I have not used full frame camera gear since July 2015 so I am unable to answer your question about compatibility. I would assume that some kind of adapter would be needed.
In terms of using this lens handheld versus on a tripod, this would depend on your handheld technique. I used my 150-600 handheld and could do so for about 3 hours on an uninterrupted basis. After that I had too much arm fatigue to continue.
Tom
Ian
October 30, 2022 8:46 am
Hi there Thinking of getting this lens to go with my d7500. Any real world pros and cons?
It’s been quite a long time since I used full frame gear (i.e. sold all of my full frame gear in July 2015) so I haven’t kept up with newer versions of this lens. The biggest benefit is the reach of the lens. Two things that counterbalance that are the size/weight and perhaps needing to stop the lens down a bit to get more sharpness when it is fully extended.
Tom
Rob
December 14, 2020 10:12 pm
I have a d5200 and just picked up this lens. I wish I understood it or that there was some sort of training. I have no idea why it won’t take pictures with the lens fully extended, but does just fine around 400 and below.
Is this because your shoots are blurry, or lack sharpness. If blurry or too soft it can be your AF that need calibration. I always use it with at the beginning with a D7100, followed by a D750 and lastly a D500. I am not sure the D5200 has the AF speed and accuracy required to do BIF. You need to shot at speeds at least 1/1500 sec , better or faster up to 1/4000 sec to get good to very good shots. If you have good light you shoot at 6400 iso.I strongly recommend you use a very good denoiser such as DXo Elite 5 or 6 using DeepPrime denoiser.
Rob
October 28, 2020 2:23 pm
I was using a darkroom when my son was born in 1972. Now, he’s keeping me up-to-date with photography. I’ve been birding with my Nikkor 80-400mmD and he added a Tamron 150-600 G2 to his lens wardrobe. That 200mm makes a difference, so I went “old school” and bought a Tamron 150-600mm (A011). I was afraid that I couldn’t carry its weight, but I added a monopod and have been extremely pleased. I will still keep my 80-400- it’s definitely more hand-holdable (though the monopod helps there, too. If I ever make it back to Africa, I think I’d take the Nikkor on safari- the 80mm end of the range is really important, but for birding, I’d always favor the Tamron.
Yvonne
September 29, 2020 2:52 pm
I am just taking up photography again after a few decades away & after life changing surgery hoping to help give me focus on other things, enjoyment etc. I have canon eos 750D, would this lens be suitable? Enjoyed the review thank you
Unfortunately I sold all of my full frame camera gear over 5 years ago and have not kept current with this camera format. As a result I am unable to provide any guidance.
I wrote the revenue with the intention of helping folks interested in the Tamron lens… even though I was transitioning out of full frame at the time.
Buying into full frame ended up being a big mistake for my business. The format was very inefficient for my safety video business and I after I sold all of my full frame gear, I ended up using Nikon 1 exclusively for 4 years.
After I purchased the 1 Nikkor 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 it was the final straw that broke the camel’s back in terms of me selling all of my full frame equipment.
Hi Yvonne. You can use this Tamron lens with the Canon EOS 750D. I used it in Kenya at Masai Maara Game Reserve with a Canon EOS 650D without any issues at all, cradled on a ledge of the safari Jeep sun roof, on a jellybean bag, as a monopod or tripod usage in a shared Jeep was out of the question. It enabled me to get close-ups of a trio of cheetahs, etc, etc.
Mateusz
November 16, 2019 11:07 am
Thank you for that review. Now I know crucial information about the lens. When I was in Korea taking photos at performances I was using Nikon D7200 + Nikkor 80-200 2.8. Also I used 2x Teleconverter with this lens in situation where I couldn’t be close enough to stage. After reviewing photos I decided to buy some lens with image stabilization with focal length greater than 200mm. I was thinking about Sigma C 150-600, Nikkor 200-500 and Tamron 150-600. I decided to look for Tamron but I didn’t know which version but thanks to this review I’ve made a decision. First version of Tamron 150-600 is enough for me.
I can’t think of any reason why you could not use the lens with a D5600… other than the lens is quite heavy and may not feel balanced on a light body. You may also want to check out the Nikon 200-500 mm.
