Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Here are MTF charts for the original version of the Tamron 150-600mm, for the Sigma (the MTF chart is the same for the Contemporary or the Sport), and for the Tamron 150-600mm G2 (in that order, from top to bottom).

For an APS-C sensor the Tamron is clearly the better lens in either version at 150mm. For full frame at 150mm the Tamron G2 is better than the original Tamron, and the Sigma is slightly better than the Tamron G2 in both contrast and resolution. At 600mm the Sigma is considerably better than the original Tamron, but the G2 Tamron is slightly better than the Sigma.

Essentially, the Sigma is in fact higher contrast and higher resolution than the original Tamron, but the new Tamron is very much the equal of the Sigma. The Tamron G2 also has what they call TAMRON TAP-in Console, which allows upgrading firmware and reconfiguration of some features (such as VC).

avemal Loc: BALTIMORE

Love my Sigma. You can also buy the UD-01 USB DOCK . Firmware updates can be done at home. No packaging up an sending off or shipping cost. Works great. I think it is about $60.00. Also adjustments can be made with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZU1BffL6-E

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

A used Sigma Sport will be in your budget, and a superior lens to the other three choices (Contemporary, Tamron, and Nikon). I just recently went through this and found that the Sport was close enough to my 600F4 that I could shoot with it and be perfectly happy. I wanted to stay below $2000. I ended up getting a great clean copy of the Sport on Fred Miranda for $1250. Below are two shots, one taken with the 600 F4 and the other with the Sport at similar distances with similar sized subjects.

I am a photographer, shooting real subjects, and I don't need charts and graphs and material to convince me of what my eyes can tell me - at the end of the day, the photographic result is what matters. It also helps to have actually used the products being considered.

However, if you need to read a pretty good review, in the field and using test data, including with teleconverters, check this out:

https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-200-500mm-f5-6e-vr

It basically confirms what I discovered. I participate in Nikon's NPS program, so borrowing lenses is not an issue, and I get to keep them for 2 weeks at a time. I do own the 600mm F4 AFS II that I used for the painted bunting, and the shot of the blackpoll warbler was taken recently, in Central Park, NY, while I was checking out the capabilities of the lens and it's stabilization. I have not calibrated the focus with the dock yet.

Without any hesitation, I would recommend the Sport over the other lenses.

Nikkor 600mm F4, on a tripod, ISO 1600

(Download)

Sigma Sport 150-600, hand held - ISO 2000

(Download)

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

The Nikon 200-500 F5.6 lens for the money is the best super zoom going for Nikon camera's. Although the Canon 100-400 is also extremely good. The Sony 100-400 is also a great lens. Oh, I haven't mentioned your two brands, well, their is a good reason for that. They just don't compare to these three. Not even close. Many of my friends who have shot with THOSE lenses have sold them and now shoot with the 200-500. Like the old ad says, "You can pay me now, or, pay me later", and the phrase "you get what you pay for", and my favorite " A fool and his money are soon separated". Please don't fall for the hype of third party glass, because their is a reason they are called THIRD PARTY.

pahtspix

I've had the Tamron G2 for a couple of weeks, and though my shooting has been limited so far, coupled with my new D500 the combination has been incredible..Understand, coming from a D7000 and an old Tokina 400mm f5.6 prime(slow but SHARP), I did mount the Nikon 200-500, but found it too limiting in zoom, and too heavy to hand-hold (along with the Sigma sport in the weight dept!)..I do believe I made the right choice..Tamron's 6 year warranty beats them all as well..Still learning, but very happy with my choice of the Tamron G2. I'm seeing some very sharp results so far!

cheineck Loc: Hobe Sound, FL

Just got, and love, the new Tamron G2... I have two images in today's "Hog" Photo Gallery... It's a very nice lens!

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

I do not agree with you. If you can tune up the focus whether with the Dock, the Tamron equivalent or the camera, you should consider doing so.

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

I replaced my Sigma 50-500 with the Sigma 150-600 C because I needed the extra 100 mm. Moral: consider how important those extra 100 mm are to you.

abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

Apaflo, thanks for doing the homework. While very important in picking a lens, I also photographic the same static object with the camera on a tripod, sufficient lighting, and with the lens set at different apertures and focal lengths. This is my final arbiter.

Jim Bob

Excellent post considering the source. As I have been saying, the main difference between the Sigma Sport and Contemporary is build quality not image quality.

wotsmith Loc: Nashville TN

Find the reviews by Doug Brown (dougbrownphotography.com) and greg basic (deepgreenphotography) for your choice for bird photography

Jim Bob

Show me where I even mentioned VC capability. You're the one who is unfocused. Unfortunately for you it is a chronic condition.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Get the Nikon 200-500. The VR on it, and hence image quality, is awesome. It will hold value much better as well.

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

Nope. You obviously haven't tried them both. Or maybe either one. Both the build quality and optical quality is much improved on the Sport. Had them both, visible image quality difference, and yes, the thing is built like a tank.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Thank you for the article link. It is well done. I am apparantly one of the fortunate who got an excellent copy of the Nikon 200-500. My only direct comparision is my Sigma 150-500. The Nikon is much better on image quality and VR.

One thing I would like to see compared is the VR performance. I find myself hardly ever able to use a tripod on wildlife. The VR on the Nikon 200-500 is awesome. Noticiably better than the OS on my Sigma 150-500 and even the VR on my other Nikons.

One interesting sidelight on the VR on the 200-500. Nikon recommends you use it always on a monopod and mostly on a tripod!