Excellent review, very informative. I'm currently searching for a zoom in this range to use for travel, and I think this will fit my use case. I appreciate you taking the time to make this video, as it has been helpful.
That’s very kind! I’m glad you found the video useful and took the time to comment. Amongst the 150-500, Nikon 100-400, Nikon 180-600 there are no bad options, just priorities. Good luck in your search.
Great. Would be great to get another datapoint. It certainly doesn’t spoil my enjoyment of the lens but it’s there in my copy. I’m excited for your new purchase!
Excellent review, the best I’ve seen on this lens. I’m about to upgrade from the D850 to the Z8. I have used the Tamron 100-400 but have been especially unhappy with its autofocus speed. I’ve been debating about whether I should move to the Tamron 150-500. Some mixed reviews raised concerns which you have allayed with your review. I’m now much more positive about this lens vs the Nikon 180-600. That lens is impressive, but its size made me pause, as I felt I would be less likely to take it out vs. the smaller and somewhat lighter Tamron
Hey Eric, many thanks for your kind words. I had the F mount Tamron 100-400 and I’ve taken some nice photos with it. But the 150-500 is faster at focusing and is sharper than that old 100-400. I would guess the Nikon 180-600 is a bit sharper and has better VR than the 150-500 but for the price and the size I’m very happy with it. In the last 2 weeks I’ve taken it to 3 softball matches and 2 soccer matches that my kids have played in. I’m not sure I would’ve reached for the 180-600 quite as readily based on its size. Good luck with your search.
Very nice and detailed breakdown, this would have been very useful when I was looking into super telephoto zooms last month. I ended up choosing the Tamron 150-500 for my Z7II, with the compact size and value being the features that won me over the 100-400 and 180-600. It snugly fits in my medium size Shimoda Explore 35L bag at its smallest size, making it much easier to justify bringing around and is arguably one of the most important features for a lens of this type. I haven't had many opportunities to use it yet but it seems to have great consistency throughout the focal range and is probably the best way to get extensive reach on Nikon Z for the price. I've also noticed the slight bit of play on the mount when attached, which is annoying but not a dealbreaker for me
@@jonneave It's a great lens for sure! I was curious what firmware version your lens is on, mines is showing as 1.0.0 on my Z7II. Tamron's website lists the most recent firmware update to the 150-500 as version 3, but it's only categorized under SONY E mount along with all their other full-frame mirrorless lenses. Version 2 mentions an improvement to VR performance, which I'd be interested in trying since it seems like the current VR settings aren't making a huge difference for lower shutter speeds, but I'm afraid it might be incompatible with the Nikon version and potentially brick the lens or something.
Hey Brendan. In the video I check the firmware version and it’s also 1.0. The update app states that’s the latest version. I’m guessing the firmware is specific to the camera system so the Sony firmware version likely won’t be compatible with the Z mount version. Hopefully Tamron will release an update for the Nikon.
Your review is very informative and appreciated! The Tamron 150-500 is relatively compact and very versatile, whereas the Nikon 150-600 is a bulky beast. The Tamron can be easily transported in a camera bag or pack. The 150-600 is a specialized lens for shooting birds and wildlife in a blind or on a tripod. Your analysis has convinced me to purchase the Tamron 150-500 to use with my Fuji X-H2. It is a bit on the heavy side, but it is compact and easy to carry in a pack. The Fuji 100-400 is a bit long in the tooth, and the new Fuji 150-600 is long and bulky like Nikon's 150-600. I will gladly trade the extra weight of the Tamron 150-500mm for its portability. This lens is the full frame equivalent of a 225-750mm lens on my Fuji X-H2.Not being a teleconverter compatible lens is not an issue for a 750mm full frame equivalent lens on an aps-c camera.
Hey Stanobert, thanks for the very thoughtful comment! I agree with you the Z 180-600 is more of a specialized lens than the 150-500 in large part due to its size. I think Dustin Abbott did a review of the 150-500 on a Fuji 40MP sensor body and found it not to be as sharp as the Fuji alternative due to the Fuji being better optimized for the high density APSC sensor than the Tamron. Worth checking out if you haven’t seen his review. Thanks again.
