New Tamron 150-600 G2

1/2000 sec. f/7.1 552mm ISO 640

Song Sparrow.

Im still debating whether I should keep this lens or try out the Canon 100-400 II. Has anyone owned both and could share their experiences?

I was on the fence when I bought mine. Here was my rational:

Canon
F/4.5 100mm - 134mm (with 1.4x this is F/6.3 140mm - 187mm)
F/5 135mm - 311mm (with 1.4x this is F/7 189mm - 435mm)
f5.6 312mm - 400mm (with 1.4x this is F/8.8 436mm - 560mm)

Tamron G2
F/5 150mm - 212mm
5.6 213mm - 427mm
6.3 428mm - 600mm

If you are shooting with an extender for the reach, the Tamron wins in speed and distance.

When you are not shooting with an extender the Tamron is marginally slower in specific areas, there however is a lot of overlap in focal length and aperture.

If you had an extender on and wanted to take advantage of the marginally faster speed of the Canon, good luck getting the extender off fast enough to potentially missing your opportunity to get shots off of your desired subject.

I don't think I have shot much under 250mm with this lens. It honestly stays locked at 500mm most the time.

I have toyed with the idea of a 2x extender. The Canon would require the 1.4x and the 2x still falling short on total FL and a good bit slower:
1120mm at F/15.6
1200mm at F/12.6

As far as IQ, reviews tout the Canon is better optically, but I haven't seen any true side by sides that have enough separation in IQ to warrant the substantial price increase (including 1.4x extender). But then again I am not making my living behind a camera. If I was, then I might think otherwise.

I know renting isn't cheap, but if I was considering a returning the Tamron and buying the Canon for use with extender, I would rent both and go do my own side by side comparisons. Then you know they are 100% unbiased (unless you go into it with a desired out come in which you will likely some how bias your test to favor your desired outcome - I know as I have done this).


Please keep us informed either way. If you decide to switch I would love to hear your feedback.

astronotus_2000 wrote in post #18606613
1/2000 sec. f/7.1 552mm ISO 640

Hosted photo: posted by astronotus_2000 in
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forum: Lens Sample Photo Archive

Super nice job. That new Tamron 150-600 G2 is working out nicely for you. I've been comparing the Tamron to the Sigma, and I really like the Tamron because of it's light weight. I almost always hand hold (or use a monopod), and the Sigma is awfully heavy. How has it been doing when shooting out to 600mm? Is there image quality loss?

I will post some 600mm shots in a couple weeks. I am with out it in China for work. I wanted to bring it but my bag was full and heavy:

5d3
Canon 70-200 2.8 V2
Sigma 35 1.4
Tamron 24-70 G2

Another cardinal @600mm pretty tight crop.

A very inquisitive Robin

Downy Woodpecker

So I feel I have been able to tune the lens in well for still or subjects that are static so to speak (humming birds at feeders). The issue I am having right now is autofocus for BIF. I feel I don't have in camera tracking set up well in either body 5d3 or 7d2. I know both are very capable bodies.

Anyone care to shed light on what they are using for tracking settings?

Hooded crow.

From a few minutes ago

26.5.2018.

Yesterday in Moss Landing

The two lens I want the most right now.. 18-400 and 150-600. Having some yard sales this summer to pitch in with my milk money!
Not sure which one I want the most. Im thinking 150-600, and do some scanner chasing for fires, etc.. to capture some emergency scene pictures, of course maintaining privacy of anybody involve.. the 600 throw will allow me to shoot from a distance, but get good magnification.

Andrew

ShutterKlick wrote in post #18635416
The two lens I want the most right now.. 18-400 and 150-600. Having some yard sales this summer to pitch in with my milk money!
Not sure which one I want the most. Im thinking 150-600, and do some scanner chasing for fires, etc.. to capture some emergency scene pictures, of course maintaining privacy of anybody involve.. the 600 throw will allow me to shoot from a distance, but get good magnification.

Andrew

I have both of these lenses. I have used a Tamron superzoom for travel for a number of years, and the new 18-400 is honestly the best they have done so far in this category, which they seem to practically own. If I had to give one up, it would be the 18-400, as the 150-600 is wonderful for what I do most, which is birds. Luckily, I don't have to make that choice.