Post by Bobby Kintanar on Apr 17, 2017 12:42:10 GMT
I spied this bird while it was calling among the reeds at the Mandaue Swamp. I was there to confirm my now-constant results when using the Tamron 150-600 G2 and to give it my final thoughts:
Clamorous Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus)
Canon EOS 80D with the TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2; ƒ/6.3; FL 552.0 mm; 1/640; ISO 320
Clamorous Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus) by Grandpa@50, on Flickr
Clamorous Reed Warbler by Grandpa@50, on Flickr
After a few weeks of using and familiarizing myself with the TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2, I have come to conclude that this lens is the best value for money among the current crop of 150-600 Superzooms, and I highly recommend it! My particular copy needed a +6 on the Wide Side and a +5 on the Tele side of the Canon AF Micro Adjustment tool on both the 80D and 7D Mk2. The Canon Primes will ALWAYS be sharper, but for the price, convenience, and value, this is the lens I would choose for now :-)
95% of all my shots taken with the Tamron were hand-held, using either the 80D or 7D Mk2, and coming from the Sigma 150-600 Sports (a very good lens, too!) I find that the "Joy" factor of being able to hand-hold this lens for extended periods makes it the best among the group. The Sigma Sports is also very sharp, with nicer bokeh, but the weight of that model is something to consider before purchasing it. :-)
Note that this lens needs good light due to its f/6.3 Aperture and from my experience, at least a Shutter Speed of 1/500 to get tack sharp photos hand-held and with the Vibration Reduction engaged. The VR, which seemed to jump around when it was new, seems to have settled down and is now pretty smooth, though not yet as good as the Sigma Sports, I think.
Black-winged Stilts, same setup:
Black-winged Stilts by Grandpa@50, on Flickr
BIF shooting with this lens is a mixed bag with both the 7D Mk2 and the 80D. If the subject is large enough, it does a good job of tracking and keeping it in focus, but terns and other small birds at a shooting distance of say, 20 meters or so, are difficult, at 500MM FL. Even at 400mm, the Canon EF-400mm f/5.6L still beats the crap out of this lens. The Sigma Sports tracked a bit better, but the weight was an issue for me. I just don't like doing BIF's using a tripod, but if BIF is your priority, this may NOT be the lens for you. Below is one of the few acceptable shots I got with this lens at 483 mm FL, and I had to use a 1/4000 shutter speed:
Whiskered Tern in Flight by Grandpa@50, on Flickr
Alright, I guess that wraps up my observations and mini-review of the TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2!
Regards,
Bobby K.
Clamorous Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus)
Canon EOS 80D with the TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2; ƒ/6.3; FL 552.0 mm; 1/640; ISO 320
Clamorous Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus) by Grandpa@50, on FlickrClamorous Reed Warbler by Grandpa@50, on FlickrAfter a few weeks of using and familiarizing myself with the TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2, I have come to conclude that this lens is the best value for money among the current crop of 150-600 Superzooms, and I highly recommend it! My particular copy needed a +6 on the Wide Side and a +5 on the Tele side of the Canon AF Micro Adjustment tool on both the 80D and 7D Mk2. The Canon Primes will ALWAYS be sharper, but for the price, convenience, and value, this is the lens I would choose for now :-)
95% of all my shots taken with the Tamron were hand-held, using either the 80D or 7D Mk2, and coming from the Sigma 150-600 Sports (a very good lens, too!) I find that the "Joy" factor of being able to hand-hold this lens for extended periods makes it the best among the group. The Sigma Sports is also very sharp, with nicer bokeh, but the weight of that model is something to consider before purchasing it. :-)
Note that this lens needs good light due to its f/6.3 Aperture and from my experience, at least a Shutter Speed of 1/500 to get tack sharp photos hand-held and with the Vibration Reduction engaged. The VR, which seemed to jump around when it was new, seems to have settled down and is now pretty smooth, though not yet as good as the Sigma Sports, I think.
Black-winged Stilts, same setup:
Black-winged Stilts by Grandpa@50, on FlickrBIF shooting with this lens is a mixed bag with both the 7D Mk2 and the 80D. If the subject is large enough, it does a good job of tracking and keeping it in focus, but terns and other small birds at a shooting distance of say, 20 meters or so, are difficult, at 500MM FL. Even at 400mm, the Canon EF-400mm f/5.6L still beats the crap out of this lens. The Sigma Sports tracked a bit better, but the weight was an issue for me. I just don't like doing BIF's using a tripod, but if BIF is your priority, this may NOT be the lens for you. Below is one of the few acceptable shots I got with this lens at 483 mm FL, and I had to use a 1/4000 shutter speed:
Whiskered Tern in Flight by Grandpa@50, on FlickrAlright, I guess that wraps up my observations and mini-review of the TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2!
Regards,
Bobby K.
