Sigma or Tamron

[abender]

After doing some research on telephoto lenses, I came up with two lenses that fit my budget. I'm a hobbyist photographer in the beginning stages of DSLR. I have a Nikon D5000. My photography interests are nature wildlife w/a passion for birds. I really wished I could afford the Nikon lenses but I just can't. So, I've narrowed it down to two lenses (and if you have any other suggestions for me that would be great): Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6or the Tamron 200-500 f/5.0-6.3. Your opinions, comments, suggestions, etc. are most welcome. Thank you. Oh, I guess I should mention that the only lense I have at the moment is the Tamron 18-270mm.

[kgb224]

Originally Posted by abender

After doing some research on telephoto lenses, I came up with two lenses that fit my budget. I'm a hobbyist photographer in the beginning stages of DSLR. I have a Nikon D5000. My photography interests are nature wildlife w/a passion for birds. I really wished I could afford the Nikon lenses but I just can't. So, I've narrowed it down to two lenses (and if you have any other suggestions for me that would be great): Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6or the Tamron 200-500 f/5.0-6.3. Your opinions, comments, suggestions, etc. are most welcome. Thank you. Oh, I guess I should mention that the only lense I have at the moment is the Tamron 18-270mm.

Had problems with my Sigma lens.
It has been reolaced with a new lens in January and it is still up and working.
Go for the one which will fit your budget,but if money is no problem you could consider the lens which have the capacity to let more light in.

[bono]

The Tamron 200-500 won't work on your D5000. Your camera does not feature an integrated AF motor. So your only remaining choice is the Sigma.

[Aegea]

I'm pondering the same issue. My 70-300 just doesn't have the reach I'd like, and the Nikon glass is expensive. I'd really like a cheap but decent 500mm prime with AF and VR, but such a beast doesn't seem to exist. Failing that, I'm leaning towards a used Sigma 150-500 (if I can find one) - it's more expensive than either the 120-400 or the Tamron, but gets reasonable reviews, has Sigma's VR equivalent (OS), and has the built-in HSM focus motor. I'd be very interested to hear more opinions on this, though.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by Aegea

I'm pondering the same issue. My 70-300 just doesn't have the reach I'd like, and the Nikon glass is expensive. I'd really like a cheap but decent 500mm prime with AF and VR, but such a beast doesn't seem to exist. Failing that, I'm leaning towards a used Sigma 150-500 (if I can find one) - it's more expensive than either the 120-400 or the Tamron, but gets reasonable reviews, has Sigma's VR equivalent (OS), and has the built-in HSM focus motor. I'd be very interested to hear more opinions on this, though.

Isn't there a 1.4, 1.5x multiplier for your 70-300? that would get you to 450mm, double your f stop but if you're talking about getting an inexpensive 500mm it will be probably be even s l o w e r.

[Aegea]

zona5101 wrote:

Isn't there a 1.4, 1.5x multiplier for your 70-300?

Yes, I have a Tamron 1.4X. But the IQ is degraded to the point where it's no better than cropping the image at 300mm, plus the AF gets slow and flaky at f/8. Maybe a Nikon 14E would be better, but even used they're over $300, and would still only give me f/8. The Sigma 150-500 is f/6.3 @ 500mm.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by Aegea

zona5101 wrote:

Yes, I have a Tamron 1.4X. But the IQ is degraded to the point where it's no better than cropping the image at 300mm, plus the AF gets slow and flaky at f/8. .

ah...bummer.
Need to bring back the 500mm f8 mirror lenses that were abundent and inexpensive back in the day...