⭐Gear tested in this video⭐ 📸 Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens (on Amazon help.tc/c100400ii) 📸Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM ( S ) Sport (on Amazon help.tc/s600) 📸Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD (on Amazon help.tc/t600) 📸Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM (on Amazon help.tc/c400) 📸Canon 7D Mark II (on Amazon help.tc/7d2) 📸Canon 70D (on Amazon help.tc/70d) 📸Canon 5D Mark III (on Amazon help.tc/5d3)
9 years later and you are still maintaining your hugh quality content as well as same level of humor and information in your videos... takes a lot of dedication and time to do it. Thanks!
Tony and Chelsea, thank you for another great video. I really like that you incorporate bench testing, real world performance and the subjective evaluations of diverse photographers in your reviews. The conversation at the end is so helpful. Yes, optical performance is important and, unless a lens is able to make good images, it won't be in your pack. But as you point out, light, composition, technique, familiarity with your gear, portability, knowing your subject and how to get close...these are factors that can have as much - If not more - impact on the final results.
I have the Tamron and had the chance to compare side-by-side with a friend's Sigma-C and another friend's Sigma-S using the same camera body, target, settings etc. I am mainly concerned with IQ at 600mm for bird photography. I found all three lenses to be very close in IQ. At 600mm in the centre of the frame, I found my Tamron to be very marginally sharper than either Sigma, especially stopped down to f8. I also compared with my Canon 400mm f5.6 prime cropped (to give same fov as 600mm) and found the Tamron at 600mm gave a tiny bit more detail. I am therefore happy to keep the Tamron until the next generation of Tamron/Sigma zooms come out (or else when I win the lottery and can afford a Canon 600mm f4 Mk2!!!). Thanks for your great videos, by the way! Cheers, Nick, UK
I drive around in the car too, here in WI. I have gotten some great wildlife shots (Eagles, Hawks, Coyote and various other birds). I only use a Canon F/4 300mm without a TC (just can't get sharp shots with my 70D, the 300mm and a 1.4x) Since Hawks are so skittish (much more so than Eagles), I tend to shoot out the window quite a bit. One tip for shooting from the car, keep your heat as low as you can stand it. When you open your window, you will get turbulent air currents, which can muck up your sharpness. Also, get the end of your lens as far as you can, out the window, to counter this effect. Cheers James
Again you provide these little hidden tips in your videos that are so helpful, and something I would have never thought about.. "when your battery gets cold switch it out, place it in your pocket where it is warm and it will come back to life", great tip, really enjoy your videos!
The best unbiased review. The attention to detail and specifications shows a lot of hard work, simply brilliant. More than the lens review it self the review has a adventurous theme which is fantastic. probably my fav subscription on youtube
Can you do photo comparison between the sigma sports and contemporary 150 to 600mm lens on the same camera body.. Tamron and sigma contemporary 150 to 600mm lens on wildlife and birds, which is a better bet? Thank you.
As a Nikon shooter, I had the Tamron, but just purchased the Sigma. Image quality can be subjective, and the two lens are very close, but the deciding factor is that the Tamron is not weather sealed at all. After 10 months, the Tamron has sucked in am alarming amount of dust. This then finds it's way into my D810. I noticed significant sensor dust on my images after a short day out with the Tamron. Pity, I would have paid a bit extra for the weather sealing. What good is a wildlife lens if it won't do well in damp or dusty environments?
"Differences are minute" between Tamron 150-600 and Canon 400mm f5.6l, yet Northup also says the Canon 400mm f5/6L is "far sharper". Minute difference in sharpness and a significant difference in sharpness at the same time. That's awesome.
Hi Tony, Nice Video! This is my "real world experience" with both lenses for bird photography... I had the 400 5.6 for about 8 yrs and it was a great lens, but I just sold it and got the new 100-400 ii. Originally I bought the 400 prime because of sharpness and fear of dust entering lens on the 100-400. I agree that the 400 prime is sharper, and it has blazing fast focus compared to the old 100-400. The dust in lens barrel issue in my opinion is an exaggerated urban legend... I know many people that have this lens and never had any issues with dust. With the release of the new 100-400 I was intrigued because the sharpness according to many reviews surpassed the 400 prime, auto focus is vastly improved, and no more push pull/dust vacuum issue. I bought my lens a long time ago and it has actually gone up in price, so I sold my 400 prime at a very good price and bit the bullet with the new 100-400 ii. I have to say that Im impressed (believe me if I wasn't I would have returned it). As an exclusive wildlife photographer I have to say that the lens is exactly what I needed (other than a 500 F4 ;) I used the 400 for birds exclusively basically (in closed canopy forest environments mainly) and would switch to a macro for other wildlife (lizards, butterflies,etc.), and I can't count how many times I had birds and other wildlife too close for me to take pictures! Its the most frustrating thing, and believe me its not as simple as taking a few steps back or adding an extension tube that makes autofocus useless. I was so frustrated that I almost bought the old 100-400. This problem has disappeared since I got the new 100-400, its great for butterflies, lizards and other small wildlife. It is also weather sealed, which is nice for the type of photography I do in the field. The IS is just amazing, the truth is, if you have a APS-C sensor you want to keep ISO as low as you can, and with this lens Ive easily been able to take sharp handheld pictures at 1/250, something very hard to do with the 400 5.6 which should really live on a tripod if you take pictures slower than 1/640 on crop camera, anything below is risking losing the shot. Also, while the 100-400 ii is heavier, it is shorter, which makes it fit in many more compact camera bags, if you want to travel light. In my opinion, I agree with Tony, the lens that gives you the biggest bang for buck is the prime, but if you have the $ to buy the 100-400 ii, you won't feel sorry, it is a much more dynamic and fun lens to use. It is very sharp and the new IS is great! If you shoot pictures of large, wading birds the 400 5.6 is good enough, but if you would like to take pictures of warbler like birds you can't beat the 100-400 ii, you will have more keepers for sure! You can check out a few pictures with the new 100-400 here, sadly I don't have too many since its brand new and I am now in the dead of winter in upstate NY :( www.flickr.com/photos/puertoricanwildlifephotography/ P.S. Sorry for the long post ;)
yes, the Sigma 150-600mm SPORT is heavy, but too bad you guys didn't have a Contemporary version to compare it with... I ended up going with it because 1) the Sport version is too expensive and too heavy, 2) I like the idea of having the Sigma Dock so I can make adjustments (vs the Tamron)... 3) using the Sigma MC-11 on my a6000 and a7RII gives me native features
"400 Prime needs an extension tube to fill the frame with smaller birds" - important point to consider - I am so glad I almost stayed with the 400 Prime but ended up with the 100-400 II. I have taken shots of small birds from so close, I realize now I could not do this with the Prime.
Great video Tony and Chelsea as always. I'm still glad I use my Ef 400mm F/5.6, thirteen years old and it is still a sharp, lightweight and quality super telephoto lens.
This video helped push me toward the 400 prime, for less than $600 usd (used) I will gladly take the lack of zoom and minimum focusing distance over the 100-400ii, it means I can buy a new body that much sooner. Keep up the good videos guys
The quality of this channel has improved drastically, not that it was not good before by any means! Keep it up guys! And I already own the SDP book btw and love it...yeah baby, yeaaaah :D
I don't often comment on youtube videos, but I have to say, your video review was one of the most helpful and detailed I've ever seen!. I've been weighing up three of these lenses for months now as I'm still wanting to buy one of them. While I still haven't made my mind up, your video has definitely helped to calm my worries about sharpness, stability and autofocusing between lenses. Thank you for being so thorough! :)
Have you ever taken two identical lenses from the same manufacturer and tested them against each other? Is it possible the difference between the Sigma and Tamron are within this same margin of error. I have sent a lens back that was a little fuzzy and received the same lens replacement and it is very sharp. I am not criticizing your test, I think you guys do a stellar job and I have 2 of your books. Just curious about your thoughts on this.
