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Archive 2014Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
p.20 #1Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
I have to say that at first examination, I am impressed with both the quality of the lens, and the images, for a lens of this focal-length range and price.
A very foggy day here, so not great for testing.
For a 50% crop at 600mm, wide-open at 1/200 & handheld, pretty good IMO.
A very foggy day here, so not great for testing.
For a 50% crop at 600mm, wide-open at 1/200 & handheld, pretty good IMO.
Jan 27, 2014 at 02:33 PM
p.20 #2Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
Some of the BIF shots from Sunday. It was a cloudy day with very little light to work with. Not ideal for this lens
I used both Canon 5D3 and 7D
For 5D:
I started with Zone Auto Focus (Center Zone) - It did NOT go very well. Unless the subject is hitting the center point of the zone... Camera/Lens was missing the subject (absolute no movements)
I resorted back to the Center Focus Point and this seems to be the most reliable option for bird in flight. Camera/Lens was able to focus - I guess it was comparable to my Canon 400mm 5.6 with 1.4x III extender (which is not bad I guess)
My setting for AI Serve, Continuous Hight Speed shooting, Center Focus Point, Case 4 in the AutoFocus settings, Lens drive when AF impossible = ON
For 7D:
I started with the zone autofocus and camera continuous focus on the subject but subject stays out of focus in most of the shots (probably require Micro Adjust)
I did not get the chance to try with only the center point but guess that should work fine - its just the zone autofocus had some issues.
Still early days, I am still trying to understand the lens behavior in these situations. I am OK if the behavior is predictable as I can plan for but things gets messy when it's random.
Canon 7D: 1/1250, F6.3, ISO1600,+2/3 EV, 600mm
Red Tailed Hawk by ibnemuazzam, on Flickr
Canon 7D: 1/1600, F7.1, ISO320,+1 EV, 600mm
Red Tailed Hawk with Prey by ibnemuazzam, on Flickr
Canon 5D3: 1/1250, F6.3, ISO400,+2/3 EV, 600mm
Pregerine Falcon by ibnemuazzam, on Flickr
Canon 5D3: 1/1600, F7.1, ISO800,+2/3 EV, 600mm
Red Tailed Hawk by ibnemuazzam, on Flickr
Edited on Jan 27, 2014 at 04:13 PM · View previous versions
I used both Canon 5D3 and 7D
For 5D:
I started with Zone Auto Focus (Center Zone) - It did NOT go very well. Unless the subject is hitting the center point of the zone... Camera/Lens was missing the subject (absolute no movements)
I resorted back to the Center Focus Point and this seems to be the most reliable option for bird in flight. Camera/Lens was able to focus - I guess it was comparable to my Canon 400mm 5.6 with 1.4x III extender (which is not bad I guess)
My setting for AI Serve, Continuous Hight Speed shooting, Center Focus Point, Case 4 in the AutoFocus settings, Lens drive when AF impossible = ON
For 7D:
I started with the zone autofocus and camera continuous focus on the subject but subject stays out of focus in most of the shots (probably require Micro Adjust)
I did not get the chance to try with only the center point but guess that should work fine - its just the zone autofocus had some issues.
Still early days, I am still trying to understand the lens behavior in these situations. I am OK if the behavior is predictable as I can plan for but things gets messy when it's random.
Canon 7D: 1/1250, F6.3, ISO1600,+2/3 EV, 600mm
Red Tailed Hawk by ibnemuazzam, on Flickr
Canon 7D: 1/1600, F7.1, ISO320,+1 EV, 600mm
Red Tailed Hawk with Prey by ibnemuazzam, on Flickr
Canon 5D3: 1/1250, F6.3, ISO400,+2/3 EV, 600mm
Pregerine Falcon by ibnemuazzam, on Flickr
Canon 5D3: 1/1600, F7.1, ISO800,+2/3 EV, 600mm
Red Tailed Hawk by ibnemuazzam, on Flickr
Edited on Jan 27, 2014 at 04:13 PM · View previous versions
Jan 27, 2014 at 04:00 PM
p.20 #3Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
Imagemaster wrote:
However, I began to wonder if there was something in the menu options that might be tweaked to gain AF when shooting BIF shots with non-Canon L lens. I think I found something, something I was surprised to learn.
