Tamron 200-500 mm 5-6.3 LD IF lens

[mariakruse]

Has anyone used this lens? (Tamron 200-500 mm 5-6.3 LD IF lens) If so, what did you think of it? I was saving for the Canon 100-400 but this might be reachable sooner. I just don't want to waste money on a bad lens and will just save longer if need be. Mostly for birding shots and some other wildlife.
thank you,
maria kruse

[Brian Barcelos]

Hi Maria, This is the only long lens I own and I should have waited and bought the 400L for sure. The only advantage of this lens is the weight, I can hand hold it all day. IQ is the worst in the world but you have to stop down a bit to get decent results. If you plan on working with fast pace things such as birds in flight, the auto focus is terribly slow. If you have any specific questions let me now and I'll try to help you.
Brian

[mariakruse]

Thank you Brian,
You've saved me from a costly mistake. I have the canon 70-300 and a Tamron 1.4 teleconverter that works on it although I don't use the TC very much. I think I will save a bit more and get a Canon 400L or the 100-400mm . I do find the zooms to be convenient but I hear the IQ on the primes is so much better.
Again, thank you for the information.
maria kruse

[Alfred Forns]

Maria Another consideration when purchasing lenses is the re sale value !! Will be a huge difference between the two ... would wait for the 100-400 is a very good performer !!!

[mariakruse]

Thanks Alfred,
I can see that would be true. Hubby just got me the Canon 100mm for b'day and I can't ask for another lens within a month so I'll wait a few months and get the better lens. I hadn't thought about the resale value before. It's a consideration I shall be aware of from now on.
thank you,
maria kruse

[Dave Blinder]

Maria - I own this Tamron, have gotten a few decent keepers with it, but don't advise people to go out of their way for it. The Sigma zooms seem to have much better IQ and AF speed, from what I've seen and heard.

I use Canon L lenses now for wildlife.

[James Shadle]

I own and use the 200-500mm.
IMO IQ is better than the Sigma's, AF is slower than the Sigma's.

You must use good long lens technique to make sharp images.
It has no VR/IS/OS or VC.

One of the best value 500mm lenses on the market.

James

[mariakruse]

Than you Dave,
I'll wait for the Canon.
maria kruse

[Bob Decker]

would wait for the 100-400 is a very good performer !!!

Not to derail the thread but would you recommend this over the 400 5.6 Alfred?