New Zoom Lens

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trapper12

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Hi all,just after some expert opinions on the choice of a new zoom lens,i currently use a d7200 and d500 my main zoom lens is a Tamron 150-600mm G1 which has been a great lens for me and still is,i have just ventured into the mirrorless world and got a Z6 most to all of my current lenses work on the Z6 but i still want to use my d500 for wildlife and birding,using the Z6 for landscapes and general photography so far.i want to upgrade my big lens ,the first thought for me was the same tamron but the G 2,but if i was to eventually use this on my Z6 i would have to get the tap in console,seems a waste for one lens so my next thought was the nikon 200-500, is this lens still a good buy in 2022, i cant afford a 500 pf i knpow i would lose a bit of ground with the 500mm just wanted to get some thoughts on those that have or still do own the nikon 200-500 sorry for the long post cheers John
 
Hi all,just after some expert opinions on the choice of a new zoom lens,i currently use a d7200 and d500 my main zoom lens is a Tamron 150-600mm G1 which has been a great lens for me and still is,i have just ventured into the mirrorless world and got a Z6 most to all of my current lenses work on the Z6 but i still want to use my d500 for wildlife and birding,using the Z6 for landscapes and general photography so far.i want to upgrade my big lens ,the first thought for me was the same tamron but the G 2,but if i was to eventually use this on my Z6 i would have to get the tap in console,seems a waste for one lens so my next thought was the nikon 200-500, is this lens still a good buy in 2022, i cant afford a 500 pf i knpow i would lose a bit of ground with the 500mm just wanted to get some thoughts on those that have or still do own the nikon 200-500 sorry for the long post cheers John
Currently, I use the Nikon 200-500, and like it very much. Before buying it, I tested out (rented) the Tamron and Sigma equivalents, and liked them but ultimately went with the Nikon because I felt that it had a slight edge in IQ and AF. However, the difference isn't so great that it'd be worth spending your money to buy a Nikon 200-500 - you probably just wouldn't see that much of an improvement over your current Tamron lens. To get a significantly better lens, you need to set your sights on a prime, like the 500 or 600 f4, or perhaps the 500PF, but then you're talking serious money. I completely understand your desire and dilemma, because I'm in the same boat, and have decided to wait until a good, used 600E comes to market at a price that I can afford. Over the next couple of years, I suspect we'll see a lot of good, F-mount primes up for sale as people transition to mirrorless cameras and native S-mount lenses.
 
Just so everyone reading the thread understand the G1 150-600 isn't compatible with the Z bodies (doesn't AF and VR doesn't work) so the OP has to buy a new lens.

To the OP, I had the original Tamron 150-600 and then the 200-500. I found the 200-500 had better IQ but I've never used the G2 150-600 lens. Sigma also has a few lenses in that range as well (150-600 contemporary, 150-600 sport and 60-600 sport).

Sorry, I haven't used the other lenses (only the Nikon 200-500) so I don't have any experience on which is better (I'm sure there are tons of you tube reviews) but it may just be easier to stick with Nikon so you know you have future compatibility.
 
I shoot a D500 with a D7200 as my backup body. I went from a Sigma 150-600 Contemporary to a Nikon 200-500. It was an upgrade in VR and Image quality but not as earth shattering as one may expect. The reason for the switch was my Sigma fell off the kitchen countertop onto a tile floor with a sickening thud. The focus was off and something was rattling. While it was back at Sigma for repairs I bought the Nikon 200-500. Since buying it, the Sigma has rarely been on a body. Sigma did an outstanding job of fixing it, if anything it shoots better now than before the repair but I do like the VR on the Nikon a lot better, I like the F 5.6 all the way through. I think the image quality is just a touch better, especially at the extremes (lower light, farther away subject, etc). With the Nikon lens, I may be able to use or salvage some small percentage more images (some may be due to the extra 1/3 stop of light but I think more due to slightly better build and glass??? I'm not an engineer so that would be open for debate).