Hi My 0,02$ comments: This lens needs a camera with a great tracking autofocus such as the D5-D3x-_D850-D500-D750-D7500-D7200-D7100 to name a few , particularly for BIF pics. I use it on the D500 (best AF camera that I own,) D750 (second best AF) and last the D7100 AF. This lens is a slow aperture F5-F6.3, requiring a camera with an AF that can work in low light -3 EV to -4EV. I can see a big difference in shot taken with the D500 vs D7100, with the D500 producing a much larger number of tack sharp images, why because it has a much better AF system and buffer. The D5600 that I use for travelling has an old 39 points AF, and a slow burst rate. I haven’t tried this lens on this camera, but I suspect for stationary birds and in good light it can be use, but remember that for BIF the buffer and the frame rate are the key to success . Frame rate are for getting the best gesture in flight, and to get a few if not all that are tack sharp images
Jarrod Davis
December 1, 2018 2:32 pm
Has anybody done any shoots with the D3S? I’m considering buying this for my wildlife photography wanted to see if there are any issues.
Rob
November 11, 2018 6:14 pm
I Have a Nikon D3100 Camera body, I was wandering what other Nikon Camera bodies will the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens work with in case at some point I want to upgrade my Nikon D3100. I see know that some of the newer Nikon lenses are not compatible with the 3100. Thank You.
Hi Rob, I sold my Nikon D800 and all of my F-Mount lenses over three years ago, so I’m not current on DSLR compatibility issues. Generally speaking camera bodies that are 3 years old or less usually work with newer lenses. You could contact Tamron to find out if they have some compatibility information they can share. Tom
HI Rob I would totally forget the Nikon D3100. This lens need a camera with a great tracking autofocus such as the D500-D750-D7500-D7200-D7100 or better, particularly for BIF pics. I use it on the D500 (best AF ) D750 (second best AF) and last the D7100 AF. This lens is a slow aperture F5-F6.3, requiring a camera with an AF that can work in low light -3 EV to -4EV
Dr.Syed
February 6, 2018 12:51 am
Excellent review, very detailed and helpful. I have watched you tube and read other reviews too, but this one is just superb, Cleared almost all my doubts. great job keep it up dear Thomas
Hi can i use this lens with my nikon z6 11 ?
Also can it be hand held for bird pics or does it need a tripod many thanks michael
Hi Michael,
I have not used full frame camera gear since July 2015 so I am unable to answer your question about compatibility. I would assume that some kind of adapter would be needed.
In terms of using this lens handheld versus on a tripod, this would depend on your handheld technique. I used my 150-600 handheld and could do so for about 3 hours on an uninterrupted basis. After that I had too much arm fatigue to continue.
Tom
Hi there
Thinking of getting this lens to go with my d7500. Any real world pros and cons?
Hi Ian,
It’s been quite a long time since I used full frame gear (i.e. sold all of my full frame gear in July 2015) so I haven’t kept up with newer versions of this lens. The biggest benefit is the reach of the lens. Two things that counterbalance that are the size/weight and perhaps needing to stop the lens down a bit to get more sharpness when it is fully extended.
Tom
I have a d5200 and just picked up this lens. I wish I understood it or that there was some sort of training. I have no idea why it won’t take pictures with the lens fully extended, but does just fine around 400 and below.
Is this because your shoots are blurry, or lack sharpness. If blurry or too soft it can be your AF that need calibration. I always use it with at the beginning with a D7100, followed by a D750 and lastly a D500. I am not sure the D5200 has the AF speed and accuracy required to do BIF.
You need to shot at speeds at least 1/1500 sec , better or faster up to 1/4000 sec to get good to very good shots. If you have good light you shoot at 6400 iso.I strongly recommend you use a very good denoiser such as DXo Elite 5 or 6 using DeepPrime denoiser.
I was using a darkroom when my son was born in 1972. Now, he’s keeping me up-to-date with photography. I’ve been birding with my Nikkor 80-400mmD and he added a Tamron 150-600 G2 to his lens wardrobe. That 200mm makes a difference, so I went “old school” and bought a Tamron 150-600mm (A011). I was afraid that I couldn’t carry its weight, but I added a monopod and have been extremely pleased. I will still keep my 80-400- it’s definitely more hand-holdable (though the monopod helps there, too. If I ever make it back to Africa, I think I’d take the Nikkor on safari- the 80mm end of the range is really important, but for birding, I’d always favor the Tamron.
