Posts for: Mike Jackson
Dec 18, 2020 23:42:21 #
This is definitely an old thread! Possibly, I should add a little more information based on my experience.
First...that 6 year warranty is possibly not really valid. I had to send my G2 in. They said it had been dropped, so they didn't fix it for free. It has been a while so I am recalling the price to repair from memory, but it was roughly $475. Okay I paid it BUT afterwards they only gave my lens a 90 day warranty from that point. The balance of the 6 years was void. I complained about it on another call and they told me they were getting complaints and extended to after repair warranty to 180 days. I don't believe a basic cleaning voids the balance, however. I've had Nikon lenses repaired, and even after a drop, they honored the full warranty after the repair. Be warned!
Second...while it was not part of the original discussion, I bought a Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens. It is heavier than the other lenses, and if you are a Nikon shooter, you'll notice the zoom twists the opposite direction to what you are used to. (It twists the same direction as Canon zoom lenses) Otherwise, it is a far superior lens to the G1, G2, and Nikon 200-500mm lenses. I use it for almost every shot now. The 60mm length at the short end replaced my 70-200mm lens (except when I need the F/2.8 light gathering capability) and the extra 100mm on the long end comes in handy over the 200-500mm Nikon.
The Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens' stabilization feature is first class. With that lens, I find myself using a tripod less and less, but even with the lens stabilization switch turned ON, it works great on the tripod. Since I bought mine, I notice they increased the price by around $200.
I've been using the Sigma for around a year now. You can see a LOT of photos taken with it on my daily blog posts at https://www.bestofthetetons.com
In today's post, I added some shots taken with a Nikon D850, but the lens lives almost constantly on a Nikon D6.
Hope this addition helps!
Mike Jackson
First...that 6 year warranty is possibly not really valid. I had to send my G2 in. They said it had been dropped, so they didn't fix it for free. It has been a while so I am recalling the price to repair from memory, but it was roughly $475. Okay I paid it BUT afterwards they only gave my lens a 90 day warranty from that point. The balance of the 6 years was void. I complained about it on another call and they told me they were getting complaints and extended to after repair warranty to 180 days. I don't believe a basic cleaning voids the balance, however. I've had Nikon lenses repaired, and even after a drop, they honored the full warranty after the repair. Be warned!
Second...while it was not part of the original discussion, I bought a Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens. It is heavier than the other lenses, and if you are a Nikon shooter, you'll notice the zoom twists the opposite direction to what you are used to. (It twists the same direction as Canon zoom lenses) Otherwise, it is a far superior lens to the G1, G2, and Nikon 200-500mm lenses. I use it for almost every shot now. The 60mm length at the short end replaced my 70-200mm lens (except when I need the F/2.8 light gathering capability) and the extra 100mm on the long end comes in handy over the 200-500mm Nikon.
The Sigma Sport 60-600mm lens' stabilization feature is first class. With that lens, I find myself using a tripod less and less, but even with the lens stabilization switch turned ON, it works great on the tripod. Since I bought mine, I notice they increased the price by around $200.
I've been using the Sigma for around a year now. You can see a LOT of photos taken with it on my daily blog posts at https://www.bestofthetetons.com
In today's post, I added some shots taken with a Nikon D850, but the lens lives almost constantly on a Nikon D6.
Hope this addition helps!
Mike Jackson
May 2, 2020 21:49:38 #
Just saw this post! If you like Shane, check out these three links. For the posts, I relied on Walt Farmer's out of print CD. He was around here when the movie was being filmed, so he accumulated a lot of great information.
I went out and located the sites in the movie and documented them on the three pages. When the movie plays on the TV, my site always gets a big bump in visitors after they do web searches.
Cheers, Mike Jackson, Jackson Hole, WY
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2013/12/10/the-shane-cabins-authentic-homestead-in-grand-teton-national-park/
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2014/12/16/shane-the-epic-western-movie-filmed-in-jackson-hole/
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2016/05/30/shane-movie-locations/
I went out and located the sites in the movie and documented them on the three pages. When the movie plays on the TV, my site always gets a big bump in visitors after they do web searches.
