well I love the z180-600 despite the Popeye arms I've had to grow. I particularly like that its zooms internally - one reason I didn't like the z100-400. This Tamron has the tube extending and also I'd question the seal around the zoom ring when used to lock the focus. When you push it out to lock, how good is the seal. Hmmmm
I bought both. The 180-600 is my bird lens but too heavy to hike with so I use my 500PF and will eventually save up for the 600PF or 800PF. I needed something longer than my 24-120 and decided the Tamron 150-500 was a better fit cost and distance wise than the 100-400. I paired it with my Z6ii recently while shooting landscape from a boat on a lake and was very happy with it's performance and grabbed a few birds along the way too.
Just purchased one to use on z8 and z6ii bodies, but haven't had the opportunity to shoot with it yet. I am still wanting a comparison of image sharpness between it and the Nikon 100-400. From what I've seen, the Nikon may offer only slightly better image quality. Would like to see what other people think.
I purchased this lens after considering the 100-400 and 180-600. I feel your review is fair but could have discussed more the VR capability of this lens, I have found it to be poor compared to the excellent VR we have become accustomed to in Z lenses. This seems to be an issue with Tamron lenses, presumably because they are designed first for the much smaller E mount and then ported to the Z mount without the revisions that would allow them to take advantage of the latitude conferred by the larger Z mount.
For someone like me who is planning on using this for shooting pro sports from my pretty good seats (since I am not a media credentialed person) and they have length restrictions on the lens so this is the better choice over the 180-600 because I can pretend my lens doesn't extend out (by locking it) and it's only 8.3 inches or so.
I bought this lens because I thought the Nikon Z 180-600mm is too long. In contrast with the Sony and Fuji versions of this lens, there is no VC control switch on the lens; according to the accompanying leaflet you have to activate IBIS in your Z camera. However after shooting test images on a brick wall I noticed that (at least my copy of the lens) only gave 1 stop of vibration reduction with IBIS on (Z5 camera, the lens is a bit heavy for my Zf camera). Even with my 10 year old Sony A77II (APS-C) + 70-400mm G1 lens (eq. 105-600mm), which has no optical image stabilization I get 2 stops improvement with the (first generation) IBIS. I watched some youtube videos of tests with the Fuji X-mount version of this lens and the reviewers got 4-6 stops vibration reduction. I get the feeling that Nikon demanded that this Tamron lens was not allowed to have optical image stabiliation (??). Therefore I returned the lens.
I would love to see the Tamron 50-400 mm lens available for Nikon and other mounts (it is only made for Sony now). It is lighter and more compact than this beast. I owned the Tamron 100-400 f/4.5 to f/6.3 for my Nikon f system, and it produced beautiful images. With a Nikon Z8 or Nikon Z9, it could be used in DX mode for a 600mm equivalent lens. This lens would easily fit into one's camera bag or pack.
Within its first year and a half of use, my Tamron 150-600 G2 has inhaled several annoying specs of dust. Within two years the image stabilization was intermittently not working on either my Z6ii or Z8. Two and a half years of use later, it periodically refuses to focus at infinity. While this is probably not representative of Tamron quality in general, another telescoping zoom lens gives me pause and I would rather spend the difference and get an original Nikon. The 180-600 with its internal zoom, or the 100-400 which as an S-Line lens will hopefully be sealed a cut or two above and beyond the Tamron represent better options to me in spite of their higher prices. Saying you can "afford" a 1500€ lens but not a 2000€ lens is odd to me. What you are prepared to spend is another issue altogether and I get that, but for me the most annoying thing is when something I own doesn't work the way it is intended so I opted to cough up the extra cash and went the 100-400 route. No regrets so far.
The build quality between the first 150-600 and this lens is day and night. I shot the Nikon 80-400 and the 200-500 and both were dust suckers and had to be cleaned several times. Mu 80-400 vr also went dead. So unfortunately, the external Zooms tend to have this problem. I also shoot Fuji and the 100-400 is magic, never had a dust issue. I have used the Fuji version of the 150-500 on two trips into East Africa and the results were very good. I have a friend that use the Sony version and very happy with results and usability. So for sure there is a place in the market and at a big discount to the Nikon lens.