Personally I've always used center point AF when tracking BIF shots with usually good results and had mixed results when using automatic AF points.
As it turns out there is a menu feature that is turn off called "AF Point Expansion" in both my Canon 7D and Canon 5D mkII. It only works if AI SERVO is turned on, which of course is necessary for tracking BIF shots.
Here are the links explaining the features:
http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/app/pdfs/quickguides/CDLC_EOS7D_AF_Modes_QuickGuide.pdf
http://www.foto-biz.com/Canon/AF-point-expansion
I'm wondering if "AF Point Expansion" or even "Zone AF" might be of help.
Here is a good article, written by Nikon user with Canon added stuff, on AF use. It even has a scenario for BIF shots.
http://photographylife.com/dslr-autofocus-modes-explainedI am pretty sure that most people here are aware of "AF Point Expansion", regardless of what model lens they are using.
I didn't realize that a poll was taken on the knowledge of what folks know or don't know. I also wasn't aware that attempting to provide helpful information is frowned upon by some/most people. Most people know what they are doing wrong in their golf swing too. The trick is to learn how to stop doing those bad things.
sfink161 wrote
I've been using Canon DSLR cameras since they came out with the original Rebel (300D) years ago. Typically I've gone with defaults in the menu options since I figured the defaults are what Canon feels will work best. That has been the case for all Canon L lens that I've used.However, I began to wonder if there was something in the menu options that might be tweaked to gain AF when shooting BIF shots with non-Canon L lens. I think I found something, something I was surprised to learn.
Personally I've always used center point AF when tracking BIF shots with usually good results and had mixed results when using automatic AF points.
As it turns out there is a menu feature that is turn off called "AF Point Expansion" in both my Canon 7D and Canon 5D mkII. It only works if AI SERVO is turned on, which of course is necessary for tracking BIF shots.
Here are the links explaining the features:
http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/app/pdfs/quickguides/CDLC_EOS7D_AF_Modes_QuickGuide.pdf
http://www.foto-biz.com/Canon/AF-point-expansion
I'm wondering if "AF Point Expansion" or even "Zone AF" might be of help.
Here is a good article, written by Nikon user with Canon added stuff, on AF use. It even has a scenario for BIF shots.
http://photographylife.com/dslr-autofocus-modes-explained
I didn't realize that a poll was taken on the knowledge of what folks know or don't know. I also wasn't aware that attempting to provide helpful information is frowned upon by some/most people. Most people know what they are doing wrong in their golf swing too. The trick is to learn how to stop doing those bad things.
Jan 27, 2014 at 04:01 PM
p.20 #4Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
ox0312 wrote:
Some of the BIF shots from Sunday. It was a cloudy day with very little light to work with. Not ideal for this lens
I used both Canon 5D3 and 7D
For 5D:
I started with Zone Auto Focus (Center Zone) - It did NOT go very well. Unless the subject is hitting the center point of the zone... Camera/Lens was missing the subject (absolute no movements)
I resorted back to the Center Focus Point and this seems to be the most reliable option for bird in flight. Camera/Lens was able to focus - I guess it was comparable to my Canon 400mm...Show more →
Are these uncropped original frames? If not, can you post the uncropped originals for comparison? Is it possible for you to open the RAW files using DPP, zoom in to 100% and with active focus point shown and post a screen capture (see example below)? Thanks!
Some of the BIF shots from Sunday. It was a cloudy day with very little light to work with. Not ideal for this lens
I used both Canon 5D3 and 7D
For 5D:
I started with Zone Auto Focus (Center Zone) - It did NOT go very well. Unless the subject is hitting the center point of the zone... Camera/Lens was missing the subject (absolute no movements)
I resorted back to the Center Focus Point and this seems to be the most reliable option for bird in flight. Camera/Lens was able to focus - I guess it was comparable to my Canon 400mm...Show more →
Are these uncropped original frames? If not, can you post the uncropped originals for comparison? Is it possible for you to open the RAW files using DPP, zoom in to 100% and with active focus point shown and post a screen capture (see example below)? Thanks!