This is an excellent lens that I had while shooting with a Fuji XH2. This was good for landscape and bird watching. Now its this or the 180 600mm for my Z8. Im leaning towards the 180 600mm for reach. I always wished the the Tamron had a rad bit more reach.
Thanks for checking out the video. I agree it’s a great lens. I think you’re trading compact size and lower price for a little more reach, better VR and maybe slightly better IQ. Good to have choices!
Great review and information. I picked up this lens last week. Which VR mode would be best for birds in flight? Or should I leave VR off if I'm shooting 1/1000 or faster?
Hi AB, thanks for the kind comments! I tend to think VR at fast shutter speeds is helpful in framing the subject but has less impact on stabilizing the recorded image. Nikon’s description of Normal vs Sport is a little ambiguous but I’d be inclined to use Sport and see how that works. It’s definitely less jarring than either Normal or Off when framing up the subject especially at the long end. Let me know how you get on. And enjoy your new lens!
Many thanks DP. Yeah it’s difficult to circumvent physics - if you want a faster lens it will be heftier and correspondingly more expensive. High ISOs are pretty usable on modern day cameras so it’s less of an issue than in the past. Its the usual compromise: fast, small, cheap - pick two! Luckily we have options. Thanks again for taking the time to watch the vid and for commenting.
For those of us not needing the 500mm FL, the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 is another great option. It's more than one pound lighter than the 150-500 and a bit shorter while offering a much wider FOV at its wide end in exchange for its 100mm FL deficit.
Great review. Sadly I have some lens mount play in my 70-200 2.8S. I guess there is just some variability in manufacturing for these things. Doesn't seem to affect results though.
Hey Doc, thanks for the very kind comments and for letting me know about your 70-200. I have a bunch of other Z mount lenses including the 70-200 S and none of them have much play at all. Interesting that your 70-200 does. As you say, sounds like manufacturing tolerances. Thanks again for the comment.
Great video and nice production quality! I'm was torn between this one and 180-600 or even 2X TC with the 70-200 I already got. The 180-600 is just too big with the internal zoom for most of camera bags. This lens may be the winner balacing the size, weight and quality for my usage.
Thanks very much for the kind comment Harvey. I was pretty much where you are when I bought the 150-500. I did buy the 1.4x TC but after all the hype I didn’t think it was a useful add to my kit especially for $500. I’ve tried TCs on three different systems and haven’t gotten along with them at all. And as you say, the 180-600 is not exactly a grab and go option. The 150-500 makes some compromises but for me they were the right ones. Good luck with your search!
I was going to sell the 70-200 to get the 100-400 but I would lost around more than 1k for that and the 2X TC is not as good as the 1.4X. 150-500 actually doesn't overlap with the 70-200. it's totally different use cases. your video def helped !@@jonneave
I think the 70-200 are very good lenses and have limited overlap. The 70-200 is great for indoor sports and the 150-500 is out of its comfort zone there. Outdoor wildlife and sports is where the 150-500 is such a good choice. Glad the video helped and thanks for checking it out and taking the time to comment!
I too recently purchased this lens after going through the 180-600 vs 150-500 vs 100-400 decision process. The two things I wish were better on the Tamron are VR (it's poor) and wide open sharpness (it's only ok).
Hey Alistair, thanks for the comment. I agree on the VR. On the wide open sharpness, is your comment about sharpness across the frame or more specifically at the corners? Thanks!
@@jonneave Hi, I think across the frame probably. But its sharp enough. Once a lens achieve a threshold of sharpness I am content and do not fixate on sharpness. Ultimate sharpness is seldom realised in handheld wildlife photography of fast moving subjects at high shutter speeds. But I also shoot a lot of video and really do wish the VR was better. But these Tamron lenses are usually designed first for the smaller Sony E mount and then simply ported to Z mount without much change. The E mount simply does not have the area available for full image circle movement that the Z mount has in which to achieve its great image stabilisation. That said, I would still make the same decision to buy the Tamron as I also have the 400/4.5 and 800/6.3 and the Tamron is a great pairing with these two.