Two statements stuck out at me. "Teleconverter is built in" and "all it takes is one or two steps to be sharper". Thanks again for a no nonsense video, uncluttered but informative and entertaining. I purchased the Tamron some time ago largely based on a previous review you did. This video has reassured me that I made the right decision.
Awesome review Tony!! The way you go about reviews is great, you seem completely unbiased and just soo relaxed like your not trying to push anyone any particular way. Look forward to all your media releases, good stuff man take it easy
I totally didn't understand what you said and how you came up with the Canon100-400-II was the one that got you closest to smaller birds ...around/ 3:25. FYI, the 1.4x Canon I used, and I had more detail without the tele-converter.
Yeah... a lot of people feel that way about Connecticut... Great review... I just spent two days shooting motorcycle races with the same Canon 100-400MM on a rental 5D MKIV. What a learning experience. I couldn't find much on the web about actually shooting motorcycle or auto races. That would be a great topic for you folks to cover sometime!
Thanks again Tony and Chelsea, your tutorials are spot on and quite honest...Also, i have learned so much from Stunning Digital Photography, I purchased others for gifts. I love my 400 prime best and also getting some amazing shots with my Tamron 150-600. The price and weight is 100% correct..and I am a big guy but I love being able to hand hold during hikes.
Christopher O'Grady Thanks! And we've definitely noticed that 4C, as well as the new Tesla and i8... but I don't think we'll be buying a new car anytime soon. Maybe to celebrate 1,000,000 subscribers :).
Excellent test. "One or two steps closer and the 'worst' lens is better than the 'best' one" - that was good advice. Puts the whole thing in perspective. Thanks for a great video again.
Awesome review Tony, Chelsea and Justin! I am a newbie wanting to get into wildlife photography. I have a Canon 60D and have made my mind up to go with the Canon 400 5.6 thanks for all your help.
Excellent video. I think you guys should take these lenses to a race-track or an air-show next - let's see how they do with some fast cars / bikes and planes!
It was indeed a fantastic video. I also read ur reviews on your site while comparing canon with sig and tami. At last i bought the canon 400mm f5.6 and am relieved the the image is so darn sharp that one can crop it to an equivalent of 600mm fc and get no drop in sharpness. Thanks once again.
Hi Guys! I'm a member of your forums from buying your book. I wanted to say thank you so much for putting together such a great video! I know i'm not alone in saying that the endless hours and OCD type thinking that can go into deciding on a zoom lens can you make frustrated, sick, frustrated some more and in the end still feel like you just spun your tires in the mud lol This video really helped me narrow down my thoughts and the practical advice you gave regarding situational use and how each lens fared in regard to those different situations was the exact thing i needed to finalize my decision. I think for my budget and weight concerns, the tamron lens will suit my needs perfectly. Most of my time will be spent in zoos and photographing bald eagles, both of which i will be lugging around for hours, sometimes up to 6-8 hours at a time, and the weight issue would certainly take its toll. Thanks being part of my final choice! You guys are great and i thank you for your willingness to be available and give feedback to all of us in the community! If you're reading this and you don't have their book, BUY it! You won't regret it!
Oh please. Well if you can let me know where I can find lions and elephants in Indiana, I'd be happy to not go to the zoo, till then....i'll be visiting the zoo often :D Good day Sir.
Wouldn't use anything other than the Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm these days for tracking fast wildlife or low light stills. Loved using the Canon 100-400i alongside it with my old 7DMKII but tbh since taking the Sigma over to the Sony A7III with the MC-11 the lens has become an allround superbeast. AF tracking at 60 metres on mirrorless. Bonkers. I wasnt expecting AF to be better than Dslr when using an adaptor. Main thing Im pleased with is its low light performance on full frame. A truely awesome evolved lens. Well done Sigma and Sony.
Absolutely my favorite channel ...Tony and Chelsea is the best honest channel......Long time i looking for the best telezoom lens and this is Canon 100 400mm .Now i hate Nikon brand!!!
glad that Chelsea brings the female perspective and considers all the factors that will make a difference between enjoyment and i don't wanna go . it is like buying a bike. if a woman buys a cheap bike the weight will be a deterrent for riding. lighter bike more expensive but you really wanna do it. thank you Chelsea.
Thanks, very nicely done. I sometimes try to hide behind a suspicion that Canon 150-400 would have been a better choice than my Tamaron 150-600, when I see better photos captured with the Canon. I know it isn't my camera that is the problem ( Canon 7D MII). So your testing and explanation helps me to feel comfortable with the $500 to $1,000 dollars I saved and the pound of extra weight. Now I just need to work on understanding how to use my equipment and get closer to the birds in the difficult environments I visit.
Dig Rev is not about technical comparisons or proper tutorials. its just purely watching a bone head Asian with British Accent with a pure breed Asian with Asian Accent in a setting most people are not used to seeing. There's no reason other then that that makes them so popular. Entertainment. lolz
Amazing how a lens 25 years old still keeps up with modern day lenses! The canon EF 400mm 5.6 L seems to be worth every penny even today for image quality! IS is one thing but if proper holding techniques are used, this is one lens worth buying any day!
Seen a couple of your vids now, I appreciate the straight forward approach. I'm sitting with the dilemma right now as to which of these three lens is going to get my money. I'm leaning towards the Canon 100-400. Love your bird shots, I have hawks in my neighbourhood here in Mexico that I'm shooting and really need to get at it. My 10 year old Canon 75-300 died a couple weeks ago. Thanks for the tips!
The IS is a tremendous advantage for photography from a moving platform (ie, boat) or for low light inside the forest photography. Otherwise the 400/5.6 is still a ridiculously good lens after all these years.
With having already done my homework, both the Tamron and Sigma are on my "wish list(20K)." This cemented this fact. Now I just need to get a new body(D810 or D750) and the $ for the lenses. Keep bringing is these videos, they sure do help!!!
I know I'm three years behind, but I have to comment because your comment is exactly where I'm at right now lol! Did you end up getting any? If so, how do you like it?
For non-professional Nikon users the Tamron is hard to beat. US $800 or so new on eBay for the international/grey market version. Significantly less expensive than the Nikon 200-500, with a wider zoom range.
Couple things worth mentioning is the longer focal length lens will retain moore information compared to the Canon that may need to be cropped being that it's only 400mm maximum focal length. Also I hear repeated remarks about the Sigma Sports weight being a disadvantage. I don't own the Sigma150-600 but I do own the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 and it's close to the same weight as the 150-600mm. I use it for air show photos and find the weight to be an advantage for stabilization almost like a weighted stabilizer rig would work on a video setup.
Tony and Chelsea, thank you so much for your videos, your book and your Lightroom course. I've learned a lot from your instruction and always look forward to your videos. During this video, you had mentioned leaving the 1.4x extender off if your using a crop sensor. But then I thought I heard Tony say that a 1.4x extender was a "hair better". So my question is this: Is it better to use the 1.4x extender on the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM with the Canon 7D Mark II? Thanks so much!
Dennis DiMarco It really is only a hair better--in our double-blind tests the difference was hardly noticeable, but with the TC extracted just a bit more detail under ideal conditions. In the real world, the loss of off-center focusing, the loss of light, and the tighter angle of view make using a TC a bad compromise.