Jan 27, 2014 at 04:40 PM
p.20 #5Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
Are these uncropped original frames? If not, can you post the uncropped originals for comparison? Is it possible for you to open the RAW files using DPP, zoom in to 100% and with active focus point shown and post a screen capture (see example below)? Thanks!
These are cropped version (close to 60-70%) of the original image. I ll post the focus point later tonight.
These are cropped version (close to 60-70%) of the original image. I ll post the focus point later tonight.
Jan 27, 2014 at 04:56 PM
p.20 #6Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
sfink161 wrote:
I didn't realize that a poll was taken on the knowledge of what folks know or don't know. I also wasn't aware that attempting to provide helpful information is frowned upon by some/most people. Most people know what they are doing wrong in their golf swing too. The trick is to learn how to stop doing those bad things.
Hmmm, it appeared to me that you assumed most people here did not know how to use the AF options of their cameras.
Maybe next time you are golfing you should tell every golfer how to swing correctly.
I didn't realize that a poll was taken on the knowledge of what folks know or don't know. I also wasn't aware that attempting to provide helpful information is frowned upon by some/most people. Most people know what they are doing wrong in their golf swing too. The trick is to learn how to stop doing those bad things.
Hmmm, it appeared to me that you assumed most people here did not know how to use the AF options of their cameras.
Maybe next time you are golfing you should tell every golfer how to swing correctly.
Jan 27, 2014 at 05:08 PM
p.20 #7Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
Imagemaster wrote:
Hmmm, it appeared to me that you assumed most people here did not know how to use the AF options of their cameras.
Maybe next time you are golfing you should tell every golfer how to swing correctly.
Given the proliferation of shooters flocking to this lens, maybe posting detailed AF settings might help bridge people's understanding?
I'm interested in this lens, perhaps more than saving up for a 70-200/2.8, yet I spend most of my time below 200mm and my 6D isn't really an 'action' camera. So, while I could research and intuit most of what I'd need to get started, a few tips and tricks from veterans might help, for example.
sfink161 wrote
I didn't realize that a poll was taken on the knowledge of what folks know or don't know. I also wasn't aware that attempting to provide helpful information is frowned upon by some/most people. Most people know what they are doing wrong in their golf swing too. The trick is to learn how to stop doing those bad things.Maybe next time you are golfing you should tell every golfer how to swing correctly.
Given the proliferation of shooters flocking to this lens, maybe posting detailed AF settings might help bridge people's understanding?
I'm interested in this lens, perhaps more than saving up for a 70-200/2.8, yet I spend most of my time below 200mm and my 6D isn't really an 'action' camera. So, while I could research and intuit most of what I'd need to get started, a few tips and tricks from veterans might help, for example
.Jan 27, 2014 at 05:11 PM
p.20 #8Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
Imagemaster wrote:
I have to say that at first examination, I am impressed with both the quality of the lens, and the images, for a lens of this focal-length range and price.
A very foggy day here, so not great for testing.
For a 50% crop at 600mm, wide-open at 1/200 & handheld, pretty good IMO.
OK, real dumb question here: What do you mean by "50% crop"? - A section cut out (cropped) from an image that is at 50% of its original resolution? (So there is one pixel on screen for each of 4 (2x2) original pixels?)
I have to say that at first examination, I am impressed with both the quality of the lens, and the images, for a lens of this focal-length range and price.
A very foggy day here, so not great for testing.
For a 50% crop at 600mm, wide-open at 1/200 & handheld, pretty good IMO.
OK, real dumb question here: What do you mean by "50% crop"? - A section cut out (cropped) from an image that is at 50% of its original resolution? (So there is one pixel on screen for each of 4 (2x2) original pixels?)
Jan 27, 2014 at 05:16 PM
p.20 #9Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
I kind of feel the same .
Before I retired , I would tell new hires to listen , afterwards say to them selves I know / knew that .
I figure I can use all the help I can get - getting info I already know just refreshes memory .
Most of the reviews are from pro's and assuming everyone knows everything will not help - @ least me .
Before I retired , I would tell new hires to listen , afterwards say to them selves I know / knew that .
I figure I can use all the help I can get - getting info I already know just refreshes memory .
