OK here's a quick Kenko Pro 300 DGX + 150-600 C report
7D - struggled to focus except in most ideal conditions. Worked worse than the 70-300L
6D - same as the 7D
XSi - what's the point
1D III - seemed to focus very well, even in AI servo mode. Bird tests to be done tomorrow!
seattlebruin wrote:
OK here's a quick Kenko Pro 300 DGX + 150-600 C report
7D - struggled to focus except in most ideal conditions. Worked worse than the 70-300L
6D - same as the 7D
XSi - what's the point
1D III - seemed to focus very well, even in AI servo mode. Bird tests to be done tomorrow!
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Can I assume that the test with the Kenko Pro 300 was for center focus? I can get edge focus (and rarely center focus except in exceptionally bright light) with my Tamron TC, but I am more interested in center focus. Would appreciate clarification.
Crazeenick, your Flickr test appears inconclusive to me. Can you post here instead photos of birds or animals or something else (instead of an Edmunds Test chart) on a larger scale?
Further test - 1D III and BIF did not play nicely with the teleconverter, though I might need to try again with slower moving subjects since it was all common terns diving into the water
dalite wrote:
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Can I assume that the test with the Kenko Pro 300 was for center focus? I can get edge focus (and rarely center focus except in exceptionally bright light) with my Tamron TC, but I am more interested in center focus. Would appreciate clarification.
I have to say the one thing I notice. the focus ring on the tamron is much better. The focus ring on the Sigma C is almost useless with how small it is. you fumble more trying to find it I feel if not looking directly at it
I'd love to see the chart shot with the Tamron and Sigma wide open. I wouldn't expect much difference in IQ at f/8. Wide open is where differences between these two may reside.
Crazeenick wrote:
Here is a Flickr page showing comparison of test shots:
AvianScott, I did shoot the test chart at f5.6 with both lenses also - but I no longer have the shots, I deleted them. There still wasn't much difference in IQ between the two lenses (these particular copies).
I am now wondering whether to try the Sigma Sports. It is heavier and more expensive, but if it outperforms the Sigma-C and Tamron at 600mm, I might go for it (the Sports)......
p.2 #12 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
Since many may agree that IQ is similar between the Tamron & Contemporary at 600mm, as well as similar to that of the 100-400 II and 400 f5.6 with a 1.4x TC, it would be nice to know how the AF speed compares between all four.
Unfortunately, there never seems to be any benchmark testing to determine this, we always have to depend on perceptions from different users. And we know how much that can vary.
p.2 #13 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
05xrunner wrote:
I have to say the one thing I notice. the focus ring on the tamron is much better. The focus ring on the Sigma C is almost useless with how small it is. you fumble more trying to find it I feel if not looking directly at it
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It's always nice to have a larger (wider) focus ring, but how often does one use Manual focus or Manual override? For those wearing eyeglasses, this may not be an important factor in their decision to get the Sigma as I suspect they are not likely to use MF too often. And if you do Live View, you are going to take your eyes off that "peephole" and look at the screen from which your head position will make it easier to "feel/find" the focus ring. Just my two cents worth.
p.2 #15 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
morris wrote:
Please try comparing them wide open...
Morris -
I did shoot the test chart at f5.6 with both Tamron and Sigma-C lenses also - but I no longer have the shots, I'm afraid I deleted them, so can't post them. However, I can tell you that there still wasn't much difference in IQ between the two lenses (these particular copies).
p.2 #17 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
Isaac - are you coming to the conclusion the Sigma-C is sharper/better than the Tamron? Or are you still deciding? Are you considering selling your Tamron and keeping the Sigma-C?!
And are you tempted to try a Sigma Sports for comparison also?
p.2 #18 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
I have just finished taking about 5k of baseball shots in the last 2 weeks for the yearbook. I only have the tamron, I got a monopod for it and made a huge difference, the IS is on. The AF has been really good, in fact it feels better than the canon 70-200F4 non is lens. All on the 7d, I have shots of outfielders at 600 mm that just amazing:-).
I don't think you can go wrong with either the tamron or sigma, for baseball. I tried the tamron at hockey ISO 12,800 f6.3 at 1/400 yes a cave the AF struggled. I would prefer the canon 100-400 mk II but the cfo wouldn't approve.
Gerry
p.2 #19 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
Crazeenick wrote:
Morris -
I did shoot the test chart at f5.6 with both Tamron and Sigma-C lenses also - but I no longer have the shots, I'm afraid I deleted them, so can't post them. However, I can tell you that there still wasn't much difference in IQ between the two lenses (these particular copies).
Nick
Hum, both the Tamron and Sigma-C are f6.3 wide open. I don't know how you would have managed f5.6 on either Nick.
p.2 #20 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
morris wrote:
Hum, both the Tamron and Sigma-C are f6.3 wide open. I don't know how you would have managed f5.6 on either Nick.
Morris
Morris,
It was an old trick that Sigma has been doing for over 10 years. IIRC my old Sigma 50-500 has an f/6.3 as well, but reports to the body as f/5.6 to allow autofucusing.