I think you’re broadly right. For sure when there’s fast action, getting a tack sharp image is often a happy accident. For static subjects, there’s a pic of my lad in the video standing still holding a walnut that I shot at a little over 200mm. I inadvertently stopped down from wide open by a fraction of a stop and it’s nicely sharp. I’ll have to take a look at stopping down at longer focal lengths and see if there’s an appreciable difference. Totally agree on the VR for video. And it’s made worse on my Z8 as the eVR coupled with mechanical VR is oddly worse than either eVR alone or regular VR alone. And by the way, you have some quality glass with 400/4.5 and 800/6.3. Enjoy!
Just as a follow up to my comment from your previous video (that was referenced in this video), I reached out to Tamron Americas Customer Service about the play between the lens & the camera, and I heard back from them today. They said (in part) that "The lens should have a little play within the mount from what I’ve experienced ... ". The lens that I tried had more than what I would consider "a little play" and while I am not a big fan of what ultimately is a subjective analysis, it seems that some play might be normal.
I appreciate you following back after your call with Tamron Americas. I guess we’d might expect some limited amount of play on any lens, though it’s notable that the 150-500 is more obvious than any Z mount lens I’ve used and in your first copy, an unacceptable amount. Thanks again.
@@jonneave FWIW, I just cancelled my order for this lens, and I have opted to go with the Nikkor Z 100-400 S. While the Nikkor will be a LOT more money (roughly double the cost), after the issues with the play in the Tamron between the mount & the camera and Tamron saying (to paraphrase) "don't worry about it", I think that the Nikkor lens will be a better option for me. Having said that, everybody's needs are different and from everything I have heard, this Tamron lens is outstanding optically. I genuinely hope that everyone who gets one will be as happy with theirs as I wanted to be on the day that I ordered mine.
Hey, thanks for the update - I think you’ll be extremely happy with the Z 100-400. I looked long and hard at it and had it in my virtual basket on a bunch of occasions! Anything that takes away from your desire to grab a lens and go out shooting should be avoided. You’ll be over the cost in no time and will get many years of pleasure from it. Enjoy!
@@jonneave just to close the loop so to speak. Somebody traded in a Z100-400S at a local camera shop and I was able to buy a used 100-400 that genuinely is in "Like New" condition for about the same price as a new Nikkor Z 180-600.
Hi Loris. Thanks for checking out the video. I think the 150-500 Z is a really nice lens and is suitable for medium size mammals and birds that are pretty close. What is it you think the G2 isn’t giving you? Best.
@@jonneave Thank you for your answer Jon! I have to use the G2 with adapter and the images are very flat and not very sharp if the subject is not close. can I solve this by switching to version Z? even if I will lose 100mm.
Hi Loris, is your issue that the pictures are sharp when the subject is close but soft when the subject is further away or is it when you’re using longer focal lengths because the subject is further away? Images being flat can be due to a lens having lower contrast but this can often be improved by a tweak to contrast in post processing.
@@jonneave usually when I'm using longer focal lengths because the subject is further away! the change costs me about $400, I don't know if it's worth it
Hi Loris, lenses have historically been a little less sharp at the long end of the zoom range though modern lenses are starting to buck this trend. The 150-500 is decently sharp at 500mm but I’ve not used the 150-600 G2. Also, I found the USD motor on my old Tamron 100-400 to be a little slow when shooting action, especially at the long end. This can make shots look soft. I would rent a copy of the 150-500 for a weekend and test it against your G2. This way you’ll be clear whether the lens is right for you. Good luck!
Thanks for the review. I have this lens and am enjoying it. but i have one annoying issue, that is the long lag time between turning the camera on and it being available to shoot. I am assuming that you have not encountered this issue, or else you would have mentioned it. I did get a confirmation, from a forum, that another user has this issue and is living with it. So, i am thinking that i have a copy issue?
Thanks. I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. I’ll check mine in the morning against some other lenses. How long does it take your copy to fire up?
If i consider all my other z-lens being instantaneous, the Tamron would take maybe 1.5 seconds for the viewfinder/screen to become active. Which to me, is a considerable lag time. Which could impact my bird photo ops. So, i have to leave the camera on which impacts battery life.... Thanks for your input.
