Will Tamron set the bar for a budget wildlife lens?

[robbins.photo]

I know what you mean. At the moment I'm working with a 70-300 mm Nikon lens, it's been getting the job done so far but I'm still trying to decide if I'll get more bang for my buck out of the next lens with something faster (F/2.8 200 mm zoom) or something with more reach (Originally I was looking at either a 400 mm or 500 mm lens). I can see advantages to both, and eventually I'd like to have both but my progression back into the world of cameras is going to be a matter of slowly and steady rebuilding my equipment list.

The 70-200 can't beat the 70-300 at the 300mm end, even with a Nikon TC. Been there, tried that.

Well curiously enough I just purchased a 70-200 - but my desire for it was not based on the maximum focal length of 200 mm but rather it's aperture of F/2.8. I won't be using a teleconverter with it, but for my daughters sports stuff indoors and to walk around some of the places at the local zoo such as the Lied Jungle or the Desert Dome where the lighting conditions can get pretty poor rather quickly, I think it will end up being a very good addition to my bag.

As it so happens I got a deal that was way, way to good to pass up. The lens is a Sigma with the OS feature, and my winning bid was $721.50. Couldn't walk away from a deal like that, in fact I'm still pinching myself wondering how on earth a lens like that went that cheap on Ebay. But sometimes you just get lucky I guess.

 

[18.percent.gary]

Holy crappola! $1069 in the US market. I can't believe this is hitting the market at such a low price... Availibilty inthe next month!

Yup, my whole thought proccess about my next lens purchase just got kicked in the ding-ding. Now I'll just have to wait for the early adopters to get to work and report back to us....

 

[coastalconn]

Holy crappola! $1069 in the US market. I can't believe this is hitting the market at such a low price... Availibilty inthe next month!

Yup, my whole thought proccess about my next lens purchase just got kicked in the ding-ding. Now I'll just have to wait for the early adopters to get to work and report back to us....

Lol, mine too. . Just when I thought i was all set.. I'm sure it will be sharper than the 200-500 (which was pretty darn sharp) add fast AF, a focus limiter and VC and this lens is a no brainer.. I will be an early adopter for sure at that price point!

 

[nmoody]

Looks like I may have the opportunity to pick up a cheap Sigma =)

 

[coastalconn]

Looks like I may have the opportunity to pick up a cheap Sigma =)

Lol not my 120-300.. thats a keeper. I will probably flip the 150 500 that should be arriving today

 

[minicoop1985]

Now, I don't have the experience or expertise to really comment on the absolute image quality from Tamron, but I do know about build quality. I've been able to spend some time with some Tamron products (friend has a 70-200 or something like that my wife borrows for Sony, tried a few manual lenses) from varying time periods. I will say that their overall build quality is quite impressive these days compared to their manual old school stuff. The Sigmas I've played with leave me with the same feeling-the old Sigma Canon EF and Minolta AF mount stuff feels like junk compared to what they put out now. Very impressed with the direction these companies are going through build quality alone. Hopefully the optics are as nice as the rest...

 

[Overread16 4]

I wonder if its a true 600mm. I know that some of the Sigma 500mm zooms have been rated closer to 450mm at most normal shooting distances. Even if its only up to 550mm its an impressive range in a zoom and will be interesting to see how it performs - it could certainly prove to be a very decent and affordable wildlife lens.

 

[rhodeislandhntr]

something i might need to expand my options taking better outdoor pics

 

[baturn]

I too will be watching for feedback on this lens and perhaps have a 150 - 500 for sale.

 

[Derrel]

Price of the new Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD lens: $1069 | Nikon Rumors

Tamron SP150-600mm F/5-6.3 VC USD

 

[ruifo]

interestins news!

 

[rhodeislandhntr]

maybe i can scoop up a nice 150-500 to get by with if some will be hitting the market soon, i just like carrying my camera with me at work and for walks in the woods, it gives me something to do.

 

[coastalconn]

maybe i can scoop up a nice 150-500 to get by with if some will be hitting the market soon, i just like carrying my camera with me at work and for walks in the woods, it gives me something to do.

Well you could always take a ride down to CT and try mine.. I plan on getting the Tamron when it is released so I will be selling the Sigma 150-500 that I got from winning the KEH photo contest...

Here's a small reminder of what it's predecessor, the Tamron 200-500 was capable of....
Hawk and Rabbit up close by krisinct, on Flickr

Loon Vs Striped bass 2 by krisinct, on Flickr

Sparrow by krisinct, on Flickr

 

[Stevepwns]

If the image quality is there, I will have one. Ive been reading up on this and there are a lot of people excited about this lens.

 

[18.percent.gary]

Coastalconn you'd be the best early adopter of the lens that I could hope for LOL. Can't wait to hear your take on the lens especially on a D300. Heck, I fly into New Haven on a regular basis and usually have 6 hours to kill before we leave. I'll bring my own D300 and rent a car and hop on 95 to come try it out myself (I'll wash my hands first)!