I have friends who shoot the Tamron G2 version and looking at their images, it is in the same league as the Sigma and the Nikon. Not sure it is better and not sure it is worse. They are all comparable I think the Tamron has comparable VR. Image quality is so dependent on the photographer, the subject been shot, etc. that hard to compare that aspect across photographers and camera bodies. I will say from the images I've seen from friends who use it, the G2 Tamron is very good and quite comparable to the Nikon.

Hope this helps and doesn't add confusion.

Jeff
 
I had the Tamron G2 and it was pretty good…but the 500PF hands down smokes it. Since you're venturing into the mirrorless world…I would personally recommend against the F mount 200-500 and perhaps get the new 100-400 for other purposes. That wasn't available when I got my Z7II so I got the 24-70/f4 and 70-200/2.8 and the two Z TCs…but I still use the 500PF a lot with the Z. If the 100-400 had been available I would have gotten that instead along with the TCs…that gives me full coverage from 24-800mm with the exception of 70-100 and I can live with that. The 70-200 is really nice if you want a fast tele but for wildlife it's really too short and even with the 2.0TC it's still pretty short for long range stuff and it's down to f5.6 with the TC anyway so you've lost the fast glass option. I can easily see once my currently on order 100-400 arrives taking just it on a hike with either the 24-70 or the 500PF depending on what I think I'll be likely to see…and that the 70-200 will get relatively little use once the longer zoom arrives.

The 200-500 will work just fine on the Zs…but the F mount is essentially dead tech at this point and I would find it hard to really recommend buying anything in that mount with the possible exception of the 500PF…but then I already had it so it wasn't really an issue for me.
 
Just so everyone reading the thread understand the G1 150-600 isn't compatible with the Z bodies (doesn't AF and VR doesn't work) so the OP has to buy a new lens.

To the OP, I had the original Tamron 150-600 and then the 200-500. I found the 200-500 had better IQ but I've never used the G2 150-600 lens. Sigma also has a few lenses in that range as well (150-600 contemporary, 150-600 sport and 60-600 sport).

Sorry, I haven't used the other lenses (only the Nikon 200-500) so I don't have any experience on which is better (I'm sure there are tons of you tube reviews) but it may just be easier to stick with Nikon so you know you have future compatibility.
I contacted Tamron on behalf of a friend who has the Tamron 150-600mm G1. Tamron assured me they could do the necessary to update the G1 to full functionality on the Z bodies. It would just mean sending the lens in to them to do the necessary.
 
Hi all,just after some expert opinions on the choice of a new zoom lens,i currently use a d7200 and d500 my main zoom lens is a Tamron 150-600mm G1 which has been a great lens for me and still is,i have just ventured into the mirrorless world and got a Z6 most to all of my current lenses work on the Z6 but i still want to use my d500 for wildlife and birding,using the Z6 for landscapes and general photography so far.i want to upgrade my big lens ,the first thought for me was the same tamron but the G 2,but if i was to eventually use this on my Z6 i would have to get the tap in console,seems a waste for one lens so my next thought was the nikon 200-500, is this lens still a good buy in 2022, i cant afford a 500 pf i knpow i would lose a bit of ground with the 500mm just wanted to get some thoughts on those that have or still do own the nikon 200-500 sorry for the long post cheers John
I have three Z cameras and have sold all my F-mount cameras. I still have a bunch of F-mount long lenses including the 200-500. It's a very good lens and works very well with the FTZ on the Z cameras. While it does not work well with a teleconverter on an F-mount, it works pretty well with the 1.4 TC on the Z6/Z7 original and ii versions.

The downside of these consumer tele-zoom lenses is they are relatively slow focusing - and that impacts birds in flight, but is not that big a deal for slower moving or static subjects. That's a design decision that's part of keeping the cost down. The 200-500 as well as the 150-600 lenses in general all extend when they zoom, so the travel to move lens element groups is longer than you would ideally prefer. But in doing so with an f/5.6 or f/6.3 lens, you reduce size, cost, and have a pretty good zoom. As with some other lenses, if you pre-focus near the right distance, the issue is largely resolved.

