Compatibility of Nikon D500 and new Tamron SP150-600 G2 Lens?

[GDocBirder]

I've been thinking about the D500 and the Tam. G2 lens. I understand (from the Tamron EU page which has a pull down of all compatible cameras) that there may be a compatibility issue with the new lens and the D500. Something about needing to be an AF lens as the camera has no internal AF motor? Has anyone else heard this or know what the situation is? Thanks

 

[GDocBirder]

Here a link to the Tamron web page that shows compatible Nikon Cameras. http://www.tamron.eu/lenses/sp-150-600mm-f5-63-di-vc-usd-g2/

Thanks for you reply.

 

[rwingsfan]

Can't totally answer your question but my D500 has a internal AF motor

 

[GDocBirder]

Thanks rwingsfan. That's a good start! I've been researching camera/lens combo's for quite sometime to replace my P610 for birding and the D500 coupled with the new Tamron 150-600 G2 looked great, assuming they really are compatible.

 

[JimPearce]

The D500 isn't on the list: just a weird oversight on Tamron's part. Note the inclusion of the D500 here: http://www.tamron.ca/introducing-pinnacle-ultra-telephoto-zoom/

 

[JimPearce]

This lens doesn't use the camera's internal autofocus motor.

--
Jim

 

[GDocBirder]

Thanks Jim. That makes me feel better.

 

[GDocBirder]

This lens doesn't use the camera's internal autofocus motor.

 

[n057]

This lens doesn't use the camera's internal autofocus motor.

 

[GDocBirder]

JC, Great explanation. Thank you.

 

[vbuhay]

I've been thinking about the D500 and the Tam. G2 lens. I understand (from the Tamron EU page which has a pull down of all compatible cameras) that there may be a compatibility issue with the new lens and the D500. Something about needing to be an AF lens as the camera has no internal AF motor? Has anyone else heard this or know what the situation is? Thanks

I got the G2 on Friday Sep. 30th intending to use with my D500:

Beach Test shots - The Wedge

Todays test shots Bolsa Chica Wetlands with D750 + Tamron 150-600 G2:

Initial impression is that its not any different at 600mm than G1???? I need to further test, and yes I did AFFT.

 

[ASR45]

I've been thinking about the D500 and the Tam. G2 lens. I understand (from the Tamron EU page which has a pull down of all compatible cameras) that there may be a compatibility issue with the new lens and the D500. Something about needing to be an AF lens as the camera has no internal AF motor? Has anyone else heard this or know what the situation is? Thanks

I got the G2 on Friday Sep. 30th intending to use with my D500:

That is one heck of a beast, would not like to hand hold that for long.

Beach Test shots - The Wedge

Todays test shots Bolsa Chica Wetlands with D750 + Tamron 150-600 G2:

Initial impression is that its not any different at 600mm than G1???? I need to further test, and yes I did AFFT.

--
Alan.
Great photography is about depth of feeling, not depth of field.
- Peter Adams
Believe in Karma.

 

[GDocBirder]

Vbuhay,

Thanks for the reply. Nice shots. I appreciate the insight. You say impression was no difference from G1. I assume you mean IQ? What about AF if it faster?

Thanks

 

[JimPearce]

Vic, it looks like I'll need to buy that 500mm f4 E for my close-up work (w/ TC-14E) unless this lens improves greatly when stopped down a little.

 

[vbuhay]

Vbuhay,

Thanks for the reply. Nice shots. I appreciate the insight. You say impression was no difference from G1. I assume you mean IQ? What about AF if it faster?

Thanks

Yes I mean IQ, I could not say yes or no with AF speed, I have not have enough time with it yet. Initial impression is that its about the same or a little better. I still have both G1 and G2 so I will test them side by side.

Regarding weight and bulk, I find that G2 is the lightest or is easiest to handle for Birding of all the super zooms, which includes, the Nikon 200-500, Sigma 150-600 S and C, and Tamron G1. I am a bit apprehensive as to the IQ, I am not sure if my copy is finely tuned yet IQ Wise, the TAP in Console (for Nikon) was not available yet with my local store, might need some adjustment with that device.

The Flex Lock for any focal length is nice....this work business is getting on the way of testing this lens.

 

[vbuhay]

Vic, it looks like I'll need to buy that 500mm f4 E for my close-up work (w/ TC-14E) unless this lens improves greatly when stopped down a little.

 

[sh00t3r]

Vic, it looks like I'll need to buy that 500mm f4 E for my close-up work (w/ TC-14E) unless this lens improves greatly when stopped down a little.

 

[vbuhay]

Vic, it looks like I'll need to buy that 500mm f4 E for my close-up work (w/ TC-14E) unless this lens improves greatly when stopped down a little.

--
Jim

I have only been out with this lens twice, not enough time to make any conclusion but my initial impression is underwhelming IQ wise as compared to Nikon 200-500, Sigma Sport. I am hoping that the TAP-In console will let me adjust the lens properly. It is still not available with my local store (it has been released and is available from Tamron). On with the testing....

Thanks for the initial impressions. Sounds like it might not be so hot? Mine is coming tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes. If it's not as sharp wide open at 600mm as the 200-500 is at 500mm, I have a feeling I'll probably be returning. The initial specs made this sound really impressive, but maybe it's not living up to the expectations?

Its only been out twice so can't make a definitive conclusions. Note that I still do not have the TAP-In console which might be required to optimize IQ, if The TAP-in console does not do it, I will need to have it sent back to Tamron for them to make the adjustments. I did that with my second G1 copy to get it really sharp. The first copy I had was perfect - really sharp, unfortunately it was stolen from my car trunk....so this is actually my third copy of the Tammy -2 G1 and 1 G2.....samples from my very first one which is my point of reference:

 

[vbuhay]

Vic, it looks like I'll need to buy that 500mm f4 E for my close-up work (w/ TC-14E) unless this lens improves greatly when stopped down a little.

 

[StillLearning]

Wait until you've had a chance to see if fine tuning with the TAP changes anything. When I had the SIgma 150-600 C it was okay out of the box but was improved after I used the USB Dock with it.