Tamron 200-500 experience.

[Dana C]

I am on a budget and am in need of a big lens on a strict budget. I know that is an oxymoron but here goes.
I have seen Sigma 50-500's in my budget and used Tamron 200-500s which are in my budget as well. do any of you have now or have had the Tamron 200-500 and how did it work for you?
Thanks again for the help.

 

[greybeard36 8]

Tamron AF 200-500mm f/5-6.3 SP Di LD IF - Review / Lab Test Report

 

[Dana C]

Is anyone out there still using this lens. On ebay it gets quite a few bids and is certainly affordable, ($600). Of course it doesn't have OS/VR. I am on a budget by the way. The Sigma 150-500 is another option as is the Nikon AFS 300mm with a pro teleconverter (1.4 or !.7) which would yield a f5.6 420.
Your thoughts please.
Thanks

 

[Dana C]

By the way Greybeard, I didn't to sound like I was slighting your post, I just really want to hear from someone who has used it.

 

[KmH]

When I had 2 of them for an action sports photography business, I was very pleased with the ($870 new)
Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM Telephoto Zoom Lens.
Here is a photo - 500 mm @ f/6.3 - with a Sigma 150-500.

The Sigma 150-500 with the lens hood on, mounted on a gripped Nikon D90

 

[coastalconn]

The first photo of the year on the photo forum was taken by a Tamron 200-500... It's a good starter long lens. Keh has them pretty cheap, especially without the FEC ring (it so you can mount a filter in front of the lens).. I would recommend a hood though.. TAMRON 200-500MM F/5-6.3 DI IF SP LD AUTOFOCUS LENS FOR NIKON {86} - KEH Camera Any ways, it is relatively sharp. AF speed is ok, not fast. It tracks very well and it is very light (relatively) Here is a bunch of images I took for the 18 months I shot with it.. Tamron 200-500 - an album on Flickr The Sigma 150-500 can be a good lens also as long as you get a "good one" here are some samples.. Sigma 150-500 OS - an album on Flickr

 

[dannylightning]

I have the sigma 150-500 and I really like it. it took a few days to get used to at f/8 and 1/500 or faster shutter speed I get some really nice photos with it.