Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed

[tomscott]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Review - Returned

I went out with the lens again yesterday. Set all my usual settings but doubled the shutter speed to 1/2000th but TURNED OFF the IS. So the firmware issue doesn't allow the IS to distract the AF. Unfortunately it made no difference.

I barely came home with a frame in focus from the tammy. This with a 5DMKIII, I was shooting fairly quick birds like Snipes, but also slower like Ducks, Pigeons and Crows (for testing purposes) that fly in a less erratic way. It seems to lock on but its just slightly out, not pin, whereas even the 70-200mm with a 2x converter (which canon says should be up to 90% slower) is faster at acquisition and then keeps it in focus the same with the 70-300mm. I even tried photographing dog and again it seems sharp then you zoom in and its just off and it just misses the fine detail i know its capable of. Its so frustrating.

The lens has had Af micro adjusted using Focal, so I don't think its the lens thats out, I just don't think its fast enough to change while the bird is moving, even with back button focus.

I will state here that I think the lens is very sharp, fantastic even, very pleased with it but with static subjects… Like larger animals, smaller birds that are perched, I haven't had a problem at all and the above images are testament to that. But as soon as an object starts moving the lens just falls apart, stupidly all I tested originally were static subjects.

I will also state here that from looking on the Tamron website it seems my lens is an early version (from the serial number) and it doesn't have the latest firmware. I rang Park Cameras in the UK, at first they were a little sceptical, but they dug out the files and had been having problems with Tamron and new stock. The stock they are receiving still doesn't have the updated firmware that was updated in May 2015. My lens was purchased in Sept 2015 so I thought that would be more than enough time to get these updates into circulation.

They weren't overly hopeful that they would allow a return because Ive had the lens longer than the 14 days although I thought standard consumer return had recently been changed to 30 days, anyway, they rang back to say in this instance because of the firmware issues and the issues they were having with Tamron that they would refund the lens. After checking their back catalogue they only had one 150-600 in stock with a serial number on or after the date of the firmware update.

Im not sure whats going on but I have a feeling Tamron know there is an issue here and as there is such high demand they are rolling the lenses out regardless. They are offering free firmware updates with free postage here in the UK and they will clean the lense as there are also issues with dust. Mine certainly has a few specs and I've barely used it.

For me I need a lens to rely on, I was hoping this would be the great option that everyone has been raving about but for me its just not. I need a lens I can rely on for motorsport and also specifically for the big game on my trip. It has such huge plusses, good build, relatively small, great IQ this is really underrated imo but this means nothing with slow AF.

If you go on flickr and look at images by the Tammy its hard to find good BIF images, I thought well its a more amateur directed lens so its probably technique in reality its not! The lens won't keep up!

This is a perfect example of what I mean, it looks sharp until you zoom in and its just missing. I don't think its a matter of it being soft just missing focus, flickr is full of half sharp images from this lens.

(not my images I haven't edited the ones I shot as it was a waste of time)

Testing Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD by Emil abu Milad, on Flickr

There is an exception to the rule if your in optimal conditions with the sun behind you creating as much contrast as possible the lens does better.

Low altitude cruiser by DENNIS CHAU | FOTOGRAPHY, on Flickr

For 95% of the time this situation doesn't present itself and the bird at the same time, you'll see that rare bird in soft overcast light and you will shoot regardless. You may think I'm being nick picky but even with my 70-200mm and a 2x extender I'm used to pin sharp images.

Puffin in flight with a mouth full of Sand Eels, Farne Islands, Seahouses by Tom Scott, on Flickr

But I forgive it when it doesn't as it should be much slower with a 2x converter.

If you are shooting static subjects then this is the lens for you its great, for birding or fast moving subjects its not. I also found AI servo only really performed well using the centre point which makes the AF zones on the 5DMKIII not so useful. One shot also got me much sharper consistent results.

So I am returning the lens I'm afraid to say. Park Cameras were really good about it and admitted issues, so it looks like I'm going down the 100-400mm route and may pick up a 7DMKII at the same time to add to the kit to gain more range.

I think I was and am still asking a lot from this lens, cheap, sharp and as good performance as the natives. The third party lens game can be fruitful, but as Tamron have already released 3 firmware updates in 18 months having to send the lens back and forth just doesn't appeal to me at all. It should just work and I think sigmas approach with the dock is a much better implemented system.

I will also say that the lens may well perform better with the firmware, I don't know and won't find out now. I must also say that my opinions are of the lens at 600mm. The lens focuses better at 400 as the aperture is F5.6, but the whole point for me is to be able to wind it out to 600, if you want a 400mm there are other better options that are a tad sharper but much more expensive as detailed above. So for me the 100-400mm looks more and more appealing.

