Dilemma

Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
I am in a bit of a DILEMMA... I was all set to go and purchase the 200-500 Nikon next week, but after some youtubing and research I see that Tamron have brought out a cap thing that allows firmware updates of lenses like what Sigma has.

So should I get the 150-600 G2 Tamron? Or the Sigma 150-600 Sports? Or stick with the 200-500 Nikon? I also hear that the Tamron works well with the 1.4 and 2x TC.
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Scott Murray said:
I am in a bit of a DILEMMA... I was all set to go and purchase the 200-500 Nikon next week, but after some youtubing and research I see that Tamron have brought out a cap thing that allows firmware updates of lenses like what Sigma has.
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The Tamron "dock" is called the TAP-in Console (jsyk) but I don't think the 150-600mm is compatible with it; as I recall it's a very short list of lenses that are, sadly, because I love my Tamron lenses and wish the dock was a more viable option for me than it is. Tamron will calibrate the auto-focus for you however if you're willing to send them the lens. My point being, if the Tamron dock thing is a big part of the equation, I'd investigate it further because I don't thing the big-zooms are compatible... At least not yet (??!)

Not sure if that helps you come to any kind of decision.
...
 
T

TKC_D500

Senior Member
Horoscope Fish said:
The Tamron "dock" is called the TAP-in Console (jsyk) but I don't think the 150-600mm is compatible with it; as I recall it's a very short list of lenses that are, sadly, because I love my Tamron lenses and wish the dock was a more viable option for me than it is. Tamron will calibrate the auto-focus for you however if you're willing to send them the lens. My point being, if the Tamron dock thing is a big part of the equation, I'd investigate it further because I don't thing the big-zooms are compatible... At least not yet (??!)

Not sure if that helps you come to any kind of decision.
...
Click to expand...

This is correct. For now, the TAP-in Console is only compatible with 4 primes. The 35mm, 45mm, 85mm, and 90mm.
 
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Ironwood

Senior Member
Last month I put my Tamron gen1 up for sale with the intention of buying a Nikon 200-500 when it sold. But the old Tamron threw a spanner in the works by developing the AF problem, intermittent but noticeable, so I withdrew the for sale ads. I have to send it away to be fixed.
I did all the research between the G2, Sigma sports, and Nikon. Also looked at the Nikon 300 f4 + TC, and the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 + TC. Very hard to pick a clear winner. But if I was going to buy a new one today, I would probably go with the Nikon 200-500 and hope I got what I wanted.
Though I would dearly love to test that Sigma 120-300 f2.8 and a couple of TC's, just to see.

Hard choice.
 
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NealB

Senior Member
According to the Tamron web site the Tap-in console does work with the 150-600mm G2 lens. It is a suggested accessory by Tamron on the G2 page.
 
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Rick M

Senior Member
If I ever return from the dark-side, I'd get the Nikon 200-500 and D500. I've seen good results with that combo from a guy in a group I shoot eagles with, not so much from the others. Most people have the tamron and sigma but don't know how to use them and their cameras. I found the sigma dock to be interesting but frustrating. I also read about a lot of folks having trouble with firmware upgrades to lenses, if you make a mistake you can freeze up the body or lens and have to send it out.
 
Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Scott Murray said:
I already have the old Tamron V1 and its frustrating as the focus is still intermittent. I am leaning toward the 200-500 still.
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I was rather frustrated with the Tamron when I rented it last year to go to Circle Bar B Reserve. My shots were just not sharp. I ended up getting a fantastic deal on a new one that I did buy one. Fine tuning it helped the sharpness but it took me a while to really learn how to shoot it properly. I get what I think are good results with it now. Trying to up my game with it now and have added a new lightweight tripod and gimbal head. I think I can shoot at a lower speed now and use a lower ISO or higher aperture. My hands and arms are not as steady as they used to be so had to up the shutter speed to 1/1600 - 1/2000 to get a steady shot and that was on a non moving subject. I think I can go as low as 1/1000 on a BIF with the camera on a tripod and get good results. Going to go out tomorrow and see if I can find some birds.
 
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snj979s

Senior Member
I've been reading for weeks and have pretty much settled on the Nikon 200-500. I'm going to get a new copy and ask my local camera store to check it out as well. Also have considered the G2 and Siggy sport. G2, not enough info out there on it for my comfort. Sport, weight is my main concern which I would tolerate if I thought the IQ was significantly better. Everyone keeps telling my to get the Nikon, including some pretty phenomenal wildlife shooters.
 
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PromiseShooter

Senior Member
I own and would repurchase in a heartbeat the Nikon 200-500. Way too many inconsistencies, issues, IQ concerns, longevity concerns, etc seem to develop with both the Tamron and Sigma lenses over the long haul. I know there are a lot who swear by them, but not me. If you're in it for the long haul investment, put Nikon lenses on your Nikon camera (and Canon on your Canon, etc.) with very few exceptions. (Prime/MF lenses or short throw zooms with uncomplicated systems like the Tokina 11-16 for example...)
 
Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
PromiseShooter said:
I own and would repurchase in a heartbeat the Nikon 200-500. Way too many inconsistencies, issues, IQ concerns, longevity concerns, etc seem to develop with both the Tamron and Sigma lenses over the long haul. I know there are a lot who swear by them, but not me. If you're in it for the long haul investment, put Nikon lenses on your Nikon camera (and Canon on your Canon, etc.) with very few exceptions. (Prime/MF lenses or short throw zooms with uncomplicated systems like the Tokina 11-16 for example...)
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Welcome to the forum and thank you for your post.
 
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PromiseShooter

Senior Member
Thanks, but I generally find forums to be good places for information and poor places for communication. Often times people don't stick to the issues, answer questions that were not asked, and are petty and disagreeable. I want to like people more and online forums don't help... I don't do Facebook, Twitter, or any other insipid online "communities" anymore either. I love photography and have since I was young but I find that skulking from time to time, but mostly practicing my craft, is the most enjoyable.
 
Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
PromiseShooter said:
Thanks, but I generally find forums to be good places for information and poor places for communication. Often times people don't stick to the issues, answer questions that were not asked, and are petty and disagreeable. I want to like people more and online forums don't help... I don't do Facebook, Twitter, or any other insipid online "communities" anymore either. I love photography and have since I was young but I find that skulking from time to time, but mostly practicing my craft, is the most enjoyable.
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I hope with time you will find that this forum is very different from the many other ones. This is why I do keep active here and posting my images. If people do get petty etc they are quickly dealt with and any kind of abuse/teasing etc unless its made in jest is not tolerated. Stay around and enjoy the scenery.
 
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