Reader Interactions
Reader Comments
Comment Policy: Although our team at Photography Life encourages all readers to actively participate in discussions, we reserve the right to delete / modify any content that does not comply with our Code of Conduct, or do not meet the high editorial standards of the published material.
Superb and Gr8 review Nasim…it made my thinking clear.
Have you reviewed the new Nikon 200-400mm and comparison with Sigma or Tamron (150-600mm) lenses ?
Deepak, the 200-400mm f/4 is no comparison – that’s a pro-grade lens!
At longer distances the 200-400 isn’t as good and the differences aren’t pronounced. Still, adding a 1.4 teleconverter to the 200-400 neutralizes the difference a bit more but with less zoom range. I liked the 200-400 in the years I owned it but I’m happier with my 150-600.
Hi
Thanks for sharing your review on Sigma 150-600 Sports.
Waiting for your review on the Nikon 200-500mm and comparisons with Sigma and Tamron. Any approximate dates on when you’re going to put it up?
Thanks for another great review and comparisons! I am just looking forward to Nikon 200-500mm lens review and maybe you can add that lens to the comparisons page then?
Please, please, please a review of the new Nikon 200-500 with a comparison to the Sigma C and the Tamron and maybe the Sigma S as well. This is the choice most of us will have to make.
Steve
agree.
Yes, please, Nikon 200-500mm vs Sigma 150-600mm C please. I will help many people to make their choice.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for a full review with charts of Imatest scores. So much more objective than easy to find photos.
Dear Nasim, thanks again for this very interesting review. do you have some new informations concerning the 300E ? (is the VR issue solved, and what about the sharpness variability beween examples ?
I was expecting the review of Nikon 200-500mm f5.6 lens… at least a short report from your side… I have read many good comments about it and i am planning to go for it rather Tamron 150-60mm…hope i am not doing any wrong
I have had the Sigma 150-600 C for about a month now and have enjoyed it greatly for birding. I am not a pro by any means but go birding with my camera whenever possible.
I did purchase the Dock and tuned the lens per Sigma instructions using the Lens Align and customized the OS and focus. I have C1 set for birds that are not moving with the slower more accurate focus speed and normal OS. I have C2 set for flying birds with the faster focus speed and OS set for panning. I also customized the manual focus to require more degrees of rotation to make manual focus smoother.
I have tried it with a D7100 and D7200 and found that the D7200 is superior with this lens with the F6.3 max aperture. With other faster lens I do not see a difference in focus between the two cameras.
Previously I used a Nikon 80-400 for birding and was happy with it but wanted more reach. I was concerned about the weight of a longer lens because I normally shoot hand held. I did not get the Sport version for that reason. I picked the Sigma over the Tamron because of the ability to fine tune the lens with the Dock.
I have had sharper results in practice with the 80-400 than the 150-600 but I think that is largely because I have had more practice with the 80-400 and I haven’t gotten my hand holding technique up to par with the 150-600 yet. The longer lens definitely require better technique before you can get to the limits of the lens.
Nasim,
Thank you so much for your insights. If there ever be time in your busy schedule to review and compare the new Nikon 200-500 5.6 and the Sigma 150-600S it would be so appreciated. Your elevation of the sport significantly above the contemporary in this review (no surprise) leaves the only decision to be between the new Nikon and the sport, at least for me. I am afraid that the 200-500 will be a dust magnet as well as it reportedly also lacks weather sealing. If the Sport is as sharp, fast, accurate, and has as much contrast and similar VR I think it could be the winner, sounds like we could get resistance training while photographing birds with it. Thanks again, for this review and PL.
Dan
Great review! Thanks for pointing out that sample variation is probably a big factor with these lenses. I had the Tamron 150-600 and bought the Sigma C 150-600 and with my copies my Sigma C 150-600 is clearly sharper and has more contrast than my Tamron at 600mm f/6.3. I’ve also never noticed that the AF at close distance is unreliable. I’ve spent a lot of time photographing small bird at around 3 meters and found the AF to be very accurate and reliable. Especially when setting the focus limiter to 2.8 – 10 meters.
Love your website Nasim, and another great review.
