Tamron 150-600 f/5-6.3 VC Availability

[Marauder]

I must confess, I am curious about this lens. Like many, I am a bit uncertain given the announced "rock bottom" price. On the other hand, Sigma has managed to create an amazing lens in its 120-300 2.8 Sport, for a price that is well under what its closest Canon and Nikon competitors cost. And no, I'm not saying I expect this lens to match the 120-300 optically while costing less than half its price. What I am saying though, it's possible for a company to create a lens that "punches above its price point." Only time (and some solid reviews) will tell. It'd be awesome if it can match (or better yet, exceed) the IQ of the Canon 100-400L. Not that I'd expect it to match the new version 2 that is rumoured to be replacing that lens, but aiming at a the nearly 14 year old current model might be "doable," -- perhaps even at this price-point. Still, I expected this to be more expensive--like 3 grand or so, when I first saw the announcement. It will be far less interesting if it is only the same IQ as the Sigma 150-500 or 50-500, both of which are reputed to be optically inferior to the 100-400L. The other big challenge will be the AF performance, an area that many third-party lenses have failed to match the 'in house' brands. Sharp as a tack doesn't help if it can't focus on what you're shooting! Still, I'm intrigued to see how the various reviews pan out. It'd be wonderful to augment my 100-400L with something that has more reach. And the 500 and 600L's are just not economically feasible for me, despite their amazing IQ and features. I really do hope Tamron pulls this off! This lens could be the bargain of the century, if it turns in a decent performance. 600mm on a budget is awfully tempting for someone with limited funds!

 

[Don Haines]

I must confess, I am curious about this lens. Like many, I am a bit uncertain given the announced "rock bottom" price. On the other hand, Sigma has managed to create an amazing lens in its 120-300 2.8 Sport, for a price that is well under what its closest Canon and Nikon competitors cost. And no, I'm not saying I expect this lens to match the 120-300 optically while costing less than half its price. What I am saying though, it's possible for a company to create a lens that "punches above its price point." Only time (and some solid reviews) will tell. It'd be awesome if it can match (or better yet, exceed) the IQ of the Canon 100-400L. Not that I'd expect it to match the new version 2 that is rumoured to be replacing that lens, but aiming at a the nearly 14 year old current model might be "doable," -- perhaps even at this price-point. Still, I expected this to be more expensive--like 3 grand or so, when I first saw the announcement. It will be far less interesting if it is only the same IQ as the Sigma 150-500 or 50-500, both of which are reputed to be optically inferior to the 100-400L. The other big challenge will be the AF performance, an area that many third-party lenses have failed to match the 'in house' brands. Sharp as a tack doesn't help if it can't focus on what you're shooting! Still, I'm intrigued to see how the various reviews pan out. It'd be wonderful to augment my 100-400L with something that has more reach. And the 500 and 600L's are just not economically feasible for me, despite their amazing IQ and features. I really do hope Tamron pulls this off! This lens could be the bargain of the century, if it turns in a decent performance. 600mm on a budget is awfully tempting for someone with limited funds!

Every now and then a classic is made... About 25 years ago Tamron came out with a 90mm macro lens that was comparable to anything else out there and at half the price.... I hope that they can pull it off again... I doubt it, but I hope they can do it.

 

[Marauder]

I must confess, I am curious about this lens. Like many, I am a bit uncertain given the announced "rock bottom" price. On the other hand, Sigma has managed to create an amazing lens in its 120-300 2.8 Sport, for a price that is well under what its closest Canon and Nikon competitors cost. And no, I'm not saying I expect this lens to match the 120-300 optically while costing less than half its price. What I am saying though, it's possible for a company to create a lens that "punches above its price point." Only time (and some solid reviews) will tell. It'd be awesome if it can match (or better yet, exceed) the IQ of the Canon 100-400L. Not that I'd expect it to match the new version 2 that is rumoured to be replacing that lens, but aiming at a the nearly 14 year old current model might be "doable," -- perhaps even at this price-point. Still, I expected this to be more expensive--like 3 grand or so, when I first saw the announcement. It will be far less interesting if it is only the same IQ as the Sigma 150-500 or 50-500, both of which are reputed to be optically inferior to the 100-400L. The other big challenge will be the AF performance, an area that many third-party lenses have failed to match the 'in house' brands. Sharp as a tack doesn't help if it can't focus on what you're shooting! Still, I'm intrigued to see how the various reviews pan out. It'd be wonderful to augment my 100-400L with something that has more reach. And the 500 and 600L's are just not economically feasible for me, despite their amazing IQ and features. I really do hope Tamron pulls this off! This lens could be the bargain of the century, if it turns in a decent performance. 600mm on a budget is awfully tempting for someone with limited funds!

