Tamron 150-600 f/5-f/6.3 Review: The ultimate wildlife lens for $1,000?
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- Опубліковано 23 вер 2024
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📸 Tamron 150-600 f/5-f/6.3 for Sony on Amazon help.tc/t600
⭐ Canon 400mm f/5.6 on Amazon help.tc/c400
Tony & Chelsea Northrup tnx
But how can I contact you....
Me prosanjit
I m frm india
The first link goes to the Canon version of that lens, not the Sony.
After much much debate of canon vs. tamron... I ended up with the 150-600mm and let me tell ya..... it's freaking amazing. I don't know why chelsey is getting soft pictures because my photos were pretty darn sharp, even at 600mm. I guess it all depends on the subject you are shooting. Also the DOF is kinda shallow so it is easy to miss focus. I was taking pictures at a zoo at 600mm wide open and they were sharp. I would highly recommend the tamron over the canon 400mm prime as the VC makes a world of difference.
I took your advice 3 years ago and bought a second hand 400mm f5.6 prime on ebay for $800 with box and camo. Never ever regretted it, in fact it never comes off my Canon 7D. Friends comment on my photos saying they don't know what it is but they just like them. Thank you.
1:56 that dslr without the body cap
+Themoigt My eyes are burning...
I think I cried.
Prob why some of the video has dust on the sensor at 2 mins 40secs
+Darren Bannister Didn't even clock that. What a silly sausage
+Darren Bannister * 2:40
i use the Tamron 150-600 on a Canon 7D MkII for birds, and am VERY pleased with its performance. it may not be QUITE as sharp as the 400 f/5.6 prime, but no zoom will be as sharp as the best primes, so it's no surprise that the excellent 400 f/5.6 is a bit sharper. but if you have a good example of the Tamron, it is certainly more than sharp enough. my example of the Tamron is significantly sharper than my 100-400L, which was my workhorse lens for years. the Tamron isn't *quite* as sharp at 600 as it is at, say, 500-550mm, but for the price, it's pretty much the best zoom telephoto out there.
Winston Rockwell thank you for this comment!
Also sharper when stopped down. It really is a fantastic lens!
I use the tamron 150-600 on my 7D mk2 and have to say my pictures come out way better then what yours have, I’ve only had to modify the settings for focus tracking in the camera but that’s it, I still get Cristal clear photos.
***** Yes, the videos are in the paperback and ebook both. Thanks!
If you are every in Australia, I would like to buy you a beer sir.
I think your work is amazing, both your photography and your tutorials. :)
The video IQ are somewhat discouraging. How about posting a couple of the original still images in high resolution right here for us to see.
Bengt Nyman hello mate.. what is the difference between 70-300mm and just 300 mm lens and which is the best lens for all occasions
If you are photographing birds you need maximum reach and resolution so you choose a (300mm) prime lens. A zoom (70-300mm) lens gives you more flexibility for football games etc but a substantially compromised image quality.
Maybe it's my ignorance, but shooting wildlife with 300mm + lenses is nearly impossible without a proper image stabilizer in lens, through a shoulder rig or even a monopod, correct me if I'm wrong. but any added rig no matter in what form would greatly enhance picture quality.
, the images you show in this video either show fringing, are blurry or blown out...
I like this channel, thank you for sharing your time and works. It's nice to see a channel promoting photography and equipment rather than a lot of other channels promoting rage, incorrect or inexperienced reviews. This channel appears to carry experience, and humble honest reviews. Thanks
This is a great video. Thanks for taking the time to compare these models. I've been using the Tamron for nearly a year and for the price, it's a fantastic option for the handheld, wildlife shooter. The only other rig I had considered was the 400mm/2x extender combo. It's nice to see these two options stacked up in a real world situation.
I've been thinking of getting the tamron for my Nikon, but this video swayed me to do some research of possible alternatives. I like how this video is honest, and has good sample images for comparing the images. Also the mention of weight and zoom dust, very informative.
The fur on the rabbit seemed a "hare" sharper. Hahahhahaha
Get out 😂😂😂😂🤘🏼 made me spit out my tea 😂😂
You guys are a very beautiful family! My daughter is just 9 months, but we plan to introduce her in the things my wife I and like, among others, hikking and camping.
1:50, "don't baby your gear"....
2:17, tons of dust in the sky...
