A. T.

I have the Tamron 150-600 f/5-6.3 G2. I purchased the lens while in Jackson Hole Wy. because at the time I didn't have much of a choice if I wanted to get the photos of the animals I wanted. That being said, the lens served its purpose at the time and I was very pleased with the results, at the time. What I can tell you after using the lens for some time now is that it is a light hog. As long as you have good light, it will serve you well. I first used the lens on a Nikon D3400. I now use the lens on a Nikon D500. I recently purchased the Nikkor 200-500 f/5.6 lens and can tell you that there is no comparison. The Nikon lens is hands down better built, better VR, sharper, significantly better bokeh and just an overall better lens. So, if I had it do all over again would I purchase the Tamron; not over the Nikkor, no way. Now, the Tamron is quite a bit lighter in weight so if that's an issue for you, get the Tamron. You are also giving up 100mm in focal length with the Nikkor which was not an issue for me since I'm already using a cropped sensor camera. This is my experience and I'm certain you will have others who will give their opinions and experiences. I'm a newbie who loves photography and really don't know much at all about the technical aspect of this fine hobby. I just read alot, watch tons of videos of the professionals and take lots of photos.

Good luck and most importantly, have fun brother.

Cookie223 Loc: New Jersey

I have the G2, and it’s become my go to lens for shooting softball events. It’s a great lens, and I get some very nice clear shots. However, it is a large and heavy lens and depending on your physical shape, you may want to use a tripod, or mono pod.

A. T.

I guess I'm just an idiot because I have the TAP-in and can't figure out how to use the thing. I went on-line and followed the directions but when you get to the part where you tune the lens I have no way of knowing what numbers to put where and why. So, I'm open to any suggestions. I downloaded all updates but outside of that, I couldn't figure it out.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I have the G2. My tripod isn't as stable as I thought so I found I had to improve my technique when shooting at the higher end.

I also believe that if I use Live View, I don't need to fine tune with the Tap.

Bill Sebastian Loc: NC

Great, detailed shots! Which camera did you use for these 4 shots?

saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee

The raging debate continues to be the Tamron 150x600 G2 or the Nikon 200x500. You probably can't really go wrong with either lens. I own the G2 and like it. However, I agree with a previous post about the need for good light for this lens to really shine (no pun intended). The Nikon might be better in this regard but that extra 100mm on the Tamron is really nice to have. Click on my UHH handle if you are interested in seeing what I've been able to capture with the Tamron G2. I've posted a number of sets of birds using that lens coupled with a Nikon D500.

MrT Loc: Gilbert, AZ

I was saving up for the Nikon 200-500 when a used G2 became available at a little over half the price of the Nikon. My brother in law has the original and I have some good captured with it so I expected good results. My results have been better than expected and i am very happy between the photos and my fatter wallet. I bought the tap in console and so far have not needed it. It does look like i will need it on the 70-200. So far I have had it on the tripod and it does need a lot of light but very sharp on my D800. I will try it this weekend hand held chasing the salt River horses but i expect good results.

DoyleY Loc: Worland, Wyoming

Like the previous reply, if you buy the G2, for 60 more bucks get the tap in. As you might know already, appropriate shutter spends and stability will make a difference. I am very satisfied with mine but it has a learning curve, shutter, aperture, and iso tweaking. I don't believe you will be disappointed.

ldmarsh

I have owned both the G1 and G2. The G2 is much faster to focus and is a very good lens. I have been on Safari to Africa and have been well pleased with the results on My Canon 7DMK11. My only complaint about the G2 is that you have to keep checking the buttons on the barrel to make sure they have not moved.
A good lens that I WOULD RECOMMEND.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

No, it has calibration points at 6 focal lengths with 3 distances at each point for a total of 18 potential adjustments.

A. T.

I totally agree; I have both and don't plan on selling my G2. The extra 100mm is nice to have. Incidentally, did you tune your G2 with TAP-in?

Paradise Pirate Loc: Cape Coral, FL

Mine is being delevered Friday. I got a loaner from Tamron for the night from Florida Camera Club Council convention. I had read a lot about the lens. I was able to handhold for several shots propped on a table.
I was surprised by the VC - it locked on the subject quite well. I have a Chinese gimbal head that I reworked for the lens. Reports I have seen on youtube often rate it better than the brand. Take what you save and go on a photo trip. Since I was at a photo convention I got a better price break from Hunt's Photo and a $50 mail in rebate from Tamron. I have read the lens is sharper at 500mm than 600mm, I did not see it in my short use.

Botherbro

Skip the Uv filter, use the hood to protect the lens, you will use a optical polarizer more, save money. Buy the largest filters and use adaptor rings to fit to the smaller diameter lenses. You might take that 65 bucks for the Uv filter and buy a rectangular filter holder... just saying

saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee

I did not. I have the tap-in (came with my purchase) and downloaded the app but have not used it. I like my results and don't yet feel the need to tune the lens. And as another poster noted, the whole tuning process does not seem intuitive, at least not to me.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Mocking Bird with G2 and 80D
House Finch with G1 and 6D
Hummingbird with 100-400 Mk II and 80D
Lesser Goldfinch with 100-400 Mk II + 1.4x III and 5DIV

New shots:
California Towhee with 100-400 Mk II and 5DIV
Egret + full length reflection with G1 and 7DII
Butterfly on fall leaves with 100-400 Mk I and 7DII

So you can see that you can get very good pictures with any of these 4 lenses and different camera bodies - 20 & 24 MP APS-C bodies and 20 & 30 MP FF bodies.

And one special note, if anyone has or is thinking of getting the Canon 100-400 Mk I - DO NOT USE A FILTER ON IT! this lens does not play well with filters, any filter, of any brand - use the lens hood to protect it. I have read more than one article about people who used one with a "protective filter" out of the box and when someone told them to take it off the IQ improvement made them feel like they just bought another lens.

100-400 Mk II and 5DIV

(Download)

G1 and 7DII

(Download)

100-400 Mk I and 7DII

(Download)