MT Shooter wrote:
I get a lot of questions about the difference in size of the three 150-600mm lenses on the market, and there really is VERY little difference in physical dimensions between them. The only real difference is in the weight of the Sigma Sport model due to its full weather-sealing, Pro quality barrel build, and several more optical elements inside.
Tamron has 20 elements in 13 groups.
Sigma "C" has 20 elements in 14 groups.
Sigma "S" has 24 elements in 16 groups.
Some more comparisons between the Tamron and the sport version.
I got my Sigma 150 600 mm lens today. So far, just a quick glance, I am impressed! Below are listed just a few changes I am seeing that are different from the Tamron 150 600 mm.
The lens itself is a year newer than the Tamron.
Tamron minimum aperture is an f32 F 40. Sigmas minimum aperture is a fixed F-22
Tamron has 20 elements, Sigma uses 24
The Tamron diameter is 95 mm, Sigma is 105 mm so the Sigma will allow more light gathering.
Tamron uses 13 groups, Sigma uses 16
Minimum focus is only 4 inches difference, Tamron being 106 inches and the Sigma is 102 inches. Not really much difference.
One of the things I noticed right away was the weight difference. This Tamron lens weighs 4.3 pounds, the Sigma lens weighs 6.31 pounds, just a shade over 2 pounds heavier. This is due to the amount of metal used in the Sigma lens. The Sigma lens is about an inch and a quarter longer and fully extended to the 600 mm position.
The Sigma is also weather sealed and the Tamron is not.
So far it looks like the Sigma is winning. The truth will be when I get to take some photos with it. Hopefully I can shoot with it tomorrow, but if not I will shoot with it Friday.
Jim D