Yeah, I'm convinced :D
Yes, I definitely should have cleaned the sensor before the shoot. I stand behind not babying your gear, though. I don't mind cleaning the sensor, but I hate missing a shot.
Tony Northrup
Still, I would not run around without lens cap, but that's just me. It only takes a second to take off.
You guys are like, the most good looking couple in the photography world, with a real good reviews and knowledge, topped with a very warm and friendly approach, it feels like listening to our dear friends giving us their insights and opinions, doesn't feel like getting lectured or intimidated at all!! And you guys don't even bother to spend time answering our questions in each videos..
Wow,you guys are just.. AWESOME!
Looking forward to get your books soon as I can because I know they'll be awesome too!
much love from Indonesia
200-500mm Nikon review is a must. Looking forward to that.
No. Go for Tamron which gives pleasing images.
The great thing about your channel is you answer all of comment (or at least most of it) where's other channel didn't care. Keep up the good work :)
Thanks!!
Tony Northrup Hey, I would like to buy your book on iPad format but it isn't avaiable in Indonesia iTunes Store. itunes.apple.com/us/book/tony-northrups-dslr-book-how/id511736897?mt=11
Could you enable it ? Or is it any other way to buy your book for iPad?
Is it just me or do they look like a very generic rich villain duo. Perhaps something out of a Bond movie.
Hey guys... I just purchased my Tamron 150-600 and replaced my Sigman 160-500 and WOW what a difference. I am so glad I purchased this lens and it was less than $1000. Another great video. Thank you.
Look at the sensor dust. I noticed that you guys never use the front cap!
Here's the story--we normally film with the 70D, but we needed 3 wildlife cameras, so we used the 70D on-camera... and at the last minute pulled the 5D Mark II out of storage for Justin to film with. That camera always excelled at collecting sensor dust :). It just needs a cleaning. And I recommend throwing your front caps away immediately--they slow you down too much, and they have no impact on sensor dust. They might slow down collected dust on the front element of the lens, but that's easily wiped away and generally doesn't show up in pictures, anyway.
Tony Northrup I think he might have meant body cap
Tony Northrup what, no don't throw away the front caps! they are handy especially when you have none!! ie for carrying a 2nd or backup camera in a bag w/o a lense mounted.. saves so much space!!
I own the Canon 400 5.6 as well as the Tamron 150-600. I find the Canon to be more consistent, but when the Tamron nails it, the versatility of the zoom is really nice, as well as the extra reach. I have a really hard time deciding which lens to mount when I go in the field.
You should do a Tamron 150-600mm vs Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary. Im not sure which one is better. Right now im leaning towards the sigma.
Tamron by far...this test was bogus. Either the Tammy wasn't focused, or there was some problem with the lens (bad test example). The Tammy is not this soft/blurry IRL. Look for SIgma 150-600 vs Tamron 150-600 online and you can see what I'm talking about.
Came here for the 150-600, leaving with the 400 . . thanks guys. Blown a bigger hole in our pockets. Fabulous.
"Undisclosed location" Haha. I know exactly where this is! I've been here before. Beautiful area.
A DOUBLE play on words! The fur on the rabbit was a hair sharper... I took your advice (after doing my own research, too) and bought the Phottix Odin. It is EXCELLENT. Versatility and affordability is what I look for...
Do you have at 1:50 your camera sensor expose? why no cap?
It's not the sensor that's exposed, it's the mirror. I'm testing different lenses in this video and thus needed to quickly swap lenses to try and get exact comparison shots.
Tony Northrup You still know that the mirror isn't sealing the way to sensor so still, dust and things flow in to the sensor.
Finland Apollo What about the shutter?
3x3 Well, when the shutter moves, the dust and crap from the shutter moves to the sensor, ruining it.
Finland Apollo Don't go as far as to say ruin, but to dirty it where it will require cleaning, then yes.
Took a look at this lens for my aviation photography the other day at my camera shop! I fell in love!
Tony reminds me of Lorne Malvo from Fargo...?
+EPICRANDOMGUY Well shit, Lester.
(Impressions don't work very well in writing)
+Tony Northrup "The old lester, now he would just let it slide. But not this guy..."
+EPICRANDOMGUY looollllll just what I thought about all the video
Regarding 2:50 ("pushing that magnify button over and over again"), when Magic Lantern is installed on a Canon DSLR it has a function that allows simply holding the magnify button to zoom. It rapidly steps through the zoom amounts until it reaches max zoom, and can be released at any time.