I purchased this lens (my first real telephoto lens) a few months ago so was hoping for better results from your sharpness tests. I read so many reviews for over a year of all the more budget tele lenses, including your glowing review of the old Nikon 300 F4 AFS, but decided to go wit the Sigma. At the time, generally the consensus on the internet was that the Sigma 150-600 C was slightly sharper at 600 than the Tamron. It seems not, or maybe yours is not a good copy? The photos in the review are very nice and sharp. Were they taken with a different copy of the lens (I thought you might have mentioned they were your friends photos?)? I must admit I have not used mine enough to say conclusively how I feel about it. I haven’t been blown away by it’s sharpness in any case. I may still get the dock to fine tune it once I get more mileage and can assess its performance better. I use it with a Nikon D700 and haven’t had any noticeable issues with autofocus. In fact it surprised me how fast it focuses.
Anyway, thanks again for the excellent reviews!
“I purchased this lens (my first real telephoto lens) a few months ago so was hoping for better results from your sharpness tests.”
Answer is right there in your sentence. Telephoto lenses demand a great deal of better technique to perform at their best. Practice, practice and practice is the answer in your case. Also in beginning try very high shutter speeds and disable optical stabilization for everything over 1/1000s because in those cases OS will actually hurt image quality.
Daniel,
I provided the photographs to Nasim for this article. The lens I shot with is the one Nasim used for his Imatest measurements. I was not initially impressed with this lens but in the end was quite pleased with the final images as published here. Obviously they have been resized and sharpened but I think that is kind of the point because isn’t that what we are all doing with our images. It’s the final result that really matters. So judge the final output, not the full size, unsharpened image straight off the camera and viewed at 100%. Whether I was shooting with a sharp or not so sharp copy of the lens, I was able to get good results, even wide open at 600mm. This is a budget lens and I think I think it is a good lens for the money. The Sports model may be sharper but it certainly should be at twice the price.
If you are questioning the sharpness of your own lens then I think Red’s comment is very relevant. It is extremely challenging to take sharp pictures when you first start shooting at very long focal lengths. 600mm is a lot of magnification, and if you happen to be shooting with a crop sensor camera then the higher pixel density makes it that much harder still to get a sharp image at the pixel level. I see you mention using a D700 so luckily you’re not making it too hard on yourself. Follow Red’s advice and practice, practice, practice. Use high shutter speeds. I would rather have a sharp image with more noise than a blurry image with less noise. Use support. All of these shots were “handheld”, but in reality I was resting the lens on a railing or post, or leaning against something to steady myself whenever I could. It makes a huge difference. There is a danger with a lens as light and portable as this one, that the photographer will not consider using a tripod or other support because they think it is not necessary. That is a mistake. Also, I do not own any Sigma lenses but if I did I think I would definitely be taking advantage of the lens dock to dial in the autofocus as precisely as possible. You want to eliminate focus calibration as a possible reason for soft images.
Good luck with your lens and hopefully with some practice you’ll start getting some pleasing results.
John
First of all, I´d like to say thank you for all the good articles including this test on photographylife.
The information on this website is outstanding compared to many other ones to be found in the web.
And now some comments on my personal findings having been worked with all alternatives in this class of lenses.
Sharpness wise the Sigma Sports is the best together with the new Nikon 200-500.
Both are very capable lenses in the longer range between 400 to 500/600mm.
In its given range the Nikon 200-500 excels all other options – the Sigma, the Tamron and even the 80-400 AF-S – from 200 to 500mm.
The Nikon 200-500 is also the one which has given me the most reliable autofocus at the long end even in dim light and changing light situations.
And here two reasons to get thereputation back for the actual Nikon 80-400.
The fastest autofocus is to be found on the Nikon 80-400 AF-S. It is very close to my 2.8/70-200 often.
I own both and have some years experience using both.
And there is one additional great benefit speaking for the 80-400 – the weight and size is still really portable and hand holdable in every situation I can think of. This is something which can not be said about the other options. It even fits into my normal smallest bags which can also store my D810.
So it has its advantages. Looking at the price, the faster autofocus motor and the very robust VR are responsible for the price difference.
Even if I gave back some reputation to the Nikon 80-400 in the writing above, I am going to change my setup as follows.
I now use the Nikon 4/300 PF and will buy next year the Nikon 200-500.
The latter will replace my 4/500 VR I owned until some months ago.
The new Nikon is sharp enough to do this job. And even the autofocus is not to far away from what I have seen on my 4/500 VR.
So my suggestion for a Nikon shooter looking for a long lens would clearly be the new Nikon 200-500.
Take your time to test some samples. I used two of them and both have been okay but that just might have been a lucky fortuity.
You save about half a kilo of weight compared to the Sigma Sports. You get a better portablility.
You give up 100mm on the long end.
You get a real sharp lens at 500mm.
Just give it a try. These are just my personal findings in using the lenses which made up my decision to change my setup.
