Home · Register · Join Upload & Sell

Moderated by: Fred Miranda
Username  

  New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site
  New Feature: SMS Notification alert
  New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist
  

FM Forums | Nikon Forum | Join Upload & Sell

1
       2       end
  

Archive 2017 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?

  
 
qingniaoii
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


Hi guys,

I'm shooting with a Nikon D7000, and I'm looking for a new lens for birdwatching. I'm going to use it mainly by handheld, therefore light weight is important for me. I'm considering nikkor 200-500 and Sigma 150-600 C. After I read many comparison threads and articles, I still can't make up my mind.

From what I've learned:
Nikkor has slightly better IQ, and better VR.
Sigma has Slightly better AF, and larger zoom range.
However, some people said Nikkor images are more crop friendly.
Price is not the deciding factor for me, as in China, the price difference is around 150 USD.

I was considering using a TC with Nikkor lens to make up for longer reach, but it doesn't seem quite necessary as IQ with TC is not much better than cropped images.

Could you give me some advice please? Thanks a lot.



Apr 04, 2017 at 10:56 AM
CanadaMark
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


For me, it's an easy choice between the 200-500 and 150-600C. The Nikon is sharper, especially across the frame, it has significantly better VR, and is F5.6 (vs 6.3). AF speed is about the same, and as always is somewhat dependent on the body you're using it on. Unless you need the extra 100mm more than the sum of all the other advantages the 200-500 has, I would go with the Nikon. The 200-500 also takes a 1.4TC quite well, and being F5.6 as it keeps you at F8 for AF compatibility - the Sigma is F9 with a TC. Just my $0.02.

This is the most in-depth review I have seen on the lens, with the most comparison samples, and the most comparisons to other super-zooms both with and without TC:

https://www.cameralabs.com/nikon-nikkor-af-s-200-500mm-f5-6e-ed-vr-review/



Apr 04, 2017 at 11:24 AM
nick53097
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


Check Tamron 150-600 G2, IQ is close to Nikon, 600mm reach and easier to handhold


Apr 04, 2017 at 11:52 AM
evan47
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


The nikon is a little superior in almost every aspect.
The nikon has better colours, contrast and finer resolution.
Its VR is second to none, it is f5.6 constant through its range whereas the sigma drops to f6.3 early in its zoom range.
The sigma is not a true 600mm, it is closer to 560mm.
A shot taken with the nikon at 500mm and cropped to the size of the same shot taken with the sigma at its "600mm" is a nicer, sharper image.
The nikon is sharp right through its range even wide open whereas the sigma softens towards the long end and needs stopping down for "sharpness".
The sigmas focus is a little quicker but is far less accurate and a lot less reliable than the nikon.
I have owned and used both the nikon and the sigma and the nikon wins every time.



Apr 04, 2017 at 02:19 PM
TAM63
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


I'm looking at the Tamron G2.

You can drive yourself nuts reading things, but I read the Nikon is sharper at close distances, but the Tamron is sharper when things are far away (why I want a long lens)



Apr 04, 2017 at 02:23 PM
tntcorp
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


i have experienced both sigma and nikon but never the tamron. nearly always shoot on the 600mm range but do use the zoom function.

for me, the sigma was a surprise in term of sharpness. perhaps b/c the lens had been micro adjust for af with the usb dock.

if i shoot the nikon, the 1.4x is attached for the extra 220mm reach. pay attention for a body which can reliably af at f/8 if you plan to shoot with the extender. f

or bare lens, i prefer the sigma for the weight reduction as the optical performance at center is nearly comparable to the nikon. af is nearly the same, but vr isn't as good as the nikon.

get the sigma is you looking for an acceptable lighter weight and longer reach solutions.

btw, zooming function of the sigma is much easier than the nikon, which is noticeably tighter.



Apr 04, 2017 at 03:48 PM
bs kite
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


+1 on CanadaMark's comment. That is exactly what I have found with my 200-500 too. I love it enough that I am no longer thinking about getting the 500 Fl f4 ...... at least not for now. Can't have everything you know


Apr 05, 2017 at 08:14 PM
JohnK007
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


Between the Nikkor 200-500 and the Sigma 150-600 C, the Nikkor is better.

