Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 DI IF VC USD (2 Viewers)

[cango]

Otherwise my best advice is to forget that you have 500 or 600 mm and get as close as possible to the birds without scaring them. I think that is the biggest mistake that most new owners make with longer lenses. They think that if they have longer glass that they do not need to get as close. I totally disagree. All of my best pics have been through close approach, good light and a steady hand. Very few of my large crops have results anywhere close to the shots when I was close.

Hope that helps.

the best accessory to a long lens is a camo suite and stalking classes ;-)

 

[hosesbroadbill]

close approach yields results!

the best accessory to a long lens is a camo suite and stalking classes ;-)

Love that quote.

Put it to good use today as I wore green and slowly approached a flock of sleeping Shovelers. I am very happy with the results. These are both at 600mm, hand held. Good light but a bit bright. Foliage in the background made for beautiful colors. Saturation is out of camera. Only upped the contrast to 8 in DPP, and the other contrast to -4 (to dull the white flanks). Also brought the highlights to -1.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/120553232@N02/15782834745/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/120553232@N02/15784363342/in/photostream/

And while I sat still shooting the ducks these 2 sparrows came to check me out

https://www.flickr.com/photos/120553232@N02/15162845653/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/120553232@N02/15162377184/in/photostream/

I'll say it again. This lens is great. I don't understand those that call it soft. Maybe they shake too much while shooting?

 

[nick scarle]

I've watched this thread for quite since the lens was launched and eventually decided to trade in my old sigma 120-300 for the new Tamron. I was looking for something a bit lighter to hand hold and also provide the reach of a 600mm without using a 2x converter. The lens only arrived in the first week of October - about 4 days before my trip to Brazil - so I had no chance to play around with it beforehand. However, I decided to take it along (instead of the Canon 100-400) and just learn with it on the hoof.
The first couple of days were a bit frustrating trying to get to grips with the new lens - especially with 44C heat providing lots of humidity and haze! - but I found my shots improved as the trip went on and I ended up very happy that I'd bought the lens and taken it with me. I'm sure the number of 'keepers' is greater than either the Sigma or Canon that I've used before and some of the best ones were surprisingly good in some tricky situations - like the Green-and-Rufous Kingfisher below which was hand-held from a moving boat at 1/13th second!
Overall, obviously the lens is best in good light and on a tripod where possible but the opportunity remains for the versatility of hand-holding in more difficult situations and still getting some decent results.

Nick

 

[hosesbroadbill]

Welcome

I've watched this thread for quite since the lens was launched and eventually decided to trade in my old sigma 120-300 for the new Tamron. I was looking for something a bit lighter to hand hold and also provide the reach of a 600mm without using a 2x converter. The lens only arrived in the first week of October - about 4 days before my trip to Brazil - so I had no chance to play around with it beforehand. However, I decided to take it along (instead of the Canon 100-400) and just learn with it on the hoof.
The first couple of days were a bit frustrating trying to get to grips with the new lens - especially with 44C heat providing lots of humidity and haze! - but I found my shots improved as the trip went on and I ended up very happy that I'd bought the lens and taken it with me. I'm sure the number of 'keepers' is greater than either the Sigma or Canon that I've used before and some of the best ones were surprisingly good in some tricky situations - like the Green-and-Rufous Kingfisher below which was hand-held from a moving boat at 1/13th second!
Overall, obviously the lens is best in good light and on a tripod where possible but the opportunity remains for the versatility of hand-holding in more difficult situations and still getting some decent results.

Nick

I love the puffbird shot. I can also tell you from first hand experience that with time the shots will get better and better.

 

[Winterdune]

How are you finding the 7d mkii hosesbroadbill? Are you experiencing the battery life problems being reported on another thread?

Also, does the Tamron come with a lens hood or did you buy one? Do you use one?

Cheers
Sean

 

[hosesbroadbill]

7d Mark ii

How are you finding the 7d mkii hosesbroadbill? Are you experiencing the battery life problems being reported on another thread?
Cheers
Sean

Love this camera. It is much better than my 70d. It is way faster. Focus accuracy is much better as is the focus system as well. Image quality is a step up. Low light performance is better. Build qualify is better. The Tamron focuses extremely quickly with it. And the custom buttons really help in not missing shots.

The battery definitely runs out quicker than my 70d. But really depends on what you do. I went out the other day and shot 700 shots. Still had battery left and it was not on a full charge to begin with. So is that really a complaint? Pretty easy to buy a second battery or even a grip if you need more than that in a day.

 

[Winterdune]

Thanks. Another question if I may: did the Tamron come with a lens hood or did you buy one? Do you use one?

 

[jimthomson]

Thanks. Another question if I may: did the Tamron come with a lens hood or did you buy one? Do you use one?