Ive read reviews raving about this lens "why would you spend £8-12k on a 300+2x, 500+1.4 600mm, 200-400mm when you can have 90% of the image quality for a 10th the price" I would agree! They are much heavier and cumbersome and using a tripod is counter productive for birding when they move so fast. If you set up a still subject for 90% of people the tammy will prove perfect, but its not consistent, if you need to have something reliable when the action gets difficult you can't rely on it and that is why these lenses are in the pros bag. If I wasn't backpacking a 200-400 would be in my bag but I just don't like the bulk and weight. Maybe when another DO zoom lens comes out it might be able to fill all my criteria at even more money!!! (living in dream world)

Hope this world wind affair with the Tamron will help others looking to add one to their bag!

 

[TheJock]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

At double the price of the Tammy, Sigma's 150-600 Sport might also be worth a punt Tom. It would be interesting to hear the opinions of a fellow 5DIII owner with the Sigma Sport!!

 

[tomscott]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

Hi Stuart,

Sort of two in one answer.

The Sigma Contemporary was actually top of my list the first time round as it seems from reviews sharper than the tammy. But after watching a lot of comparisons its seems the AF is worse. I took my main comparison from Dustin Abbots review where he said he preferred the Tammy AF. Im also put off again from 3rd party with the whole firmware updates etc and that its such a farse although sigma implementation seems better with the doc i don't think i can be bothered with it. But if the Tammy for me isn't quick enough in the AF department then I don't think the Sigma Contemporary will be the answer although Id like to try it out.

The sigma sport is also an interesting one, same IQ but it sounds like AF is a little improved, although in dusting review he said its similar to the Tammy which isn't really what I'm after. But the problem for me is weight its huge and heavy. I'm backpacking for 4 months and just don't fancy taking something so heavy! Although I would also like to try it out.

For the time being I'm waiting for my shipping instructions for the Tammy then I've decided to purchase the 100-400mm MKII.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

A DO 600mm les will be much shorter and easier to handle, certainly, a f/5.6 would find a lot of buyers if it was priced under $3,000. That may never happen though, DO tech seems expensive, and production rates are slow. It might require a new factory to mass produce, and then prices would soar.

 

[TheJock]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

I'm STILL holding out until I hear more about the "affordable supertele" from Canon that's been discussed in the rumours all year ???
I'm also secretly hoping that Sigma are considering a 600mm Art prime to rival the Canon and Nikon supers, now THAT would be awesome!!! an Art supertele would most likely be about $3000/$3,500, one can hope!

 

[tomscott]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

I think because the 100-400mm has just been released I wouldn't hold your breath, the 100-400mm was rumoured to be replaced since 2011 when the 70-300mm came out and most people thought the 70-300mm was the 100-400mm replacement. With nikon bringing out the 200-500mm F5.6 its possible but... Canon will take its sweet time, especially with the 200-400mm surely canon will try and protect sales and I'm sure the 100-400mm has taken a few of them.

If you need something of this 600mm range rent and try them out see if they will do for you and buy the best you can afford and when canon brings this lens out sell and buy. A lot of the time buying what you need is better than loosing out on images and waiting.

The problem with Sigma and Tamron is that they reverse engineer the Canon AF system so it will never be as quick as the L lenses and if your used to it I can't tell you how frustrating it is.

The Tammy is amazing for the price and for many people it will be fantastic, but for me I want more and with investing heavily in getting to some amazing places the last thing I want to do is get there and be held back by the lens. Id rather spend more money and buy a tried and tested combination and this purchase has taught me this lesson. You get what you pay for.

I can't see a DO lens being under £3000 more like £6-8000 look at the 400 DO, even if its a stop slower at 5.6 it will be still in the stratosphere.

 

[tomscott]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

I just watched this review of the 150-600mm Sport and although not the best review he's having similar issues without really explaining it.

https://youtu.be/W4XLaBOv3mw

The still subjects are tack anything that moves all the shots aren't tack sharp, seems like its just missed by an inch and it ruins the pictures with the DOF you get at 600mm and shooting fast action above F8 is difficult in 90% of situations.

For these lenses they need more like 5-6 stops of IS to stabilise handheld and the AF needs much improvement for wildlife and sports. For most other things they are great and I would keep one around as the focal length to weight is pretty good.

 

[TheJock]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

It's pretty much as I expected, if you want tack sharp long range image's then your gonna have to shell out a hefty sum, end of story :'(

 

[tomscott]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

Yep, true would love the 200-400. One day.

 

[tomscott]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

Another little update.

I went out again tonight, good conditions decided to test a few different aspects that we've been talking about in the thread. I had the camera set on 1/2000th, F5.6-11 between 1000-3200ISO using centre 9 point expansion and case 6 for subjects that change speed and move erratically and lastly IS OFF because of the firmware issue.