@@jonneaveI'm French so my question maybe a little confusing. I'd like to know what setting autofocus setting mode should I choose for different kind of photography. Thank you
Ah i understand. I use C-AF with a high burst rate of 15-20 frames per second with action and wildlife in motion. The AF area will depend on the camera you are using. I generally use wide area S or L with my Z6 for action and I’ll use subject tracking from time to time. With my Z8, it’s similar/or a custom wide area with subject detect and a separate button for 3D tracking if I want to track the subject all over the frame. Hudson Henry has done some great videos on his Z8 focusing set-up. He also says he’s generally happy with the auto area for much of his action shooting. Worth experimenting. Best.
I think it comes down to budget. The 200-500 can be had quite cheaply second hand but it’s a good bit larger. I’ve not tested it, but I’d guess it’s a little less sharp but plenty of people like the results of the 200-500. Thanks for checking out the video.
Sadly I dont have the 200-500. It didn’t factor into my decision to buy the Tamron 150-500 due to its larger size and it required an FTZ adapter which further increases the bulk. If I had an FTZ adapter and wanted the cheaper option, I’d have gone with the 200-500 or stuck with my old Tamron 100-400 F mount lens. Best.
Does your video editing software strip out frames which don't contain any sound, because the resulting playback is very jerky and distracting? Otherwise, the video might be quite interesting ... but I stopped watching after a minute or so.
Hey Roger thanks for the feedback. I’m pretty crap in front of a camera so the jerkiness is me editing out all the really bad stuff! I’ve bought a little teleprompter that I used in my latest video on the Ulanzi backpack strap clip. I think it’s an improvement but very much work in progress!Thanks again.
@@jonneave I recently sold a Sigma 120-300 2.8 sport. Because now I’m not filming what I bought it for. If I ever buy something similar, it will be Nikkor Z.
@@jonneaveI dont think you need to though, I think there is a place for your delivery, it def builds confidence in the viewer that you know what you are talking about. Also - your other videos are perfect actually, that ulanzi one was super informative and really well executed. I regret my comment!
Hey no worries about the comment. I do this for fun and to learn some stuff while I do it. I enjoy the process and the process of improving. Feedback is always insightful. My wife had the same comment so I bought a little teleprompter which I’m finding helpful. And thanks for the insight into the affiliate links - I’ll look into it! Thanks again.
@@jonneave Just be more relaxed, that's all. Your content is great, you have a lot of knowledge, but it feels like a robot reading from a teleprompter.
Thanks for the feedback. Talking to a camera isn’t something that’s natural to me. I’ve been forcing myself to do the talking headshots as I think it’s the way to improve. Thanks again.
Wonderful review and showcase. The Lens build and functionality is very nice to see from Tamron and surprisingly modern.
Hi Zio, many thanks for the kind words. I agree the Tamron is a very nice product from Tamron, especially for the money. Thanks again!
Excellent review and very concise but with all the important facts. No bs and you obviously know what you are talking about. Thanks a lot!
Hey Bernt, many thanks for checking out the video and for the kind comment!
Excellent review, very informative. I'm currently searching for a zoom in this range to use for travel, and I think this will fit my use case. I appreciate you taking the time to make this video, as it has been helpful.
That’s very kind! I’m glad you found the video useful and took the time to comment. Amongst the 150-500, Nikon 100-400, Nikon 180-600 there are no bad options, just priorities. Good luck in your search.
great review! Thank you! I ordered the same one for myself!
Thanks for the thoughtful comment Del! Enjoy your new lens! Does yours have any play in the lens mount?
@@jonneave The lens will arrive in a week. I’ll definitely write about the gap!
Great. Would be great to get another datapoint. It certainly doesn’t spoil my enjoyment of the lens but it’s there in my copy. I’m excited for your new purchase!
Great work 👍
Many thanks Micha! Appreciate the comment.
Very nice informative review,thanks 🙂
Hey Nicolas, thanks for checking out the video and for the kind comment!
This video it was very good for my decision, to buy or not to buy. Thank you!!!
Hey Carla, thanks for checking out the video and posting the thoughtful comment. Good luck with your purchase decision!
Thank you
Thank you for checking out the video and for the kind comment!