I would agree. I rented the first Tamron and wasn’t happy with it then went with the new (at that time) Canon 100-400mm MkII, much happier with it. I’ve even used it with a Kenko Series 300 1.4x with reasonable success. But the compactness and sharpness of the Canon 100-400mm MkII were well worth not having the 600mm reach with images I wasn’t happy with. But overall, wildlife photographers have a number of new lenses in the last few years that they never had before in this price range- all around $2000 and down to $1000- thousands less than offerings before.
Thanks for the review. You confirm what others said that the Tamron is sharper at the long end. I have this lens, what made me bought it is the vertical stabilization that makes panning a piece of cake.
So far I’m happy with it. It performs better than the Sigma 150-500mm. Quieter, faster to get into focus and sharper. Only problem is the shorter foot of the tripod collar.
Nasim, thanks for a great review again. Will wait for a new Nikon 200-500.
I am, like many others, decided to upgrade my “reach” from 300D f/4 + 1.4 TC. Sigma 150-600 Sport, Nikkor 200-500, Nikkor 200-400… Options are very good, but sometimes it is hard to make decision, even after reading almost everything you can find on the web.
Keep going PL!
Thanks Nasim for review.
Waiting anxiously 200-500 review as others.
Regards,
ilyas
Thanks for the great review. I look forward to the Sigma 150-600 Sports review and a review of the Nikkor 200-500 (with comparisons, of course). I’m looking for something like this. I like the idea of a 600-mm reach, but can give up 100-mm if the lens is that much better at 500-mm, especially if a teleconverter can get some of the reach back.
I have a question, though. You said “if you have an older camera body limited to f/5.6 and you are looking at this lens, I would strongly recommend against such a combination.” Where would I find the specification that identifies the camera’s minimum f-stop for the autofocus to work correctly? I have a Nikon D5300 and can’t seem to find that specification.
Thanks.
Hi Philip,
I don’t have the Sigma but I have the tamron, same specs. The D5300 will do just fine, it will autofocus properly, no worries about it. It is surely slower and less efficient than the D7200 for instance but it will autofocus. I have been using it for months with the Tamron, no problem whatsoever.
My experience obviously
Marco
A good review, but I wouldn’t classify the D7100/7200 as low-entry DX cameras …
Hi Nasim and everyone,
Given the budget and to learn photography, I bought 2 years ago one Nikon D3200 and several lenses up to 200 mm, with the idea to latter buy a better camera (probably d7200) and have 3200 as a backup (by the way, i’m very pleased with that little camera). As I like to photograph birds and 200 mm are now limiting… was considering buying this lens. My question is for the next step … The Sigma 150-600 C will work correctly with the D3200, although not reach the full potential, or I’ll have to first acquire a more advanced camera first? (the budget does not allow the two options simultaneously).
Thank you in advance for your opinion.
All the best,
Hi Pedro,
Consider buying used. I am a long time pro with decent resources and still purchase used on occasion. You can get a perfect condition D7100 with under 10k shutter actuations for under $500. That is one heck of a deal.
Due to issues with Q/C I would purchase the lens new.
Sceptical1, Thanks for the tip, which i probably will consider! While I do not buy one D7100 or d7200 , do you think that Sigma 150-600 C will work correctly with the D3200?
Hi Nasim,
Many thanks for another excellent lens review. I am thinking of buying either the Tamron or Sigma 150-600mm lenses. Can you share any feedback on dust issues with these lenses? I hear this is a major problem especially with the Tamron. Will they cause serious damage to the lens and/or the camera itself?
Thanks,
RK
I’m currently running a Nikon D5100 which I like, though have issues with it’s poor/slow low-light auto focus with the 55-300 mm AF-S Nikkor f 4.5-5.6GED lens. I’m looking into the new Sigma 150-600mm & the older Tamron 150-600 counterpart. I really want something fairly ‘idiot proof’ but still gives a path for my next Nikon (when budget permits) which will be an updated/upgraded model, though I plan to stay ‘digital’.
I’m a bit puzzled over the ‘full frame/half frame’ sensor comments but want to insure any future lenses are compatible with -both- formats.
I’ve read -MANY- reviews, with a lot of them contradicting other reviews.
I’d like a ‘future proof’ lens that will work with my older D-5100 and for my next Nikon when funds permit.
Advice is needed. The ‘Tami’ has good reviews but it’s an older design w/out update/upgrade options. The Sigma has fair to good reviews but can be updated via it’s ‘DOCK’ option. Both cost about the same which is critical on my budget.
What might you and others here offer as advice or suggestions?