Most of the reviews are from pro's and assuming everyone knows everything will not help - @ least me .
Jan 27, 2014 at 05:28 PM
p.20 #10Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
AJSJones wrote:
A very foggy day here, so not great for testing.
For a 50% crop at 600mm, wide-open at 1/200 & handheld, pretty good IMO.OK, real dumb question here: What do you mean by "50% crop"? - A section cut out (cropped) from an image that is at 50% of its original resolution? (So there is one pixel on screen for each of 4 (2x2) original pixels?)
It means I posted half of the image.
Imagemaster wrote
I have to say that at first examination, I am impressed with both the quality of the lens, and the images, for a lens of this focal-length range and price.A very foggy day here, so not great for testing.
For a 50% crop at 600mm, wide-open at 1/200 & handheld, pretty good IMO.
It means I posted half of the image.
Jan 27, 2014 at 05:30 PM
p.20 #11Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
Thanks, that's simple enough - so the 0.8 MP crop posted is half of the captured image after being resized so each pixel on-screen now represents ~10 original pixels right? (I have often seen "100% crop" meaning a small piece of the image at 100% of its captured resolution - i.e. no resizing. Hence the form of my question 
).
Edited on Jan 27, 2014 at 06:02 PM · View previous versions
).Edited on Jan 27, 2014 at 06:02 PM · View previous versions
Jan 27, 2014 at 05:54 PM
p.20 #12Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
johnctharp wrote:
Given the proliferation of shooters flocking to this lens, maybe posting detailed AF settings might help bridge people's understanding?
Certainly, just like reading their owner's manual explains the AF settings you can use with all lenses, not just this specific lens.
I'm interested in this lens, perhaps more than saving up for a 70-200/2.8, yet I spend most of my time below 200mm and my 6D isn't really an 'action' camera. So, while I could research and intuit most of what I'd need to get started, a few tips and tricks from veterans might help, for example.
Below 200mm or above 200mm, 6D or 7D, the same AF settings apply.
There are many threads discussing the best AF settings for BIF shots and they are not, nor do they need to be, specific to one lens. Nor is there only one AF setting that is the best under all circumstances.
I don't recall any person specifically asking what AF settings should be used for this lens. Some have already said what settings they have tried. Anyone that does not know what the purpose of different AF settings are for should their manual.
Given the proliferation of shooters flocking to this lens, maybe posting detailed AF settings might help bridge people's understanding?
Certainly, just like reading their owner's manual explains the AF settings you can use with all lenses, not just this specific lens.
I'm interested in this lens, perhaps more than saving up for a 70-200/2.8, yet I spend most of my time below 200mm and my 6D isn't really an 'action' camera. So, while I could research and intuit most of what I'd need to get started, a few tips and tricks from veterans might help, for example
.Below 200mm or above 200mm, 6D or 7D, the same AF settings apply.
There are many threads discussing the best AF settings for BIF shots and they are not, nor do they need to be, specific to one lens. Nor is there only one AF setting that is the best under all circumstances.
I don't recall any person specifically asking what AF settings should be used for this lens. Some have already said what settings they have tried. Anyone that does not know what the purpose of different AF settings are for should their manual.
Jan 27, 2014 at 05:56 PM
p.20 #13Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
ox0312 wrote:
Some of the BIF shots from Sunday. It was a cloudy day with very little light to work with. Not ideal for this lens
I used both Canon 5D3 and 7D
For 5D:
I started with Zone Auto Focus (Center Zone) - It did NOT go very well. Unless the subject is hitting the center point of the zone... Camera/Lens was missing the subject (absolute no movements)
I resorted back to the Center Focus Point and this seems to be the most reliable option for bird in flight. Camera/Lens was able to focus - I guess it was comparable to my Canon 400mm...Show more →
It's good to know that Center Zone won't work, thanks! Is VC on or off? Is the AF Point Expansion on or off?
Some of the BIF shots from Sunday. It was a cloudy day with very little light to work with. Not ideal for this lens
I used both Canon 5D3 and 7D
For 5D:
I started with Zone Auto Focus (Center Zone) - It did NOT go very well. Unless the subject is hitting the center point of the zone... Camera/Lens was missing the subject (absolute no movements)
I resorted back to the Center Focus Point and this seems to be the most reliable option for bird in flight. Camera/Lens was able to focus - I guess it was comparable to my Canon 400mm...Show more →
It's good to know that Center Zone won't work, thanks! Is VC on or off? Is the AF Point Expansion on or off?