Cheers, Mike Jackson, Jackson Hole, WY
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2013/12/10/the-shane-cabins-authentic-homestead-in-grand-teton-national-park/
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2014/12/16/shane-the-epic-western-movie-filmed-in-jackson-hole/
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2016/05/30/shane-movie-locations/
Apr 11, 2020 17:22:55 #
Bultaco wrote:
I posted the link for those who enjoy shooting wild life who are considering a long zoom. I've only used two of the lens mentioned Nikon 200/500 and Tamron 150/600 G2. I prefer the Tammy on my D500. I'm considering the 60/600. I posted several shots taken at Katmia with the 150/600, they moved the viewing stand closer to the falls, the 150 was to long.
Hello UHH: I posted the page on MY blog site for my readers and Bultaco posted it here for anyone that might glean a little bit of information from it. Thanks to Bultaco!
I have all three lenses, but use the Sigma Sport 60-600mm almost all the time now, for both wildlife and landscapes. Lately, my D5 has been stuck in Nikon's Los Angeles service center, so I have been using my D850 with it and I am very happy with the combo.
Sorry, I don't get here that often, but will check in more often when I have time.
Mike Jackson
Cheers,
Mike Jackson
Aug 4, 2018 13:40:31 #
rstipe, The short answer is BUY the G2! There are enough small upgrades to add up to a much better lens. A: You can use the tap-in console to fine tune it. B: it has an Arca-Swiss mount built in. C: It has a better Lock. D: It has a "short range" limiter, similar to the long range limiter, but not found on many other telephotos I've seen (good for up close birds from a blind). E: Image quality is better
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2018/08/01/august-2018-daily-journal-for-gtnp-jh/. This page has a lot of G2 images shot with a Nikon D850 and D500.
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2018/07/01/july-2018-daily-journal-for-grand-teton-national-park-jackson-hole/. This page has a lot of G2 images using a Nikon D5.
Hope this helps!
Mike Jackson
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2018/08/01/august-2018-daily-journal-for-gtnp-jh/. This page has a lot of G2 images shot with a Nikon D850 and D500.
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2018/07/01/july-2018-daily-journal-for-grand-teton-national-park-jackson-hole/. This page has a lot of G2 images using a Nikon D5.
Hope this helps!
Mike Jackson
Mar 24, 2018 15:39:58 #
Thanks for the links and comments about my site.
In my humble opinion, telephoto lenses are spectacular for landscapes. I especially like my Tamron 150-600mm G2 and Nikon 70-200mm lenses, though I own Nikon 24-70 mm and Nikon 14-24mm lenses. I seldom shoot the 14-24 for landscapes.
If so inclined, check out this post on my blog about the subject.
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2017/04/24/telephoto-lenses-for-landscapes/
You might notice the shot of Hidden Falls on Cascade Creek in GTNP. I hauled my tripod and the Tamron 150-600mm lens up the mountain specifically for the shot which consisted of a bunch or horizontal captures stacked into a single vertical pano. That stitched digital file is huge--while shooting the same subject with a standard landscape lens would mean considerable cropping and loss of MPX data.
Additionally, check out this page:
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2013/08/29/distance-and-scale-relationships-in-the-tetons-and-elsewhere/
Many people assume that getting close and using a short lens is a superior option, but in landscapes (especially with mountains as a backdrop) being close makes the mountains looks smaller. There's a slideshow on the page that illustrates the phenomenon.
There are times when you can't back up and there times you can't get close. They are instances when the correct lens can make the shot.
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2014/05/20/panoramic-images-tips-for-getting-more-of-the-tetons-in-a-shot/
Shooting Data for Hidden Falls: NIKON D800, Tamron 150-600 mm f/5.0-6.3 at 150 mm, 1/15 Second at f/9, Manual Mode, -2 EV, ISO 64
In my humble opinion, telephoto lenses are spectacular for landscapes. I especially like my Tamron 150-600mm G2 and Nikon 70-200mm lenses, though I own Nikon 24-70 mm and Nikon 14-24mm lenses. I seldom shoot the 14-24 for landscapes.
