Upgrade 70-200 F4 IS to tamron F2.8 VC?

Like the title states, Should I sell my 70-200 f4 IS for the tamron 70-200 f2.8 Vc? I've had my canon 70-200 for a few yrs now and have been extremely happy with its performance but, for awhile now I've been pondering upgrading to the F2.8 IS II but, it's really not in my budget right now and I've been reading a ton of positive reviews on the tamron. Up until recently I used my 70-200 for just about everything outdoors. (mostly drag racing and wildlife with use of my 1.4x tc) But for Christmas I received a 100-400L so, I no longer use it for wildlife and it has me thinking now would be a good time to upgrage it to fill another major need, a longer zoom for low light situations. Has anyone used the tamron in low light sport specifically night drag racing? How did it perform vs the f2.8 IS II? What about the sigma 50-150 F2.8 OS? (No plans to go full frame and it be a good fit between my 17-55 & 100-400 plus it's $500 cheaper)

I'm in a similar situation, I'm just a hobbyist with a lot to learn still, having said that, I'm planning on investing on a good telephoto lens. Mind you photography is just a past time for me, so spending 1k on a lens is making me do my homework. I originally had my heart set on the Canon 70-200f4 is, I finally saved the funds for it, only now the Tamron 70-200 2.8VC is getting my attention. I've read tons of reviews and they all seem positive, the problem is there isn't too much 'talk/feedback' about this lens, could be not too many people own it??, there is great review here from Talley.

https://photography-on-the.net …0&highlight=tam​ron+70-200

I'm not sure why this lens does not get more attention, I would also like to hear what other have to say about this comparison, hopefully more experienced photog's can chime in.

good luck with your decision.

The above link is to my Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC vs Canon 70-200 2.8 II thread.

Here is the review vs the Canon F4 IS:

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1327866

I've owned the Canon 70-200 F4 non IS, the IS version, the Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS, the current Tamron VC in my sig and I've used the Canon Mk2 lens here recently quite frequently.

The Tamron VC model is an amazing lens for the price.

oops. thank you for posting the correct link. you have certainly made difficult for me to chose between the two (f4 version). The weight factor is weighing heavily on my decision ..

secretninja wrote in post #16569852
oops. thank you for posting the correct link. you have certainly made difficult for me to chose between the two (f4 version). The weight factor is weighing heavily on my decision ..

It was tough for a while. Now I do 4hr zoo trips and carry it and my camera on my black rapid strap. No big deal anymore.

Best thing I can do is rent a sigma 120-300 and carry that around and it makes anything else feel light. I handheld that lens for a 1hr football game for my cousin. It conditioned me into whats heavy

I have read your reviews talley and they are a big part of what's sparked my interest in the tamron after seeing it's IQ vs the F2.8 IS II and at a much lower cost. My biggest question with the tamron is how is the auto focus when cars are coming straight at you? I get track side access at the local tracks and when doing top end shots the cars are headed towards me at 185-190mph. If the tamron has a high success rate in that application I wouldn't hesitate to sell my F4 IS and upgrade to it.

BB70Chevelle wrote in post #16569905
I have read your reviews talley and they are a big part of what's sparked my interest in the tamron after seeing it's IQ vs the F2.8 IS II and at a much lower cost. My biggest question with the tamron is how is the auto focus when cars are coming straight at you? I get track side access at the local tracks and when doing top end shots the cars are headed towards me at 185-190mph. If the tamron has a high success rate in that application I wouldn't hesitate to sell my F4 IS and upgrade to it.

I did alot of testing and the speed is there. Just as fast as the F4 IS and I really felt it was right on par with the MK2. Accuracy is something I haven't testing a bunch yet. 2014 will bring me a 5D3 and I'll start doing some sports and will get a better idea of the accuracy. The 6D is not a tracking camera... for me at least.


Many will use the 60D/7D for automotive racing and use the 100-400. The focus on my Tamron is faster than the 100-400.

After reading more and more good things about the tamron I decided to go ahead and order it and should have it here on Monday from B&H! Looks like its time to put the F4 IS up for sale.

congratulation
I`ve got mine 2 weeks ago and I'm very happy with it , I thought its not gonna be sharp at 200mm f2.8 but it is .

BB70Chevelle wrote in post #16572632
After reading more and more good things about the tamron I decided to go ahead and order it and should have it here on Monday from B&H! Looks like its time to put the F4 IS up for sale.

Old thread, new question. Are you happy with your Tamron 70-200 purchase? I am debating between the Canon f4 and Tamron as well.

This is a great lens if for no other reason...it's black! And IMO every bit as sharp as the Canon.

Think I'll rent one for a week and go play during the Cherry Blossom Festival next month in DC. On a bright sunny day, those 1000+ cherry trees in bloom are a beautiful sight to behold.

Oldschool1948 wrote in post #16777127
Old thread, new question. Are you happy with your Tamron 70-200 purchase? I am debating between the Canon f4 and Tamron as well.

So far I'm very happy with it though I haven't gotten to use it as much as I'd like. First Saturday in April is my first drag race I'll be covering so that's when I'll really get to test it out and see how I like it vs my previously owned F4 IS.

Sorry to jump in your discussion - I own Canon 60D and 17-55 ( also 50 f1.8 and 100mm f2.8 macro). I only recently bought 17-55 as a part of my upgrade of 18-135. Now I am looking for the long side : undecided between:
Canon 70-200 f4L IS
Sigma 50-150 OS
Tamron 70-200 VC

Do you agree that Tamron would be my best bet? 1. f2.8, 2. new with warranty, 3. black colour - I can at least see those 3 advantages; the price should be the 4th one I think.
Do you have any photos taken by the Tamron please?

Thank you.

here you go. i was in the same boat and went with Tamron

https://photography-on-the.net …ghlight=tamron+​70&page=43