The 100-400 is an outstanding lens - an S lens - but it's relatively expensive and not really long enough for birds. Optically it's excellent. It's a great choice for mammals and wading birds. It works with a teleconverter, but if you are going to be using it with a TC most of the time, there are other options.

The roadmap has a 200-600 lens for Z mount in the next 12-18 months. That's a good replacement targeted for the Z mount. They also have 400mm PF and 800mm PF lenses on the roadmap depending on what you need. Of course, the cost of a new Z lens will be higher than an existing F-mount lens, so there is a price for incremental performance.

I'd take a look at your budget. You can get a very good used Nikon 200-500 for $850 in a private sale, or $1100-1200 from B&H, KEH, etc. The 100-400 is $3000+ and the 200-600 will probably be in the $1400-2000+ range. The PF lenses are typically more expensive than the zooms. If you can buy the 200-500 right, or get the firmware updated for your 150-600 by Tamron, you have the luxury of waiting and taking your time. I'd probably go that route unless your budget is planning $3000+ for lens options.
 
If the Tamron G1 is updatable as Rassie was told by Tamron, that's a free update and you can keep saving money for an S-mount or the 500mm PF in the future.

I owned the G1 Tamron 150-600, the Tamron G2 160-600, and the Nikon 200-500. In my experience, the Nikon was the sharpest, had the best VR, and was a tad better speed/accuracy in AF. The differences weren't huge, but noticeable.
 
Currently, I use the Nikon 200-500, and like it very much. Before buying it, I tested out (rented) the Tamron and Sigma equivalents, and liked them but ultimately went with the Nikon because I felt that it had a slight edge in IQ and AF. However, the difference isn't so great that it'd be worth spending your money to buy a Nikon 200-500 - you probably just wouldn't see that much of an improvement over your current Tamron lens. To get a significantly better lens, you need to set your sights on a prime, like the 500 or 600 f4, or perhaps the 500PF, but then you're talking serious money. I completely understand your desire and dilemma, because I'm in the same boat, and have decided to wait until a good, used 600E comes to market at a price that I can afford. Over the next couple of years, I suspect we'll see a lot of good, F-mount primes up for sale as people transition to mirrorless cameras and native S-mount lenses.
Thanks for your reply
 
Just so everyone reading the thread understand the G1 150-600 isn't compatible with the Z bodies (doesn't AF and VR doesn't work) so the OP has to buy a new lens.

To the OP, I had the original Tamron 150-600 and then the 200-500. I found the 200-500 had better IQ but I've never used the G2 150-600 lens. Sigma also has a few lenses in that range as well (150-600 contemporary, 150-600 sport and 60-600 sport).

Sorry, I haven't used the other lenses (only the Nikon 200-500) so I don't have any experience on which is better (I'm sure there are tons of you tube reviews) but it may just be easier to stick with Nikon so you know you have future compatibility.
thanks for your reply
Thanks for your reply
 
On Nikon D500 and D850 I went from Tamron 150-600 A011 to Nikon 200-500 (after giving up on 500 PF due to practically nonexistent delivery). I am not satisfied with AF performance at all in my 200-500. Good IQ. People say I had a bad copy. I say that’s terrible QA/QC on their part. I waited 2 years and bought a new 500PF from Nikon. It is a nice lens.
Looking back I wish I had went Tamron G2 personally
I have switched to Sony 200-600mm zero complaints
thankyou
 
I shoot a D500 with a D7200 as my backup body. I went from a Sigma 150-600 Contemporary to a Nikon 200-500. It was an upgrade in VR and Image quality but not as earth shattering as one may expect. The reason for the switch was my Sigma fell off the kitchen countertop onto a tile floor with a sickening thud. The focus was off and something was rattling. While it was back at Sigma for repairs I bought the Nikon 200-500. Since buying it, the Sigma has rarely been on a body. Sigma did an outstanding job of fixing it, if anything it shoots better now than before the repair but I do like the VR on the Nikon a lot better, I like the F 5.6 all the way through. I think the image quality is just a touch better, especially at the extremes (lower light, farther away subject, etc). With the Nikon lens, I may be able to use or salvage some small percentage more images (some may be due to the extra 1/3 stop of light but I think more due to slightly better build and glass??? I'm not an engineer so that would be open for debate).