If so inclined, check out this post on my blog about the subject.
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2017/04/24/telephoto-lenses-for-landscapes/
You might notice the shot of Hidden Falls on Cascade Creek in GTNP. I hauled my tripod and the Tamron 150-600mm lens up the mountain specifically for the shot which consisted of a bunch or horizontal captures stacked into a single vertical pano. That stitched digital file is huge--while shooting the same subject with a standard landscape lens would mean considerable cropping and loss of MPX data.
Additionally, check out this page:
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2013/08/29/distance-and-scale-relationships-in-the-tetons-and-elsewhere/
Many people assume that getting close and using a short lens is a superior option, but in landscapes (especially with mountains as a backdrop) being close makes the mountains looks smaller. There's a slideshow on the page that illustrates the phenomenon.
There are times when you can't back up and there times you can't get close. They are instances when the correct lens can make the shot.
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2014/05/20/panoramic-images-tips-for-getting-more-of-the-tetons-in-a-shot/
Shooting Data for Hidden Falls: NIKON D800, Tamron 150-600 mm f/5.0-6.3 at 150 mm, 1/15 Second at f/9, Manual Mode, -2 EV, ISO 64
Feb 15, 2018 23:22:38 #
I see people going to my old blog post: https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2017/02/26/tamron-150-600mm-g2-lens-my-experiences/ The post on the site now is the second version.
Tamron replaced my first copy of the 150-600mm G2 after I sent it in and after it still didn't work. The replacement lens worked much, much better right out of the box. The Rep suggested I send my D5 and the new lens to the service center to have the lens micro adjusted to the body. I've been using it regularly since, and updated the blog post after pairing the lens and body.
The rule of thumb I work under now is to turn VC off when on a tripod regardless of shutter speed. And, as others have suggested, I don't use VC on shutter speeds over 1/500th of a second. Most of my wildlife shots are at 1/1000 second to 1/1600 second if I can get enough light, so again, no VC on or off the tripod. The VC Mode#2 (panning mode) seldom gets used (birds in flight) because the shutter speeds are usually too high. The Rep suggested using Mode 3 for most times I actually use VC...limited to shooting at slower speeds out the window of my truck. On a Nikon D5, I typically use Manual Mode to set the shutter speed and aperture, then turn on Auto ISO. I seldom shoot above F/9 and despite conventional wisdom, get good images when wide open. When photographing subjects like Mountain Goats that usually stand fairly still, I try several different settings. On my D5, I see a considerable slow down of the frame rate with VC on.
If you can stand to be without your lens and body for a couple of weeks, I'd definitely suggest sending them in.
Tamron replaced my first copy of the 150-600mm G2 after I sent it in and after it still didn't work. The replacement lens worked much, much better right out of the box. The Rep suggested I send my D5 and the new lens to the service center to have the lens micro adjusted to the body. I've been using it regularly since, and updated the blog post after pairing the lens and body.
The rule of thumb I work under now is to turn VC off when on a tripod regardless of shutter speed. And, as others have suggested, I don't use VC on shutter speeds over 1/500th of a second. Most of my wildlife shots are at 1/1000 second to 1/1600 second if I can get enough light, so again, no VC on or off the tripod. The VC Mode#2 (panning mode) seldom gets used (birds in flight) because the shutter speeds are usually too high. The Rep suggested using Mode 3 for most times I actually use VC...limited to shooting at slower speeds out the window of my truck. On a Nikon D5, I typically use Manual Mode to set the shutter speed and aperture, then turn on Auto ISO. I seldom shoot above F/9 and despite conventional wisdom, get good images when wide open. When photographing subjects like Mountain Goats that usually stand fairly still, I try several different settings. On my D5, I see a considerable slow down of the frame rate with VC on.
If you can stand to be without your lens and body for a couple of weeks, I'd definitely suggest sending them in.