Tony Northrup Thanks for the detailed answer, Tony. So with enough light and a far enough subject where the tighter angle doesn't limit the photo and where centering can be "fixed" later with cropping, a 1.4x TC would be OK because one sees a slightly improved amount of detail. (What a sentence *that* was!) By the way, I love that you perform double-blind tests! Your objectivity means that I can trust your results with a high degree of confidence! Thank you!
Thank for posting this video! I am planning on buying the tamron, but I was worried about sharpness. Thanjs to this video I am positive I do want the tamron.
I bought the Sigma and yes, its heavy. But I have some great results from it. Far better than the 1st gen 100-400L and my 150-500 Sigma DG HSM etc etc lens. Nice unbiased reviews. Thanks.
Great video, thanks. But I notice that you have a video which shows 70-200 w/ a 2x tele is a little sharper than 100-400, and here 100-400 is slightly sharper than 400 prime. Is it means 70-200 w/ 2x is sharper than 400 prime? Also looking forward to 150-600 contempoary review.
Definitely the Sigma Sport or even the Sigma Contemporary for me! Shooting wildlife (Elk, Grizzly, Bighorn, Predatory Birds) that may be flying over me or sheep retreating to higher ground is 'critical' and I enjoy the control over what I frame around the subject. Adding to that, I like to shoot air shows and the Canon 400mm is 'OK', but it just doesn't have the reach if you want to score a LOT of decent photos (again, both coming and going). Either zoom lens paired with 7D mkii (insane zoom!) or 5D mkiii is definitely my preference for real usability for 'my specific' situations. I definitely like the quality of the Canon, but their pricing on most lenses is fairly 'high') and 3rd party lenses are making HUGE strides in the right direction. This should be a wake up call for Canon and Nikon as I personally see more and more of these 3rd party lenses when out shooting with others photographers.
I like this video alot. It brings the important point of lightweight that some people choose to ignore (either some that put heavy lenses on tripod, or those that really can handhold 2-4kg lenses without issue). I'm really hyped up about the Nikon's 300 f4 PF, since it's lighter than Sigma 50 Art, AND has Nikon's newest "Sport VR". I really hope it can come close to Tamron 150-600 performance with TC 1.4 or 2.0 , because that's INSANE for such light lens!
Hi Tony, great video as always! I don't suppose you've had chance to evaluate the new Nikon 200-500 F5.6 VR? would like to know your opinion. Thanks. :-)
Great to see the review about the Canon 100-400mm. Was thinking of getting one for motor racing shots. What about using a Parrot Drone for the focus tracking test as it can run a constant pre-program Circuit.
Wonderful video as always. Thank you so much for all the work you put into these, plus applying the scientific method to your testing, I so appreciate that. Question / Correct 1. Test for a moving bird repeatable (starts at 7 minutes in the video). I am wondering why you didn't throw a ball, such as a football, for the repeatable test? I know it would not look like a bird, but it could have similar speeds to one. 2. Picture slide after Chelsea's recommendation to go with the 100 to 400 is not for that lens, but actually for the Sigma (10 minutes 50 seconds). I am a very visual learner, and not equipment savvy at all. I really appreciate that after most of your recommendations you have a picture slide of the lens you are talking about, that way I can visually keep up with which lens you are talking about since you refer to them by their numbers and not makers. Referring to the lenses this way is the norm, but for me it is very hard to follow, so I really appreciate these slides when they corespondent to what you are talking about. Hope you understand this train of thought from a very different learner then yourself. I have extensive personal and professional experience with different learning styles, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. If you have any questions regarding this view point please email me Rachel@WildflowersCreations.com Thanks again for all the wonderful videos, Rachel Wooster
You guys are like the photographic version of Mythbusters. So awesome. The bird model was hilarious! :D Maybe next time Tony can wear a beret and sport a majestic mustache.
Tony Northrup Okay, to be honest, I hesitated a bit when I wrote that comparison, since MB *are* sloppy with their science. But, they *popularise* scientific principles. That's more what I meant. By the sound of things you did an ANOVA test on those focus times in this video. I think you're the only ones on youtube doing that :D
Given that this video is now 5 years old and Tamron has a G2 version, Sigma a 2015 Sports update (plus the ability to fine tune via its dock/hub) and, you have been flirting with SONY e-mount these days could you pls do an update to the 150-600 Tamron vs Sigma on the SONY E-mount and explore maybe which works best (AF for sports/wildlife), best adaptors, etc. Tnx in advance.
Loved the review and comparison, thank you both. Quick question though, if you do end up reading this. How relevant is this review 3 years later, are all lenses here still valid choices, or has something new came in to the market that would rival these? Thanks again, and should be long before you hit 1M subscribers! Go go!
You always make Great reviews thank you , I have the sigma sport which is such a solid built big lense but I like that tbh , and the mark i canon version 100-400mm which I like , is it really worth me upgrading the canon ?
First, thank you for offering an unbiased, clear comparison of these lenses. Not to add to the mix, but I have the older 100-400mm lens, the one the telescopes out, and was curious as to your thoughts on how that one compares with these. Is it worth the upgrade? I use it on a 5D Mark iii.
I have had my Sigma since it first came out and couldn't be happier. I am almost exclusively wildlife with some landscape and people work. I use the Sigma art 24-105 F4 for the landscape shots. Love what Sigma's doing. I handhold the Sigma all the time.
I thank you for your videos. I love them, they are entertaining, informative and fun to watch. I was wondering if you could eliminate the music when you're talking in your videos, it's distracting and sometimes have to replay a portion as couldn't hear well the first time because of the.....you guessed it right, the music.
Hey guys, I watched a video of yours ages ago about in an in camera setting when shooting a moving subject with a long lens. I just cant find it 🤪🤪🤪 It was for keeping a subject in focus for example if they were moving closer to. I just wanted to re watch it 😃
Don't know what state you guys live in but if you're ever in the Syracuse NY area in January you can see up to 25-30 bald eagles by the Carousel/Destiny mall. All the lakes freeze over and they come to Onondaga Lake by the mall because it doesn't freeze over were it lets out. I just found this out this past year and I'm planning on spending time there catching them on film :) I'll probably make a video of it because most people don't know about it.
Nice cold weather nature/wildlife video tips! I noticed that neither of you use battery grips to hold two batteries. As mentioned when shooting in cold weather the battery dies quicker and you need to keep an extra battery in your warm pocket. Would it be advisable to use a battery grip as well as a couple of extra batteries in your pocket?
Why didn't you include Sigma 150-600 Contemporary lens...cus i hear you guys complaining about its heavier than rest, the C version is Lighter and i would have loved to see it compare to sport version and Tamron Specially.
+Tony Northrup Thanks Tony, you and Chelsea are doing awesome job. i love your videos. specially the ones when you get Technical. Ques: I am planning on buying Sigma 150-600mm C will be mounting on D5500, now Technically there isn't any info on DXOmark Your Fav site :) about this lens. Would you recommend either Tamron 150-600 or Sigma 150-600 Mounted on D5500? will it give me that performance similar to full frame or D7200? (keeping Picture quality aside). Im planning on using this in Wild Life mostly.
+Mohamed Nanabhai If you need faster focus the Sport is faster then the contemp. But if weight is a major issue, then maybe the Contemp. Also I think the Sport is slightly sharper. I have been bending my wrist back and cradling the lens and am able to hold the sport for a pretty long time, but either of these lenes are going to be sharpest on a tripod. But the budget is also something, as the C is 1K the S is about 2K.
Thank you for this excellent review on all these lenses, Tony and Chelsea. Have you guys done a review yet on the Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm for Canon? It has similar specs as the Sigma Sport 150-600mm, but nearly $1k cheaper and not as heavy. I'd like to see a review comparing both Sigma lenses, if possible. Thanks.
