Archive 2017 · BIF+surfers: D7200/Sigma 100-400C vs D600/Sigma 150-600C

wsalopek
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · BIF+surfers: D7200/Sigma 100-400C vs D600/Sigma 150-600C

Hi folks...

Been pretty happy (focus speed and IQ-wise) with my D600 plus the Sigma 150-600C (and sometimes used with the 1.4x TC). I've had pretty good success with birds and surfers...keep in mind though that I've never used, say, a D750, D500, etc, with a top of the line lens, so for all I know, I'm in the "back woods" when judging performance.

Anyway, the D600 and 150-600 are of course, rather large and heavy, and sometimes I just get tired of carrying/holding that combo.

Thinking of downsizing, at least for BIF/surfers, to the D7200 (budget vs D500) and the Sigma 100-400 (budget vs, 80-400). I'd consider an MFT camera as well, but the long zooms are scarce and/or expensive (Pan/Leica 100-400)...I'd even consider a Sony RX10-III or IV, but don't think I wanna go THAT far down the sensor scale.

So...

Anyone have any experience with the lighter D7200/similar combo? How it will hold up, IQ and focus-wise vs the heavier combo?

Thanks...

Oct 23, 2017 at 11:28 AM

smmokan16
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · BIF+surfers: D7200/Sigma 100-400C vs D600/Sigma 150-600C

Take this for what it's worth... I'm a Canon guy. I recently picked up the Sigma 100-400 OS for my Canon 80D and 6D, and I've been very impressed. The lens itself is beautiful and very well built- far beyond my expectations, to be honest.

I've only had the lens for a week, but I've been able to get some good test sessions with it so far; all with my 2-yr old chocolate lab, who's fast as sh*t and very unpredictable when she's chasing a tennis ball. I find the AF to be fast and accurate- maybe not to the level of the Canon 70-200 L series lenses, but good enough for a "budget" lens. It's super sharp on my 6D, and it focuses quite well (and quickly) on my 80D. I made a point of shooting with my dog running right at me- where it was supposedly weak- and had no problems. Here are a couple of examples:

With the 6D:

With the 80D:

Dec 12, 2017 at 11:55 PM

ImagePass
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · BIF+surfers: D7200/Sigma 100-400C vs D600/Sigma 150-600C

Hi,
just an idea: if you have the possibility, perhaps you should try the Nikon D7200 + Nikkor 200-500 VR in a store?

it would be the opportunity to check if the weight's decrease is enough for you and If the combo matches well to your requirements.

next step, you remove the D7200 and test the famous D500, which seemingly matches very well to your needs..

Dec 13, 2017 at 01:36 AM

Chris Dees
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · BIF+surfers: D7200/Sigma 100-400C vs D600/Sigma 150-600C

ImagePass wrote:
Hi,
just an idea: if you have the possibility, perhaps you should try the Nikon D7200 + Nikkor 200-500 VR in a store?

it would be the opportunity to check if the weight's decrease is enough for you and If the combo matches well to your requirements.

........

The 200-500 is almost a pound heavier than the Sigma (C). 1930gr against 2300gr.
I guess you're looking at the Sigma (S), which is 2860gr.

Dec 13, 2017 at 02:40 AM

ImagePass
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · BIF+surfers: D7200/Sigma 100-400C vs D600/Sigma 150-600C

Chris Dees wrote:
The 200-500 is almost a pound heavier than the Sigma (C). 1930gr against 2300gr.
I guess you're looking at the Sigma (S), which is 2860gr.
Oh yes, you're right.
So you already have the lightest !
Did you think about the 300 mm f4 pf?

Dec 13, 2017 at 09:26 AM

cvrle59
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · BIF+surfers: D7200/Sigma 100-400C vs D600/Sigma 150-600C

I would also consider Tamron 100-400mm.

Dec 13, 2017 at 09:43 AM

morris
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · BIF+surfers: D7200/Sigma 100-400C vs D600/Sigma 150-600C

I understand your desire to lighten your load and feel you have not provided enough information to help.

How long are you out walking with your rig?

What else do you carry when out?

Are you using support?

What strap do you use to carry your rig?

I've been down this path and found that handholding is tiring even with a 100-400 VR when compared to shooting from a tripod with the 150-600 Sport. Careful choice of support and strap makes a phenomenal difference.

I use a carbon fiber tripod with gimbal type head for support. When I upgraded to the 150-600 Sport I started using the tripod and was pleasantly surprised how much more rested I would come home from shoot that I used to do hand held with the 80-400 VR. There is another advantage in that you can shoot in lower light as slower shutter speeds are possible than with stabilization alone.

This is the equipment I use:
FEISOL Classic Tripod CT-3401 Rapid
Jobu Design BWG-J3K Junior 3 Gimbal Kit with Swing-arm HM-J2
BlackRapid RS-7 Curve Camera Strap - New Model: BlackRapid Curve Breathe Camera Strap

When out hiking the tripod is carried in my hand or over my shoulder. A strap could be used. The camera is attached to the lens and the lens using a long plate to the strap via the connector provided with the strap. The strap goes over my shoulder and across my chest with the camera and lens at my hip. This is extremely comfortable and I've walked all day like this.

What I'm suggesting will cost about $700 and solve your problems if your are hand holding. Your IQ will also improve.

Morris

Dec 13, 2017 at 10:55 AM

wsalopek
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · BIF+surfers: D7200/Sigma 100-400C vs D600/Sigma 150-600C

smmokan16 wrote:
Take this for what it's worth... I'm a Canon guy. I recently picked up the Sigma 100-400 OS for my Canon 80D and 6D, and I've been very impressed. The lens itself is beautiful and very well built- far beyond my expectations, to be honest.

Thanks for all that. Beautiful 4-legged you have there. Nice images. And it's great to see the pretty darn good performance of the Sigma, esp of course, considering the price.

I have a Sony RX10-III right now that I'm putting thru it's paces...it lacks focus speed, but does have the 600mm reach and the Zeiss glass. That said, for me, I'm thinking the difference in IQ between it and my D600/150-600 is simply too great, and so my next consideration is APS-C with a 100-400.

--

Bill

Dec 13, 2017 at 12:52 PM


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