It comes with a lens hood.

 

[hosesbroadbill]

Comes with a hood

Thanks. Another question if I may: did the Tamron come with a lens hood or did you buy one? Do you use one?

It is a very light weight and cheap looking hood but it is sturdier than it seems. And I use it all the time to prevent sun glare on lens. Also use it to protect the lens while walking around and birding as I don't keep lens cap on unless it is being stored in my bag.

When the sun is shining like in shots like this I think the hood is invaluable.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/120553232@N02/15598897507/

 

[nick scarle]

Here are a few more from my recent trip to Brazil ...

Nick

 

[Stephen Mark]

Nick can you and Hosesbroadbill please stop posting pictures till after Christmas? I can't buy presents and that lens before 12/25/14 and you two have me drooling!
Steve

 

[hosesbroadbill]

Brazil trip

Here are a few more from my recent trip to Brazil ...

Nick

Why wasn't I envited on this trip? Wow!! Looks like you had an amazing time. Where did you go? I really like the eagle, parrot and jaguar, but the owl shot is really nice.

 

[Winterdune]

Yes great trip! Where were the eagle and the jaguar?

 

[hosesbroadbill]

7Dii and Tamron

Got out again a bit before work today with the new camera and the Tamron. I can honestly say that every time I use the Tamron I think I like it more. For those of you that are still on the fence I think you should order it.

Here are some shots I got today with it. All handheld and processed in DPP as usual.

A few of an Eastern Phoebe

https://www.flickr.com/photos/120553232@N02/15643460507/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/120553232@N02/15643723010/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/120553232@N02/15208761083/in/photostream/

A Cardinal

https://www.flickr.com/photos/120553232@N02/15643645230/in/photostream/

A Blue Jay

https://www.flickr.com/photos/120553232@N02/15829976642/in/photostream/

A Common Grackle

https://www.flickr.com/photos/120553232@N02/15643119377/in/photostream/

And a Squirrel

https://www.flickr.com/photos/120553232@N02/15643273847/in/photostream/

 

[wardy11]

Well I've climbed off the fence after watching all the posts for some time - I ordered the Tamron and it arrived yesterday.
I tried it out in the garden as soon as it arrived and have to say that so far it's looking good.
I've previously used my 7D with a Canon 400 f5.6 so it will have some competition but I finally gave in and have gone for the extra range that the Tammy offers.
First impressions are that it compares at 400 so I'm happy with my decision.
I'll give it a real test over the weekend but my worries about AF speed seem to have been dispelled already so I'm a happy chap!!

 

[Paul Jarvis]

Is the af speed as quick as the 400 then?

 

[wardy11]

It appears to be Paul yes, I was surprised at that myself in view of some of the earlier comments in the thread. It may be that Tamron have reacted and improved the more recent models since it was fist introduced but I am genuinely happy with it so far.
I'd go so far as to say that I may unload my Canon lens if I continue to like the Tammy as much as I do at first impressions.

 

[nick scarle]

Why wasn't I envited on this trip? Wow!! Looks like you had an amazing time. Where did you go? I really like the eagle, parrot and jaguar, but the owl shot is really nice.

Yes indeed, an amazing trip! Went to the Pantanal (Jaguar is from Porto Jofre on the Cuiaba River) then Currupira das Araras (for the Harpy Eagle), Chapada dos Guimaraes is where we saw the Burrowing owls and the Seriema below. We finished up at Iguazu Falls (Black-fronted piping Guan and Tapirs attached).
Words just can't do it justice but I hope the photos give some impression of what a fantastic place it is!

Nick

 

[Winterdune]

Well I've climbed off the fence after watching all the posts for some time - I ordered the Tamron and it arrived yesterday.
I tried it out in the garden as soon as it arrived and have to say that so far it's looking good.
I've previously used my 7D with a Canon 400 f5.6 so it will have some competition but I finally gave in and have gone for the extra range that the Tammy offers.
First impressions are that it compares at 400 so I'm happy with my decision.
I'll give it a real test over the weekend but my worries about AF speed seem to have been dispelled already so I'm a happy chap!!

Great! A person with both lenses and a 7d under the steely Norfolk skies! Just what I was hoping for. Wardy if you are able to please could you take some small BIFs (mipits, skylarks) to compare the focus speed? I'm just about to climb off this particular fence too and success with these will give me the final nudge. Where did you buy yours?
Cheers
Sean (also in sunny Norfolk)

 

[wardy11]

Sean, I'll do that as soon as I can get out and about with the kit, hopefully this weekend commitments & weather permitting.
I got a great deal - Richmond Cameras on Flebay have a few left at £749.99 with free next day shipping, they are in London and seem genuine. I got mine yesterday at 10.30am after ordering at 1.30 pm on Tuesday!