Excellent review, the best I’ve seen on this lens. I’m about to upgrade from the D850 to the Z8. I have used the Tamron 100-400 but have been especially unhappy with its autofocus speed. I’ve been debating about whether I should move to the Tamron 150-500. Some mixed reviews raised concerns which you have allayed with your review. I’m now much more positive about this lens vs the Nikon 180-600. That lens is impressive, but its size made me pause, as I felt I would be less likely to take it out vs. the smaller and somewhat lighter Tamron
Hey Eric, many thanks for your kind words. I had the F mount Tamron 100-400 and I’ve taken some nice photos with it. But the 150-500 is faster at focusing and is sharper than that old 100-400. I would guess the Nikon 180-600 is a bit sharper and has better VR than the 150-500 but for the price and the size I’m very happy with it. In the last 2 weeks I’ve taken it to 3 softball matches and 2 soccer matches that my kids have played in. I’m not sure I would’ve reached for the 180-600 quite as readily based on its size. Good luck with your search.
Very nice and detailed breakdown, this would have been very useful when I was looking into super telephoto zooms last month. I ended up choosing the Tamron 150-500 for my Z7II, with the compact size and value being the features that won me over the 100-400 and 180-600. It snugly fits in my medium size Shimoda Explore 35L bag at its smallest size, making it much easier to justify bringing around and is arguably one of the most important features for a lens of this type. I haven't had many opportunities to use it yet but it seems to have great consistency throughout the focal range and is probably the best way to get extensive reach on Nikon Z for the price.
I've also noticed the slight bit of play on the mount when attached, which is annoying but not a dealbreaker for me
Hey Brendan - thanks for the very kind comment. I think you’ve nailed my 19 minute review in a couple of sentences! Enjoy the lens - I am a big fan.
@@jonneave It's a great lens for sure! I was curious what firmware version your lens is on, mines is showing as 1.0.0 on my Z7II. Tamron's website lists the most recent firmware update to the 150-500 as version 3, but it's only categorized under SONY E mount along with all their other full-frame mirrorless lenses.
Version 2 mentions an improvement to VR performance, which I'd be interested in trying since it seems like the current VR settings aren't making a huge difference for lower shutter speeds, but I'm afraid it might be incompatible with the Nikon version and potentially brick the lens or something.
Hey Brendan. In the video I check the firmware version and it’s also 1.0. The update app states that’s the latest version. I’m guessing the firmware is specific to the camera system so the Sony firmware version likely won’t be compatible with the Z mount version. Hopefully Tamron will release an update for the Nikon.
Your review is very informative and appreciated! The Tamron 150-500 is relatively compact and very versatile, whereas the Nikon 150-600 is a bulky beast. The Tamron can be easily transported in a camera bag or pack. The 150-600 is a specialized lens for shooting birds and wildlife in a blind or on a tripod. Your analysis has convinced me to purchase the Tamron 150-500 to use with my Fuji X-H2. It is a bit on the heavy side, but it is compact and easy to carry in a pack. The Fuji 100-400 is a bit long in the tooth, and the new Fuji 150-600 is long and bulky like Nikon's 150-600. I will gladly trade the extra weight of the Tamron 150-500mm for its portability. This lens is the full frame equivalent of a 225-750mm lens on my Fuji X-H2.Not being a teleconverter compatible lens is not an issue for a 750mm full frame equivalent lens on an aps-c camera.
Hey Stanobert, thanks for the very thoughtful comment! I agree with you the Z 180-600 is more of a specialized lens than the 150-500 in large part due to its size. I think Dustin Abbott did a review of the 150-500 on a Fuji 40MP sensor body and found it not to be as sharp as the Fuji alternative due to the Fuji being better optimized for the high density APSC sensor than the Tamron. Worth checking out if you haven’t seen his review. Thanks again.
@@jonneave Thank you!
No problem!
This is an excellent lens that I had while shooting with a Fuji XH2. This was good for landscape and bird watching.
Now its this or the 180 600mm for my Z8. Im leaning towards the 180 600mm for reach. I always wished the the Tamron had a rad bit more reach.
Thanks for checking out the video. I agree it’s a great lens. I think you’re trading compact size and lower price for a little more reach, better VR and maybe slightly better IQ. Good to have choices!
