Most reasonable x-600mm Lens to use with Canon Rebel T6i for casual shooting

[MrsCatLady]

I have a Canon Rebel T6i that is still working perfectly and frankly I'm scared to make the jump to mirrorless - so I am thinking of investing in a bigger lens so I can photograph from a greater distance. I don't mind the weight, mostly looking for something that's under $2k. I especially love photographing birds and other wildlife at the ocean and the lakes I visit every summer, as well as some local sports games. I can never get close enough for my taste even with my 55-250mm lens. 

A friend of mine has a Sigma 150-600mm for her Nikon and I've played with her camera and absolutely love the length and the quality of pictures she gets. I've seen a 60-600 out there as well as 150-600 from various brands, so I want to make sure I'm getting the best (and most reasonable) bang for my buck since it's a big investment for me. 

Thanks for any suggestions!

[kvbarkley]

That would be an excellent choice. I have the Tamron for my T6s, but most folks here prefer the sigma. I personally prefer the 150-600 focal length. I don’t see that a monster like a 60-600 would be a handy walking around lens!

[Tintype_18]

My T7 digests a Sigma 150-600mm just fine. Heavy so it requires a monopod or tripod.

[ebiggs1]

There are really only two reasonable choices ...

1> Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF

2> Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Canon EF

There is the 'Sport' version of the Sigma which is the lens I personally use and prefer but I warn folks it is big and very heavy but it is a fantastic lens. Since your handle is MrsCatLady I am assuming you are female and probably not a professional power weight lifter so the Sport may not be for you. Buy you never know unless you try it.

However, the first two options are outstanding with the Tamron G2 being just a tad bit better. Don't forget the used market if filled with these big lenses and some are in excellent shape since most people don't realize how big they are or how to use them. I noticed you said....

"I can never get close enough for my taste ...."

That is not the first or best case for using a big super zoom. The main most thing is making the subject larger in the image. And that means you should still be close to your subject not at a great distance. Of course they do act as a telescope so there is that, too. SInce you said you have already tried one you should know how it works in real life situations.

Two recommendations try before you buy and buy the Tamron G2. (<--IMHO) 😁

[ebiggs1]

"Heavy so it requires a monopod or tripod"

Yes it does sometimes need a tripod but by far I use my 150-600mm Sport hand held. I rarely use or am confined to a monopod or much less a tripod. A tripod is way too confining for the good shots and more of a shoot the Moon type stuff. Everybody is different and everybody has certain limitations but restricting yourself to a tripod is a big handicap. Big super zoom teles are by their nature big and heavy. You need to realize that before you lay your money down.

[ebiggs1]

" I don’t see that a monster like a 60-600 would be a handy walking around lens!"

Neither do I ............... for most people. The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens is a very big and very heavy lens. Know that going in.

I carry my Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens out walking generally in the woods or wildlife areas ro the zoo for long periods of time. Sometimes, I have it on a 1 Series and another 1 Series with a shorter zoom. Once again it all depends on the person.

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens hand held on my 1D Mk IV.

[MrsCatLady]

Thank you! The 60-600 seems like it'd be a bear to carry around - as if the 150-600 isn't already heavy enough lol

[MrsCatLady]

Thank you. I do have a good monopod and tripod. 

[MrsCatLady]

Lol thank you! I take it you're fond of the Tamron G2? 😁 

I'd totally be down with buying a used lens as opposed to a new one. Especially since I'm not a pro. I mean I've done weddings and events before and sold some prints, but I'm not a trained pro. So I don't really need a brand spanking new lens. 

I guess what I mean by "I can never get close enough for my taste" is that I do want the subject to be larger in the image. I can usually get pretty close to the loons and the eagles by way of boat (pontoon boat so I'm safer lol) but I can't get the subject as large as I would like in my frame. 

My friend's lens was heavy, but it was amazing to be able to actually see and watch the animals in much more detail. Half the time I'm just using the camera as binoculars lol..

Thanks for your detailed input! I may actually end up renting both lenses for a week to see what I think.  

[kvbarkley]

If you are in the US, you can rent from Lens Rentals, and if you really like your copy, you can purchase it from them. That is what I did with my Tamron.