Oct 15, 2017 09:16:05 #
I have a few updates for this thread.
I sent my D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 to Tamron Service to let them fine tune the lens to the D5. They do this for free. I paid the shipping to them and they paid for shipping back. It was fairly quick, but delayed slightly for me because they didn't have any XQD cards at the time. The combo was good before I sent it in and better afterwards. And the lens has been very good on my D810.
You can buy their TapIn console and do the adjustments using FoCal, but it costs extra for both. If you plan on buying a lot of Tamron lenses, it might be worth the investment.
For people with more than one body, there are a few caveats. The TapIn/Focal option saves the data for the lens body/lens combinations in a data file that must be uploaded to the lens via a computer connected to the TapIn console. At the time I was talking with the Tamron rep, to upload the data, you must also be connected to the Internet to access the software. That might be tough in some parts of the country or world. I asked about a USB connection direct from an iPhone to the console, but he said that was not an option at the time. Maybe now?
I believe the G2 is quicker and better at Birds in Flight than the Nikon 200-500mm and is better then the G1. My older 200-400mm is much faster than any of the three.
Lastly, I also don't like the amount of twisting it takes to zoom from 200mm to 500mm on that lens. It takes very nice photos, and I still pair it with my D500 on most days.
There are lots of photos taken with all three on my GTNP/Jackson Hole Daily Journal pages at www.bestofthetetons.com
I sent my D5 and Tamron 150-600 G2 to Tamron Service to let them fine tune the lens to the D5. They do this for free. I paid the shipping to them and they paid for shipping back. It was fairly quick, but delayed slightly for me because they didn't have any XQD cards at the time. The combo was good before I sent it in and better afterwards. And the lens has been very good on my D810.
You can buy their TapIn console and do the adjustments using FoCal, but it costs extra for both. If you plan on buying a lot of Tamron lenses, it might be worth the investment.
For people with more than one body, there are a few caveats. The TapIn/Focal option saves the data for the lens body/lens combinations in a data file that must be uploaded to the lens via a computer connected to the TapIn console. At the time I was talking with the Tamron rep, to upload the data, you must also be connected to the Internet to access the software. That might be tough in some parts of the country or world. I asked about a USB connection direct from an iPhone to the console, but he said that was not an option at the time. Maybe now?
I believe the G2 is quicker and better at Birds in Flight than the Nikon 200-500mm and is better then the G1. My older 200-400mm is much faster than any of the three.
Lastly, I also don't like the amount of twisting it takes to zoom from 200mm to 500mm on that lens. It takes very nice photos, and I still pair it with my D500 on most days.
There are lots of photos taken with all three on my GTNP/Jackson Hole Daily Journal pages at www.bestofthetetons.com
Jun 4, 2017 00:22:27 #
Paloviejo added a link to my blog at www.bestofthetetons.com (thanks to him/her for doing that!) I've lived here 31 years, so I know the area fairly well. My mission statement for the site is "What I would like to know, and need to know if planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole". I load the site with that kind of information, and lots of photos! There are lots of feature posts about specific places to see, maps, weather, web cams, and important area links.
Others gave you good info on Yellowstone
Hope Best of the Tetons helps! MJ
Others gave you good info on Yellowstone
Hope Best of the Tetons helps! MJ
May 5, 2017 23:37:49 #
I have all three of the lenses you mentioned. Tamron replaced my first G2 with one that works really well and I am happy with it. I am lucky enough to have a Nikon D5, D500, and D810. Typically, I leave the Nikon 200-500mm on my D500, so with the 1.5 crop factor, I get a bit more relative zoom with that combination than either of the 150-600mm lenses on the D5 or D810. When handled the same, and processed the same, I can't tell much difference at all in the two newer lenses.
Currently, my D5 and Tamron 200-600 G2 are heading to Tamron USA while we are on a trip. I am hoping they can do the micro adjustments to make it the very best it can be. I love that combination, shooting in Manual Mode with Auto ISO. The D5 gives me a lot of elbow room with its very good ISO.