Thank you so much for this review. I'm still on the fence about what zoom lens to buy. It will be my first and last. I want the reach of the 600mm, but I still am not sure if it outweighs the sharpness and the faster af you get with the 100-400mm. If you knew that you could only choose one lens and that you would never be able to buy another... which would you buy? I have a 90D. I also use a monopod or tripod. Thank you!
You would make so much money selling a poster of 3:34... I like your approach for this video. I bought a 400 5.6 after watching a couple of your older videos last spring and i love it. Then i bought a used 7d, then i had no money..thanks, Northrups...
Tony & Chelsea Northrup Could you tell me what if you do the comparsion at 400mm? I think the sigma is sharper at this focal length than at the end. I would like to know the difference between the canon 400 mm prime and the sigma 150-600 c if possible. I own the sigma and would be great to know it. thanks!!
Hi Chelsea, how were you able to get a tack sharp photo when shooting from a moving car? I've tried before and all I got was one blurry mess. Thanks for all the awesome tips from you and Tony!
mmmm that Sigma 150-600 is the stuff of dreams! I was surprised, last night I saw another video about it, reviewing it in comparison to the Tamron, I figured it would be another one of those $3k+ lenses... looked it up. $2k?! I was absolutely shocked. Now if only I was working full-time and not still paying off my 24-70 f2.8 II USM L glass... When photographing birds/nature, I use a Canon 7D Mark II and Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 L IS USM. One time there was a hawk perched up on a poll maybe about 10 feet up in the air, staring at a squirrel who was acting as a statue on the side of a tree. Needless to say, this was one of the best opportunities to get photographs of a bird EVER. It was SO CLOSE! I bought your SDP book, actually, I think you guys said there were forums or a Facebook group where people could upload their pictures for others to critique? Thanks! :D -Alex I also made a video several months back with a shout-out to you guys in it!
Tony & Chelsea thank you for all your magnific videos. I have learned more from you about photography than any other source by far. You are the best! I was wondering if you have any knowledge on how the sharpness of the Sigma 150-600mm contemporary compares to the lenses reviewed in this video. I just got the contemporary and I am disappointed with the sharpness, specially above 400mm. I am a beginner on wildlife photography. I am almost sure my issue is not focus or shake. I tried wide open and also tried closing the aperture to f/8 or f/9. My ISO is quite low between 100 and 400 and my camera is APS-C with 24MP (Canon T6i). I am trying to decide if I should return the lens. I also own a Canon 55-250mm STM which I've been using for bird photography. When I fill the frame with a bird at 250mm on the Canon EF-S STM lens it appears sharper than when I fill the frame with the same sized bird (standing farther from the subject) at 400mm with the Sigma.
In addition to the issues with sharpness (soft pictures) I am also disappointed with the lack of contrast and washed out colors I get with this lens. This article ( photographylife.com/what-is-ghosting-and-flare ) explains ghosting and flaring and has a sample picture from a Sigma zoom lens and explains that complex lenses with many elements tent to have more ghosting and flaring which I believe I have witnessed with this Sigma lens a LOT - compared with the clear images I get from my Canon 55-250mm EF-S STM.
I use the 150-600mm on a 7d mark ii and a 5D iii. My copy is very sharp even at the longest focal lengths on both bodies. At the risk of sounding patronising, using this kind of lens on a crop body is challenging, especially hand-held, those 24mp crammed onto a smaller senser (and with those longer effective focal lengths with that 1.6 crop) require practiced technique and fast shutter speeds with higher iso's. I encourage you to buy the Sigma dock if you haven't already, change the stabilisation to 'Dynamic' and check the focusing adjustments to make sure the lens isn't front or back focusing. Lock it off on a tripod, and use mirror lock-up and a dely to check for focus accuracy. It's worth persevering, the type of photography you are trying to do is not easy but well worth it in the end. There is of course always the issue of copy variation, you may have got a lemon. Here's one of my recent shots with the 7d ii and Sigma 150-600mm C hand-held. Hope some of this helps. www.flickr.com/photos/53401230@N06/31341550306/in/dateposted-public/
Thanks. Nice picture. Pretty sharp. That looks similar to what I got I think - maybe a bit sharper. I spent only one day with the lens at Merrit Island in Florida - I was super excited until I got home and started looking at the pictures. Sharpness can be quite subjective unless you are comparing the exact same subject with same lightning, distance, camera settings etc. At 600mm perhaps even atmospheric conditions can affect. I did get quite a few great shots with this lens, however, I noticed that after the 400mm the pictures were significantly less sharp. It almost seemed that cropping an image taken at 400mm looked better than one taken at 600mm. Looking closely at the pictures I ruled out focus issues. When you have bad focus you can still see some areas of your subject that are completely sharp (unless you completely missed the focus). I ruled out camera shake or motion blur because I took dozens and dozens of shots, and my shutter was at or above 1/1000th. Perhaps I needed 1/1600th. And the Dock would have probably improved it. I just wasn't sure about the sellers return policy so I did not want to risk being stuck with the lens if I took longer to return it. Overall however, the lens seemed very good, specially considering the price. Here are some of the shots I took with this lens (Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary). Some of the shots are considerably cropped. www.flickr.com/photos/david-marquez/albums/72157679207252245
⭐Gear tested in this video⭐
📸 Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens (on Amazon help.tc/c100400ii)
📸Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM ( S ) Sport (on Amazon help.tc/s600)
📸Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD (on Amazon help.tc/t600)
📸Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM (on Amazon help.tc/c400)
📸Canon 7D Mark II (on Amazon help.tc/7d2)
📸Canon 70D (on Amazon help.tc/70d)
📸Canon 5D Mark III (on Amazon help.tc/5d3)
Links are all broken... :(
9 years later and you are still maintaining your hugh quality content as well as same level of humor and information in your videos... takes a lot of dedication and time to do it. Thanks!
Tony and Chelsea, thank you for another great video. I really like that you incorporate bench testing, real world performance and the subjective evaluations of diverse photographers in your reviews. The conversation at the end is so helpful. Yes, optical performance is important and, unless a lens is able to make good images, it won't be in your pack. But as you point out, light, composition, technique, familiarity with your gear, portability, knowing your subject and how to get close...these are factors that can have as much - If not more - impact on the final results.
Bill Ferris Thanks, Bill!
I have the Tamron and had the chance to compare side-by-side with a friend's Sigma-C and another friend's Sigma-S using the same camera body, target, settings etc. I am mainly concerned with IQ at 600mm for bird photography. I found all three lenses to be very close in IQ. At 600mm in the centre of the frame, I found my Tamron to be very marginally sharper than either Sigma, especially stopped down to f8. I also compared with my Canon 400mm f5.6 prime cropped (to give same fov as 600mm) and found the Tamron at 600mm gave a tiny bit more detail. I am therefore happy to keep the Tamron until the next generation of Tamron/Sigma zooms come out (or else when I win the lottery and can afford a Canon 600mm f4 Mk2!!!). Thanks for your great videos, by the way! Cheers, Nick, UK
I drive around in the car too, here in WI. I have gotten some great wildlife shots (Eagles, Hawks, Coyote and various other birds). I only use a Canon F/4 300mm without a TC (just can't get sharp shots with my 70D, the 300mm and a 1.4x)
Since Hawks are so skittish (much more so than Eagles), I tend to shoot out the window quite a bit.
One tip for shooting from the car, keep your heat as low as you can stand it. When you open your window, you will get turbulent air currents, which can muck up your sharpness. Also, get the end of your lens as far as you can, out the window, to counter this effect.
Cheers
James
Jaymz007 That's smart about the heat! We've definitely had that problem.
I love where your videos are going. This is the best yet.
