Ted Evans
TPF Noob!
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- Nov 29, 2014
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Sorry to necro an old thread but this is exactly what I am getting with this lens on my Nikon D810.
Under 500mm it's nice and sharp. Anything over about 40 ft with 600mm at f6.3 or f8 just looks like crap and goes straight in the bin.
Did you ever sort the problem?
Most of my issues seemed to be caused by atmospheric conditions with some being just limitations of a $1k 600 mm lens. The fine tuning helped but did not solve the IQ problem completely.
I found an old D model 400 f/2.8 that I use with a TC-14e and TC-17e with much superior IQ. Before getting the 400, I got the Nikon 200-500 but have some of the same issues with it as with the Tamron. Before the 400 or the 200-500, I got a used 300 f/4 with a TC-14e II for $1k that has great IQ but of course it is only 420 mm. If I had it to do over and was limited to under a $1500 budget, I would go the 300 f/4 used with a TC of course, none of this helps you with the Tamron, sorry.
Thanks for the reply, Ted.
I do actually have the 300mm f/4 with the 1.4x tc. It's a very good combo but, as you say, you're lacking in reach. I also have the 2x tc but. it's pretty unusable with the 300mm as the iq is shockingly bad. I recently hired a 500mm f/4 and the AF on that beast really puts the 300mm f/4 to shame!
The 400 f/2.8 w/tc sounds like a good idea. It may be a cheaper option than the 500mm f/4 I was planning on saving for.
I agree with you on the 300 and TC-20, I did not even try the 17 on it. The 500 is an extremely popular lens but unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to use one. So far, the 400 with the TC 14 and 17 have worked well for me. I am thinking of getting the TC-20 to try. If only I could afford a caddy to carry it for me. The 200-500 is much more compatible with an old man but I have many more keepers with the 400. If one could find a used 500 f/4 in excellent condition, that may be even better, especially for birds and small animals but I will have to be satisfied with what I have. Good luck in getting one that you will be happy with.