This might be the best review for a lens I've ever seen.
Nathan Reisdorfer Thanks! We actually did better with the update: ua-cam.com/video/lgurGidoSJs/v-deo.html
Chelsea's way of holding the lens at 8:00 is wonderfully simple - fab idea!
2:04 why are you hanging your second body without lens or cap on your shoulder.... that is really bad for the camera sensor..
The sensor isn't exposed; the mirror is. Either way, you just blow the dust off. Regardless, it's not a habit of mine, but I was filming a lens comparison video where I needed to rapidly switch a lens between different bodies without disturbing wildlife.
I own that Nikon 300mm f4.0 and 1.4 teleconverter. It's an amazingly sharp and quick combo. Even on BIF shots you can make out every feather!
why do all these videos play MUSIC, It is driving me crazy. I can NOT hear them talk. WTF!!!
I can hear them just fine. Notice how the volume of the music is decreased when they start talking. To be fair at the start when they are whispering the background music sort of overpowers their voices.
What speakers/headphones are you using?
The prime is always gonna be a tad sharper but the tamron is a kick ass lense. Ive had no issues with mine whatsoever and like I said I own both the 400mm Canon and the 150-600 Tamron and the 5d mkiii and the 7d. Check out the bird shots on Photo Connection website that were done hand held at 600mm with the 150-600 ahd 5d mkiii. You wont be dissapointed with this lense.
"Its not all about sharpness." Did I miss something somewhere???
Thank you so much for your inspiring videos. Because of your reviews I finally pulled the trigger on getting the 400mm f5.6L prime with a 1.4x III convertor. I sold my 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM and upgraded to the 400mmL prime. With the 70-300mm it was just too soft when fully zoomed and it just wasn't enough reach especially when birds are in flight. IMO the 400mmL prime is the best bang for your buck telephoto wildlife lens. It's tack sharp and super light weight too. Thank you again.
In having a group debate there are a few issues - 1. if someone has the mic it's hard to be heard above them and 2. if there is religion or politics involved (gear groupies) there is little chance for objectivity and 3. if there is a fan base for the person with the mic it's pretty impossible for any alternative opinions to be heard.. In this review the flaws in making the lens comparisons are rampant. Tony you have previously done some nice work but this was a pure Canon sell out. This is clearly not an apples to apples comparison. It's misleading and unfortunately from what I have read has caused some people whose budgets are limited (and have no company connections) to shy away from a versatile lens that currently has no challenger at its price point. Finally, hand holding a new lens even with your past experience with large lenses doesn't guarantee you had the steadiest of hands with this one. I have used this lens and like others who have commented have consistently gotten tack sharp images when properly handled. Check what has happen to non-Tamron lens (in the this range) pricing after the 150-600 came out and was in the field - they dropped for a good reason.
Don't forget that with the tele converter the Canon prime becomes a 560mm f/8 compared to f/6.3 at 600mm with the Tamron. Another great review Tony and Chelsea, keep up the good work!
maybe im drunk but non of this pics are focused :O
+zigasi86 sharp*
+zigasi86 I totally agree. Don't understand why all of the photos in this video look like shit, no matter what lens they used.
I think it's just the video because some of the text in the video is a bit soft as well
Try to change from 1080p to 720p and then straight back to 1080p again.
I so agree...they look like shit.
Took your advice and went out and got the Canon 400 f5.6L and the 70D. Going to stick with this combo for birding for a very long time. Thanks for all the videos, I've found them extremely helpful. :) Huge fan
Hi Tony and Chelsea, right now I'm begining with bird photography here in Colombia, I bought an old second hand canon eos 20d with a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens, I did it cause my friend needed the money, so I decided to try it out. Now I want to buy a lens with closer zoom, so I was wondering, what do you recomend me?, right now I have the money for Tamron 150-600 lens, so I don't know if I should save more money for the canon 400, or if I should save money for a canon 7d mark II and keep the 70-300 lens instead. Thx for the nice review!!!
+Miguel López Oh, save for the 400mm f/5.6, definitely. It blows the Tamron away. If you're struggling with the AF system, save for a used original 7D--they're pretty inexpensive now.
+Tony Northrup Thx for the advice!!
Tony at 1:55 it shows you with a body without a dust cap.Is that why the video is so noisy?