Great review and information. I picked up this lens last week. Which VR mode would be best for birds in flight? Or should I leave VR off if I'm shooting 1/1000 or faster?
Hi AB, thanks for the kind comments! I tend to think VR at fast shutter speeds is helpful in framing the subject but has less impact on stabilizing the recorded image.
Nikon’s description of Normal vs Sport is a little ambiguous but I’d be inclined to use Sport and see how that works. It’s definitely less jarring than either Normal or Off when framing up the subject especially at the long end.
Let me know how you get on. And enjoy your new lens!
Very good review Jon. Attractive option but for the very slow f/6.7 max aperture at the long end.
Many thanks DP. Yeah it’s difficult to circumvent physics - if you want a faster lens it will be heftier and correspondingly more expensive. High ISOs are pretty usable on modern day cameras so it’s less of an issue than in the past. Its the usual compromise: fast, small, cheap - pick two! Luckily we have options. Thanks again for taking the time to watch the vid and for commenting.
For those of us not needing the 500mm FL, the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 is another great option. It's more than one pound lighter than the 150-500 and a bit shorter while offering a much wider FOV at its wide end in exchange for its 100mm FL deficit.
That’s another interesting option for sure. It’s pretty versatile that it goes so wide.
Great review. Sadly I have some lens mount play in my 70-200 2.8S. I guess there is just some variability in manufacturing for these things. Doesn't seem to affect results though.
Hey Doc, thanks for the very kind comments and for letting me know about your 70-200. I have a bunch of other Z mount lenses including the 70-200 S and none of them have much play at all. Interesting that your 70-200 does. As you say, sounds like manufacturing tolerances. Thanks again for the comment.
Great video and nice production quality! I'm was torn between this one and 180-600 or even 2X TC with the 70-200 I already got. The 180-600 is just too big with the internal zoom for most of camera bags. This lens may be the winner balacing the size, weight and quality for my usage.
Thanks very much for the kind comment Harvey. I was pretty much where you are when I bought the 150-500. I did buy the 1.4x TC but after all the hype I didn’t think it was a useful add to my kit especially for $500. I’ve tried TCs on three different systems and haven’t gotten along with them at all. And as you say, the 180-600 is not exactly a grab and go option. The 150-500 makes some compromises but for me they were the right ones. Good luck with your search!
I was going to sell the 70-200 to get the 100-400 but I would lost around more than 1k for that and the 2X TC is not as good as the 1.4X. 150-500 actually doesn't overlap with the 70-200. it's totally different use cases. your video def helped !@@jonneave
I think the 70-200 are very good lenses and have limited overlap. The 70-200 is great for indoor sports and the 150-500 is out of its comfort zone there. Outdoor wildlife and sports is where the 150-500 is such a good choice. Glad the video helped and thanks for checking it out and taking the time to comment!
Awesome video!! Where was this lens when the kids played sports!
Thanks Steve Skor! Lenses these days are just so much better than from a decade ago!
I too recently purchased this lens after going through the 180-600 vs 150-500 vs 100-400 decision process. The two things I wish were better on the Tamron are VR (it's poor) and wide open sharpness (it's only ok).
Hey Alistair, thanks for the comment. I agree on the VR. On the wide open sharpness, is your comment about sharpness across the frame or more specifically at the corners? Thanks!
@@jonneave Hi, I think across the frame probably. But its sharp enough. Once a lens achieve a threshold of sharpness I am content and do not fixate on sharpness. Ultimate sharpness is seldom realised in handheld wildlife photography of fast moving subjects at high shutter speeds. But I also shoot a lot of video and really do wish the VR was better. But these Tamron lenses are usually designed first for the smaller Sony E mount and then simply ported to Z mount without much change. The E mount simply does not have the area available for full image circle movement that the Z mount has in which to achieve its great image stabilisation. That said, I would still make the same decision to buy the Tamron as I also have the 400/4.5 and 800/6.3 and the Tamron is a great pairing with these two.
I think you’re broadly right. For sure when there’s fast action, getting a tack sharp image is often a happy accident. For static subjects, there’s a pic of my lad in the video standing still holding a walnut that I shot at a little over 200mm. I inadvertently stopped down from wide open by a fraction of a stop and it’s nicely sharp. I’ll have to take a look at stopping down at longer focal lengths and see if there’s an appreciable difference.