I try to use a tripod when I can (with VC or VR off). Otherwise I usually shoot over a bean bag when possible, and fast shutter speeds when handheld with no support. The G2 does a good job of Vibration Control at slow shutter speeds, but at slow shutter speeds the subject can't be moving. (unless you are dragging the shutter for an artistic effect).
The G2 has a new option for limiting focus to 2.2 meters to 10 meters. I've found that to be a great option for close songbirds while I am in my blind.
I've been posting photos of Grizzlies photographed with both the G2 and Nikon 200-500mm on my Daily Journal pages at: https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2017/05/01/may-2017-daily-journal-for-jh-and-gtnp/
The attachment was was taken with a D500 and Nikon 200-500mm.
Currently, my D5 and Tamron 200-600 G2 are heading to Tamron USA while we are on a trip. I am hoping they can do the micro adjustments to make it the very best it can be. I love that combination, shooting in Manual Mode with Auto ISO. The D5 gives me a lot of elbow room with its very good ISO.
I try to use a tripod when I can (with VC or VR off). Otherwise I usually shoot over a bean bag when possible, and fast shutter speeds when handheld with no support. The G2 does a good job of Vibration Control at slow shutter speeds, but at slow shutter speeds the subject can't be moving. (unless you are dragging the shutter for an artistic effect).
The G2 has a new option for limiting focus to 2.2 meters to 10 meters. I've found that to be a great option for close songbirds while I am in my blind.
I've been posting photos of Grizzlies photographed with both the G2 and Nikon 200-500mm on my Daily Journal pages at: https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2017/05/01/may-2017-daily-journal-for-jh-and-gtnp/
The attachment was was taken with a D500 and Nikon 200-500mm.
Feb 27, 2017 12:20:26 #
Thanks for the comments here about my post. I am taking all of them constructively! I think there are a couple of "takeaways"...
First: Tamron's Quality Control was lacking when they shipped my new lens so far out of whack.
Second: No one reads a lens manual until they see they are having problems. The new G2 lenses have some new features that are not intuitive by looking at MODE 1, MODE 2, and MODE 3 on the side of the barrel, so you definitely need to read the manual on this one.
Style wise? I definitely could have taken a different approach. I chose the title: "Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens: My Experiences" and I included a paragraph at the very beginning that asks people to NOT form an opinion until they read the whole thing. After that, my post was intended to report "my experiences" in more or less a linear mode, starting with the bad sample and ending with more consistent, good results if you pick the right VC for the situation.
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2017/02/26/tamron-150-600mm-g2-lens-my-experiences/
After reading the comments here, I might consider flipping the article upside down and suggest the lens "can" take wonderful shots (if you get a good copy to start with), if you read the manual up front and are careful with the VC settings. Yes...I'll fix that right now.
Cheers,
Mike Jackson
First: Tamron's Quality Control was lacking when they shipped my new lens so far out of whack.
Second: No one reads a lens manual until they see they are having problems. The new G2 lenses have some new features that are not intuitive by looking at MODE 1, MODE 2, and MODE 3 on the side of the barrel, so you definitely need to read the manual on this one.
Style wise? I definitely could have taken a different approach. I chose the title: "Tamron 150-600mm G2 Lens: My Experiences" and I included a paragraph at the very beginning that asks people to NOT form an opinion until they read the whole thing. After that, my post was intended to report "my experiences" in more or less a linear mode, starting with the bad sample and ending with more consistent, good results if you pick the right VC for the situation.
https://www.bestofthetetons.com/2017/02/26/tamron-150-600mm-g2-lens-my-experiences/
After reading the comments here, I might consider flipping the article upside down and suggest the lens "can" take wonderful shots (if you get a good copy to start with), if you read the manual up front and are careful with the VC settings. Yes...I'll fix that right now.
Cheers,
Mike Jackson
Nov 11, 2015 19:55:27 #
Hi...thanks!