This is definitely one of the best reviews of this lens that I've seen. Thanks Chelsea and Tony!
The Canon 400 mm becomes a 700 mm? When you crop it down? No way. You can crop what you want, it stays a 400 mm. There is a difference between 400 mm and 700 mm, like compressing the image. The length of a lens has a specific behavior. That the reason why for example a 50 mm looks so natural. A 400 mm stays an 400 mm, how you crop it, manually or with a sensor.
Leo Jonkers Obviously the lens doesn't physically deform, but it does give the same field of view and compression that a 700mm lens would.
Tony Northrup The same field of view is true, not the compression ( I mean by compression how the image will compress the closer and further subject will be closer to each other, maybe I do not express myself that good in written English while from The Netherlands:) ) With an 700 mm you get another picture than with a 400 mm. It is a common made error, when you see how often people are told an APSc will get your more tele. That is simply not true. There will be cropped in comparison with a FullFrame, that is all. Nice review by the way, it gets really exciting now Sigma will come with two(!) 150-600 mm zooms and Canon has come with the mark II of the 100-400mm. Choices, choices...
***** Yes, I also think that. But I also think that it is the wrong way to compare cropping with a longer telephoto. The Fov can be the same, the image (in that Fov) is different. Like I said before, it is keeping the wrong way of thinking alive.
I also think this review compares the lenses with a specific subject, where shutter speed is important and reduces the importance of IS. When you use these lenses for other subjects where shutter speeds are less important, the the Canon 400mm without IS suffer a big disadvantage. And I am not saying the Canon 400mm is a bad lens, far from that. But not everybody takes constantly photos of fast moving objects like flying birds. A lot of people use these lenses for a visit to the zoo or will make use of the artistic possibilities an long telephoto lens can give you.
***** Off course I referred to fast shutter speeds, where fast shutter speeds are less important. I am sorry to forget the word fast.
I use the 400/5.6 on a 1D3 and can't say I've ever needed IS at all. Never shoot below 1/400th either so I guess it's never needed :) Glad it came out on top in IQ over the Tamron though. Cheers for the review.
5:20 "No Ground Fires"? As opposed too??
BonesTheCat haha
Chelsea makes a great point about dust getting into the zoom. I really messed up my brand-new Sony 70-400G2 on its first trip when some sand fell on it and got sucked into the lens, requiring an expensive professional cleaning (and then was dropped by UPS being returned from the cleaning).
@ 9:03 I see what you did there lol
Guys i love your UA-cam I just bough the Tamron 150-600 f/5-f/6.3 and i have a canon T5I . I should have it any day.
you guys have me hooked on wildlife thanks for your help.
How about the Canon 400mm f4 DO IS lens? That thing looks sick for birds if you can afford it!
falcoperegrinus82 It is, though at that price and weight I'd push you toward the 500mm or 600mm instead.
Tony Northrup I'm contemplating buying a telephoto mainly for wildlife and leaning toward the 300 f/2.8 or the 400 f/4 DO. The 300 is shorter but with the f/2.8 I feel it will be more versatile for other shots than wildlife and it also performs well with the teleconverters. But the weight advantage of the 400 f/4 DO is tempting. What is your take on this?
Thanks for your time...
Canon EF 300 mm f/2.8 is considered by many including non_Canon fan photographers. I loved mine. Extraordinarily sharp when printed out. FB, UA-cam and most social media compress like a NYC pizza crust ( which is good) for pizza lovers!. I post slightly diminished quality b/c I prefer I sell the beauties, not photo foragers. Currently I use the Canon EF 400mm f/4 with extenders and lots of light!! For low light, I use a variety of lenses. I love/hate the Canon EF 500mm because I do most shooting in winter in Yellowstone and even snowshoes in backcountry are not happy and tripods with gimbals sink like the snow is quick sand!.
All that said, I'm going to Yosemite soon and taking a Olympus system this time. Up to 19" inch prints are as good as my Nikon D850, Canon D5 MKII. I just have to understand what puts the best light in the camera..IMHO...