John Campbell Thanks, John!
Tony Northrup
Me, too! Keep it up! (And more 4K, too!)
Again you provide these little hidden tips in your videos that are so helpful, and something I would have never thought about.. "when your battery gets cold switch it out, place it in your pocket where it is warm and it will come back to life", great tip, really enjoy your videos!
Want to see a comparison between Sigma Contemporary as well as Tamron G2 in 150-600mm category.
The best unbiased review. The attention to detail and specifications shows a lot of hard work, simply brilliant. More than the lens review it self the review has a adventurous theme which is fantastic. probably my fav subscription on youtube
Can you do photo comparison between the sigma sports and contemporary 150 to 600mm lens on the same camera body..
Tamron and sigma contemporary 150 to 600mm lens on wildlife and birds, which is a better bet?
Thank you.
As a Nikon shooter, I had the Tamron, but just purchased the Sigma. Image quality can be subjective, and the two lens are very close, but the deciding factor is that the Tamron is not weather sealed at all. After 10 months, the Tamron has sucked in am alarming amount of dust. This then finds it's way into my D810. I noticed significant sensor dust on my images after a short day out with the Tamron. Pity, I would have paid a bit extra for the weather sealing. What good is a wildlife lens if it won't do well in damp or dusty environments?
I've watched almost all your videos and the feel of this video is by far my favorite one yet
"Differences are minute" between Tamron 150-600 and Canon 400mm f5.6l, yet Northup also says the Canon 400mm f5/6L is "far sharper". Minute difference in sharpness and a significant difference in sharpness at the same time. That's awesome.
Hi Tony,
Nice Video!
This is my "real world experience" with both lenses for bird photography...
I had the 400 5.6 for about 8 yrs and it was a great lens, but I just sold it and got the new 100-400 ii. Originally I bought the 400 prime because of sharpness and fear of dust entering lens on the 100-400. I agree that the 400 prime is sharper, and it has blazing fast focus compared to the old 100-400. The dust in lens barrel issue in my opinion is an exaggerated urban legend... I know many people that have this lens and never had any issues with dust. With the release of the new 100-400 I was intrigued because the sharpness according to many reviews surpassed the 400 prime, auto focus is vastly improved, and no more push pull/dust vacuum issue.
I bought my lens a long time ago and it has actually gone up in price, so I sold my 400 prime at a very good price and bit the bullet with the new 100-400 ii. I have to say that Im impressed (believe me if I wasn't I would have returned it). As an exclusive wildlife photographer I have to say that the lens is exactly what I needed (other than a 500 F4 ;) I used the 400 for birds exclusively basically (in closed canopy forest environments mainly) and would switch to a macro for other wildlife (lizards, butterflies,etc.), and I can't count how many times I had birds and other wildlife too close for me to take pictures! Its the most frustrating thing, and believe me its not as simple as taking a few steps back or adding an extension tube that makes autofocus useless. I was so frustrated that I almost bought the old 100-400. This problem has disappeared since I got the new 100-400, its great for butterflies, lizards and other small wildlife. It is also weather sealed, which is nice for the type of photography I do in the field. The IS is just amazing, the truth is, if you have a APS-C sensor you want to keep ISO as low as you can, and with this lens Ive easily been able to take sharp handheld pictures at 1/250, something very hard to do with the 400 5.6 which should really live on a tripod if you take pictures slower than 1/640 on crop camera, anything below is risking losing the shot. Also, while the 100-400 ii is heavier, it is shorter, which makes it fit in many more compact camera bags, if you want to travel light.
In my opinion, I agree with Tony, the lens that gives you the biggest bang for buck is the prime, but if you have the $ to buy the 100-400 ii, you won't feel sorry, it is a much more dynamic and fun lens to use. It is very sharp and the new IS is great! If you shoot pictures of large, wading birds the 400 5.6 is good enough, but if you would like to take pictures of warbler like birds you can't beat the 100-400 ii, you will have more keepers for sure!
You can check out a few pictures with the new 100-400 here, sadly I don't have too many since its brand new and I am now in the dead of winter in upstate NY :( www.flickr.com/photos/puertoricanwildlifephotography/
P.S.
Sorry for the long post ;)
yes, the Sigma 150-600mm SPORT is heavy, but too bad you guys didn't have a Contemporary version to compare it with... I ended up going with it because 1) the Sport version is too expensive and too heavy, 2) I like the idea of having the Sigma Dock so I can make adjustments (vs the Tamron)... 3) using the Sigma MC-11 on my a6000 and a7RII gives me native features
"400 Prime needs an extension tube to fill the frame with smaller birds" - important point to consider - I am so glad I almost stayed with the 400 Prime but ended up with the 100-400 II. I have taken shots of small birds from so close, I realize now I could not do this with the Prime.
Great video Tony and Chelsea as always. I'm still glad I use my Ef 400mm F/5.6, thirteen years old and it is still a sharp, lightweight and quality super telephoto lens.
This video helped push me toward the 400 prime, for less than $600 usd (used) I will gladly take the lack of zoom and minimum focusing distance over the 100-400ii, it means I can buy a new body that much sooner. Keep up the good videos guys
The quality of this channel has improved drastically, not that it was not good before by any means! Keep it up guys! And I already own the SDP book btw and love it...yeah baby, yeaaaah :D
I don't often comment on youtube videos, but I have to say, your video review was one of the most helpful and detailed I've ever seen!. I've been weighing up three of these lenses for months now as I'm still wanting to buy one of them. While I still haven't made my mind up, your video has definitely helped to calm my worries about sharpness, stability and autofocusing between lenses. Thank you for being so thorough! :)
Have you ever taken two identical lenses from the same manufacturer and tested them against each other? Is it possible the difference between the Sigma and Tamron are within this same margin of error. I have sent a lens back that was a little fuzzy and received the same lens replacement and it is very sharp. I am not criticizing your test, I think you guys do a stellar job and I have 2 of your books. Just curious about your thoughts on this.
Two statements stuck out at me. "Teleconverter is built in" and "all it takes is one or two steps to be sharper". Thanks again for a no nonsense video, uncluttered but informative and entertaining. I purchased the Tamron some time ago largely based on a previous review you did. This video has reassured me that I made the right decision.
Awesome review Tony!! The way you go about reviews is great, you seem completely unbiased and just soo relaxed like your not trying to push anyone any particular way. Look forward to all your media releases, good stuff man take it easy
Thanks for the video,Just picked up a Tamron 150-600 and your video gave me some good tips,keep it up!
I totally didn't understand what you said and how you came up with the Canon100-400-II was the one that got you closest to smaller birds ...around/ 3:25. FYI, the 1.4x Canon I used, and I had more detail without the tele-converter.
Same comment, I did not get it. Could you explain ?
same question pop in my head too
Yeah... a lot of people feel that way about Connecticut... Great review... I just spent two days shooting motorcycle races with the same Canon 100-400MM on a rental 5D MKIV. What a learning experience. I couldn't find much on the web about actually shooting motorcycle or auto races. That would be a great topic for you folks to cover sometime!
Thanks again Tony and Chelsea, your tutorials are spot on and quite honest...Also, i have learned so much from Stunning Digital Photography, I purchased others for gifts. I love my 400 prime best and also getting some amazing shots with my Tamron 150-600. The price and weight is 100% correct..and I am a big guy but I love being able to hand hold during hikes.
Fantastic video Northrups, I'm also very impressed you have an XC90, 7 Series, and Z4, need an Alfa 4C next!
Christopher O'Grady Thanks! And we've definitely noticed that 4C, as well as the new Tesla and i8... but I don't think we'll be buying a new car anytime soon. Maybe to celebrate 1,000,000 subscribers :).