I have friends who shoot the Tamron G2 version and looking at their images, it is in the same league as the Sigma and the Nikon. Not sure it is better and not sure it is worse. They are all comparable I think the Tamron has comparable VR. Image quality is so dependent on the photographer, the subject been shot, etc. that hard to compare that aspect across photographers and camera bodies. I will say from the images I've seen from friends who use it, the G2 Tamron is very good and quite comparable to the Nikon.

Hope this helps and doesn't add confusion.

Jeff
Thankyou
I had the Tamron G2 and it was pretty good…but the 500PF hands down smokes it. Since you're venturing into the mirrorless world…I would personally recommend against the F mount 200-500 and perhaps get the new 100-400 for other purposes. That wasn't available when I got my Z7II so I got the 24-70/f4 and 70-200/2.8 and the two Z TCs…but I still use the 500PF a lot with the Z. If the 100-400 had been available I would have gotten that instead along with the TCs…that gives me full coverage from 24-800mm with the exception of 70-100 and I can live with that. The 70-200 is really nice if you want a fast tele but for wildlife it's really too short and even with the 2.0TC it's still pretty short for long range stuff and it's down to f5.6 with the TC anyway so you've lost the fast glass option. I can easily see once my currently on order 100-400 arrives taking just it on a hike with either the 24-70 or the 500PF depending on what I think I'll be likely to see…and that the 70-200 will get relatively little use once the longer zoom arrives.

The 200-500 will work just fine on the Zs…but the F mount is essentially dead tech at this point and I would find it hard to really recommend buying anything in that mount with the possible exception of the 500PF…but then I already had it so it wasn't really an issue for me.
Thanks so much
 
I contacted Tamron on behalf of a friend who has the Tamron 150-600mm G1. Tamron assured me they could do the necessary to update the G1 to full functionality on the Z bodies. It would just mean sending the lens in to them to do the necessary.
Thanks so much wasnt aware of that
I have three Z cameras and have sold all my F-mount cameras. I still have a bunch of F-mount long lenses including the 200-500. It's a very good lens and works very well with the FTZ on the Z cameras. While it does not work well with a teleconverter on an F-mount, it works pretty well with the 1.4 TC on the Z6/Z7 original and ii versions.

The downside of these consumer tele-zoom lenses is they are relatively slow focusing - and that impacts birds in flight, but is not that big a deal for slower moving or static subjects. That's a design decision that's part of keeping the cost down. The 200-500 as well as the 150-600 lenses in general all extend when they zoom, so the travel to move lens element groups is longer than you would ideally prefer. But in doing so with an f/5.6 or f/6.3 lens, you reduce size, cost, and have a pretty good zoom. As with some other lenses, if you pre-focus near the right distance, the issue is largely resolved.

The 100-400 is an outstanding lens - an S lens - but it's relatively expensive and not really long enough for birds. Optically it's excellent. It's a great choice for mammals and wading birds. It works with a teleconverter, but if you are going to be using it with a TC most of the time, there are other options.

The roadmap has a 200-600 lens for Z mount in the next 12-18 months. That's a good replacement targeted for the Z mount. They also have 400mm PF and 800mm PF lenses on the roadmap depending on what you need. Of course, the cost of a new Z lens will be higher than an existing F-mount lens, so there is a price for incremental performance.

I'd take a look at your budget. You can get a very good used Nikon 200-500 for $850 in a private sale, or $1100-1200 from B&H, KEH, etc. The 100-400 is $3000+ and the 200-600 will probably be in the $1400-2000+ range. The PF lenses are typically more expensive than the zooms. If you can buy the 200-500 right, or get the firmware updated for your 150-600 by Tamron, you have the luxury of waiting and taking your time. I'd probably go that route unless your budget is planning $3000+ for lens options.
Thanks so much for your reply
 
If the Tamron G1 is updatable as Rassie was told by Tamron, that's a free update and you can keep saving money for an S-mount or the 500mm PF in the future.