Thinks for all your videos! This one convinced me to go with the Canon 400mm F5.6. I'm so glad I did, it's a great lens, and my first L lens. I have a nature reserve about a half hour away from home, I'm getting some great shots. I was into B/W photography in high school, even had a darkroom in my basement. Now 40 years later, I'm loving digital photography. I bought a t3i to start off with, now considering popping for a 7d. Thanks again, Bill.
lol you look like that bad guy from the tv series fargo hahahaha
Tony I almost did not buy this lens based on your review . This lens is very sharp at 400, 500, and 600 mm on my D800 at half the shutter of the focal length . And the tracking was fast and accurate . I think you must have received a bad copy . This lens is fantastic and excellent value . Much more versatile and a better buy than the canon 400 mm prime .
Craig Brown I do hope you enjoyed the lens, but we actually did this comparison twice, with two different copies of the Tamron, and got the same results: ua-cam.com/video/lgurGidoSJs/v-deo.html
Sharpness is always relative to other lenses. The 400 prime isn't an option in the Nikon world, and IMO, the Tamron is the best buy... but unless you've shot them side-by-side, you can't assume that's there's a flaw in our methodology.
You are right . The 400 mm prime is not a option for Nikon . . But My copy is sharp period and im sure the canon is the same . If you get a good copy . All things considered . , with this range ,versatility quality , sharpness and the excellent VC and price . It a better deal than the canon mm prime . Thats just my opinion . And I was actually a canon shooter for many years .
***** I had the d610 It has a very good camera as well . I think this will be a excellent choice it offers much to much to not get it . I cant say enough about this lens at its price point . I will post soon pics on flickr and ill send you the link .
***** Ok here a few pics on flickr of this lens
www.flickr.com/photos/intergritypictures/ or you can google bmaque12 photosteram on flick I think . You can view them full size , which are super large . Some was cropped a little
Craig Brown I completely agree, i had reservations after watching this review, but i bought the tamron anyway and the results blew me away. I am not sure what tony and chelsea are doing, but i got really good results at 600mm. Overall, extremely happy with the tamron and i am glad i did not listen to them saying the lens is "soft"
NO! NO! NO! Open camera body @ 1.49
Andrew Neill It's a comparison, I'm constantly swapping lenses, and the worst that will happen is I'll get a bit of dust on the mirror that I later brush off. No biggie.
As a Nikon guy pricing these options I am most interested in comparing to the new version of the 80-400: "Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR" which runs around $2700 USD. I saw you flash past the outdated version of that lens with a recommendation for the Tamron. The new version is much more interesting to me. I guess it's in a different price range but if you want clarity at 400mm with fast focusing for birds in flight, that new lens may be the entry point for us Nikon guys. It also has VR, and is light weight for hand holding.
I'd love to see a comparison of all the options under $3000 for Nikon guys wanting to shoot birds in flight at 400mm or more.
Thanks for the nice review and pointers. I always enjoy them.
The new 80-400 is clearly superior, and it's even a tad sharper than the 300 f/4 + 1.4x TC that I discussed... so if that's in your price range, go for it! You're right that I skipped past it because the price wasn't in the same ballpark.
You two are simply excellent at everything you do. Thanks for making UA-cam great!
I'm a new photographer and I absolute love your material and videos! I've learned soooo much. Thanks!
Team, This is probably one of your better videos, I enjoyed your others but this one mostly for your overall ability to bring me in with you. The material was covered in a concise way with enough "environmental" shots to keep me interested and waiting on the results. Thanks.
I photo and video RC aircraft which has many similarities to wildlife photography. I have a Sony 300mm zoom that does OK but it lacks reach for when the models get very far away and the autofocus only works under really bright sunlight when I am zoomed in. I have Tamron f 2.8 55mm that use indoors fro 'studio' work and green screen and it works well. It did have the autofocus die when it was still new and I h had to send it to Tamron. To their credit Tamron got to back to me quickly. No problems since. Thanks for the good info. Cheers, Max
Thanks for the review. Looks like you did this closer to when this lens was released.
I have used the Tamron 150-600mm Nikon lens extensively for almost a year now. There are lots of compromises you need to make and it can be a really great lens. Drawbacks - if you subject is too far, this lens performs poorly. I mean if you shoot anything beyond, 80-100 ft, it is not sharp - irrespective of light. But at closer distances, boy this lens can totally surprise you. You can't get too close because at 600mm you dof is so shallow. If you can work around these limits, this lens can do wonders.
On a cloudy day, I might as well leave this lens in my car and just take a walk because every shot I have shot becomes useless. Also, on a very bright sunny day if you shoot a white bird (you technically shouldn't do that) the lens wont resolve the details as much as my Nikon 70-300mm f5.6does. So its ability to resolve details on a overly bright contrasty light is low.