Tony Northrup @ this rate that might be next year. Love you videos. so easy to follow. Both books are awesome too. Thank you.
Excellent test. "One or two steps closer and the 'worst' lens is better than the 'best' one" - that was good advice. Puts the whole thing in perspective. Thanks for a great video again.
Awesome review Tony, Chelsea and Justin! I am a newbie wanting to get into wildlife photography. I have a Canon 60D and have made my mind up to go with the Canon 400 5.6 thanks for all your help.
Jeff Holliman Glad to hear it! That's still our favorite (other than the 500 f4). Enjoy!
You guys are the best! I loved the table talk, you make us all feel like family!
Excellent video. I think you guys should take these lenses to a race-track or an air-show next - let's see how they do with some fast cars / bikes and planes!
It was indeed a fantastic video. I also read ur reviews on your site while comparing canon with sig and tami. At last i bought the canon 400mm f5.6 and am relieved the the image is so darn sharp that one can crop it to an equivalent of 600mm fc and get no drop in sharpness. Thanks once again.
Hi Guys! I'm a member of your forums from buying your book. I wanted to say thank you so much for putting together such a great video! I know i'm not alone in saying that the endless hours and OCD type thinking that can go into deciding on a zoom lens can you make frustrated, sick, frustrated some more and in the end still feel like you just spun your tires in the mud lol This video really helped me narrow down my thoughts and the practical advice you gave regarding situational use and how each lens fared in regard to those different situations was the exact thing i needed to finalize my decision. I think for my budget and weight concerns, the tamron lens will suit my needs perfectly. Most of my time will be spent in zoos and photographing bald eagles, both of which i will be lugging around for hours, sometimes up to 6-8 hours at a time, and the weight issue would certainly take its toll. Thanks being part of my final choice! You guys are great and i thank you for your willingness to be available and give feedback to all of us in the community! If you're reading this and you don't have their book, BUY it! You won't regret it!
Oh please. Well if you can let me know where I can find lions and elephants in Indiana, I'd be happy to not go to the zoo, till then....i'll be visiting the zoo often :D Good day Sir.
Wouldn't use anything other than the Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm these days for tracking fast wildlife or low light stills. Loved using the Canon 100-400i alongside it with my old 7DMKII but tbh since taking the Sigma over to the Sony A7III with the MC-11 the lens has become an allround superbeast. AF tracking at 60 metres on mirrorless. Bonkers. I wasnt expecting AF to be better than Dslr when using an adaptor. Main thing Im pleased with is its low light performance on full frame.
A truely awesome evolved lens. Well done Sigma and Sony.
Wow ! great video and great tips! I just bought the Tamron 150-600 and going to pick it up today ! Merci beaucoup !
Absolutely my favorite channel ...Tony and Chelsea is the best honest channel......Long time i looking for the best telezoom lens and this is Canon 100 400mm .Now i hate Nikon brand!!!
glad that Chelsea brings the female perspective and considers all the factors that will make a difference between enjoyment and i don't wanna go . it is like buying a bike. if a woman buys a cheap bike the weight will be a deterrent for riding. lighter bike more expensive but you really wanna do it. thank you Chelsea.
Thanks, very nicely done. I sometimes try to hide behind a suspicion that Canon 150-400 would have been a better choice than my Tamaron 150-600, when I see better photos captured with the Canon. I know it isn't my camera that is the problem ( Canon 7D MII). So your testing and explanation helps me to feel comfortable with the $500 to $1,000 dollars I saved and the pound of extra weight. Now I just need to work on understanding how to use my equipment and get closer to the birds in the difficult environments I visit.
That was better than anything digital rev has put out in the past year. The bird on the pole thing was hilarious.
Dig Rev is not about technical comparisons or proper tutorials. its just purely watching a bone head Asian with British Accent with a pure breed Asian with Asian Accent in a setting most people are not used to seeing. There's no reason other then that that makes them so popular. Entertainment. lolz
Apart from the fact Tony is so ignorant he kept calling an extender an extension tube... good lord...
A touch racist
Amazing video guys! Tony, I love the scientific test you did with these lenses. Great job!
You guys are the best team for photography education and entertainment!
Would love to see a test of the Sigma 150-600C which is lighter as well as the new Tamron 150-600 Version 2. Thanks for some great videos.
Amazing how a lens 25 years old still keeps up with modern day lenses! The canon EF 400mm 5.6 L seems to be worth every penny even today for image quality!
IS is one thing but if proper holding techniques are used, this is one lens worth buying any day!
Seen a couple of your vids now, I appreciate the straight forward approach. I'm sitting with the dilemma right now as to which of these three lens is going to get my money. I'm leaning towards the Canon 100-400. Love your bird shots, I have hawks in my neighbourhood here in Mexico that I'm shooting and really need to get at it. My 10 year old Canon 75-300 died a couple weeks ago. Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for the great compare video. in the market for a new lens. leaning towards the 100-400
The IS is a tremendous advantage for photography from a moving platform (ie, boat) or for low light inside the forest photography. Otherwise the 400/5.6 is still a ridiculously good lens after all these years.
Hi Tony & Chelsea, Awesome vid! Thx for the tips on how to shoot wildlife as well.
With having already done my homework, both the Tamron and Sigma are on my "wish list(20K)." This cemented this fact. Now I just need to get a new body(D810 or D750) and the $ for the lenses. Keep bringing is these videos, they sure do help!!!
I know I'm three years behind, but I have to comment because your comment is exactly where I'm at right now lol! Did you end up getting any? If so, how do you like it?
For non-professional Nikon users the Tamron is hard to beat. US $800 or so new on eBay for the international/grey market version. Significantly less expensive than the Nikon 200-500, with a wider zoom range.
Liked the battery tip had the same problem shooting in the cold will try this suggestion.
I love you guys cause your videos are so helpful, but they're entertaining too.
Thanks for the comparisons and tips!! I like your office, Tony! Seems, that you can "extend" it right into the garden, when it´s warmer outside!
Holy production value Northrup team! Great comparison!
Couple things worth mentioning is the longer focal length lens will retain moore information compared to the Canon that may need to be cropped being that it's only 400mm maximum focal length. Also I hear repeated remarks about the Sigma Sports weight being a disadvantage. I don't own the Sigma150-600 but I do own the Sigma 120-300 f2.8 and it's close to the same weight as the 150-600mm. I use it for air show photos and find the weight to be an advantage for stabilization almost like a weighted stabilizer rig would work on a video setup.
michael schettl Also the contemporary version is like half the weight and extremely similar optics
super production quality. I like the gear-oriented videos too. Thx guys....and Chelsea.
Tony and Chelsea, thank you so much for your videos, your book and your Lightroom course. I've learned a lot from your instruction and always look forward to your videos.
During this video, you had mentioned leaving the 1.4x extender off if your using a crop sensor. But then I thought I heard Tony say that a 1.4x extender was a "hair better". So my question is this: Is it better to use the 1.4x extender on the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM with the Canon 7D Mark II?
Thanks so much!
Dennis DiMarco It really is only a hair better--in our double-blind tests the difference was hardly noticeable, but with the TC extracted just a bit more detail under ideal conditions. In the real world, the loss of off-center focusing, the loss of light, and the tighter angle of view make using a TC a bad compromise.
Tony Northrup Thanks for the detailed answer, Tony.
So with enough light and a far enough subject where the tighter angle doesn't limit the photo and where centering can be "fixed" later with cropping, a 1.4x TC would be OK because one sees a slightly improved amount of detail. (What a sentence *that* was!)
By the way, I love that you perform double-blind tests! Your objectivity means that I can trust your results with a high degree of confidence! Thank you!
