Deciding between 2 lenses, would love some input
Jan 8, 2017 17:28:56 #
Hi, I am looking for a long reach lens that is fast and sharp but doesn't break the bank. I have looked at some reviews and I am still not sure. I use a Nikon d810 and a d4. Looking at the new Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 or the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens. I want to shoot wildlife including small animals and insects along with landscape. I use a nikkor 24-70 2.8 and nikkor 14-24 2.8 but really want something long without spending $10,000. Any input would be appreciated.
Jan 8, 2017 17:33:02 #
Jan 8, 2017 17:59:38 #
I've heard glowing reports on both but they seem to glow a little brighter with Sigma 
Jan 8, 2017 18:01:58 #
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
The Sigma gets better reviews and user comments vs the Tamron.
That is true of the original Tamron 150-600mm. Not true of the G2 version. Take a very careful look at the MTF charts for all four versions, two from each company, and it is clear that each new release has leap frogged the previous models.
Sigma may well eclipse Tamron again at some point in the next year or two, but at the moment the Tamron G2 is the top lens.
Jan 8, 2017 20:09:20 #
Jan 8, 2017 20:09:20 #
Jan 8, 2017 20:27:37 #
DavidPine wrote:
I like my 200-500 f/4 on my D810 and D500.
You got an f/4? I only got f/5.6
Jan 8, 2017 20:32:36 #
homefree21 wrote:
Hi, I am looking for a long reach lens that is fas... (show quote)
It seems like you should toss a coin in the air - between the G2 and the Sport (though I know it is not in the picture at the moment) The Tamron G2 is a very good lens, as is the Sigma Sport - I doubt you could tell which lens took which picture. The Sigma Contemporary, on the other hand is a lot like the original Tamron, and neither is up to the optical standard set by the Sport and the G2. I have not tried the G2 personally, but I did try the other three, and ended up with the Sport, mainly because the G2 was not yet available when I made my purchase.
Jan 9, 2017 06:13:45 #
Someone in my camera club has the Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 (original model). He has a lot of trouble doing AF fine tuning with it. He cannot get the entire zoom range to be in good focus. He has to either do AF fine tuning for the 150-400mm range or the 400-600mm range. Maybe the new G2 version is better in that respect. I don't know. Take a look at the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 lens. I have the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens. It's AF accuracy is very consistent throughout the entire zoom range.
Jan 9, 2017 06:23:57 #
CO wrote:
Someone in my camera club has the Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 (original model). He has a lot of trouble doing AF fine tuning with it. He cannot get the entire zoom range to be in good focus. He has to either do AF fine tuning for the 150-400mm range or the 400-600mm range. Maybe the new G2 version is better in that respect. I don't know. Take a look at the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 lens. I have the Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens. It's AF accuracy is very consistent throughout the entire zoom range.
The Tamron G2 version uses 6 different focal lengths each at three different focus distances for automatic fine tuning.
Jan 9, 2017 06:51:53 #
Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 lens with the nikon 1.4TC works better for me. Lighter weight, fast and sharp for bif.
Jan 9, 2017 07:00:12 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
homefree21 wrote:
Hi, I am looking for a long reach lens that is fas... (show quote)
You own a Nikon D810 and a D4, a 24-70 and a 14-24, so obviously you have quality equipment. Why would you even consider? ............ you know! My suggestion would be the NIKON 200-500 F5.6 lens ($1400.00), I own this lens and use it all the time with great results, both your camera's can use GROUP AUTO FOCUS, I would further suggest using the center spot, Nikon then picks the four focus spots around it, this focus mode is great for birds in flight because as long as one of the 5 focus spots (Nikon will only show 4, it does not show the center spot) are on the bird the camera system eliminates any back ground and your bird are in perfect focus. The only other lens I would consider is the Nikon 200-400 f4, this lens is heavy and expensive, but as you already know because you own the D810 and D4, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Enough said, you have been warned.
Jan 9, 2017 07:16:03 #
billnikon wrote:
You own a Nikon D810 and a D4, a 24-70 and a 14-24... (show quote)
I agree with Bill! You seem to have invested almost 10 grand in camera bodies alone and now want to skimp on the purchase of a super zoom.
Jan 9, 2017 07:25:49 #
I would suggest the Nikon 200-500mm f5.6. Recently bought mine refurbished and on sale from Nikon for just over $1,000. Use it with my new Nikon D750 and love it's sharpness so far the couple times I've taken it out to shoot at a Bald Eagle and a Great Horned Owl nests near my house. I'm planning to add a Nikon 1.4 TC soon. Sold my Sigma 50-500mm that I used with my older D7000. Never could get tack sharp images with the Sigma but the new ones are likely better.
Jan 9, 2017 07:28:20 #
billnikon wrote:
You own a Nikon D810 and a D4, a 24-70 and a 14-24... (show quote)
Your arrogance, condescension and paternalism are matched only by your inimitable inability to remain on topic. Geesus.
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