Here's the info I copied off my blog: I am currently using Nikon D4 and D810 pro bodies. Lenses: 14-24mm f/2.8 wide angle lens, 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, 70-200mm f/2.8 mid-range zoom lens, and 200-400mm f/4 telephoto zoom lens. I recently added a Tamron 150-600mm lens. The rest of the gear is rather eclectic. The tripod is use most is an older four piece Gitzo G1348 Mountaineer MK2 Carbon Fiber Tripod with a Really Right Stuff leveling pan base and an Arca-Swiss Ball Head. I have a Wimberley Sidekick on each of the two larger lenses with collars. My second, heavy duty tripod is a Manfrotto 504HD Video Fluid Head w/ 536 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit . The camera bags are filled with all kinds of gadgets, triggers, connectors, and so forth, along with numerous Nikon strobes.
Attaching a couple other shots.
Mike Jackson
blog: www.bestofthetetons.com
site: www.tetonimages.com
Here's the info I copied off my blog: I am currently using Nikon D4 and D810 pro bodies. Lenses: 14-24mm f/2.8 wide angle lens, 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, 70-200mm f/2.8 mid-range zoom lens, and 200-400mm f/4 telephoto zoom lens. I recently added a Tamron 150-600mm lens. The rest of the gear is rather eclectic. The tripod is use most is an older four piece Gitzo G1348 Mountaineer MK2 Carbon Fiber Tripod with a Really Right Stuff leveling pan base and an Arca-Swiss Ball Head. I have a Wimberley Sidekick on each of the two larger lenses with collars. My second, heavy duty tripod is a Manfrotto 504HD Video Fluid Head w/ 536 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit . The camera bags are filled with all kinds of gadgets, triggers, connectors, and so forth, along with numerous Nikon strobes.
Attaching a couple other shots.
Mike Jackson
blog: www.bestofthetetons.com
site: www.tetonimages.com
Grand Trail Home
Tools of the Trade
Milky Way
Nov 11, 2015 14:55:48 #
In Lightroom, select all of the images you need to change, hit the F2 button and then use any of the many options for renaming. After that, it is easy to sort them by capture time.
Nov 11, 2015 00:10:42 #
Posting an eclectic set of shots taken in Jackson Hole over the past few days.
If it's okay, I'll add a link to a page of November images, mostly from Grand Teton National Park:
http://www.bestofthetetons.com/2015/11/01/november-2015-daily-updates-photos-for-grand-teton-national-park-jh-a-monthly-journal/
Cheers,
Mike Jackson
If it's okay, I'll add a link to a page of November images, mostly from Grand Teton National Park:
http://www.bestofthetetons.com/2015/11/01/november-2015-daily-updates-photos-for-grand-teton-national-park-jh-a-monthly-journal/
Cheers,
Mike Jackson
Rainbow Over Mormon Row
Sleeping Indian
Fresh Snow
Nov 10, 2015 23:51:10 #
Just a quick note to say hello. I saw a few links coming to my blog from this site, so I followed them back to the source.
My wife and I have lived in Jackson Hole for the past 29 years. I have been taking photos off and on all along, but extensively for the past 9 years.
Cheers,
Mike Jackson
My wife and I have lived in Jackson Hole for the past 29 years. I have been taking photos off and on all along, but extensively for the past 9 years.
Cheers,
Mike Jackson
Schwabacher Landing, GTNP
Nov 10, 2015 23:35:52 #
These two pages might be exactly what you are needing! I go out to the GTNP almost daily and add photos and comments. These are the May Daily Updates for the past two years.
http://www.bestofthetetons.com/2015/05/28/may-2015-daily-updates-photos-for-grand-teton-national-park-jh/
http://www.bestofthetetons.com/2014/05/01/may-in-grand-teton-national-park-and-jackson-hole/
Hope they help!
Mike Jackson
www.bestofthetetons.com
http://www.bestofthetetons.com/2015/05/28/may-2015-daily-updates-photos-for-grand-teton-national-park-jh/
http://www.bestofthetetons.com/2014/05/01/may-in-grand-teton-national-park-and-jackson-hole/
Hope they help!
Mike Jackson
www.bestofthetetons.com