I owned the G1 Tamron 150-600, the Tamron G2 160-600, and the Nikon 200-500. In my experience, the Nikon was the sharpest, had the best VR, and was a tad better speed/accuracy in AF. The differences weren't huge, but noticeable.
Thankyou
 
Since the autofocus on the Z bodies tends to be more accurate than the DSLR bodies, you can mostly expect better focus performance on any lens you mount on a Z body that had been designed with a F mount. I get sharper images with my 200-500mm Nikkor mounted on a Z body than on my previous D7000, D7100 and D7500 bodies. Part of that may be explained by the fact that I didn't need to fine tune the autofocus of my lenses on the Z6II.

If you therefore update the firmware or the chip in your Tamron free of charge you may also find it to be sharper on a Z body.
 
I had the Nikon 200-500 on my D7500 and loved it, but boy it was heavy! i sold it … all my F lenses and thecDSLR to get the z 6.
from what I’ve read, the Z6 isn’t great for sports or BIF. For my use case, birds, with the z 70-200 and the 2xTC it’s fine.…this is my stop gap until the Z 200-600 emerges.
i saw some really great images on FB today off a z7 with the new z100-400 with the 2xTC @ 800mm….very nice
 
I had the Nikon 200-500 on my D7500 and loved it, but boy it was heavy! i sold it … all my F lenses and thecDSLR to get the z 6.
from what I’ve read, the Z6 isn’t great for sports or BIF. For my use case, birds, with the z 70-200 and the 2xTC it’s fine.…this is my stop gap until the Z 200-600 emerges.
i saw some really great images on FB today off a z7 with the new z100-400 with the 2xTC @ 800mm….very nice
obviously losing some detail..
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Hi all,just after some expert opinions on the choice of a new zoom lens,i currently use a d7200 and d500 my main zoom lens is a Tamron 150-600mm G1 which has been a great lens for me and still is,i have just ventured into the mirrorless world and got a Z6 most to all of my current lenses work on the Z6 but i still want to use my d500 for wildlife and birding,using the Z6 for landscapes and general photography so far.i want to upgrade my big lens ,the first thought for me was the same tamron but the G 2,but if i was to eventually use this on my Z6 i would have to get the tap in console,seems a waste for one lens so my next thought was the nikon 200-500, is this lens still a good buy in 2022, i cant afford a 500 pf i knpow i would lose a bit of ground with the 500mm just wanted to get some thoughts on those that have or still do own the nikon 200-500 sorry for the long post cheers John
I mainly use D850 bodies but have a D500 backup.
The 200-500mm G lens works nearly as well on my Z6 and Z9 bodies. and its much lighter than my 200-400mm and 600mm Nikkors.
I'm hoping Nikon will soon release the 200-600mm Z lens. 🦘
 
Some diverse views are great. I have a D750 and opted to go for z9, yes still waiting. I have the Tamron 150-600 G2 and Nikkor 70-300 AFP FX which I was concerned about. These comments are very helpful as I might go for z100- 400 with the teleconverter. Steves's book on the z series and reading the forum are helping to prepare me for the Z9. My personal sticking point is getting a Z9 by late June, so I can practice, for an Alaskan photo tour (held up due to Aussie borders being shut). Keep up the examples. Thank you one and all.
 
I used the Nikkor 200-500mm lens with both a D5600, and later a D500. I liked it originally, but after about a year, I was feeling the strain on my right hand and elbow from the lens' 5 pounds of weight. Since I photograph birds and usually had it out at 500mm, the added length and subsequent levering force just made it more of a challenge to get the lens into position quickly to get the shot. It also seemed to acquire, then sometimes lose, AF on the bird more often than I liked.

Last June, I bought a Nikkor 500mm PF lens (which is only 3 pounds). The first time I used it at a coastal nature preserve with a great variety of birds, I was amazed at how fast the AF was, and how well it held on to the subject. Dropping 2 pounds of weight also meant that I could more quickly get the lens into position, and hold it steadier, longer than the 200-500mm lens. So fewer missed shots. The photos, I felt, were also sharper, too. As I have had it now for almost 7 months, I am improving my competence in using this lens. Although I miss the ability to compose some shots by zooming, the above factors have pretty much made up for that. I'm pleased with this lens.

