topic Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best? in EF & RF Lenses

Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

jjanis — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 15:11:58 GMT

I have been out West several times and wished I had a good telephoto lens for my Digital Rebel XSI to shoot wildlife. With another trip coming up I am ready to make a purchase. From research am thinking of buying the Tamron SP 150-600mm lens. However, I see there is 1 under $1000 and a newer G2 model for $400 more. I am having a hard time seeing the difference that justifies spending that $400 more and would love some input.

I am also wondering what case to purchase for airtravel for the lens and what tripod might be recommended. Is there a quick release gimball head recommended to use with that big lens? Am in bit new working with tripod. Am wondering if the less expensive lens would be just as good and allow me some budget for the tripod and head.

Again, thanks for any input! Am hoping to make a purchase soon so I can get in a bit of practice with equipment before our upcoming mid October trip.

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

ebiggs1 — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 15:28:11 GMT

You may not see or notice the difference but there is one. The G2 is better all around, IQ and AF, not to mention the dock. It all depends on how far you want to go and how much quality you want.

In the case of the tripod, always buy the best one you can afford. You don't need a gimbal. They are nice and I most always use mine but it is not mandatory.

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

diverhank — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 22:37:21 GMT

I have a Tamron 150-600 version 1 and a Sigma 150-600 Contemporary. I very much prefer the Sigma C over the Tamron. On the Tamron, you HAVE to turn off the VR (Tamron term for IS - image stabilization) for moving objects - no such problem for the Sigma. In addition to being able to use IS, the Sigma focuses faster and has better IQ (image quality) and is better built.

PS. My Tamron is currently broken - the mount broke on its own and fell out of my camera. This is my first and last Tamron lens I'll ever buy.

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

jjanis — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 00:29:53 GMT

Thanks! I saw the Sigma lens and for some reason leaned towards the Tamron, But now I am looking at it again and reading fantastic reviews. Curious what others here think of the comparison between the Sigma 150-600 Contemorary and the Tamron SP150-600 G2?

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

cicopo — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 04:08:13 GMT

I use the Sigma in a rather challenging venu but on better bodies than what you have and AF performance is part body & part lens but I can't break that down enough to decide how much % wise it's the body. This is the link to my Gallery on another forum & you can easily see the body / lens info under each photo thumbnail. All samples hand held by a senior citizen.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/membergallery.php?m=96544

Just click on any photo you want to see at uploaded resolution.

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

shadowsports — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 13:05:22 GMT

jjanis,

You can see which one I have.

I like Sigma lenses over Tamron, but its really up to you I already owned a few sigma lenses, so the contemporary turned out to be the right choice for me. Had the USB dock as well.

Don't get me wrong Tamron makes some nice lenses, and the (A022) G2 variant is one of their best based on what I've read, and the images I've seen. Sigma's however have better overall compatibility with current and newer body's Tamron is slow to release FW and sometimes they don't at all. Problems like this can be mitigated by doing some prepurchase research.

As with all of the sigma lenses I've used.. No regrets. Oh, the Sigma C is .4lbs lighter too.

The Tamron has a cool zoom lock. Rotate barrel and push forward to lock. Its also just a littl bit newer. With newer you also usually get slightly better optical coatings, as these are always improving.

Last consideration for me. I mostly stick with Canon lenses, but do have a few sigmas. If I bought the G2 it would probably be the only Tamron I owned. I'd have a tap-in for one lens. Its not the money, its just the thought of having one piece of gear that I'd only use with one lens once a year. The Sigma has worked out very well for me.

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

Waddizzle — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 05:27:58 GMT

“I have been out West several times and wished I had a good telephoto lens for my Digital Rebel XSI to shoot wildlife.”

For me, it is hard to say what lens would work best with that older body. Do bring some extra batteries, though.

Have not used either Tamron. I have the Sigma 150-600 “C”, and shoot at f/8 almost exclusively with it. It includes a docking station like the Tamron G2. Actually, Sigma lenses had docking statins before Tamron lenses. Initially the Sigma C was a little soft, and a little to AF. After an update to the AF algorithms in the lens from Sigma, it is tack sharp and quick to AF.

