tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

Looking to purchase a full frame super zoom lens for the Nikon D810 and D750 (my new equipment). I did recently purchase the Sigma 24-70, f2.8 DG OS HSM art lens and really like it. It has been excellent for portrait shots. I have a Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm 4.5-5.6 G ED VR that was used on my D7100 and works full frame as well.

So what is your opinion regarding the following choices:
1). Nikkor AF-S 200-500mm f5.6 E ED VR ($1396.95 at B&H) OR
2). Sigma 150-600mm f5-6.3 DGOS HSM Contemporary ($989.00 at B&H and also with a 1.4 tele-converter at $1289.00) unsure about tele-converter for this lens OR
3). Sigma 150-600mm f5-6.3 DGOS HSM Sport ($1799.00 at B&H and also with a 1.4 tele-converter at $2229.00 ) Sigma's with tele-converter become 210 to 840mm (assuming I read that correctly).

Is there a significant difference between the two Sigma's to justify the major price difference? Weather sealing is a plus for Alaska but not for one thousand dollars difference. Any suggestions for other lenses to consider?
I am not independently wealthy so money IS a factor.

Usage: wildlife (moose, bear, other critters as I am not wanting to become their dinner). Also landscapes, scenic, and sports. We have incredible wildlife (both land and sea) as well as scenics here in Alaska so am thinking about summer trips to see as much as possible.

Opinions and comments appreciated! Thank you.

Bill_de Loc: US

Scroll through this:

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-510963-1.html

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Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

I currently have a D5 and a D810. The lenses I use the most, in order, are a 24-120mm f/4, the 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII, and a Tamron 150-600mm G2.

I recommend the Tamron G2 version over either of the two Sigma lenses or the Nikon 200-500mm.

Don't bother with a TC on any of those lenses except the 70-200mm f/2.8. A TC will make any 150-600mm lenses manual focus only.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Sorry, there is no such thing as a super zoom for full frame (30x+)! You'll find them on bridge cameras however! Well there actually was one, it was a Bosch, a 20-600mm/5.6, but that one went for about a hundred grand!

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

This should help you with your decision:

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

I have a friend who just acquired a Tamron G2, and I own the Sigma Sport. I was shooting with the Tamron last night while my friend used the Sigma. We've done this over the past several weeks and we've come to the conclusion that one is not significantly better than the other optically speaking, and the build quality, and fit and finish is a little better than the Tamron. Switches on the Tamron are a bit too easy to move inadvertently, it is 2 lbs lighter, the tripod foot has an Arca-Swiss standard dovetail that will fit in any Arca-Swiss clamp, it has a shorter focusing distance, and has a slight edge over the Sigma at focal lengths shorter than 600mm.

My experience with the 200-500 was similar to the article's author. It is quite good, but not quite as sharp as the Sigma Sport, and I suspect not as good as the G2. I ended up with the Sport 18 months ago and have only one minor regret - while it is portable and hand-holdable, it is 6.3 lbs.

Between the Nikkor and the G2, I like the G2, especially since it is sharper than the 200-500 with a 1.4TC, than the G2 without one. Between the G2 and the Sigma Sport - toss a coin - both good, each has their little idiosyncrasies.

I don't like either the G2 or the Sport with a 1.4X - image quality falls below my threshold of acceptability and AF performance suffers, and I don't enjoy looking through a viewfinder at F9.

Here is a thorough review on the G2 that should also be helpful.

https://photographylife.com/reviews/tamron-sp-150-600mm-f5-6-3-g2

Ira

The Tamron 150-600mm G2 . It's a great sharp lens, closest focusing distance in that class, arca mount built in to it's tripod collar and light for around $1400.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1277357-REG/tamron_sp_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_di.html

https://www.adorama.com/tm150600nk.html

rjandreoff Loc: Hawaii

Based on reading a lot of reviews AND taking some advice from a PRO I trust, bought a used (8+) Sigma 120-400MM 4.5-6.3 DG from B&H. Came in yesterday. Really wanted the Nikon 80-400 but could not justify the crazy price. This Lens looks virtually new (gotta love B&H) and after the first hour/few hundred shots, seems to be a real performer. Not too big, fairly smooth, OS is terrific, IQ is very, very good and at about 3.5 lbs a tad easier to walk-around with than many of the larger competitors. $472 included a one year warranty. You might want to check it out if you can do without the long end. Good luck.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

A Nikon TC-III 1.4 on the Nikon 200mm-500mm works fine and does allow AF with no problem. I have used it for some very sharp wildlife photos with no problem.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

.......The 200-500 is very HARD to beat for Nikonians - just make sure you test it (as you should with ALL lenses) to make sure it is not defective in any way.

With the 200-500 you can reliably be at 700mm with the 1.4X ( for AF) - which beats ALL the 150-600's - which is important for full frames.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I did the research and for me the right lens was the Sigma 150 600 Contemporary, others did their own research and chose other lenses ...
I bought the contemporary over the sport because I read alot of articles where the reviewers couldnt tell the difference in sharpness.