Great timing! I have the lens for my Fuji X-H2S and love it! I was thinking to pick this up for my Zf. Maybe I missed it but how would it do on the Zf (apart from handling)?
I am very glad that this third-party lens has come out, and I hope that Sigma and other third-party manufacturers will soon follow. I think, though, that I will still get the Nikon 180-600 when the time comes. However, for the non-birding/wildlife lenses, I would love to have proper Z-mount Sigma "Art" lenses as options for the future. 🙂 Thank you for another nice lens review. 🙂
I own this lens. I was prepared to buy the Nikon 100 - 400 which is effectively the same size, physically. 100mm more reach. Still fits in my travel bag, and saved enough to make purchasing a Nikon Zf possible after selling a Nikon 300mm PF which this lens replaced. What’s not to love? Thanks for the nice review video.
How has it been holding up? I've been looking at getting either this or the Nikon 600 but I'm really struggling to justify dumping close to 2k on a lens when it would be a hobby lens (compared to my workhorses for my second shooting side job). Are you still happy with it?
So many plus points and a great option. I’ve always liked tamron lenses and this only reinforces my opinion however such a shame about the exposed dock port although a bit of gaffer tape solves that issue. In the F mount they utilised a docking station but guess it’s not viable for the very few Nikon Z lens options they have! So nice to have options for all budgets and can only add to the appeal 😀
It would be fine. 100-400 is a staple at airshows. I shot a lot of aviation. The weight may be a bother to some. I use a 500f/4 and 300 f2.8 for airshows so a zoom would be a feather to me.
Great review. Thank you. I recently switched over to Nikon (Z8) and I need a "Long Lens". The three obvious contenders were, as you mentioned the Nikkor 180-600, the Nikkor 100-400S and this one. Ultimately, I ordered one of these from my local camera store. It came in at the end of December and when I mounted it on to my Z8, there was a LOT of rotational "play" between the camera and the lens. I refused to accept that lens and asked that the store order me a new one. Did you notice any "play" in your copy? If the new one comes in with what I feel is excessive play, I will probably pay the extra and get a Z 100-400S.
It will have the same rotational play , I experienced the same thing on my Z5 when I was trying it on the store. Instead payed a bit more and grabbed the only Nikkor 180-600mm in the whole city, right from the store. Not a single regret.
How is the fitment to the body / mount? I've seen a few comments about a less-than-snug mount connection. If that's sorted out, I think this looks like a super option for the money. Perhaps more so for other brands like Fuji(?). But I'm committed to Nikon's 180-600 this year, despite the higher price and larger size. Great info here, thanks!
I got mine day 1. Mine is snug. Read Brad Hill's comments about him testing the lens and then selling his 100-400 and 180-600. Plus in Canada, Tamron lenses have a 6 year warranty vs Nikon 1 year warranty. Simply, bang for the buck!!
I have Nikon z50 with few Nikon z lenses , I am leaning towards Nikon z 180 -600 for future and long term perspective! I will upgrade to Nikon zz50 2 or d500 equivalent camera in future.
All that weight hanging from the camera lens mount is not a good idea! When caring a heavy lens you should attach the carrying strap to the lens rather than the camera!
well I love the z180-600 despite the Popeye arms I've had to grow. I particularly like that its zooms internally - one reason I didn't like the z100-400. This Tamron has the tube extending and also I'd question the seal around the zoom ring when used to lock the focus. When you push it out to lock, how good is the seal. Hmmmm
I bought both. The 180-600 is my bird lens but too heavy to hike with so I use my 500PF and will eventually save up for the 600PF or 800PF. I needed something longer than my 24-120 and decided the Tamron 150-500 was a better fit cost and distance wise than the 100-400. I paired it with my Z6ii recently while shooting landscape from a boat on a lake and was very happy with it's performance and grabbed a few birds along the way too.
Do you have any significant rotational "play" between the camera and the Tamron lens?
I recently bought the Tamron for the weight and hikability. Sounds like I made the right choice.
do u like the tamron?
@@R.Hogarth I do not
@@hostestevens-qd1il I love it
Sir , please upload a comparison video on Tamron 150-500mm z mount lens vs Nikon 200-500 mm f mount lens. Thank you.
I really like to see reviews of the Tamron lens. I'm considering it to replace my f mount Sigma 100-400mm
The Nikon Z 180-600 has been stellar for me.
