Tamron 150-600 VS Sigma 150-600

Last April, we went to Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve. There we took the opportunity to test out some of our equipment that we rent out. We compared two fenomenal zoom lenses: The Sigma 150-600 Sport and the Tamron 150-600 GH2. Both lenses have an incredible zoom capacity and are quite small to carry.

These two zoomlenses are such a pleasure to work with. The zoom range is so big that you can take so many pictures with the same lens. For having such a zoom range with a low weight, you loose some light what results in a max aperture of 5 to 6.3. When we compared these lenses the first big difference is the difference in weight between the two lenses. The Tamron is 700 grams lighter.

When you are in the field an entire day, that weight can play a important role. We’ve solved this by using a monopod on the Sigma.
The solar cap is the second difference we noticed. The Sigma one is made out of metal what makes it feel more solid then the Tamron one. So the Sigma is quite more robust but makes the package heavier! Sand and dust are enemies for that equipment. We had the impression that Sigma could retain these enemies out of the lens better then the Tamron. When zooming with the Tamron one can lock the zoom at every step. That is a nice feature but the possibility of letting sand and dust into the lens becomes bigger.

Taking pictures. We used these lenses on a Nikon D7200. Immediately we have the benefit of the crop factor. We can multiply everything with 1,5 what makes the zoom longer. So that is nice present to begin with! We had the impression that the Sigma was reacting a little bit faster then the Tamron. While taking action photos that can count. The result. From both lenses the pictures were sharp and filled with beautiful colors. Both brands have produced good lenses that are quite easy to carry. The zoom range is what you look for when going on safari. You feel like a real photographer when you work with one of these lenses.

What to choose? 

Look at the weight difference between the lenses. While hiking the difference of 700 g can play an important role.
Dust and sand. When you are a very careful person, the plastic lens hood and the flex zoom lock of Tamron can’t be a big problem. Are you looking for a more robust and faster lens, go for the Sigma one.

Specs