Thank for posting this video! I am planning on buying the tamron, but I was worried about sharpness. Thanjs to this video I am positive I do want the tamron.
I bought the Sigma and yes, its heavy. But I have some great results from it. Far better than the 1st gen 100-400L and my 150-500 Sigma DG HSM etc etc lens. Nice unbiased reviews. Thanks.
I love to watch these outdoor videos.
Well done. I love the osprey pics!
Great video, thanks. But I notice that you have a video which shows 70-200 w/ a 2x tele is a little sharper than 100-400, and here 100-400 is slightly sharper than 400 prime. Is it means 70-200 w/ 2x is sharper than 400 prime? Also looking forward to 150-600 contempoary review.
Sonys 100-400GM is even sharper than Canons 100400mkii and it's autofocus is fast! Great for BIF
Loved the humor interjected throughout! Great Vid!
Definitely the Sigma Sport or even the Sigma Contemporary for me! Shooting wildlife (Elk, Grizzly, Bighorn, Predatory Birds) that may be flying over me or sheep retreating to higher ground is 'critical' and I enjoy the control over what I frame around the subject. Adding to that, I like to shoot air shows and the Canon 400mm is 'OK', but it just doesn't have the reach if you want to score a LOT of decent photos (again, both coming and going). Either zoom lens paired with 7D mkii (insane zoom!) or 5D mkiii is definitely my preference for real usability for 'my specific' situations. I definitely like the quality of the Canon, but their pricing on most lenses is fairly 'high') and 3rd party lenses are making HUGE strides in the right direction. This should be a wake up call for Canon and Nikon as I personally see more and more of these 3rd party lenses when out shooting with others photographers.
I like this video alot. It brings the important point of lightweight that some people choose to ignore (either some that put heavy lenses on tripod, or those that really can handhold 2-4kg lenses without issue). I'm really hyped up about the Nikon's 300 f4 PF, since it's lighter than Sigma 50 Art, AND has Nikon's newest "Sport VR". I really hope it can come close to Tamron 150-600 performance with TC 1.4 or 2.0 , because that's INSANE for such light lens!
Dear Tony, thanks for the review would you be able to add Sigma 150 -600mm contemporary lens and comparison with tamron 150 - 600 mm
Don't know if you know this but there is some weird guy in your back seat of your car. Stranger danger
Dombowerphoto I need an adult!
Very well done guys - great work. Thanks for making this and for sharing - and good information !
Looks like I'll be keeping my 400mm F5.6 prime. Thanks guys!
Me too!!
Thank You for this, I was looking at both the Tamron and Sigma, still deciding but I now have more info when I'm ready to get one.
Hi Tony, great video as always! I don't suppose you've had chance to evaluate the new Nikon 200-500 F5.6 VR? would like to know your opinion. Thanks. :-)
Great to see the review about the Canon 100-400mm. Was thinking of getting one for motor racing shots. What about using a Parrot Drone for the focus tracking test as it can run a constant pre-program Circuit.
Wonderful video as always. Thank you so much for all the work you put into these, plus applying the scientific method to your testing, I so appreciate that.
Question / Correct
1. Test for a moving bird repeatable (starts at 7 minutes in the video). I am wondering why you didn't throw a ball, such as a football, for the repeatable test? I know it would not look like a bird, but it could have similar speeds to one.
2. Picture slide after Chelsea's recommendation to go with the 100 to 400 is not for that lens, but actually for the Sigma (10 minutes 50 seconds). I am a very visual learner, and not equipment savvy at all. I really appreciate that after most of your recommendations you have a picture slide of the lens you are talking about, that way I can visually keep up with which lens you are talking about since you refer to them by their numbers and not makers. Referring to the lenses this way is the norm, but for me it is very hard to follow, so I really appreciate these slides when they corespondent to what you are talking about.
Hope you understand this train of thought from a very different learner then yourself. I have extensive personal and professional experience with different learning styles, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. If you have any questions regarding this view point please email me Rachel@WildflowersCreations.com
Thanks again for all the wonderful videos,
Rachel Wooster
Phenomenal editing and content. Would love a review of the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 OS HSM Sport
Excellent comparison! Will you be reviewing the new Nikon 300mm f/4E?
You guys are like the photographic version of Mythbusters. So awesome. The bird model was hilarious! :D
Maybe next time Tony can wear a beret and sport a majestic mustache.
***** haha, i have been catching up on Mythbusters lately. Mostly I get mad at how unscientific they are (the sign of a true nerd).
Tony Northrup Okay, to be honest, I hesitated a bit when I wrote that comparison, since MB *are* sloppy with their science. But, they *popularise* scientific principles. That's more what I meant.
By the sound of things you did an ANOVA test on those focus times in this video. I think you're the only ones on youtube doing that :D
Given that this video is now 5 years old and Tamron has a G2 version, Sigma a 2015 Sports update (plus the ability to fine tune via its dock/hub) and, you have been flirting with SONY e-mount these days could you pls do an update to the 150-600 Tamron vs Sigma on the SONY E-mount and explore maybe which works best (AF for sports/wildlife), best adaptors, etc. Tnx in advance.
Loved the review and comparison, thank you both. Quick question though, if you do end up reading this. How relevant is this review 3 years later, are all lenses here still valid choices, or has something new came in to the market that would rival these?
Thanks again, and should be long before you hit 1M subscribers! Go go!
You always make Great reviews thank you , I have the sigma sport which is such a solid built big lense but I like that tbh , and the mark i canon version 100-400mm which I like , is it really worth me upgrading the canon ?
First, thank you for offering an unbiased, clear comparison of these lenses. Not to add to the mix, but I have the older 100-400mm lens, the one the telescopes out, and was curious as to your thoughts on how that one compares with these. Is it worth the upgrade? I use it on a 5D Mark iii.
Alexis S I owned that lens for about 11 years before I sold it. Either the new zoom or the 400 f5.6 prime will be a HUGE upgrade in sharpness for you.
Thank you! I truly appreciate your honesty. And by zoom, do you mean any of the three you tested, or just the Canon?
I have had my Sigma since it first came out and couldn't be happier. I am almost exclusively wildlife with some landscape and people work. I use the Sigma art 24-105 F4 for the landscape shots. Love what Sigma's doing. I handhold the Sigma all the time.
Erin Taylor Yeah, Sigma Art lenses are genuinely the best.
I thank you for your videos. I love them, they are entertaining, informative and fun to watch. I was wondering if you could eliminate the music when you're talking in your videos, it's distracting and sometimes have to replay a portion as couldn't hear well the first time because of the.....you guessed it right, the music.
Thanks for uploading the test photos. Loved the tests!!!!!
Nice comparison but a shame that at the end most the images were from the 500mm which the video wasn't really about.
Hey guys, I watched a video of yours ages ago about in an in camera setting when shooting a moving subject with a long lens. I just cant find it 🤪🤪🤪 It was for keeping a subject in focus for example if they were moving closer to. I just wanted to re watch it 😃
Don't know what state you guys live in but if you're ever in the Syracuse NY area in January you can see up to 25-30 bald eagles by the Carousel/Destiny mall. All the lakes freeze over and they come to Onondaga Lake by the mall because it doesn't freeze over were it lets out. I just found this out this past year and I'm planning on spending time there catching them on film :) I'll probably make a video of it because most people don't know about it.
Holy crap that photo of the osprey holding a fish is AWESOME
Nice cold weather nature/wildlife video tips! I noticed that neither of you use battery grips to hold two batteries. As mentioned when shooting in cold weather the battery dies quicker and you need to keep an extra battery in your warm pocket. Would it be advisable to use a battery grip as well as a couple of extra batteries in your pocket?
