100-400mm, on Nikon. Tamron or Sigma ?

Hello

Recently had a Sigma 150-600 C, after few months I sold it almost new - I found it too big & heavy for mountains trekking.

So, I want to buy something like 100-400, but as more as I read reviews, I'm more and more undecided... I am gonna using it on Nikon d800e, and I still have a Tamron 70-200, which I intend to sell it if the 100-400 suits better. The use it's non pro, will be used on trips (mountains or city breaks - yes, I know, but I took some great shots in Budapest few years back, with my beloved 70-200 ) .

Any advice ? If you use/have them both, it's even better.

Thank you !

Thank you four feedback.
O thought about Nikon, but I am afraid that I'll always want that extra 100mm
I'll go tomorrow to try them, I'll let you know the verdict

I am CTz wrote:

Thank you four feedback.
O thought about Nikon, but I am afraid that I'll always want that extra 100mm
I'll go tomorrow to try them, I'll let you know the verdict

Have the AF-P 70-300 VR DX and the Sigma 100-400 C, and while the AF-P is outstanding at around 135, according to Lenstip (and I agree), the Sigma is my favorite.

I also have the Beast, the Sigma 150-600 S, which wins in almost all ways (focusing speed, weather-resistance, sharpness at long distance, and so on. Alas, the advantage of low weight make the smaller Sigma so much preferable. To me, the Sigma 100-400 C is a great compromise between the two others.

For BIF the Beast is the best, and you get free exercise, too!

The Tamron can pair with lens collar.

rich_cx139 wrote:

as @beavertown has just posted

the sigma does not have a tripod collar and does not sell one for the 100-400

there are two aftermarket sokutions

- chinese ones that for not allow you to rotate the lens from portrait to landscape

- a 3D printed one from a guy in germany that does allow rotation: ( canon and nikon versions available )

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tripod-100-400mm-version-Portrait-position/dp/B07GCX56GM

it is also available from ebay

https://www.ebay.de/itm/Stativschelle-fur-Sigma-100-400-Neue-Version-erlaubt-Potrait/283534243551?hash=item4203f536df:g:OxsAAOSwAMBcm-xo

I don’t use tripods with this lens

I have a short monopod attached, non-rotatable mount that I have described a lot of times, consisting of an ARCA-Swiss-style rail, bolted in the camera (the normal way), and some Velcro-like tape (single-sex, so no male and female parts, it simply attaches to itself), on the lens barrel, and on the extreme end of the rail.

I usually carry my lens inverted and carry it by the monopod, but that stresses the bolt. and the bolt mount, so I added a minimum stretch string around the barrel, and through the monopod head. That makes a great offloading for the bolt and acts as a safety-line, should the bolt fracture. There is a slight give in this setup so it is possible to change the camera or add a TC, if need be, without untying the thread.

The 'velcro' also works as a distance, so that the manual focusing ring doesn't come in contact with the rail, should I want to use it.

The reason I use the monopod is that I rest the bottom of it in my lap when sitting waiting for birds. It improves the chances to get a shot a lot, as I need not move as much as otherwise, and I have problems turning my left hand (probably a childhood trauma, and my parents didn't send me to a doctor), thus cradling a lens in my left hand is almost impossible.

Hello

I bought Tamron 100-400, let's see how it's going
I tested it for few shots last week-end, it looks promising, but I didn't have too much time. I'll reply with more impressions as soon as I have some time to test it...

Thank you for your opinions.

Cheers !

I am CTz wrote:

so so so beautiful.

Thank you very much !