Between the Nikkor 200-500 and the Sigma 150-600 S, the Sigma is comparable with better reach.



Apr 06, 2017 at 10:39 AM
sassykoi
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


I have never used the Nikon but to me the sigma is one of the sharpest lens I have ever used, but I am selling it as it is just too big for me



Apr 23, 2017 at 08:58 PM
Charles Loy
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


The OP has made only one FM post, this post back on 4-4
Unlikely he has been back to see the few replies.



Apr 23, 2017 at 09:44 PM
qingniaoii
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


CanadaMark wrote:
For me, it's an easy choice between the 200-500 and 150-600C. The Nikon is sharper, especially across the frame, it has significantly better VR, and is F5.6 (vs 6.3). AF speed is about the same, and as always is somewhat dependent on the body you're using it on. Unless you need the extra 100mm more than the sum of all the other advantages the 200-500 has, I would go with the Nikon. The 200-500 also takes a 1.4TC quite well, and being F5.6 as it keeps you at F8 for AF compatibility - the Sigma is F9 with a TC.
...Show more

Thanks Mark, your advice is really helpful. I've decided to go for 200-500



May 15, 2017 at 04:49 AM
qingniaoii
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


evan47 wrote:
The nikon is a little superior in almost every aspect.
The nikon has better colours, contrast and finer resolution.
Its VR is second to none, it is f5.6 constant through its range whereas the sigma drops to f6.3 early in its zoom range.
The sigma is not a true 600mm, it is closer to 560mm.
A shot taken with the nikon at 500mm and cropped to the size of the same shot taken with the sigma at its "600mm" is a nicer, sharper image.
The nikon is sharp right through its range even wide open whereas the sigma softens towards the long end and needs
...Show more

Evan, the comparison you provided is exactly I want, MANY thanks!



May 15, 2017 at 04:51 AM
qingniaoii
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


Thanks everyone that replied my post. Sorry I replied so late. I forgot my password the next day and had trouble finding it back, until I changed my web browser today. The password reset page doesn't support my Chrome...


May 15, 2017 at 04:54 AM
Pixphatic
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


Firstly, another vote for thr Nikon 200-500mm f5.6ED VR. Perhaps the only negetive is the 'teasing' AF speed, but that should not bother you much. In return you get :
1. f5.6...@ 500mm, perhaps the only zoom with this feature at present
2. Great IQ , in good light comparable to the 500mm exotics.
3. Great VR, perhaps best in class
4. Great bokeh, again perhaps comparable to the exotic primes.
5. Very good contrast
6. Reliable AF acuity, once it is locked.

Secondly, equal importance must be given to the camera body as well. IMHO, it is the combo which takes ( or makes) the image.Your D7000 would lag behind the newer models like the D500 / D7200. So try to update the camera body as well, so as to extract best results from the lens.

Thirdly, coming to my choice and the reason behind it. Recently I bought D7200 after long hours of online analysis, for my photographing need which is solely, bird photography. I will be using the D7200 at 1.3X crop mode 100% of the time, with this lens. So I got 650mm @ f5.6 @7 fps ( since in crop mode). I recently completed a trip in the Himalayas ( images posted in the Wildlife forum), and among many issues, one of the most vital being the IQ after 1.3X mode and the subsequent crop (if necessary) and how well it would stand. Must admit, I am very much happy with my decision and the IQ SOOC.
So, I need not to invest in 1.4X TC to get the increased reach, thereby pushing down the f-stop, & not sacrificing AF speed and IQ, but still be getting 650mm f5.6 image.

Hope this helps.



May 15, 2017 at 09:01 AM
evan47
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


I agree with your points apart from bokeh being akin to exotic primes, not really. It is likely to be the best in it class though.
I cannot see the point of the use of 1.3 crop. It is just as well to crop in post proccessing.



