drizztguen77 Loc: Tualatin, OR

I've found several discussions on this but none that actually address my question.

I currently have the Tamron 150-600 G1. I've used it a fair amount and it does well but the pictures always seem a little soft. I've read that the new G2 version, as well as the Nikkor 200-500, is much better. I'm trying to decide if it is worth selling my G1 and buying either the G2 or Nikkor 200-500 and if so which. I know the following about each:

Tamron 150-600 G2:
Has much faster focus than the G1 and the Nikkor
Image Quality is excellent but slightly less than the Nikkor
Larger range than the Nikkor (50 on the bottom end and 100 on the top end)

Nikkor 200-500:
Image Quality is the best of the 3 lenses
Focus is faster than the Tamron G1 but slower than G2
Retains it's value better than the Tamron

My concern with the Nikkor is the shorter range and the slower focus. I'm wondering if that could cause me to miss some shots that the Tamron G2 might bring home. I have both a D750 and a D7200 I can use it with and of course I want the best IQ I can get.

Does anyone know how different the IQ is between the Nikkor 200-500 and the Tamron 150-600 G2? Is there a significant difference or are they close enough to not really be able to differentiate?

Is it worth the cost to sell the G1 and buy either the Tamron G2 or the Nikkor? Are the benefits great enough to be worth the cost?


Thanks,
Curtis

WetCoaster

For just about the same price you can get a camera and a stunning lens. Check out the review on Ken Rockwell's site of the Sony RX10 III which has an outstanding Zeiss 24-600 lens and it doesn't weigh a ton.

Don

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I have both Sigma 150-600 lenses and the Nikon 200-500. The advantage to the 200-500 on my D500 is, you can use a 1.4 teleconverter and have no problems with AF.

drizztguen77 Loc: Tualatin, OR

I have a significant investment in Nikon gear. I think right now it would be very difficult to try to switch to a whole new system.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

I traded my G1 for the Nikkor and am very happy with that decision. I use it on the D500.

stevebein

Having done just what the quote says, I have to laugh at this argument. Changing to a new system means you sell the old. In the past, when switching to Canon from Nikon- essentially used for used and some careful shopping, I actually made a profit on the trade. So that argument, for me, is incorrect.

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

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

Assume for all intents and purposes that the Tamron G2 is on a par with the Sigma Sport in their lens comparison. The G2 would be a full step up, and the Nikon a half step up in quality. From personal testing I would not consider the Nikon to be as sharp as the G2.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Curtis,

I had the Sigma 150-600. I sold it and bought a Nikkor 200-500. Very pleased with the Nikkor compared to the Sigma. My suggestion sell your G1 and buy the Nikon Nikkor. Every image is very sharp and outstanding in tracking birds in flight. I am a very happy camper. If you want to see some, PM me.

drizztguen77 Loc: Tualatin, OR

What steered you to the Nikkor over the Tamron G2 or the Sigma Sport? As I mentioned in my original post, my primary concern with the Nikkor is the shorter focal length and slower focus. I understand it's VR is better but I rarely shoot handheld. I usually shoot wildlife on a gimbal so VR isn't a huge selling point for me with this particular lens decision.

WetCoaster

You mustn't have checked out the RX10 III. It is a fixed lens camera. It happens to have a lens that will blow away just about any zoom lens on the market. It is f/2.4-4, 24-600mm. It is lightweight when compared to any long zoom.The people buying it, like me, aren't changing camera systems. Ken Rockwell says that after he tested the camera it is now his walkaround camera.

I bought it for a cruise that includes a tour of the Yukon and Alaska (Denali Park).

drizztguen77 Loc: Tualatin, OR

Oh I see, you are suggesting that in addition to my current gear, not to replace it. Hmmm I hadn't considered that. I'll have to take a look at it. Although I struggle to understand how they are reaching out to 600mm with such a small lightweight lens without using digital enhancement or something. But I'll definitely take a look at it.

WetCoaster

It has very small photosites among other factors. The Zeiss lens is actually only ~200mm but the smaller sensor. i.e., crop factor, makes it 600mm. It therefore uses only the central portion of the physical glass.

A friend of mine who owns Sony and Canon DSLRs pointed me to this camera and said it looked interesting. I Googled for reviews and found Ken Rockwell's review which was nothing short of effusive. My friend bought it right away and I waited a couple of weeks.

I am truly amazed by its image quality and I am a fanatic about sharpness. The camera has a lot of bells and whistles, e.g., handheld night shots where it takes 4 quick shots and does an incamera merge.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Here are some of reviews of the G2.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-150-600mm-f-5-6.3-Di-VC-USD-G2-Lens.aspx
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2017/02/26/tamron-150-600mm-g2-lens-my-experiences/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2016/09/01/tamron-sp-150-600mm-zoom-update-has-better-iq-stronger-stabilization-faster
http://www.photobyrichard.com/reviewbyrichard/tamron-sp-150-600mm-f5-6-3-di-vc-usd-g2-model-a022-review/

Here's what a couple of G1s have sold for.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=tamron+150-600mm+nikon&LH_Auction=1&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xtamron+150-600mm+G1+nikon.TRS0&_nkw=tamron+150-600mm+G1+nikon&_sacat=0

rstrick2 Loc: Beverly Hills, FL

I have the G1 and I had a Sigma 150-600 sport. the sport was built with weatherization and was very heavy, but it shot exception photos. I sold it and bought the Tamron G2. the G2 is built with weatherization, and much improved over the G1. focusing, VC, everything about the lens was improved and it is much faster and provides a quality Photo. When I grab the lens it is so much lighter than the sports that I almost fumble it. the other night I shot a Screech owl almost dark, I had it mounted on my tripod, it focused on the subject in low light, and I gently pushed the shutter button and I got a decent photo, so the VC allows a slow shutter to capture a subject in low light.

pahtspix

One feature of the Tamron G2 has not been discussed..A 6 year warranty, and GREAT customer support..This is what I decided on to match up with my Nikon D500..Very much pleased with my decision since purchase of both in late November of 2016! I couldn't be happier with the results I'm seeing!Very sharp wide open at f6.3..Even hand -held with the awesome VC set on #3!!..Mostly used on a Gimbal-headed tripod or a monopod with a swivel head!