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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · IQ comparisons at 600mm: Tamron 150-600 vs Sigma-C vs Sigma-S | |
Lots of opinions on the net on these three lenses, but not many people have actually had the chance to do side-by-side IQ comparisons between these lenses on the same camera body. This is my experience:
I have had the Tamron for a year or so - shooting on an APS-C body (70D and 7D2) - mainly for bird photography. Mainly shooting at 600mm.
I bought a Sigma-C and compared it extensively against the Tamron on the same body.
I found very little IQ difference at 600mm between the two lenses. Indeed, the Tamron seemed marginally sharper in the centre when stopped down to f8. The Sigma-C was perhaps slightly sharper mid-frame and edge. For bird photography it is usually all about the centre, since I am usually reach-limited.
I returned the Sigma-C to the shop for a refund as I didn't think it was sufficiently better IQ than the Tamron to warrant the loss in money involved in changing over.
Then last week, I bought a Sigma Sports. I did very similar comparisons with my Tamron on the same camera body. I was prepared to tolerate the extra weight (and cost) of the Sports if the IQ at 600mm was better. However, I found a very similar story to the Sigma-C. IQ at 600mm was very close to the Tamron, especially in the centre. I was disappointed that I could not see a clear and consistent advantage in IQ on the Sigma-S.
Again, I have returned the Sigma-S to the store for a refund. No way could I justify the extra weight (and cost) of the Sigma-S compared to the Tamron.
I have not tried the new Canon 100-400 Mk2 with x1.4 TC. But all indications are there that this setup would be virtually the same IQ as the Tamron and the two Sigmas.
So I have concluded that - in real use - there is nothing to choose between all these options for IQ at 600mm.
I would say that choice of these lenses would be best determined by other factors such as AF performance, IS performance, size, weight, ergonomics and price. The optional USB dock is a plus factor for the two Sigmas.
If I was starting again now (ie didn't already own the Tamron), I would probably go for the Sigma-C, mainly due to the optional USB dock and marginally better AF performance. But since I do already own the Tamron I will probably stick with it for now.....
These lens options are all great value for money, better than the previous generation of lens options in this price sector. But still some way short of the Canon Big White Primes.
There is no free lunch!
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