Every now and then a classic is made... About 25 years ago Tamron came out with a 90mm macro lens that was comparable to anything else out there and at half the price.... I hope that they can pull it off again... I doubt it, but I hope they can do it.

It'll be awesome if they can! Sigma's been upping the ante, so this might be Tamron's big play to make sure they aren't left in the dust. I'll wait till there are a bunch of reviews before I make a decision! Waiting to see Dustin's review and also Lens Rental's. And, of course, Bryan at The Digital Picture!

 

[dlleno]

Even if the IQ is acceptable, I worry about AF performance. Either the aftermarket just doesn't have good reverse engineers, or Canon has hidden some things that can't be duplicated. If Tammy could really nail the AF, for advanced AF cameras like the 5D3 and 1DX, I think many would accept small compromizes in edge sharpness, maybe a little contrast, and and even bit of CA that could be corrected in post. Its just that when you are out in the wild with a 600, the last thing you want is an AF system that misses some x percent of the time, as you probably won't get that moment back.

 

[Albi86]

Even if the IQ is acceptable, I worry about AF performance. Either the aftermarket just doesn't have good reverse engineers, or Canon has hidden some things that can't be duplicated. If Tammy could really nail the AF, for advanced AF cameras like the 5D3 and 1DX, I think many would accept small compromizes in edge sharpness, maybe a little contrast, and and even bit of CA that could be corrected in post. Its just that when you are out in the wild with a 600, the last thing you want is an AF system that misses some x percent of the time, as you probably won't get that moment back.

I believe it will be a personal decision whether that moment is worth paying 12,700$ for the 600/4 L or if a fair rate of misses are well worth what you save with the 1,070$ Tamron.

 

[Don Haines]

I must confess, I am curious about this lens. Like many, I am a bit uncertain given the announced "rock bottom" price. On the other hand, Sigma has managed to create an amazing lens in its 120-300 2.8 Sport, for a price that is well under what its closest Canon and Nikon competitors cost. And no, I'm not saying I expect this lens to match the 120-300 optically while costing less than half its price. What I am saying though, it's possible for a company to create a lens that "punches above its price point." Only time (and some solid reviews) will tell. It'd be awesome if it can match (or better yet, exceed) the IQ of the Canon 100-400L. Not that I'd expect it to match the new version 2 that is rumoured to be replacing that lens, but aiming at a the nearly 14 year old current model might be "doable," -- perhaps even at this price-point. Still, I expected this to be more expensive--like 3 grand or so, when I first saw the announcement. It will be far less interesting if it is only the same IQ as the Sigma 150-500 or 50-500, both of which are reputed to be optically inferior to the 100-400L. The other big challenge will be the AF performance, an area that many third-party lenses have failed to match the 'in house' brands. Sharp as a tack doesn't help if it can't focus on what you're shooting! Still, I'm intrigued to see how the various reviews pan out. It'd be wonderful to augment my 100-400L with something that has more reach. And the 500 and 600L's are just not economically feasible for me, despite their amazing IQ and features. I really do hope Tamron pulls this off! This lens could be the bargain of the century, if it turns in a decent performance. 600mm on a budget is awfully tempting for someone with limited funds!

Every now and then a classic is made... About 25 years ago Tamron came out with a 90mm macro lens that was comparable to anything else out there and at half the price.... I hope that they can pull it off again... I doubt it, but I hope they can do it.

It'll be awesome if they can! Sigma's been upping the ante, so this might be Tamron's big play to make sure they aren't left in the dust. I'll wait till there are a bunch of reviews before I make a decision! Waiting to see Dustin's review and also Lens Rental's. And, of course, Bryan at The Digital Picture!

The marketing people are saying the lens has "world class image quality" and "superior imaging performance". But then again, have you ever seen the marketing people say "this lens is soft" They seem to have left out a few buzzwords, as it is obvious that this will be a paradigm shifting lens that offers a quantum leap forward in unsurpassed excellence

 

[dlleno]

I believe it will be a personal decision whether that moment is worth paying 12,700$ for the 600/4 L or if a fair rate of misses are well worth what you save with the 1,070$ Tamron.

no way. personal decision! tell me it isn't so. I expect lens mfgs to make those decisions for us. JUST KIDDING! of course its a personal decision captain obvious. The personal decision I'd like to have is an AF system in the after market that at least approaches the 80% point. Right now they just haven't made it to prime time, imho. Don't get me wrong I'm sure Tammy will sell alot of those for $1K, but if it misses too many moments, some folks will wish for a $2,000K Tammy.

 

[Hillsilly]

But then again, have you ever seen the marketing people say "this lens is soft"

What about the 135/f2.8?

I'll join the chorus of those curious about this lens. My 400/5.6 has a pretty bad fungus problem and is on the fast track to the bin. With no modern Canon replacement in sight, I can't wait to read some reviews on the Tamron to see if it is a possible replacement.

