150-600 comparison

Hey, birders, any of you know of an unbiased comparison of the sigma 150-600C vs. The Tamron 150-600? Looked at the individual reviews and am leaning towards the Sigma. But also curious how each play with TC's? 840 and 1200 reach would be awesome if the IQ is there.
Hoping to go down this road along with a new 7Dll (hey, I've been patient )and trying to improve my chances of making a right decision. Thank you all.

Heya,

Get the one that has the best deal for you, they're equals image quality wise in reality. The OS is probably better on the Sigma for all modes. The Tamron would hopefully have the new firmware to make it's VC appropriate, if it's an older model (first release cycle) it would need that update to get panning and stuff right on the VC. Again, image quality wise, they're a wash. Both can be used with a 1.4x TC and a camera capable of F8 focus. It stays relatively sharp, but it's a noticeable hit. The AF accuracy is going to be poor though, so don't expect much in terms of tracking a moving subject. Ideally, don't use a TC. If you want supreme reach with IQ/sharpness/speed, save up for an appropriate lens for that. If you get one of these, be ok with 600mm at F6.3.

I have an initial release Tamron, no firmware update. It's tack sharp. Focuses fast. I've felt no need to replace it or update it. That said, it was the only 600mm available for $1k back then. Now that there are other options, I would have to be more critical, and since they cost the same basically, I'd probably buy the Sigma if for nothing more than the better OS and the USB dock option (not that I need it, but it's nice to have that option if you do need it).

Note, Tamron is releasing a USB dock as well, but as of right now, it only supports the latest VC primes. So it's not certain if it will support the 150-600 VC, but hopefully with a firmware update it will, otherwise, Tamron would be shooting themselves in the foot.

I will say this, the Tamron warranty is awesome and they service here in the USA and they are responsive.

Overall, learning what I have from these lenses, it's done nothing but prep my wallet for a 300 F2.8 or 400 F2.8. Even with all the reach, you end up wanting something else...

Here's some from my first gen non-updated Tamron:

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/napz​ba

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/npdm​8o

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/q1dF​yx

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/riny​RE

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/rqFn​Et

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/rnc5​Q1

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/peeg​o2

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/DRku​p7

Having struggled, repeatedly, with the Tamron, I lean toward the Sigma, myself. Plus, compatibility with the Sigma dock and the flexibility that gives for tuning a lens to your own preferences is a big thing, IMO.

Gentlemen, you are too kind. Thank you both for your input. Very much appreciated.

My lens is back with Tamron for the repair, they are replacing the VC unit, disassemble, adjust and lubricate the zoom because it is too loose lastly the focus in my lens is defects based from their finding so they check and adjusted for image quality. I never drop my lens and seldom use it now because of my 500mm, I still love this lens and I will never ever sell it even after the repairs. I am just warning you Rog . Get the Sigma instead he he he. I heard you can MFA in 16 different focal lenght with the Sigma. Good luck. My lens before it went caput was doing ok with 1.4 tc and 7D.

But I think both would be the same in image quality and I dont know about the sports version.

Hey, Peter, really appreciate your chiming in. Sounds like you're "telling like it is" and that's what I was looking for. If I may, what lead you to the Tamron? Was Sigma out at the time? If not, question answered.
Again, thank you so much!

I have the Tamron, with updated firmware. Sharp to about 520mm or so, but still fair past that. AF is good. Panning at slow shutter speeds (say 1/60 for prop aircraft) is a nightmare for me. At faster shutter-speeds for panning jets and birds it works fine.

I have the Sigma and could not be happier. The ability to use the dock for firmware updates and customize the OS and focus was instrumental in my decision. New firmware is supposed to be released this month to increase focus speed, even though I have no complaints now. Updates will be 5 or so minutes with the dock. Rotation to zoom is also in the same direction as Canon and Tamron is opposite.

LV Moose wrote in post #17919890
I have the Tamron, with updated firmware. Sharp to about 520mm or so, but still fair past that. AF is good. Panning at slow shutter speeds (say 1/60 for prop aircraft) is a nightmare for me. At faster shutter-speeds for panning jets and birds it works fine.

greenjeans wrote in post #17919927
I have the Sigma and could not be happier. The ability to use the dock for firmware updates and customize the OS and focus was instrumental in my decision. New firmware is supposed to be released this month to increase focus speed, even though I have no complaints now. Updates will be 5 or so minutes with the dock. Rotation to zoom is also in the
same direction as Canon and Tamron is opposite.

Thank you, gentlemen, appreciate your taking time to respond.
Still leaning toward the Sigma.

I had the Tamron until recently and it performed very well. (I sold it because I got a Canon 500mm and I wanted a zoom that was a bit lighter and shorter to complement it.)
Here are some samples:

https://www.youtube.co​m/watch?v=lgurGidoSJs

RikWriter wrote in post #17923086
I had the Tamron until recently and it performed very well. (I sold it because I got a Canon 500mm and I wanted a zoom that was a bit lighter and shorter to complement it.)
Here are some samples:

The main weaknesses with it, and they will probably hold for the Sigma as well, is that it's slow to focus at 600mm, particularly in low light. It also needs support in low light to be as sharp as it should be.

flashpoint99 wrote in post #17923124
https://www.youtube.co​m/watch?v=lgurGidoSJs

Thanks, RK. Looks like you got some great shots with it. Talked to 2 folks today, and as you might expect, one of each were represented. That Sigma is heavy! 6#s.

Interesting video, flashpoint. Didn't quite get all the audio, but did not here price mentioned. Would expect the Canon L's to excel.
Thanks for the link.

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RikWriter wrote in post #17923086
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A Pika photo - how cool is that?!!!!
Not many folks get the chance to enjoy these little critters.
It's great that you posted this, Rik!

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I just watched this last night, pretty informative, the sigma they are testing is the sport, which is getting into 100-400Lv2
price range also. I am debating this same thing. I loved my 100-400 L version I, and might go that route again. A 400 5.6 is another I am kicking around. Longevity is one thing the video does not cover, if it did, the 400 f/5.6 would win hands down,
it has proven itself time and time again. I would like more reach, but closing distance will accomplish the same thing with better results.

flashpoint99 wrote in post #17923124
https://www.youtube.co​m/watch?v=lgurGidoSJs

rgfrison wrote in post #17924641
I would like more reach, but closing distance will accomplish the same thing with better results.

Easier said than done, or we'd all be shooting critters with a nifty-fifty. Also, there are plenty of instances where geography won't allow you to close the distance any further... rivers, swamps, thick undergrowth, and so on. And if the target is up in a tall tree, same thing applies; having to rely on closing the distance might mean shooting up at a steeper angle vs a more desirable shallow angle.