market for the cost. You could do better, but your going put a lot more money on the counter. The Tamron also works pretty good in the open using a 1.6 tele-converter, and even a 2x if you have the light. The lens also comes with a decent VC, which Tamron speak for image stabilization. Sigma has stepped into the ring with a now rumored lens. The cat was let out of the bag in Poland. It is the same as the Tamron, but the cost is going to be near $2000.00. The Sigma will be heavier, and a bit larger in diameter. Tamrons lens has a 95mm filter ring, Sigmas will be 105mm. Using the Canon EF 100-400mm "L" lens to get the reach will require tele-extenders, these will downgrade the image, and will use whatever you gained with the f stops. Or, you can take the ultimate step, and plunk down about $12K and buy the Canon 600mm prime. Your money, your decision

B.