Totally agree on the VR for video. And it’s made worse on my Z8 as the eVR coupled with mechanical VR is oddly worse than either eVR alone or regular VR alone.
And by the way, you have some quality glass with 400/4.5 and 800/6.3. Enjoy!
Just as a follow up to my comment from your previous video (that was referenced in this video), I reached out to Tamron Americas Customer Service about the play between the lens & the camera, and I heard back from them today. They said (in part) that "The lens should have a little play within the mount from what I’ve experienced ... ".
The lens that I tried had more than what I would consider "a little play" and while I am not a big fan of what ultimately is a subjective analysis, it seems that some play might be normal.
I appreciate you following back after your call with Tamron Americas. I guess we’d might expect some limited amount of play on any lens, though it’s notable that the 150-500 is more obvious than any Z mount lens I’ve used and in your first copy, an unacceptable amount. Thanks again.
@@jonneave FWIW, I just cancelled my order for this lens, and I have opted to go with the Nikkor Z 100-400 S. While the Nikkor will be a LOT more money (roughly double the cost), after the issues with the play in the Tamron between the mount & the camera and Tamron saying (to paraphrase) "don't worry about it", I think that the Nikkor lens will be a better option for me. Having said that, everybody's needs are different and from everything I have heard, this Tamron lens is outstanding optically.
I genuinely hope that everyone who gets one will be as happy with theirs as I wanted to be on the day that I ordered mine.
Hey, thanks for the update - I think you’ll be extremely happy with the Z 100-400. I looked long and hard at it and had it in my virtual basket on a bunch of occasions! Anything that takes away from your desire to grab a lens and go out shooting should be avoided. You’ll be over the cost in no time and will get many years of pleasure from it. Enjoy!
@@jonneave just to close the loop so to speak. Somebody traded in a Z100-400S at a local camera shop and I was able to buy a used 100-400 that genuinely is in "Like New" condition for about the same price as a new Nikkor Z 180-600.
Thanks for the update! That sounds like a great deal! I’m sure you’ll get a ton of enjoyment out of your new lens! Best
Hi Jon, for wild photography I use a nikon z6ii with Tamron 150-600 G2, do you recommend switching to the new Tamron 150-500 for Z? Thank you
Hi Loris. Thanks for checking out the video. I think the 150-500 Z is a really nice lens and is suitable for medium size mammals and birds that are pretty close. What is it you think the G2 isn’t giving you? Best.
@@jonneave Thank you for your answer Jon! I have to use the G2 with adapter and the images are very flat and not very sharp if the subject is not close. can I solve this by switching to version Z? even if I will lose 100mm.
Hi Loris, is your issue that the pictures are sharp when the subject is close but soft when the subject is further away or is it when you’re using longer focal lengths because the subject is further away? Images being flat can be due to a lens having lower contrast but this can often be improved by a tweak to contrast in post processing.
@@jonneave usually when I'm using longer focal lengths because the subject is further away! the change costs me about $400, I don't know if it's worth it
Hi Loris, lenses have historically been a little less sharp at the long end of the zoom range though modern lenses are starting to buck this trend. The 150-500 is decently sharp at 500mm but I’ve not used the 150-600 G2. Also, I found the USD motor on my old Tamron 100-400 to be a little slow when shooting action, especially at the long end. This can make shots look soft.
I would rent a copy of the 150-500 for a weekend and test it against your G2. This way you’ll be clear whether the lens is right for you. Good luck!
Thanks for the review. I have this lens and am enjoying it. but i have one annoying issue, that is the long lag time between turning the camera on and it being available to shoot. I am assuming that you have not encountered this issue, or else you would have mentioned it. I did get a confirmation, from a forum, that another user has this issue and is living with it. So, i am thinking that i have a copy issue?
Hi. Thanks very much for checking out the video. Can I ask which body you’re using the lens on?
The Nikon z8
Thanks. I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. I’ll check mine in the morning against some other lenses. How long does it take your copy to fire up?