That said, this is the single most versatile lens and I really love how the VR does what it is supposed to do. This lens is sharper than Nikon 70-300 f5.6 and its VR totally outperfoms the Nikon 70-300mm which I love.
I had this lens for my Canon 7D and can say it worked wonderfully...I can also say that the claim of the teleconverter not working is very true. The photos would always look grainy with it attached.
You know what I've learnt everything from you after I bought my first DSLR 70D... Thanks alot!
Great review. Thanks. And your videos have really stepped up in quality with the music and "behind the scenes" stuff. Well done.
Hi Tony. Great comparison. My trick for quick shots of moving subjects in different light from what I was just shooting is a quick turn to full auto. I admit it, I will use auto mode to not miss something if my existing settings in manual are way off.
Whatever works! But be careful because automatic mode will probably put you at 1/500 or 1/750, which might be too slow to freeze the action.
Tony Northrup
Its a shame cameras dont let you pick full auto with a range of speeds, range of iso and apertures. And the camera finds the best combo.
EG, Set 1/2000 min with max iso of 400, and any app. The camera finds the best combo.
If you're a consumer or entheusiast and want 600mm+ reach, a very good (and very practical) option is a new or recent model superzoom camera. Some go to 1200mm.
They do use smaller sensors but that allows for good DOF when zoomed out. They're far more affordable than just this lens alone (never mind a dslr), can fit in a jacket pocket, won't strain your back, and have a lot of features that DSLRs don't.
But that's because this lens is so soft at 600mm. For highest quality, DSLRs are the way to go.
I do think superzoom fixed lens cameras are a good way to get started with wildlife, especially for those who don't have the budget for a DSLR and a $1000 lens. If you can get close enough and fill the frame, they can create usable pictures, but the optics aren't in the same league as (even) the Tamron.
Tony Northrup "Even" the Tamron, Tony you are totally out to lunch, check out the comparison here;www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=929&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=3&API=0&LensComp=278&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0
There is absolutely no discernable difference between the Canon 400mm prime and the Tamron.
Awesome reviews. Recently bought Canon 70D with 18-135 mm lens. Learning a lot from these reviews. Thanks
So glad that I made a choice to buy the F5.6 400mm from Canon after watching this I wouldn't buy anything different!
Love that lens so much, even tough I was a bit sceptic at first to shoot pictures with it without a mono/tripod it delivered great results!
Thanks for replying! My current setup is the Sigma 150-500mm and the Nikon D3200, but they seem a good combination! Keep taking the stunning images!
I watched several other reviews of the Tamron and they managed to get really nice sharp pics of wildlife.
I just found a Tokina 400mm 5.6 that I've been getting decent results from. It's an old lens and its flaws show on high MP sensors like my the one in my D7100...but, you can get them used for less than $400.
Best real world review of this lens I've seen so far. I have noticed that the images from this lens have been washed out and fuzzy. And there is a huge drop off in sharpness from 500mm to 600mm.
The 400 f/5.6 + teleconverter is a great comparison. Other interesting comparison would be the sigma 150-500 sort lenses as the shots I've seen from those look a lot better than what I've seen from this Tamron.
Yeah, we didn't mention it explicitly, but the contrast on the lens is pretty horrible zoomed in... and that's a big deal because wildlife pictures often have a lot of contrast (like the white egrets in direct light, or a dark bird on a bright sky). That's why the swans and egrets look all blown out--the primes handled the contrast just fine. The chromatic aberration on this lens sucked compared to the primes, too. In our experience, and lab tests, the Tamron seems to be overall a tiny bit better than the Sigma, but it's basically a wash.
Tony Northrup how did you even manage to get CA or bad contrast out of this lens ? I am sorry Tony but something is wrong with your copy. I tried to shoot in direct sunlight and I didn't see one once of CA. The lens is actually very contrasty and superior to the 100-400L that I used to own. Not at a prime level but when I see comment like this, I am starting to doubt the copy or your expertise in wildlife photography.
Tony Northrup Absolutely the most biased and contradicting review of this lens I have seen on the net, your copy had to be faulty or there is definitely some bias toward Canon here.
I bought the Tamron 150-600 about 6 weeks ago (for Canon 5D Mk III, 7D). I also have the Canon 500mm f/4 and for ages had the Canon 100-400 which I sold.