Love it so far as well!! It'll tide me over until I can afford one of the prime TC lenses
Just purchased one to use on z8 and z6ii bodies, but haven't had the opportunity to shoot with it yet. I am still wanting a comparison of image sharpness between it and the Nikon 100-400. From what I've seen, the Nikon may offer only slightly better image quality. Would like to see what other people think.
I purchased this lens after considering the 100-400 and 180-600. I feel your review is fair but could have discussed more the VR capability of this lens, I have found it to be poor compared to the excellent VR we have become accustomed to in Z lenses. This seems to be an issue with Tamron lenses, presumably because they are designed first for the much smaller E mount and then ported to the Z mount without the revisions that would allow them to take advantage of the latitude conferred by the larger Z mount.
Great info thank you. I was actually considering the Nikon z 100-400 for airshows and wondered how it performs.
I'm interested in this lens to complement my 35-150. Thanks for the review
me also,, i have the 35-150mm tamron... but i hear that the 150-500 have some rotational play on the z mount ...
For someone like me who is planning on using this for shooting pro sports from my pretty good seats (since I am not a media credentialed person) and they have length restrictions on the lens so this is the better choice over the 180-600 because I can pretend my lens doesn't extend out (by locking it) and it's only 8.3 inches or so.
I bought this lens because I thought the Nikon Z 180-600mm is too long. In contrast with the Sony and Fuji versions of this lens, there is no VC control switch on the lens; according to the accompanying leaflet you have to activate IBIS in your Z camera. However after shooting test images on a brick wall I noticed that (at least my copy of the lens) only gave 1 stop of vibration reduction with IBIS on (Z5 camera, the lens is a bit heavy for my Zf camera). Even with my 10 year old Sony A77II (APS-C) + 70-400mm G1 lens (eq. 105-600mm), which has no optical image stabilization I get 2 stops improvement with the (first generation) IBIS. I watched some youtube videos of tests with the Fuji X-mount version of this lens and the reviewers got 4-6 stops vibration reduction. I get the feeling that Nikon demanded that this Tamron lens was not allowed to have optical image stabiliation (??). Therefore I returned the lens.
I would love to see the Tamron 50-400 mm lens available for Nikon and other mounts (it is only made for Sony now). It is lighter and more compact than this beast. I owned the Tamron 100-400 f/4.5 to f/6.3 for my Nikon f system, and it produced beautiful images. With a Nikon Z8 or Nikon Z9, it could be used in DX mode for a 600mm equivalent lens. This lens would easily fit into one's camera bag or pack.
Within its first year and a half of use, my Tamron 150-600 G2 has inhaled several annoying specs of dust. Within two years the image stabilization was intermittently not working on either my Z6ii or Z8. Two and a half years of use later, it periodically refuses to focus at infinity. While this is probably not representative of Tamron quality in general, another telescoping zoom lens gives me pause and I would rather spend the difference and get an original Nikon. The 180-600 with its internal zoom, or the 100-400 which as an S-Line lens will hopefully be sealed a cut or two above and beyond the Tamron represent better options to me in spite of their higher prices. Saying you can "afford" a 1500€ lens but not a 2000€ lens is odd to me. What you are prepared to spend is another issue altogether and I get that, but for me the most annoying thing is when something I own doesn't work the way it is intended so I opted to cough up the extra cash and went the 100-400 route. No regrets so far.
The build quality between the first 150-600 and this lens is day and night. I shot the Nikon 80-400 and the 200-500 and both were dust suckers and had to be cleaned several times. Mu 80-400 vr also went dead. So unfortunately, the external Zooms tend to have this problem. I also shoot Fuji and the 100-400 is magic, never had a dust issue. I have used the Fuji version of the 150-500 on two trips into East Africa and the results were very good. I have a friend that use the Sony version and very happy with results and usability. So for sure there is a place in the market and at a big discount to the Nikon lens.
Great timing! I have the lens for my Fuji X-H2S and love it! I was thinking to pick this up for my Zf. Maybe I missed it but how would it do on the Zf (apart from handling)?
