JRosen

Sigma's release of the "C" (contemporary--not Sports) lens has me at a quandry, and I am looking to this learned group for help. I just purchased the Tamron 150-600mm lens for my Canon 70D, and in my limited use its really sharp, albeit heavy. I've been looking, watching and hearing that the Sigma actually outperforms the Tamron.

The things that I am hearing are that the Sigma is sharper and faster, has more lens locking features... can lock lens at other than fully closed, and it has two image stabilization settings that are being highly lauded. If you own the "dock" ($60) you can calibrate from your computer.

The downside of the Sigma, plastic body (but the reviewer said it feels solid and sturdy), smaller grip, and a bit heavier than the Tamron--more than 1 pound heavier.

The Tamron came out last summer, so its already a generation behind the Sigma, and the Sigma is only $20 more than the Tamron right now.

In my stable right now, I've got Canon and Sigma lens, along with the new Tamron. I've been pleased with this Tamron, but have always thought of Sigma as a tiny step ahead of Tamron. Had the Sigma been available for purchase a few weeks ago, I might have asked this earlier.

So I guess what I'm asking is return the Tamron (the clock is ticking for returning it) for Sigma or hold what I have?

Thoughts, opinions, etc? TIA--J. R.

phlash46 Loc: Westchester County, New York

Understand, I know nothing about either of these lenses but what I've read. After years of shooting Nikon, now Olympus m4/3, I have found that Sigma lenses, in general, are better than Tamron.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

[quote=JRosen]Sigma's release of the "C" (contemporary--not Sports) lens has me at a quandry, and I am looking to this learned group for help. I just purchased the Tamron 150-600mm lens for my Canon 70D, and in my limited use its really sharp, albeit heavy. I've been looking, watching and hearing that the Sigma actually outperforms the Tamron.

The things that I am hearing are that the Sigma is sharper and faster, has more lens locking features... can lock lens at other than fully closed, and it has two image stabilization settings that are being highly lauded. If you own the "dock" ($60) you can calibrate from your computer.

The downside of the Sigma, plastic body (but the reviewer said it feels solid and sturdy), smaller grip, and a bit heavier than the Tamron--more than 1 pound heavier.

The Tamron came out last summer, so its already a generation behind the Sigma, and the Sigma is only $20 more than the Tamron right now.

In my stable right now, I've got Canon and Sigma lens, along with the new Tamron. I've been pleased with this Tamron, but have always thought of Sigma as a tiny step ahead of Tamron. Had the Sigma been available for purchase a few weeks ago, I might have asked this earlier.

So I guess what I'm asking is return the Tamron (the clock is ticking for returning it) for Sigma or hold what I have?

Thoughts, opinions, etc? TIA--J. R.[/quote

I don't know much about these two big zoom, but keep in mind they are not built for last. Why do I say that, because I had a bad experience of the Sigma. My Sigma 50-500mm lens broke down with the motor failed after several years very light use. For such heavy complex lens the motor takes on a heavy load to move those glasses in the lens. If there is a problem that it will be the motor first!
I won't buy this kind of zoom anymore especially from third party company. I prefer prime if I can afford. That was why I picked the Nikon 300mm f4.0 + 1.4x converter over these third party super zoom!

JRosen

Thanks phlash, that's my thinking too.

Anyone else?

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

The images from a lens are as good as the techniques of the operator. It is obvious that a good lens with good techniques will bring out the best of that lens.
I do not own any of those two lenses but I am very familiar with both from what I have read and what I have learned.
The Sigma is better built, at least the S model and it seems to have an edge over the Tamron according to what I have read.
If you are not going to be enlarging to sizes like 20x30 often I am going to say that either lens should do the job if you do yours.

JRosen

Thanks wingclui. I may regret this in a few years, but my budget can't justify a Canon 400mm right now. I mean, I hear you... that's a lot of glass to move, that's why I'm thinking the newer Sigma, with the latest motors and technology might be worth exchanging the Tamron for the Sigma.