Many thanks in advance!
Godspeed;
Gregg A.
Very good comprehensive review thanks.
Perhaps my copy of the Sigma 150-600mm C is a better example than the one tested (?),
but I would say (my copy’s) resolution at 600mm at F11 is quite good and not disappointing
as the resolution tested results shown here suggest. Although I would agree with the finding that
its not as good as at say ~400mm, where it is quite excellent.
Is there a review or something how 150-600 c compaes to the good old bigma? (50-500)? (even the 2nd release can be purchased for good price, and that 100 mm on the long end shouldn’t be that big deal.)
Hi Nasim, Thanks for a thorough review. As always appreciate your hard work. I hope to rent Sigma 150-600mm Sport shortly, but was wondering if the review on your end will be coming soon? Have read related info on your website … but an nice review from your end is confirmation stamp for me if I need to invest in it or not.
Hi buddies!
Just to check if you feel any chattering noise or vibration during focus or after that in Sigma lens. Even in brochure they mentioned if your don’t turn of the OS switch during attach or detaching the lens to the camera this shall emit chattering noise but if you off it the I am not expecting any noise during focus. I mean after locked the focus and even took the photo suddenly I feel internal vibration starts and can hear some noise inside the lens.
Appreciate your feedback and experience on this.
I found the manual focus ring on my Sigma 150-600mm had quite a narrow raised grip. To widen the grip I bought a rubber focus ring for a Nikon 28-300mm and fixed it over the existing ring and it works a treat. Simply loop the new ring over the tripod mount and rear lens element, no need to remove the original ring.
Ray Wilson Photo Website:-
Just purchased the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary
I am having a terrible time with focus lock and slow focus…fine on still birds but with movement…very erratic.
I shoot with a Canon 7D Mark II….hand held….speed 2500….ISO what ever…single point focus.
My other hand held lens is Canon 100-400…no focus lock and much faster.
Is this just a learning curve or a lens limitation?
I had no problem with focusing speed. I have problem that if something is further than 20 meter, it has no details at all. Soft? Out of focus? Fine tuning didn’t help
Arnold,
Is your Canon 100-400 the newer one, model II? The 100-400 f/4, IS II achieve quick auto-focus lock with 7D MK II, especially in single or 4 points in Ai Servo mode. I have been considering a long focal length Tamron G2 or the Sigma Sport, but don’t have hand-on experience with the autofocus performance on these lenses on Canon bodies. Are you comparing the two lenses using the same autofocus parameters? Thanks.
I spent quite a bit of time looking at both the Sigma and Tamron before selecting the Sigma. Your MTF charts show the Sigma absolutely blowing the Tamron out of the water at 150 and 300 – after all, with a zoom lens you are hoping to fill the frame, so corners count as much as the middle. At 500 the lenses are much closer to equal, especially if the difference between f6 and f6.3 is considered. At 600, again, much closer to equal overall than at the wider openings. As you say, this data is for one sample of each lens. On another site that compares samples of test charts, the Tamron is absolutely terrible in the corners at 600. Overall, in my opinion, the Sigma is better, but each person should consider all of the data before choosing.
Nasim,
Will you be posting a sharpness histogram for the Tamron 150-600mm G2?
Thanks,
Tom
Icurrently have the Canon 600D with Sygma 50-500 lens. Would it be worth my while to upgrade to this Sygma 150-600 as I am currently shooting birds as my main concers? Regards William, Pretoria, South Africa
Dear Nasim.
I was wondering if you would recommend this for photographing landing aircraft (on a budget). I live near Heathrow Airport and there is a great spot for planespotters to take amazing photos of the heavies coming in to land. This lens is in my budget range, so I’d like to know if it will do the job, or whether there is an alternative.
Thanks
Hi,Currently i am using Canon 1200D with Kit Lens, Willing to Upgrade the lens to “Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens” could you please share your review and Comments for the same ? Thanks.
I agonised between this lens and other similar ones, but finally chose this for my Canon 6D. I can report that I was simply blown away with the results, and its ability to shoot hand held at the maximum focal length. Never thought that possible, but the shots I can get are way beyond my expectations. Considering what it does, the weight is OK provided you don’t want to hold it all day. Not exactly hand luggage friendly for flights, but for everything else it is a fabulous lens. I don’t use it a lot, but then I need that sort of length, it doesn’t fail to impress.
Nasim,
Your outstanding review and sample images are appreciated. You wrote that this lens would be a good choice for a high resolution DX camera. Is it also a good choice for my full frame D810? Thanks.