My experience is that the Tamron 150-600 is plenty sharp at 600mm IF 1) you stop it down to f/8, and 2) you pay VERY CAREFUL attention to your long lens techniques since the lens seems very hypersensitive to lens motion.
You are a lot stronger than me if you can handhold the 8.5 pound Canon 500mm f/4 for extensive periods of time! The Tamron has the advantage of being 1/2 that weight at 4 "only" pounds.
I appreciate that the 400mm f/5.6 is very sharp and this shows off best with birds in flight where image stabilization is less helpful. If my subject is relatively stationary, then lack of image stabilization is a major limitation in my experience.
I am going to Africa on a safari this summer, and I think the Tamron on a Canon 5D Mk iii is going to be my answer for larger mammals and birds that may be close to our vehicle or tent, or may approach us, and I don't have time or desire in the dusty environment to swap lenses. For small birds and distant animals then I am going to bring out my Canon 7D and the 500mm f/4 with a 1/4X teleconverter.
I agree that the Tamron is sharper than the Canon 100-400 in side-by-side testing, plus it has the 200mm extra focal length. You downplay the sharpness of the Tamron at all focal lengths over 400mm, but the laboratory reviews say it is very sharp out to 500mm, and the fall off from 500-600mm can be greatly reduced by stopping back to f/8.
I suspect this lens is going to sell like hotcakes. Canon is rumored to have a replacement for the 13? year old 100-400 IS this fall, but it will almost certainly be more than 2X the price of the Tamron. Thanks for the review.
I have a 7D and trying to decide if I should get the Tamron 150-600mm or the Canon 400mm prime. I do astrophotography as well as outdoor photography and I do need the reach for this. But, can I digitally zoom my pictures (Photoshop) to 600mm with clear results if I get the Canon 400mm prime? Or, should I just go ahead and get the Tamron since I will be on a tripod? Astrophotography shots are very picky and can become blurry very quickly. lol
I do not know. Since you are always going to be at the telephoto end of the lens, I suspect that a prime like the Canon 400 f 5.6 would be a better bet at around $1,100. Best to ask your astrophotography friends.
Tony, your reviews are all great. Always very thorough and full of terrific information. Great that your wife (and maybe your kids?) share your passion for this. Thanks very much.
I have used the Tamron for two months now. I'm shooting with a Canon 6D. I disagree with Tony's remark about the sharpness of this lens @ 600mm. I have a photo I shot of a Loon handheld in a boat with chop waves. It was tack sharp even with cropping. I absolutely love this lens.
Kathy McElhaney Well, sharpness is always relative, right? I wasn't trying to determine whether the lens was "sharp", I was testing which of two lenses was better. They're both sharp; the 400mm prime is definitely sharper. Regardless, what matters is that you're getting great pictures. Enjoy!
Great video(!) with a lot of information. Even though I was not interested in that specific theme, I still liked to watch it to the end.
You're such a great team!
Go on with that...!
Thanks Mr & Mrs Northrup, you just saved me a few quid, I was going to sell the 400/5.6 and buy a Tamron, now I'll find a cheap second hand 1.4X ... love you guys...
As long as it isn't blurred or out of focus that's ok. Softness can be sharpened with Photoshop anyway. I use TOU Five Star 500mm f8 Prime Preset manual lens. Set at f11 aperture, photos were reasonably sharp provided the lens is focused properly. Doubled with Photoshop sharpening then my bird photos would compete with any AF lens 5 times more expensive than the bargain price I have paid for my full manual 500mm prime! So image softness is just a second thought to me. More important to me is the dynamic performance of the lens on the field, or in AI term, is the IQ of the lens.
I would LOVE to see one of these reviews comparing the two canon primes that every budding wildlife photographer pulls hairs over.
The EF 400mm f/5.6 USM and the EF 300mm f/4 IS USM.
The only detailed comparisons come from people that almost exclusively shoot birds either in flight (400mm preference) or on perches (300mm preference). I don't think I have ever seem them referred to as a general wildlife lens, especially with regards to use on boats. 400mm is tempting, but so is IS and minimum focusing distance. Sigh - very hard choice.
Thanks for all the videos so far. You guys do a great job!
Nice video, i can confirm camera mirror doesn't mind dust as ultrasonic does great job cleaning sensor, however that cannot be confirmed with matte glass in viewfinder, which is utterly hard to clean, and once you get oil or smudge on in, it will stay there.