Why didn't you include Sigma 150-600 Contemporary lens...cus i hear you guys complaining about its heavier than rest, the C version is Lighter and i would have loved to see it compare to sport version and Tamron Specially.
+Mohamed Nanabhai It didn't exist when we recorded this video.
+Tony Northrup Thanks Tony, you and Chelsea are doing awesome job. i love your videos. specially the ones when you get Technical.
Ques: I am planning on buying Sigma 150-600mm C will be mounting on D5500, now Technically there isn't any info on DXOmark Your Fav site :) about this lens. Would you recommend either Tamron 150-600 or Sigma 150-600 Mounted on D5500? will it give me that performance similar to full frame or D7200? (keeping Picture quality aside). Im planning on using this in Wild Life mostly.
+Mohamed Nanabhai If you need faster focus the Sport is faster then the contemp. But if weight is a major issue, then maybe the Contemp. Also I think the Sport is slightly sharper. I have been bending my wrist back and cradling the lens and am able to hold the sport for a pretty long time, but either of these lenes are going to be sharpest on a tripod. But the budget is also something, as the C is 1K the S is about 2K.
Thank you for this excellent review on all these lenses, Tony and Chelsea. Have you guys done a review yet on the Sigma Contemporary 150-600mm for Canon? It has similar specs as the Sigma Sport 150-600mm, but nearly $1k cheaper and not as heavy. I'd like to see a review comparing both Sigma lenses, if possible. Thanks.
Your videos are pushing me towards A Canon 400 or 100-400 because of size and weight. I have a Sigma 150-500 that I love but it is a beast to carry.
The sweater that you were wearing in the first scene is awesome Tony. What store did you get it from?
***** I don't know, but I'll ask Chelsea on the live show today. It was a birthday gift.
Thanks for a hard work! Interestingly the sharpness of Canon 100-400 makes up for 200mm on a tele-end... how do you explain that?
Nice test, on market are sigma 100-400 and tamron also. What is better to choose compared to canon 400mm L prime ? I have m6mk2 body.
Thank you so much for this review. I'm still on the fence about what zoom lens to buy. It will be my first and last. I want the reach of the 600mm, but I still am not sure if it outweighs the sharpness and the faster af you get with the 100-400mm. If you knew that you could only choose one lens and that you would never be able to buy another... which would you buy? I have a 90D. I also use a monopod or tripod. Thank you!
You would make so much money selling a poster of 3:34...
I like your approach for this video. I bought a 400 5.6 after watching a couple of your older videos last spring and i love it. Then i bought a used 7d, then i had no money..thanks, Northrups...
For birding, how important (or not) is the extra 200 mm reach on the Tamron (or Sigma)? Or, put another way, is 400 mm enough and why?
CEH All the comparison shots were scaled to 600mm. The two Canons were still sharper than the Tamron and Sigma, even cropped and scaled from 400mm.
Tony Northrup Thanks! This gives great confidence in 300 f4 PF for birding :)
Tony & Chelsea Northrup Could you tell me what if you do the comparsion at 400mm? I think the sigma is sharper at this focal length than at the end. I would like to know the difference between the canon 400 mm prime and the sigma 150-600 c if possible. I own the sigma and would be great to know it. thanks!!
Hi Chelsea, how were you able to get a tack sharp photo when shooting from a moving car? I've tried before and all I got was one blurry mess. Thanks for all the awesome tips from you and Tony!
perfectforehand We usually stop before shooting
mmmm that Sigma 150-600 is the stuff of dreams! I was surprised, last night I saw another video about it, reviewing it in comparison to the Tamron, I figured it would be another one of those $3k+ lenses... looked it up. $2k?! I was absolutely shocked. Now if only I was working full-time and not still paying off my 24-70 f2.8 II USM L glass...
When photographing birds/nature, I use a Canon 7D Mark II and Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 L IS USM. One time there was a hawk perched up on a poll maybe about 10 feet up in the air, staring at a squirrel who was acting as a statue on the side of a tree. Needless to say, this was one of the best opportunities to get photographs of a bird EVER. It was SO CLOSE!
I bought your SDP book, actually, I think you guys said there were forums or a Facebook group where people could upload their pictures for others to critique?
Thanks! :D -Alex
I also made a video several months back with a shout-out to you guys in it!
Tony & Chelsea thank you for all your magnific videos. I have learned more from you about photography than any other source by far. You are the best! I was wondering if you have any knowledge on how the sharpness of the Sigma 150-600mm contemporary compares to the lenses reviewed in this video. I just got the contemporary and I am disappointed with the sharpness, specially above 400mm. I am a beginner on wildlife photography. I am almost sure my issue is not focus or shake. I tried wide open and also tried closing the aperture to f/8 or f/9. My ISO is quite low between 100 and 400 and my camera is APS-C with 24MP (Canon T6i). I am trying to decide if I should return the lens. I also own a Canon 55-250mm STM which I've been using for bird photography. When I fill the frame with a bird at 250mm on the Canon EF-S STM lens it appears sharper than when I fill the frame with the same sized bird (standing farther from the subject) at 400mm with the Sigma.
In addition to the issues with sharpness (soft pictures) I am also disappointed with the lack of contrast and washed out colors I get with this lens. This article ( photographylife.com/what-is-ghosting-and-flare ) explains ghosting and flaring and has a sample picture from a Sigma zoom lens and explains that complex lenses with many elements tent to have more ghosting and flaring which I believe I have witnessed with this Sigma lens a LOT - compared with the clear images I get from my Canon 55-250mm EF-S STM.
I use the 150-600mm on a 7d mark ii and a 5D iii. My copy is very sharp even at the longest focal lengths on both bodies.
At the risk of sounding patronising, using this kind of lens on a crop body is challenging, especially hand-held, those 24mp crammed onto a smaller senser (and with those longer effective focal lengths with that 1.6 crop) require practiced technique and fast shutter speeds with higher iso's. I encourage you to buy the Sigma dock if you haven't already, change the stabilisation to 'Dynamic' and check the focusing adjustments to make sure the lens isn't front or back focusing. Lock it off on a tripod, and use mirror lock-up and a dely to check for focus accuracy.
It's worth persevering, the type of photography you are trying to do is not easy but well worth it in the end.
There is of course always the issue of copy variation, you may have got a lemon.
Here's one of my recent shots with the 7d ii and Sigma 150-600mm C hand-held. Hope some of this helps.
www.flickr.com/photos/53401230@N06/31341550306/in/dateposted-public/
Thanks. Nice picture. Pretty sharp. That looks similar to what I got I think - maybe a bit sharper. I spent only one day with the lens at Merrit Island in Florida - I was super excited until I got home and started looking at the pictures. Sharpness can be quite subjective unless you are comparing the exact same subject with same lightning, distance, camera settings etc. At 600mm perhaps even atmospheric conditions can affect. I did get quite a few great shots with this lens, however, I noticed that after the 400mm the pictures were significantly less sharp. It almost seemed that cropping an image taken at 400mm looked better than one taken at 600mm. Looking closely at the pictures I ruled out focus issues. When you have bad focus you can still see some areas of your subject that are completely sharp (unless you completely missed the focus). I ruled out camera shake or motion blur because I took dozens and dozens of shots, and my shutter was at or above 1/1000th. Perhaps I needed 1/1600th. And the Dock would have probably improved it. I just wasn't sure about the sellers return policy so I did not want to risk being stuck with the lens if I took longer to return it. Overall however, the lens seemed very good, specially considering the price. Here are some of the shots I took with this lens (Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary). Some of the shots are considerably cropped. www.flickr.com/photos/david-marquez/albums/72157679207252245