I decided focus on BIF and locked the focal length in at 400mm and try it out, as at 400mm it is an F5.6 lens therefore should focus better and... it does! I found that in good light I was getting 7-10 images in focus. There are a couple of caveats, if the subject is moving parallel to you it tracks very well, if the subject is moving toward you it doesn't do so well I found maybe 4-5 - 10 in focus but by pumping the back button af helped acquisition. If the subject is moving away from you it had no problem. It is also really sharp at 400mm rivalling a lot of what canon offer.

More caveats - with the lock button engaged at 400mm there is movement and it can zoom to 423mm anything over 400mm moves it to 6.3 so I found that i had to hole the zoom function as it would move and found about 1/4 of my shots where I had moved hand position had come out at F6.3 and the hit rate dropped significantly.

I decided to give 600mm a try again and pumping the af button does help but I still struggled with about 5-10 shots in focus and those that were didn't feel anywhere near as tack as at 400mm the odd one would come out and its impressive! But it just doesn't hit.

So im a little torn again, at 400mm the hit rate at 7-10 isn't awful and impressive seen as tho were back to the fact its 1/3 the price and could it be better with the firmware? 400mm wasn't a bad place to be for birding but 600 would be nicer but the fact is the 100-400 is most likely to be at 400mm for birding so isn't an advantage. From talking to a few friends who have shot Africa they said it was more big game than birding so 600mm could be useful for the big game and if they are still then AF will be fine. But still can't decide, would be easier than taking another camera if not and would prefer to stick with full frame than go crop.

So the main caveat is that you have to think about what your doing with the lens to get the most out of it, you can't just put it on and expect to get good results. You also have to be careful with the lock as it easily moves to 6.3 with the slightest movement.

As you can probably tell I really want to like this lens but I'm not sure if the caveats outweigh the positives about 50/50.

The other option I've been looking as is buying a 300 F2.8 MKII with a 2x ex and a 1.4x extender but I think its a bit crazy for back packing and is a big investment if the worst should happen... But would be perfect for my professional work. Still torn.

Opinions??

 

[AlanF]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

Tom, I've been thinking about the 100-400 II on the 5DsR. Have you seen any reviews of it for BIF?

 

[tomscott]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

It is very intreaging! I have thought about it! I think you'd have to be careful with the resolution at 400mm. But from what I've seen it basically handles like a mkIII with twice the resolution but half the buffer.

It's a difficult one the 5DSR and the 100-400 are about the same price as the 300 f2.8 II. Adding a 2 and a 1.4x converter adds such a great alternative and it's only a kg heavier than the 150-600mm.

 

[unfocused]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

It is very intreaging! I have thought about it! I think you'd have to be careful with the resolution at 400mm. But from what I've seen it basically handles like a mkIII with twice the resolution but half the buffer.

It's a difficult one the 5DSR and the 100-400 are about the same price as the 300 f2.8 II. Adding a 2 and a 1.4x converter adds such a great alternative and it's only a kg heavier than the 150-600mm.

If you are considering the 5D S and thinking that with the extra resolution, you can crop the image, why not try a 7DII first? Try renting one for a few days and see what you think. Sensors are virtually identical and you get near 1DX focusing and frame rate for half the cost of a 5D S.

I've been shocked at how good the quality is. Possibly not up to your standards, but you'd do yourself a favor and possibly save yourself some money by giving it a try. Don't know if you can borrow one from CPS in Great Britain, but if so, you'd only be out the cost of shipping it back.

 

[AlanF]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

It is very intreaging! I have thought about it! I think you'd have to be careful with the resolution at 400mm. But from what I've seen it basically handles like a mkIII with twice the resolution but half the buffer.

It's a difficult one the 5DSR and the 100-400 are about the same price as the 300 f2.8 II. Adding a 2 and a 1.4x converter adds such a great alternative and it's only a kg heavier than the 150-600mm.

If you are considering the 5D S and thinking that with the extra resolution, you can crop the image, why not try a 7DII first? Try renting one for a few days and see what you think. Sensors are virtually identical and you get near 1DX focusing and frame rate for half the cost of a 5D S.

I've been shocked at how good the quality is. Possibly not up to your standards, but you'd do yourself a favor and possibly save yourself some money by giving it a try. Don't know if you can borrow one from CPS in Great Britain, but if so, you'd only be out the cost of shipping it back.

The response by Tom is to me. I do have the 7D II, which is not optimally sharp because Canon has retained the AA filter, which blurs slightly. I suggested the 5Ds R, not the 5Ds, because the R doesn't have the AA filter.

 

[tomscott]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

Both the 7D and 5Dsr are both intreaging.

The 5Dsr because I'm primarily a wedding photographer, but because of the resolution they could be fantastic for birding as it has the same focus system as the 7DMKII could be incredible. There was another conversation I was having in another thread and there are a few images from I think eldar? Look great. One thing that puts me off is file size and buffer,

7DMKII is intreaging because it seems like it closes the gap in ISO with the 5DMKIII but shoots at 10fps so I'm moving closer to the 7D and will probably buy the 5D4 when it comes out.

