Tamaron 200-500mm v Sigma 150-500mm

[Kokopeli]

I'm looking for a lens that will reach out to the 500mm range and these two are what I'm picking between. Both are f5 to 6.3 and I am prepared for the slowness of either. As much as I would love to get a Nikon 500mm f4, I simply cannot justify the cost.

What I'm wondering is if any of y'all have used BOTH lenses and if so, what is your recommendation?

[wfooshee]

Already violating your question, haven't used both. I tried the Tamron some months back and couldn't get rid of it fast enough. It was horribly soft and had the ugliest bokeh of anything I've ever used. Sharpness went up as subject distance went down, but that's not what you want a 500 for, is it?

I've not used the Sigma but I'd try it if I could raise the money. I've heard that the build quality varies; you get a good one or you don't, and swap it if you don't. But just on my experience with the Tamron, I'd say the Sigma has to be the better of the two. No way in hell could it be worse!

[dl4449]

I have the 150 500 Sigma and for the money I am quite pleased .
Here are a couple I took in the yard just playing around i am sure someone with more skills could even do better.

[Kokopeli]

Thanks for the response folks and dl, thanks for the sample shots. I gambled last night and went ahead and ordered the Sigma. It seems that no one has used BOTH lenses.. Not even our fearless leader, PJ.

I will post up some shots once I get a feel for the lens. I may even rent the Tamaron just so I can put my mind at rest that I ordered the right one.

[wfooshee]

Well, if you insist on samples.....

Like I said, soft at long range...


Subject isn't bad, I was very close, but look at the OOF areas!! Wazzup wi' dat?


That background is not processed. That's the shot from the lens.


This one combines long range softness and goofy bokeh:

[Kokopeli]

That is some crazy weird bokeh! It's all slanted and linear.. So odd!

[MotorToad]

I'm only getting the first shot on the Sigma, but I'm impressed with that. Is that a once-in-a-while or most-of-the-time level of quality?

[Kokopeli]

I ended up getting the Sigma and it arrived Tuesday. I took it out for a short trip to the Fullerton Arboretum and tested it out. I will post the photos when I get to the office tomorrow. I am fairly happy with the results.