My personal thoughts on the Tamron. I got one from one of the first US shipments. It has been pretty good on some bodies, where others not so much. I need to send it in for the firmware update as it does not work well at all on my 5D3. Much of the time it will not even engage the AF motor. On my 7D2, I am very happy with it. I did run it through the FOCUS software MFA app which helped me fine tune the micro focus. One thing I'll say, the difference in sharpness from 600mm and 500mm is significant. Back it off to 500 (which is not as much reach difference as you may think) and detail gets much better. The Focus app also backs my opinion up. The resolution drop off in that last 100mm is significant.
Anyway, been using it for quite some time and generally very happy. I just need to make the time to have the FW updated. That ability to do it yourself on the Sigma sure is nice.
Tony, have you tried your Sigma with a Canon TC? I am seriously considering this lens due to the money savings over a big white but I have a 1.4X III already. The Kenko appears to work quite well.
i am thinking of using either of the new sigma 150-600 lenses instead of my nikon 300f4 af-s on my d7100 for birding.
does anyone have any thoughts on cropping with nikon and tc or using the longer reach of the sigma?
is it worth the expense of an extra lens or not?
i will be keeping the nikon for its close up performance.
i am just an occasional birder at the moment but i would like to expand my horizons in the future.
I would like to thank everyone that has contributed to this wonderful thread . I have been debating which Sigma to go with with but after reading and seeing such wonderful images with the S-C it seems that will be my choice. I have one questiion though . Which extender seems to work best with the lens ? I have the canon III as well as the Kenko . Will I have to invest on the Sigma extender for it to work properly ? I have the 7d II and the 5D markk III , Thanks in advance , Liza
p.8 #10 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
Angelmia wrote:
Which extender seems to work best with the lens ? I have the canon III as well as the Kenko . Will I have to invest on the Sigma extender for it to work properly ? I have the 7d II and the 5D markk III , Thanks in advance , Liza
Simply try the two extenders you already have. If they work and you are happy with the results, end of story.
p.8 #15 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
Ok, finally found a small flaw with the sigma 150-600mm. The lens hood doesn't lock - I was shooting orcas last weekend and moving around a lot and now it is a play toy somewhere deep in the water between the US and Canada. Because it was pouring rain - it put a small damper on my shooting since I had to stay under cover, but still love the lens.
p.8 #16 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
it should lock if you align the markings correctly. when you get a replacement you will see the white alignment markings. ok. they are not as informative as they could be but they are there.
p.8 #17 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
evan47 wrote:
it should lock if you align the markings correctly. when you get a replacement you will see the white alignment markings. ok. they are not as informative as they could be but they are there.
Yep I lined up the white alignment markings, not my first rodeo. Never had this issue before on any of the many lens I have owned. Small issue replacement hood ordered, hopefully it will fit more snugly or else someone will have a few snippets of gaffers tape to secure. Still love the lens even though the 100-400ii with 1.4x felt a little snappier on the 1dx.
p.8 #18 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
The Sigma hood seems to go on fully, but then if you keep turning, it actually does "lock" into place. I had a few times where I thought it was on, but I hadn't locked it in. The issue is that it takes more force than it should...after the first few times it goes on a bit easier.
p.8 #19 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
In my opinion, the Sigma lens hood does NOT lock. I aligned the "In-Out" mark with the horizontal white marker, turned it clockwise and it came to a stop. I tried turning it more with considerable force but It does NOT click lock. It DOES seem to hold in place, but could loosen depending on a number of things. I have experienced this.
p.8 #20 · Sigma Contemporary versus Tamron 150-600
Mine locks as well. I found out that sometimes it is hard to get it to turn all the way and have lubricated the inside of the hood with a tiny amount of silicone. Now it's more easy to turn and lock.