The Sigma has a separate zoom lock switch that locks at every 100mm focal length, which is better than sliding the focus ring that Tamron uses, IMHO. Once I lock at a focal length, I am not switching very oftern. I locked it because that is where i wanted it.

This brings us to a gimbal head. I currently have no use for a gimbal because I do not own any super telephoto primes. The 150-600mm lenses change length significantly over their zoom range. Because of the precise way that gimbals are balanced, I think gimbals are ideal for long primes, not variable length super telephoto zooms. A big lens that changes its’ lenght also changes its’ Center of Gravity which throws off the balanced gimbal.

For sports photography, I have found a monopod to be more useful than a tripod. A monopod is smaller, lighter, and FAR more portable and mobile than a tripod. I go with a Benro MAD49A monopod with a Kirk MPA-2 tilt head. It is a tall monopod, but not having to fully extend each section means added strength.

Wildlife photography may be a different story, though. If you are going to setup in a blind for an extended period of time, use a tripod. If you will be on the move, then use a monopod or go handheld. These 150-600mm lenses are heavy, so I recommend some means of support for extended use.

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

Waddizzle — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 05:40:16 GMT

Sigma 150-600mm and 6D. Original photo.

Cropped version. Look at the big kid’s eyes!

You will not be able to crop images this deep with your current camera body.

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

jjanis — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 13:28:06 GMT

Thanks all for your valuable input. Gives me lots to think about and more to research. All of this leads me to another question though. If you were going to upgrade from the Rebel XSI what would be the next logical jump?

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

shadowsports — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 13:30:40 GMT

Wadizzle,

Yes, well said. I liked the "lock button" as well, but noticed the whole barrel zoom lock thing on the G2 when I was doing my comparision (why I mentioned it). The "eyes" are another reason I went with the Sigma. I saw the clarity and detail in many images before purchase and was not disappointed either. The "C" was the last lens purchase for my current "system".

I said I would go mirrorless some day, and I will, but I'm taking my current lens line up with me and won't be dumping "EF" and investing in "RP" until battery life improves. Great shots guys. I love the planes and sports photos.

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

shadowsports — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 13:50:55 GMT

@jjanis wrote:
Thanks all for your valuable input. Gives me lots to think about and more to research. All of this leads me to another question though. If you were going to upgrade from the Rebel XSI what would be the next logical jump?

Thats a tough one. Budget? Intended use? (Wildlife)??

Considering where you are coming from, any body could be considered an upgrade (nothing derogatory ment by that).

APS-C

Low end T7i

Upper mid 90D

Mid range 6D2

High end 5D4

I am a fan of mirrorless, but not yet due to their battery life. If you buy a APS-C body (Like the T7i) then the Sigma might not be the right choice, but it would give you 240-960 effective FL. Additional reach. Since I only have one body, my approach is what will give me an overall "system" (and options). My 6D2 with my current lenses covers me in the majority of shooting situations.

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

ebiggs1 — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:17:15 GMT

" If you were going to upgrade from the Rebel XSI what would be the next logical jump?"

The next logical choice is the Canon 90D of course.

The problem with most all the advice you got so far is these guys are just review readers. The same as you. Not many have actually "owned" and used both or all of them. I have or had the entire crop of 150-600mm super zooms. People tend to promote the lens they eventually bought as the best. Nobody wants to think they didn't buy the best.

The best of the crop right now is the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 if you want the best IQ and AF ability. It also has a dock like most of the others. Which lens did I ultimately decide was the best for me? The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens. It fits my needs and shooting style best. And, that is what you really need to decide, which one works best for you because all of them are good. The factor of money; cost it high on the list, too. The lens you wish you had won't take a better picture than the lens you have.

Something you haven't thought about and a couple lenses I am high on is the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens. Also, the Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM Lens along with the 1.4x tele-con. Yeah, they are primes, not super zooms but they work very well for what you want. A fixed aperture is nice. With the 300 +1.4x you get two FLs, 300mm and 420mm and a faster aperture. WHat's not to like?

Remember on a new 90D that would be (the 300mm + 1.4x) equivalent to nearly 700mm. Yes, I do own and use both of these choices too! BTW, it keeps all your gear all Canon.