I am very glad that this third-party lens has come out, and I hope that Sigma and other third-party manufacturers will soon follow. I think, though, that I will still get the Nikon 180-600 when the time comes. However, for the non-birding/wildlife lenses, I would love to have proper Z-mount Sigma "Art" lenses as options for the future. 🙂 Thank you for another nice lens review. 🙂
I own this lens. I was prepared to buy the Nikon 100 - 400 which is effectively the same size, physically. 100mm more reach. Still fits in my travel bag, and saved enough to make purchasing a Nikon Zf possible after selling a Nikon 300mm PF which this lens replaced. What’s not to love? Thanks for the nice review video.
Do you have any significant rotational "play" between the camera and the lens?
@@R.Hogarth No, it fits tightly just as it should.
How has it been holding up?
I've been looking at getting either this or the Nikon 600 but I'm really struggling to justify dumping close to 2k on a lens when it would be a hobby lens (compared to my workhorses for my second shooting side job). Are you still happy with it?
So many plus points and a great option. I’ve always liked tamron lenses and this only reinforces my opinion however such a shame about the exposed dock port although a bit of gaffer tape solves that issue. In the F mount they utilised a docking station but guess it’s not viable for the very few Nikon Z lens options they have! So nice to have options for all budgets and can only add to the appeal 😀
I would think most people that are going to buy this lens are probably using a z6ii/7ii/z50. Everyone's forgotten about those already.
Do you think this would work on my Nikon Z50? I am just a beginner in photography and I like photographing wildlife
how do you think this lens would perform photographing a airshow ?
It would be fine. 100-400 is a staple at airshows. I shot a lot of aviation. The weight may be a bother to some. I use a 500f/4 and 300 f2.8 for airshows so a zoom would be a feather to me.
The tamron utility does not allow customizations for the Nikon Z version. All u can do i upgrade firmware
Thinking of using this on the zfc for birds and wildlife. Good or bad idea?? (not fast moving birds)
The external zoom would be a deal breaker for me. The Z 180-600mm is internal.
Great review. Thank you.
I recently switched over to Nikon (Z8) and I need a "Long Lens". The three obvious contenders were, as you mentioned the Nikkor 180-600, the Nikkor 100-400S and this one. Ultimately, I ordered one of these from my local camera store. It came in at the end of December and when I mounted it on to my Z8, there was a LOT of rotational "play" between the camera and the lens. I refused to accept that lens and asked that the store order me a new one. Did you notice any "play" in your copy?
If the new one comes in with what I feel is excessive play, I will probably pay the extra and get a Z 100-400S.
It will have the same rotational play , I experienced the same thing on my Z5 when I was trying it on the store. Instead payed a bit more and grabbed the only Nikkor 180-600mm in the whole city, right from the store. Not a single regret.
@@Blitz_Shorts I cancelled my order and plan on getting the Nikkor Z100-400 S instead.
How is the fitment to the body / mount? I've seen a few comments about a less-than-snug mount connection. If that's sorted out, I think this looks like a super option for the money. Perhaps more so for other brands like Fuji(?). But I'm committed to Nikon's 180-600 this year, despite the higher price and larger size. Great info here, thanks!
I got mine day 1. Mine is snug. Read Brad Hill's comments about him testing the lens and then selling his 100-400 and 180-600. Plus in Canada, Tamron lenses have a 6 year warranty vs Nikon 1 year warranty. Simply, bang for the buck!!
Got one the other day and it was returned, the play on the mount was concerning and it could be felt when using the zoom ring.
The Tamron or used f-mount Nikon 200-500mm for Nikon Z 5?
I think the only thing that would keep me away from this lens is the fact that it cannot use the Nikon Z TC.
What backpacks are you using?
What camera are you using for recording this video? The colors are very nice looking :)
Hi they were filming on the ZF 📷
I have Z50 and i think to buy Tamron but I dont know how it work without IBIS...
I have Nikon z50 with few Nikon z lenses , I am leaning towards Nikon z 180 -600 for future and long term perspective! I will upgrade to Nikon zz50 2 or d500 equivalent camera in future.
informative content.
There is a Rumour that I hear that Tamron and Sigma do not recognize each other. Have You heard this also? Cheers!
All that weight hanging from the camera lens mount is not a good idea! When caring a heavy lens you should attach the carrying strap to the lens rather than the camera!
How would you do that?
In a word……NO