I'm looking at the Tamron - much thanks for such a comprehensive test!!!!
Id love to know how you feel the Tamron 15-600 mk 2 (or G2) compares to the canon 400mm (as its supposedly substantially better than the mk 1)?
I wished you had made this video earlier, as I was going to buy the Canon 400mm 5.6 In the end I went for the Sigma 150-500 as it had IS ok lens but only sharp up to 450 max on around 7.1 at 1/800 or higher. The Tamron 150-600 was just out and not available in the UK Wales that easy. I really wished I had the 400mm L I have the 70-200 2.8 and 1.4 converter and the 70-300 L which is a good lens YES Canon lenses are the best. John Watts UK
Great review! Hard to not be mesmerized by Chelsea's eyes.
Great Video, love the way the whole family gets involved!
Tony at the beginning of the video, you mention the canon 70D focusing problems. But it seems the problem is focusing mostly with wider apertures between 2.8-1.2 and using the center point, shooting thrue the viewfinder, with the live view is fine.
You should be proud of that double pun at 9:03, Tony.
6:40 - 6:50 was money. Thanks for putting this study together. Very helpful.
I hate the noise from the 7D. I have both the 7D and 5D mkIII. Keeping both but will get the Canon 400 prime for both bodies.
Awesome thanks for sharing this guys, I have been waiting to see your review on the new Tamron. I have been planning to buy the Canon 400mm next year and after watching this review I'm still very excited to get it. Thanks again :)
Thanks, this was a very useful review. Both lenses seem fantastic in there own ways, now which one to choose...
Thanks for sharing your experience and let me improve my knowledge about wildlife photography.
Feedback for you Tony. I will preface with accolades for well produced and informative videos that provide value to gear junkies and artists alike. Thank you for all the hard work the two of you put into your production.
What makes it all work is the dynamic between yourself and Chelsea. In this video, you stepped all over points she wanted to make. I urge you to watch but from her perspective.
Just an FYI The Tamron 150-600 (non G) is on flash 24 hr sale through today 01-30-19 On amazon and B&H camera for $779.00
I think its very pertinent to say that the tamron is soft, and that the prime is sharper even when cropped..... that new 100-400 l usm ii may be sharp enough to be the clear alternative to the tamron
hi tony,
i was wondering if you could clarify about what you said at 13:58 about the used canon you recommend. did you say a used canon 7d is a good match for the tamron 150-600mm to jump into bird photography? i want to make sure i heard it right since im considering that camera...thanks in advance :)
I always enjoy the content you two provide. However, I was shocked when I saw Tony walking around with the camera without the cap on.
I was really struggling with the Canon 400mm or the Tamron 150-600, but after your video the choice was clear! The 400mm. Can't wait to pick it up this weekend. Thanks for your help!
+Lorne Jordan Why you decided to go for 400mm ? I think that Tamron 150-600mm and Sigma version 150-600mm are great lenses
Hi Stefan. Did you see Tony's review? He makes it pretty clear, the Canon is better even cropped from 400mm vs. Tamron's 600mm, and at 400mm its not even close. Have a look at this lens chart, just input the right lenses: www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=726&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=4&LensComp=122&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=4
As I can see the best reach and also good sharpness for me have Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport. But that lens is about 2400eur. I had a chance to buy Sigma 400mm f5.6 but I think it is not so sharp and I didn't buy it
This is just a fantastic and informative review. Thanks so much!
Thanks tony and chelsea! Really nice review. And those small tips you give in general, are really helpful. eg. -@3.14 readying for quick shot tip! I've experienced it! A sunbird came really close to me and started hovering on a flower. I focused correctly and clicked, but the slow shutter speed settings left me with only one unblurred image despite the correct focus (and in that image also wings are blurred). Totally, agree!
Thanks, Chinmay! Focusing is never 100%--in fact, with wildlife, it's usually more like 10-30%. Take lots of pictures and delete most of them!
Excellent video Tony and Chelsea, looking to get the tamron here pretty soon myself for my Nikon here soon when it's released :-)
Tony Northrup I know that this is an older video, but now that you guys have a D810 have you noticed it better for croping then having a little bit longer lens. Like having a 400mm and cropped D810 image vs. a D610 with a 600mm. Another words would you put the money into the body or the lens for wildlife?