Another lens on my radar is the 400DO you can get good used versions for £2000 about the same size as the 100-400mm zoomed out!! Only 500g more and can take a 1.4 at 5.6... With a 7DMKII 900mm f5.6...

What about that? Only £200 more than the 100-400mm in the uk and take the 70-300mm with me too.

 

[tomscott]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

http://www.birdsasart-blog.com/2014/05/23/the-canon-400mm-f4-is-do-lens-fourteen-images-that-prove-that-the-internet-experts-are-as-usual-idiots/

Reading this this quite compelling!

 

[AlanF]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

You have to be careful with Birdsasart, the great man is very commercial!

According to TDP tests, the old 400 DO is not as sharp as the 100-400 II, both at 400mm and more so at 560mm, especially as you move out from the centre.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=338&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=1&API=1&LensComp=972&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=5&APIComp=2

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=338&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=1&API=1&LensComp=972&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=5&APIComp=2

And the 400-100 II at 400mm on the 7D II (effective reach 640mm) beats the 400 DO II + 1.4xTC on the 1Ds III.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=338&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=1&API=1&LensComp=972&CameraComp=963&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=4&APIComp=0

I'd be very wary of getting the 400 DO now the 100-400 II is available. The 400 DO II is good, but I have resisted temptation so far.

 

[tomscott]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

Here are a few images from the Digital Picture this is the newer 400DO but they are pretty much the same size

The charts show that the 100-400mm is a little sharper and has more contrast. The caveat here is that the lens is an F4 meaning you can get 560mm at F5.6

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=962&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=2&LensComp=972&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=4&APIComp=1

To me at F5.6 theres not a lot of difference. At 560mm the difference is F8 vs F5.6 so the AF will still focus with most points.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=962&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=1&API=1&LensComp=972&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=5&APIComp=2

At 560mm F5.6 vs 100-400mm at F8 the 100-400mm wins out but stop the 400mm DO down to F8 and the results are still pretty good. At 800mm the 400Do will still focus at F8 but the 100-400mm is at F11 and looking pretty sorry for itself.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=962&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=2&API=2&LensComp=972&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=6&APIComp=2

Pros for the 400DO
• Focus is L grade and 3 stop IS
• Similar size to the 100-400mm
• Similar weight to the 150-600mm
• Will take both 1.4 and 2x extenders well and AF.
• At £2000 used is a fantastic price for a high end super telephoto and is really small only £200 more than the 100-400mm (except grey market, difference is £560)

Cons for 400DO
• It is still large for backpacking
• Slight contrast dip and not as sharp as the 150-600mm and 100-400mm at 400mm but only very slight.
• More expensive
• Old lens and will be in used condition.
• Focal length not as useful, zooms are always more useful and will have to take the 70-300mm L for <300mm
• Relatively large MFD of 3.5m need extension tubes

Pros for 100-400mm
• Will be new
• Stupidly sharp
• Very useful focal length
• Fantastic close focusing of 934mm or <1M
• Smaller and lighter than 150-600mm and 400mm DO
• Better IS and AF than both above
• Cheaper than 400DO
• 560mm F5.6 on crop body

Cons for 100-400mm
• At F5.6 getting to near 600mm means a crop body or Full frame F8 on a 1.4x extender
• More expensive than 150-600mm
• Would buy a crop body to use it on so another £1000
• Crop and 100-400mm £1000 more than the 400DO

Feel free to pull my thoughts apart.

 

[tomscott]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

You have to be careful with Birdsasart, the great man is very commercial!

According to TDP tests, the old 400 DO is not as sharp as the 100-400 II, both at 400mm and more so at 560mm, especially as you move out from the centre.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=338&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=1&API=1&LensComp=972&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=5&APIComp=2

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=338&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=1&API=1&LensComp=972&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=5&APIComp=2

And the 400-100 II at 400mm on the 7D II (effective reach 640mm) beats the 400 DO II + 1.4xTC on the 1Ds III.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=338&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=1&API=1&LensComp=972&CameraComp=963&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=4&APIComp=0

I'd be very wary of getting the 400 DO now the 100-400 II is available. The 400 DO II is good, but I have resisted temptation so far.

True but with the MKIII extender the results are closer and you still get the full frame ISO capability. Again its a tough one there is no clear winner.

 

[beforeEos Camaras]

Re: Tamron 150-600mm Reviewed - Returned

just looked at that link and the do looks like its still a winner.

currently I have the 400 5.6l love it but with a 1.4extender mk 3 its a f8 lens great for tripod shooting but not for hand held. hence my interest on your own journey on finding a lens