Again -- Tam 150-600
- Thread starter wev
- Start date
That's exactly what it looks like. It's as though the aperture isn't closing completely which would allow more light to enter. It may not be able to handle such quick bursts.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
I have fired mine full speed when shooting BIF. That is with my D750. Never had a problem. Which camera are you using when you shoot it?
If you are referring to my initial post, a D5300, which is a slow burst at best -- I can manually click the shutter as fast. Before its mishap, I did not have a problem with my D500's 10/sec burst rate using the Tam.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
This has threat has gotten twisted about. The issue does not matter what body is or has been used. I had noticed it beginning using the D500 just before my crash. It was subtle and infrequent, but I recognized what was happening because of the previous times. As I continued with the D5300, it became progressively worse and more frequent. As before, the greater the contrast of light/dark, the more pronounced the problem. At the same time, as again in the prior cases, autofocus began failing, finally crapping out altogether. I have no idea if the two problems are tied together, but given that it has now occurred three times identically, I suspect they are. I also have to wonder if the new version just announced is partly in response to these recurrent aperture/focus issues.
Maybe they'll give me one of the new ones for all my troubles, but I doubt it.
How long have you owned it? When I experienced the repeated problems with my D600, I let Nikon know New York observes the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Do some research on it and see if it can help you. I wound up getting a refund from Nikon while others received a replacement camera. Not sure how it works with your lens, but I imagine part of it has to do with how long you've owned the lens.
I have owned the Tam for two years. This is the third time it has gone back for the same issues. Tamron's warranty is for 6 years.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
Well, I had a pleasant conversation with the customer service supervisor at Tamron this morning. The upshot is that a new 150-600 lens is on its way to me, with their apologies. While he did not actually admit anything, I got the distinct impression that mine was not an isolated case.
So now I'm torn -- do I start shooting again, or sell it unopened and get in line for the new version, which has a different AF and aperture system?
So now I'm torn -- do I start shooting again, or sell it unopened and get in line for the new version, which has a different AF and aperture system?
Bikerbrent_RIP
Senior Member
Or the third and forth options, sell it unopened and get a Sigma 150-600 or Nikon 200-500.
That had also crossed my mind. Need a beer and a think.
captain birdseye
Senior Member
as you are nikon shooting just get the 200-500vr and be done with it.
I owned the sigma 150-600 c for about a year and while it outperformed the tamron (I trialed and returned after a week or two) it falls far short of the nikon in every respect.
the nikon is sharper right through its range, has nicer contrast, better colours, better ergonomics, much nicer vr and is much more consistent in its focus accuaracy (although the nikons focus is slower than the sigma it is a little quicker than the tamron).
Dont let the difference in focal length put you off either as the sigma is not a true 600mm but seems to be closer to 560mm (at infinity and more like 450mm close up as it suffers a little from focus breathing).
I have found that there is little to no difference in the size of image when comparing the two and, if there were you will find that a pic taken with the nikon at 500mm and cropped to equal 600mm fov still beats the same shot taken with the sigma at 600mm as the nikon is far more crop friendly. (plus it is said to take to the tc14 converter very well).
I owned the sigma 150-600 c for about a year and while it outperformed the tamron (I trialed and returned after a week or two) it falls far short of the nikon in every respect.
the nikon is sharper right through its range, has nicer contrast, better colours, better ergonomics, much nicer vr and is much more consistent in its focus accuaracy (although the nikons focus is slower than the sigma it is a little quicker than the tamron).
Dont let the difference in focal length put you off either as the sigma is not a true 600mm but seems to be closer to 560mm (at infinity and more like 450mm close up as it suffers a little from focus breathing).
I have found that there is little to no difference in the size of image when comparing the two and, if there were you will find that a pic taken with the nikon at 500mm and cropped to equal 600mm fov still beats the same shot taken with the sigma at 600mm as the nikon is far more crop friendly. (plus it is said to take to the tc14 converter very well).
If it were me, I'd sell it and get something by a different manufacturer. Back in the 90's, Tamron had some issues with their focus motors being quite loud, and people weren't happy. Not sure if those motors failed altogether because it was so long ago.
I had a problem with my former Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS but am very pleased with my Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8. And I've had other Sigma lenses in the past (which I still have packed away). So I wouldn't hesitate to consider Nikon or Sigma for future purchases.
I had a problem with my former Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS but am very pleased with my Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8. And I've had other Sigma lenses in the past (which I still have packed away). So I wouldn't hesitate to consider Nikon or Sigma for future purchases.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
Drink 2 to wash down a slab of ribs. That will put you in the right frame of mind for a difficult decision.
I am so happy that Tamron is doing the right thing. Makes me feel better about them.
Now as to the second part. That is not a question I would want to have to face. With the new model coming out and the fact that even though yours is new and unopened what do you think you will be able to sell it for?
3/4s new retail? $750?
The Nikon 200-500 runs $1400 or so. Can you afford the difference? If you can then that is probably what I would do based on everything I have seen. The Nikon is a very nice lens. If I had not have gotten a fantastic rebate on the Tamron I would have saved up and bought the Nikon but at over twice the price it probably would still not be in my collection.
I love my Tamron and have gotten great service out of it and with the new one coming to you you may have great service out of it.
Has the new Tamron 150-600 come out yet?
I asked. It has been officially announced, but not yet released in Japan. Best guess was 2 to 3 months after Asia sales start before it hits the US.
Warranty would influence my decision a bit,lets face it you do make use of your lens 
,i doubt many put as much use into theirs what ever make, how long is the warranty on the Nikon,has any one used it as much as you use the Tamron,all joking aside there will be a design life on most lenses if you think your going to exceed this you need the extra warranty time,this is if the new Tamron is up to scratch.
,i doubt many put as much use into theirs what ever make, how long is the warranty on the Nikon,has any one used it as much as you use the Tamron,all joking aside there will be a design life on most lenses if you think your going to exceed this you need the extra warranty time,this is if the new Tamron is up to scratch.Warranty would influence my decision a bit,lets face it you do make use of your lens
This is a good point. As much as @wev uses the long lens, I would definitely recommend going with the 200-500mm if he could get enough for the Tammy without losing too much. I'm not trying to be a fanboy of the Nikon 200-500mm lens, but it is truly an awesome lens. I use to love shooting flowers and butterflies with my 70-300mm but this really blows it out of the water focus and IQ wise. Not to mention bird and BIF shots.
I don't know about the Sigma so I can't comment on it.