My only concern is that the length of the lens seems short given the focal range covered. Now I'm no lens designer, but I've always believed that the more "tele" a lens is, the more advanced (and expensive) internal optics that are required to produce great results. Hopefully, Tamron will prove me wrong.

 

[hoodlum]

Here is a size comparison with the 100-400mm.

http://img5.blogs.yahoo.co.jp/ybi/1/6b/89/hozukoba/folder/196097/img_196097_18521527_0?1387480666

 

[hoodlum]

Here are some initial comments. Maybe someone can do a better translation from French as I don't quite understand the first comment.

http://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.lesnumeriques.com/legrandforum/avis/Photo/liste_sujet-1.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dtamron%2B150-600mm%26sa%3DX%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D848%26tbs%3Dqdr:h

First impressions compared to my, Canon 100-400 L:
-Not very reactive to 600 mm f/6.3 (development)
-Not bulky at all (without hand sun)
-Amazing results for stability has 600 mm of hands. (There was some light certe but I Choote to a dark corner)
-The noise? too much noise around to judge, I do not hear the focus while triggering the 6D without problem.
-Seems to be a lot of vignetting 600 mm.

 

[photonius]

Here are some initial comments. Maybe someone can do a better translation from French as I don't quite understand the first comment.

http://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.lesnumeriques.com/legrandforum/avis/Photo/liste_sujet-1.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dtamron%2B150-600mm%26sa%3DX%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D848%26tbs%3Dqdr:h

First impressions compared to my, Canon 100-400 L:
-Not very reactive to 600 mm f/6.3 (development)
-Not bulky at all (without hand sun)
-Amazing results for stability has 600 mm of hands. (There was some light certe but I Choote to a dark corner)
-The noise? too much noise around to judge, I do not hear the focus while triggering the 6D without problem.
-Seems to be a lot of vignetting 600 mm.

- Not very fast AF at 600mm (was inside shop in difficult light though)
- Not bulky (without hood)
- VC amazing stability at 600mm, there was some light, true, but it was pointed in a dark corner)
- too noisy in shop to hear focusing.

 

[hoodlum]

My concern is the slow AF at 600mm as he was comparing to the 100-400mm.

 

[dlleno]

My concern is the slow AF at 600mm as he was comparing to the 100-400mm.

+1 they can have market-disruptive IQ/price ratio but if the AF is sub standard it just really lets the air out of that baloon. It just seems that Tammy and Sig just have not been able to nail the AF system, at least at the price point they target. Canon must either have some secret hidden sauce that the after market can't get to, or the after market doesn't have very good reverse engineers

 

[hoodlum]

Here is a more detailed review.

http://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.trinitylumberton.org/category29/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://www.trinitylumberton.org/category29/%26newwindow%3D1

 

[StudentOfLight]

As this is a variable aperture lens, does anybody know at what focal lengths the aperture changes happen?

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

As this is a variable aperture lens, does anybody know at what focal lengths the aperture changes happen?

I do, and I will be sharing that exact information in my upcoming review (which will be allowed to go live next week).

 

[Drizzt321]

As this is a variable aperture lens, does anybody know at what focal lengths the aperture changes happen?

I do, and I will be sharing that exact information in my upcoming review (which will be allowed to go live next week).

Yippee! Looking forward to it

 

[candc]

As this is a variable aperture lens, does anybody know at what focal lengths the aperture changes happen?

I do, and I will be sharing that exact information in my upcoming review (which will be allowed to go live next week).

you going to be buying one for yourself? i have seen enough to know it's great for the money and ordered one from b&h, availability is posted as 1-17, hope that's true and they are in stock and shipping soon.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

As this is a variable aperture lens, does anybody know at what focal lengths the aperture changes happen?

I do, and I will be sharing that exact information in my upcoming review (which will be allowed to go live next week).

you going to be buying one for yourself? i have seen enough to know it's great for the money and ordered one from b&h, availability is posted as 1-17, hope that's true and they are in stock and shipping soon.

I don't think I'm breaking any confidentiality to say, yes, I do plan to add it to my kit, and yes, the lens should start shipping by the beginning of next week.

 

[Don Haines]

As this is a variable aperture lens, does anybody know at what focal lengths the aperture changes happen?

I do, and I will be sharing that exact information in my upcoming review (which will be allowed to go live next week).

you going to be buying one for yourself? i have seen enough to know it's great for the money and ordered one from b&h, availability is posted as 1-17, hope that's true and they are in stock and shipping soon.

I don't think I'm breaking any confidentiality to say, yes, I do plan to add it to my kit, and yes, the lens should start shipping by the beginning of next week.

Somehow, I do not think that Tamron will be upset with having someone who is reviewing thier lens saying that they wish to add one to thier personal kit..