I am just taking up photography again after a few decades away & after life changing surgery hoping to help give me focus on other things, enjoyment etc. I have canon eos 750D, would this lens be suitable? Enjoyed the review thank you
Hi Yvonne,
Unfortunately I sold all of my full frame camera gear over 5 years ago and have not kept current with this camera format. As a result I am unable to provide any guidance.
Tom
so, shortly after this review?
Hi Edward,
I wrote the revenue with the intention of helping folks interested in the Tamron lens… even though I was transitioning out of full frame at the time.
Buying into full frame ended up being a big mistake for my business. The format was very inefficient for my safety video business and I after I sold all of my full frame gear, I ended up using Nikon 1 exclusively for 4 years.
After I purchased the 1 Nikkor 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 it was the final straw that broke the camel’s back in terms of me selling all of my full frame equipment.
Tom
Hi Yvonne. You can use this Tamron lens with the Canon EOS 750D. I used it in Kenya at Masai Maara Game Reserve with a Canon EOS 650D without any issues at all, cradled on a ledge of the safari Jeep sun roof, on a jellybean bag, as a monopod or tripod usage in a shared Jeep was out of the question. It enabled me to get close-ups of a trio of cheetahs, etc, etc.
Thank you for that review. Now I know crucial information about the lens. When I was in Korea taking photos at performances I was using Nikon D7200 + Nikkor 80-200 2.8. Also I used 2x Teleconverter with this lens in situation where I couldn’t be close enough to stage. After reviewing photos I decided to buy some lens with image stabilization with focal length greater than 200mm. I was thinking about Sigma C 150-600, Nikkor 200-500 and Tamron 150-600. I decided to look for Tamron but I didn’t know which version but thanks to this review I’ve made a decision. First version of Tamron 150-600 is enough for me.
Hi Mateusz,
I’m glad the article was helpful for you!
Tom
Hello Thomas,
I have a Nikon D5600, can I use this lens for birding? Or any Lens you suggest for birding at the same price of this lens?
Hi Sayandeep,
I can’t think of any reason why you could not use the lens with a D5600… other than the lens is quite heavy and may not feel balanced on a light body. You may also want to check out the Nikon 200-500 mm.
Tom
Hi
My 0,02$ comments:
This lens needs a camera with a great tracking autofocus such as the D5-D3x-_D850-D500-D750-D7500-D7200-D7100 to name a few , particularly for BIF pics. I use it on the D500 (best AF camera that I own,) D750 (second best AF) and last the D7100 AF. This lens is a slow aperture F5-F6.3, requiring a camera with an AF that can work in low light -3 EV to -4EV. I can see a big difference in shot taken with the D500 vs D7100, with the D500 producing a much larger number of tack sharp images, why because it has a much better AF system and buffer.
The D5600 that I use for travelling has an old 39 points AF, and a slow burst rate. I haven’t tried this lens on this camera, but I suspect for stationary birds and in good light it can be use, but remember that for BIF the buffer and the frame rate are the key to success . Frame rate are for getting the best gesture in flight, and to get a few if not all that are tack sharp images
Has anybody done any shoots with the D3S? I’m considering buying this for my wildlife photography wanted to see if there are any issues.
I Have a Nikon D3100 Camera body, I was wandering what other Nikon Camera bodies will the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens work with in case at some point I want to upgrade my Nikon D3100. I see know that some of the newer Nikon lenses are not compatible with the 3100. Thank You.
Hi Rob,
I sold my Nikon D800 and all of my F-Mount lenses over three years ago, so I’m not current on DSLR compatibility issues. Generally speaking camera bodies that are 3 years old or less usually work with newer lenses. You could contact Tamron to find out if they have some compatibility information they can share.
Tom
HI Rob
I would totally forget the Nikon D3100. This lens need a camera with a great tracking autofocus such as the D500-D750-D7500-D7200-D7100 or better, particularly for BIF pics. I use it on the D500 (best AF ) D750 (second best AF) and last the D7100 AF. This lens is a slow aperture F5-F6.3, requiring a camera with an AF that can work in low light -3 EV to -4EV
Excellent review, very detailed and helpful. I have watched you tube and read other reviews too, but this one is just superb, Cleared almost all my doubts.
great job keep it up dear Thomas
Hi Dr.Syed,
I’m glad you found the review helpful – thank you for your positive comment!
Tom