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

ebiggs1 — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:25:26 GMT

At my point in my life I am in the process of getting rid of gear/lenses that I don't use or don't use very often. There are a few that I will keep to the end, though. Two of them are that Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens and its little twin brother the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens. These two lenses have no peers. They are in a class of their own.

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

ebiggs1 — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 14:36:40 GMT

Plastic lenses neednot apply here?

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

jjanis — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 16:22:45 GMT

"couple lenses I am high on is the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens. Also, the Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM Lens along with the 1.4x tele-con"

So many choices I hadn't thought about. Makes my head spin. Any thoughts on used? Was looking at a family owned shop in Indy that gives 180 day warranty on items.

We leave Oct 9th so hope to make upgrades in time to play with these a bit. Am sure there will be a learning curve. Thankfully this is a pretty laid back trip with days I can just play with equipment, too. We have the privilege of staying on site for a few days at a ranch in the mountains where we have seen grizzlies in the past at dusk. My main hope is to get some decent pics of those and then be able to use my equipment for birding back home..

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

Waddizzle — Tue, 17 Sep 2019 17:33:34 GMT

@jjanis wrote:
Thanks all for your valuable input. Gives me lots to think about and more to research. All of this leads me to another question though. If you were going to upgrade from the Rebel XSI what would be the next logical jump?

80D, 90D, 7D2, 6D2, or T7i, 77D

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

wq9nsc — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 14:18:49 GMT

Another vote for the Sigma Sports lens. I tried out their current version 150-600 sports that a friend bought and I was impressed with the image quality. The widest aperture doesn't meet my needs for night HS sports (especially because widest available aperture has a big impact upon AF speed and accuracy) but if I were shooting only in daylight it packs a lot into a fairly compact and light package at a very reasonable price. It may just be personal bias, but I view Sigma as having made a serious effort for many years to play at a higher level AND maintaining value while Tamron is emphasizing price a bit more than image and focus performance.

A wide range telephoto is an extremely useful and versatile lens. I really wanted to love the Canon 200-400 F4 with its built in extender to instantly create a 280-560 F5.6 on the fly and have rented it twice but after shooting with the 300 and 400 2.8 primes, the focus speed isn't quite there-especially in low light and although it is an excellent lens it doesn't produce quite the same incredible sharpness and contrast of its prime siblings. For a lot of shooting, nothing beats a good prime and Canon's own 400 F5.6 is an incredible bang for the buck if you don't absolutely need zoom. It plays well with the Canon 1.4X on most bodies providing a 560mm F8 and it is just a great and highly reliable lens. Mine doesn't get a lot of use after I bought the faster primes in that range but when there is plenty of light it is far more pleasant to hand hold than my 400 2.8 and it has gone on numerous long hikes in the mountains without missing a beat. I haven't quite wrapped my head around upgrading to the newer, lighter, and far better balanced 400 2.8 yet but it is very tempting if Canon decides to run a rebate on it in the future.

Rodger

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

ebiggs1 — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 14:36:20 GMT

Roger you have missed the boat if you have never tried the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens. For round ball and BB it is a winner. I see lots of them court side and at BB games in the pit.

"I really wanted to love the Canon 200-400 F4 with its built in extender..."

It makes no sense to build a lens that is the best lens ever made if ~~90%~~ 95%of us can't afford it. Yeah, I understand it costs money to make great but at some point there is a limit. You for one obviously have the resources to buy top of the mark many thousands of dollar lenses. Most of us don't.

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

ebiggs1 — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 14:40:59 GMT

"Any thoughts on used?"

I consider any of these super zooms a good candidate to buy on the used market. Quite frankly most of them sit in a bag a lot of their life. They get very little use! Any of the white Canon lenses are built for the long haul. So, again a good value on the used market. You can add that almost any and all Canon lenses can be and are worth servicing if needed.

Re: Which Tamron SP 150-600 is best?

ebiggs1 — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 14:50:10 GMT

" The widest aperture doesn't meet my needs for night HS sports..."

Kinda funny, I watched a couple kids on the HS Year Book staff photographing last Friday's FB game with a Tamron 150-600mil and their shots were quite good. (With a Rebel, BTW) Maybe not SI quality but pretty darn good. Perhaps they are't aware that they need a faster lens!