May 15, 2017 at 02:05 PM
nuclearjock
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


I own both the Nikon 200-500 and the Tamron 150-600 G2. I Love the Nikon 200-500, Jury is still out on the Tamron, but have only done test shots which look very good. Used on the D500,D7200, and D810.


May 15, 2017 at 03:20 PM
saaber1
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


qingniaoii wrote:
From what I've learned:
Nikkor has slightly better IQ, and better VR.
Sigma has Slightly better AF, and larger zoom range.
However, some people said Nikkor images are more crop friendly.
Price is not the deciding factor for me, as in China, the price difference is around 150 USD.


I have owned the Sigma C, rented the 200-500, own the Sigma S, and owned or used several Nikon Exotic long Primes.

I would say what you learned is correct based on my experience. I would say the Sigma AF is not just faster but able to pick out the subjects in busy backgrounds/foregrounds better than the 200-500. The Nikon has a much higher tendency to miss the target and rack to minimum, back out to max, and then half way back in and stop. All that motion takes a long time and can be very frustrating (not applicable for isolated subjects or non-busy background/foreground).

In terms of IQ, all the long zooms (2 sigmas, Tamron, and Nikon) are very close. The biggest factor by far is how sharp your individual copy of the lens is. You can pick any of the above zooms and find stellar and horrible IQ examples due to cop-to-copy variability alone (I mean examples where user technique is not the reason for poor sharpness).

If I were you and I put a premium on light weight I would look at the Nikon 200-500, Sigma C, and Tamron Gen2 all about the same and make sure you buy from somewhere that is super easy to return or exchange for another copy.

Also keep in mind that one benefit the Tamron and Sigma have is the ability to fine tune AF and change behavior of the the OS system via a a dock/tap in console.

You may also want to consider a heavier lens used with a monopod. Thanks! Mike



May 15, 2017 at 03:54 PM
nuclearjock
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


Went out afft'd the Tamron 150-600 G2 today (required -2 on my D500) and I'm even more impressed with the sharpness and micro contrast. I'm keeping both lenses.


May 15, 2017 at 08:37 PM
Pixphatic
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


evan47 wrote:
I cannot see the point of the use of 1.3 crop. It is just as well to crop in post proccessing.


Yes, I understand that at the time of PP the normal files could be cropped, but then, with SOOC 1.3X crop, I get :
1. 7 / close to 7 FPS, instead of the normal 6 / close to 6 FPS.
2. Extended AF area / coverage
3. Also, since my subjects are small birds mostly, I need to heavy crop my images in 99% of the times.Thereby making the normal file sizes sort of redundant. Hence smaller 1.3X crop filesin NEF ( @ abt 15.4 mp), helps to store / archive them, again SOOC.
Although the advantages might look trivial, but that's what I get.
Having said that, the IQ of the 1.3X crop and the equivalent crop form the normal image stays the same. So no extra advantage on that count though.




May 15, 2017 at 09:34 PM
qingniaoii
Offline

Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · nikkor 200-500 or Sigma 150-600 C for bird photography?


PIXPHATIC wrote:
Firstly, another vote for thr Nikon 200-500mm f5.6ED VR. Perhaps the only negetive is the 'teasing' AF speed, but that should not bother you much. In return you get :
1. f5.6...@ 500mm, perhaps the only zoom with this feature at present
2. Great IQ , in good light comparable to the 500mm exotics.
3. Great VR, perhaps best in class
4. Great bokeh, again perhaps comparable to the exotic primes.
5. Very good contrast
6. Reliable AF acuity, once it is locked.

Secondly, equal importance must be given to the camera body as well. IMHO, it is the combo which takes ( or makes) the
...Show more

Great analysis, thanks a lot! I've already updated my camera body to D7200 and started using 1.3x crop mode a few weeks ago, and I found that with my new D7200, my 70-300mm old lens became much better



May 17, 2017 at 10:06 PM
1
       2       end




FM Forums | Nikon Forum | Join Upload & Sell

1
       2       end
    
 

You are not logged in. Login or Register

Username       Or Reset password



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.