If you can save up the money, I'd strongly recommend the Nikkor 500mm PF lens.
 
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If I hadn't bought the Z9 the the 500pf would have been on my list.
The 200-500mmm is my lightest long lens.
For most people a D500 and 200-500mm is a fantastic value wildlife combo.
Right now I cant wait for Nikon to come out with some long glass.
Until then I'll adapt my 600mm f4, 200-400mm f4 and 200-500mm f5.6 lenses...🦘
 
Long time since I have had a D7100 and D7500. Went to D500 and D850 (currently just D850 while waiting for pre orderd Z9 to arrive). I have owned the Tamron 150-600 G1, the Tamron 150-600 G2, Tamron 100-400, the Sigma 150-600 Sport, The Sigma 60-600 Sport and the Nikon 200-500, Nikon 300 pf, Nikon 500 pf and Nikon 600 f/4E. I have posted images on this forum recently taken with the Tamron 150-600 G2 and D500 the combo took great images (one is an Eagle hanging in the Idaho State Capitol in an 8 foot size) for example. The Sigma 150-600 and 60-600 sport were very good lenses (heaviest of the variable focal length lenses). I am a wildlife photographer with an emphasis on birds and birds in flight and I shoot hand held.

I just listed all these lenses so you would know what I have owned and used on a D500.

What long lenses do I still have .... Tamron 100-400, Tamron 150-600 G2 (it replaced the Nikon 200-500), the Nikon 500 PF (it replaced the 300 pf with 1.4 TC on it all the time) and the Nikon 600 f/4E. All have their place the Tamron 150-600 G2 is the best value and has taken a lot of wall hangers but now gets the least use. The 600 f/4 E now is on my D850 80 % of the time then the Nikon 500 pf and finally the Tamron 100-400 a bit short for an only birding lens. So I have been lucky enough to be able to invest in a couple of great prime lenses.

If I did not have the two primes (faster AF, better bokeh, better low light performance but more expensive) I would be using the Tamron 150-600 G2 it is still my back up long lens and a very good lens. My wife uses a Tamron 100-400 with her FTZ adapter on her Z50 as her primary birding lens and a Tamron 18-400 and her primary all around lens and she takes some great shots with them.

You should check with Tamron but I do not think a new production Tamron G2 would require a firmware update with a Tap in Console to work with the ftz adapter. If it did the tap in console is not that expensive and also many Tamron dealers have consoles and will do updates for you as will Tamron.

As an aside most of my short focal length lenses are Tamron G2 and they are great lenses but I really do not use the short lenses nearly as much as the long stuff.
 
Hi all,just after some expert opinions on the choice of a new zoom lens,i currently use a d7200 and d500 my main zoom lens is a Tamron 150-600mm G1 which has been a great lens for me and still is,i have just ventured into the mirrorless world and got a Z6 most to all of my current lenses work on the Z6 but i still want to use my d500 for wildlife and birding,using the Z6 for landscapes and general photography so far.i want to upgrade my big lens ,the first thought for me was the same tamron but the G 2,but if i was to eventually use this on my Z6 i would have to get the tap in console,seems a waste for one lens so my next thought was the nikon 200-500, is this lens still a good buy in 2022, i cant afford a 500 pf i knpow i would lose a bit of ground with the 500mm just wanted to get some thoughts on those that have or still do own the nikon 200-500 sorry for the long post cheers John
I own the 200-500mm the 200-400mm and the 600mm f4.
Used on a pair of D850 bodies a D5 and a D500.
Although not quite as sharp as the others - I usually grab the 200-500mm first because its light and a fantastic lens.
The D500 and 200-500mm make a great combo.
Even if I take another camera with say the 600mm or 70-200mm, I still take the D500 and 200-500mm lens.
It also works really well on my Z6 and Z9 bodies (with the adapter). 🦘
 
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