If i consider all my other z-lens being instantaneous, the Tamron would take maybe 1.5 seconds for the viewfinder/screen to become active. Which to me, is a considerable lag time. Which could impact my bird photo ops. So, i have to leave the camera on which impacts battery life.... Thanks for your input.
I've sort of gotten used to this, but it is annoying.
can you give me the name of the photographer (Ian vega ?) to tune the autofocus- Thanks
Hi Gaston. Thanks for checking out the video. Typically autofocus doesn’t need tuning on a mirrorless camera. Best.
@@jonneaveI'm French so my question maybe a little confusing. I'd like to know what setting autofocus setting mode should I choose for different kind of photography. Thank you
Ah i understand. I use C-AF with a high burst rate of 15-20 frames per second with action and wildlife in motion. The AF area will depend on the camera you are using. I generally use wide area S or L with my Z6 for action and I’ll use subject tracking from time to time. With my Z8, it’s similar/or a custom wide area with subject detect and a separate button for 3D tracking if I want to track the subject all over the frame. Hudson Henry has done some great videos on his Z8 focusing set-up. He also says he’s generally happy with the auto area for much of his action shooting. Worth experimenting. Best.
Which lens should I buy,Nikon 200-500 mm f5.6 f mount lens or Tamron 150-500 mm f6.3
I think it comes down to budget. The 200-500 can be had quite cheaply second hand but it’s a good bit larger. I’ve not tested it, but I’d guess it’s a little less sharp but plenty of people like the results of the 200-500.
Thanks for checking out the video.
Sir, I shall gratful to you if you upload a video on CZcams about the comparison between the tow lenses
Sadly I dont have the 200-500. It didn’t factor into my decision to buy the Tamron 150-500 due to its larger size and it required an FTZ adapter which further increases the bulk. If I had an FTZ adapter and wanted the cheaper option, I’d have gone with the 200-500 or stuck with my old Tamron 100-400 F mount lens. Best.
@@jonneave Definitely the Nikon. Sharp all the way through and Tracking locks on very well. Heavy though.
my tamron Z 35-150 has the same looseness in its mount...
Hey Kendrick. Thanks for the comment and the data point. Interesting to hear the issue is more wide spread than just the 150-500. Thanks again.
Does your video editing software strip out frames which don't contain any sound, because the resulting playback is very jerky and distracting? Otherwise, the video might be quite interesting ... but I stopped watching after a minute or so.
Hey Roger thanks for the feedback. I’m pretty crap in front of a camera so the jerkiness is me editing out all the really bad stuff! I’ve bought a little teleprompter that I used in my latest video on the Ulanzi backpack strap clip. I think it’s an improvement but very much work in progress!Thanks again.
500 bucks is not a big price to pay to sell a used lens. You are unlikely to sell Tamron without a huge discount.
Hey Sergey, thanks for comment. Do you have a super telephoto? Any thoughts on your choice? Thanks.
@@jonneave I recently sold a Sigma 120-300 2.8 sport. Because now I’m not filming what I bought it for. If I ever buy something similar, it will be Nikkor Z.
damn, these AI bots look so life like now - pity they still sound like robots...
Skynet goes online…and is working on how to relax in front of the camera! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
@@jonneaveI dont think you need to though, I think there is a place for your delivery, it def builds confidence in the viewer that you know what you are talking about. Also - your other videos are perfect actually, that ulanzi one was super informative and really well executed. I regret my comment!
@@jonneaveyou should set up an affilitate link to amazon on your videos (its super easy to do), why not earn pocket money?
Hey no worries about the comment. I do this for fun and to learn some stuff while I do it. I enjoy the process and the process of improving. Feedback is always insightful. My wife had the same comment so I bought a little teleprompter which I’m finding helpful. And thanks for the insight into the affiliate links - I’ll look into it! Thanks again.
You talk like AI.
Is that good? I definitely need to work on my talking head skills!
@@jonneave Just be more relaxed, that's all. Your content is great, you have a lot of knowledge, but it feels like a robot reading from a teleprompter.
Thanks for the feedback. Talking to a camera isn’t something that’s natural to me. I’ve been forcing myself to do the talking headshots as I think it’s the way to improve. Thanks again.