New Lens! (Tamron super zoom)

[Limbwalker]

Monday, I had a meeting in Houston, and thought I'd go in early to see if Houston Camera Exchange had an clean used 100-400L or 400 5.6L lenses. I've been very happy with my 200-500 Tamron for the past year and a half, but it was mainly just to see if I wanted to spend more $ on a wildlife lens, or not. For the $450 investment, that 200-500 Tamron was a much better lens than I expected, and I enjoyed using it a lot.

But when I discovered Tamron was coming out with the 150-600 with Vibration Correction (VC), I was intrigued. Esp. since the brand new price was just over $1K - about what I'd spend on a used 100-400L or 400 5.6L anyway.

But they have been so hard to find that I figued I was going to get the first of the three I could lay my hands on for a good price.

Monday was a sign, I guess, since HCX didn't have either of the L lenses, but they did just get in the Tamron! I figure someone was trying to tell me something, so I traded in my 200-500 and bought the new lens.

That evening, I was at the Houston Zoo for the last hour of the day, and had a chance to run around and take some photos. These were all hand-held in very low light. A tough test for a 600mm lens on a 1.6x crop body! (50D).

Here's what I came up with. I was more than satisfied. I think I made a good decision. More to follow for sure!

BTW, these are small jpegs straight out of the camera - no PP at all.

[Mike D]

Wow! Great pics!

What is the f stop range on that lens?

And how big is it?

[Snakelover]

You're killing me!

Because mine is still on backorder!

[Bill M]

You're killing me!

Because mine is still on backorder!

LOL David. Hope you get it sooner than later.

Those are really good shots John. I got a look at this lens when shooting the white hummingbird in August. I would like to own it as well but would work to trade my current long lens, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM for it. I'm going to have to wait until they are readily available though.

[Limbwalker]

Sorry Snakelover! I truly wasn't expecting Houston Camera Exchange to even have one as I knew they were on backorder all over the place, including B&H - where I usually shop. I nearly placed an order for one months ago there, but decided I liked my 200-500 just fine.

Well, then I borrowed a buddy's 100-400 that was noticeably sharper than mine, and figured it was time to upgrade. I honestly was looking for a used 100-400 when the guy behind the counter said "you know we just got in a Tamron 150-600..." to which I replied "REEEAAAAAALLLLYYYYY... ?!?"

Mike, that 150-600 is a F5-6.3 lens

I had it out again today and I'm digging the extra reach on the short end as much as I am on the long end.

And yea, it's friggin' sharp as heck. Easily as sharp as that 100-400 I borrowed.

Here's a couple from today...

[Snakelover]

I'm happy you were able to get one. And I can be patient. I just hope Tamron keeps building them right and doesn't start cutting any corners to try to catch up with demand. B&H keeps sending me order status emails saying it's still on backorder. Of course, every time they do that, I open the email hoping to read, "Your order has shipped."

Nice pics!

[Hillary]

Sounds like I need to put one on back order

[Limbwalker]

I'd keep checking in with Houston Camera Exchange and see if they have another (I forgot to ask, I was so excited about getting the one I have !) or will be getting another soon. Those are great folks there. I've had a good experience every time I've walked in that place.

[bowhuntertex]

Now I want a new lense that I don't really need but could really use.

[Limbwalker]

A few from yesterday afternoon. The hawk was sitting on my back yard fence when I got home, trying to catch sparrows off my neighbor's feeders.

[Grand Passage]

I have been doing quite a bit of reading on this lens, and now I want one.

Sigma is coming out with 2 new lenses to compete with the Tamron, but look to be more expensive.

[Limbwalker]

Yea, it's pretty impressive, but I have to admit I'm not digging the added weight vs. my old 200-500. This thing weighs 2x as much at about 4.5 lbs. I was used to my 2.5 lb. lens, I guess.

BTW, all those images are jpeg's straight from the camera with maybe a little crop. No sharpening done at all, so they would only get better if I knew how to do the least bit of PP. That's something I just haven't learned yet.

[Casey]

Looks like it's working well for you!! There is a lot of buzz about this lens. Keep sharing your pics from it.

[R Herline Jr]

Those are very impressive pictures

[Bill M]

I would like to see these stocked. I would be willing to trade my Canon L glass for this lens.