Jan 27, 2014 at 06:05 PM
p.20 #14Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
Surrounding AF points activated. Would have preferred shooting at 1/2000 sec., but due to poor light had to shoot at 1/1000 sec. at ISO 3200.
Second shot is crop of first shot.
Second shot is crop of first shot.
Jan 27, 2014 at 06:27 PM
p.20 #15Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
Imagemaster wrote:
Surrounding AF points activated. Would have preferred shooting at 1/2000 sec., but due to poor light had to shoot at 1/1000 sec. at ISO 3200.
Second shot is crop of first shot.
Good shot! Proves that BIF shots can be taken. Was VC on or off? I'm curious as to the fact that you shutter speed was fast enough and VC may slow down AF a little bit.
Surrounding AF points activated. Would have preferred shooting at 1/2000 sec., but due to poor light had to shoot at 1/1000 sec. at ISO 3200.
Second shot is crop of first shot.
Good shot! Proves that BIF shots can be taken. Was VC on or off? I'm curious as to the fact that you shutter speed was fast enough and VC may slow down AF a little bit.
Jan 27, 2014 at 06:34 PM
p.20 #17Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
mitesh wrote:
^^^ why would VC slow down AF?
It won't Mitesh.
Tony... Very encouraging to see the tracking ability and IQ of your DIF's... starting to get a glimpse of what the lens is capable of. That makes me happy.
^^^ why would VC slow down AF?
It won't Mitesh.
Tony... Very encouraging to see the tracking ability and IQ of your DIF's... starting to get a glimpse of what the lens is capable of. That makes me happy.
Jan 27, 2014 at 06:55 PM
p.20 #18Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
Imagemaster wrote:
Certainly, just like reading their owner's manual explains the AF settings you can use with all lenses, not just this specific lens.
Well, there's theory, and then there's practice, to put it simply. With a lens like this bringing capabilities to an ever lower price point, being able to cross reference the various fine-grained controls with other shooters might be helpful, unless those are trade secrets.
johnctharp wrote
Given the proliferation of shooters flocking to this lens, maybe posting detailed AF settings might help bridge people's understanding?Well, there's theory, and then there's practice, to put it simply. With a lens like this bringing capabilities to an ever lower price point, being able to cross reference the various fine-grained controls with other shooters might be helpful, unless those are trade secrets
.Jan 27, 2014 at 07:03 PM
p.20 #19Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
mitesh wrote:
^^^ why would VC slow down AF?
Doesn't the camera have to incorporate with the lens and use the processor to do so? The processor has more processes to perform with VC (IS) on. I've actually seen speed test in the past on this and yes it definitely takes longer with it on. It's no different then the processor on your computer or phone. The processes, the longer it takes to complete it's task.
^^^ why would VC slow down AF?
Doesn't the camera have to incorporate with the lens and use the processor to do so? The processor has more processes to perform with VC (IS) on. I've actually seen speed test in the past on this and yes it definitely takes longer with it on. It's no different then the processor on your computer or phone. The processes, the longer it takes to complete it's task.
Jan 27, 2014 at 07:04 PM
p.20 #20Early Adopters - Tamron 150-600mm
sfink161 wrote:
Doesn't the camera have to incorporate with the lens and use the processor to do so? The processor has more processes to perform with VC (IS) on. I've actually seen speed test in the past on this and yes it definitely takes longer with it on. It's no different then the processor on your computer or phone. The processes, the longer it takes to complete it's task.
I don't believe that's entirely accurate, at least not according to Canon:
http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/education/infobank/lenses/image_stabilisation.do
In fact, a stable subject should help the AF system track more reliably.
mitesh wrote
^^^ why would VC slow down AF?I don't believe that's entirely accurate, at least not according to Canon:
http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/education/infobank/lenses/image_stabilisation.do
In fact, a stable subject should help the AF system track more reliably.
Jan 27, 2014 at 07:11 PM