JRosen

Thanks camerapapi. You're definitely right about the loose-screw behind the camera... that's where the lens will be good or great!

Sigma's "S" (Sport) lens has been out a short while, and it's quite a bit more expensive than the "C" (Contemporary / Cheap (?)) lens. The "S" is what many reviews are based on, as the "C" is very new, and doesn't have many reviews yet.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I posted side by side pics of the lenses a couple months ago and optically they are pretty much identical.
it is clear from your comments the your "reviewer" has no experience with, nor true knowledge of, either of these lenses as many of your comparative comments are simply incorrect.

Didereaux Loc: Swamps of E TX

I have both the Canon 100-400 IS USM L. and just recently the Sigma 150-600 'C' lens. YOU will not need the Canon lens. The IQ, autofocus, and IS are very similar. Canon IQ is maybe just a teensy bit better, but that is so close it is subjective. The Sigma has the better IS. Plus the Sigma gives you 200mm longer focal length. Will I sell the Canon? No, but neither will I let the Sigma go either.

I use the Canon on the FF 6D, and the sigma on a 7D crop. The Sigma works better on a crop frame.

JRosen

MT Shooter, thanks for your response. I tried to be as accurate as I could be with the info given. I did check out your review of the Canon 600mm prime vs the Tamron 150-600mm. Thorough review for what you were doing.

Anything you'd like to add in the Sigma/Tamron discussion? Anything I should know about one over the other?

Thanks!

JRosen

Didereaux, thanks for the comments! It sounds like you are a satisfied customer with the Sigma. As I will be using a crop-sensor 70D its nice to hear the results are good for that camera.

I have to say that I am leaning toward exchanging the Tamron for the Sigma... as I mentioned, I have Sigma and Canon lens.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I believed you looked at a much older comparison of focal lengths. Here is the optical comparison of the Tamron and Sigma "C" lenses.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-298404-1.html
The advantage of the Tamron is one year longer warranty and $20 lower cost.
The advantages of the Sigma are more optical elements, the ability to tune the lens at 5 different focal lengths to TWO different cameras, and the included padded case, which Tamron does not offer at any price.
As for build quality, BOTH lenses use Polycarbonate components in their barrel designs. BOTH lenses weigh almost exactly the same.

JRosen

Thanks MT Shooter! I was basing the weights off of Amazon's site... it has the Sigma @ 6.0lbs and the Tamron @ 4.3lbs. I know that Amazon's specs aren't always on point.
But its great to know about the poly casing on both.

If you don't mind me asking, where do you get your info from, you sound very well informed, and I try to find out as much as I can about what I purchasing... especially when its over $1k! I looked at DPReview.com, amazon, Amateur Photographer, American Photo, and of course UHH!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

My info is as direct as it can get. I am an authorized dealer for both Sigma and Tamron and have the lenses in stock for sale as well as for rent in my store.

mkaplan519

I almost bought the Tamron last year. I had it on order or should I say back order from June till Sept at which point I cancelled the order because oit was getting out of my season to really use it. I waited until this year and now have a bigger choice. If I had the Tamron and it worked well for me I would not bother buying the Sigma. They are really too close IMO to bother. I did just purchase the Sigma C in Nikon that luckily I was one of the first in Canada as they were not supposed to ship until the 29th (did I say lucky?? ;) ). Read all the reviews and there are a few. This is an official site that keeps track of them. Also check the comments as I have found a few others eith examples.
http://sigma-rumors.com/2015/03/sigma-150-600mm-f5-6-3-dg-os-hsm-contemporary-reviews-comparisons/
There were enough differences that IMO pushed me towards the Sigma but I am sure I would have been happy with either. They are both excellent lenses. After getting and using it I am happy I did not consider the 'S' as it would just be too heavy. The 'C''s weight is manageable.

Read especially the review at lenstip and at The Digital Picture
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=15151. They give a lot of information and the last one gives an overview comparing all 3.