Sensible solution for airshow/spotting.

Major

Major

Suspended / Banned
Messages
403
Name
Tom
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi folks.

Finally, after 4 year break, I will be attending RIAT, this time as a paying customer :). Due to my own stupidity and some t**t I have lost my gear, so will need to purchase lens for mentioned event.

Now I know it has been discussed many times and did a research, but info I find is very contradicting.

Lens will be used on my last body remaining (D5100). So far I have never shot anything longer than 70-300VR. So now the question is quite simple - which lens do I go for, having budget limited to 800GBP?

Tamron 150-600 G1 is what I am considering at the moment, but never used third party glass. Some people like it, some hate it. Now I do realise it will not give me top quality image, but will it give me similar results to N70-300VR?

If not Tamron, what other lenses should I consider? I have seen some second hand N300 f4, slightly over my budget AF-S 80-400 and of course Sigma 150-600 C. Am I missing any other useable glass?

In the worst case scenario I will get another 70-300VR and go with that, now that I don't work at the show I will have more time to shoot so should bring some keepers, but let's face it, this lens is far too short for airshows in UK.

This should give you an idea what results I'd be happy with. RIAT 2014, D5100, N70-300VR

40195704460_17c61dbaa2_b.jpg


28131035378_3533fd36e6_b.jpg


40195701580_9179cff796_b.jpg


41103110965_f980077ae5_b.jpg



Would be lovely if my photos were not massively cropped, hence I look for more reach :). Thanks in advance for any pointers.

Regards
Tom
 
Might be worth looking for a used Nikkor 200-500mm f5.6, I ran this side by side with the newer Nikkor 80-400mm for few months and ended up selling the 80-400mm.

About 60% of my shots are aviation related.

GC
 
Thank you GC.

Could you tell me what does the long end look like? Is there a considerable loss of sharpness? What would be the longest useful focal lenght? I remember it being about 250 in 70-300VR, is it the case with 200-500? And also how slow can you go handheld for props? And is it weather sealed?
 
The Tamron 150-600 G2 is within your budget from a couple of ebay sellers. I've read reviews which rated it over the 200-500 Nikon.

I'm at RIAT this year too and facing almost exactly the same dilemma. I was just about set on the G2, only having a 70-300mm which I've found to lack reach at other shows. Looking at your pics, I'm now wondering whether to opt for the Tamron 100-400 and save a few £100s instead.
 
I've found the sharpness good up to around 450mm.

Not sure about weather-proofing, I've used it in light rain with no problems but don't think its in the same league as a much more expensive prime.

This was hand held at 1/160th in poor light:

41525902232_dc8798f3d3_b.jpg


GC
 
Tamron G2 and a hundred quid in your back pocket. E infinity.

I’ve been researching this over the Nikon 200-500 lately and the infinity corners on the Nikon are quite poor. But if your not using it as a landscape lens then I’d be inclined to get the Nikon.
 
I’ve got the Tamron 150-600mm and IQ is very good indeed up to 550mm, apparently sharper at the long end than the Nikon too.

I would also consider the Sigma 100-400mm too. Ok you’re sacrificing a bit at the long end (although it’s 600mm FOV on DX bodies) but it’s 1kg vs 1.9kg for the Tamron and 2.3kg for the Nikon. I used it at Silverstone and was happy with the results.
 
Thank you all for input.

Dominic
I've read a lot about Tamron recently (including one almost 200 pages thread on one forum) and some people do say it is sharper at 500 than 200-500. What worries me is dust gathering, loose fitting and few mentioned autofocus/metering problems. I don't expect Nikkor quality, but 800 quid is not exactly petty cash... As much as I did like shots of few chickens, I am not too sure yet.

Also thanks for mentioning Ebay, I wanted to go to local Jessops and try it on (as apparently quality of 3rd party glass varies from one piece to another), but G2 there is over a grand. Deffo something to think about.

GC
once again thanks for reply. Jolly good shot Sir! :D :)

Paul
that is good example, thank you. If you managed to shoot a bird handheld and get this result, I guess it will perform much better with aircraft - I found birds much more difficult to shoot...

Snerkler
Thank you for suggestion. I'm not really concerned about weight that much, but will read upon mentioned Sigma.

Edit:
Just checked E-Infinity, they don't have G2 or even G1 in stock...
 
Last edited:
I do quite a lot of plane spotting,
And my 2 main lenses are Tamron 150-600 and Tamron 70-300 Di VC,
70-300 mainly though as I’m relatively close to them on approach,
Great lens and pretty sharp at F8,
I’ll use my 600mm at Manchester when u want to get them departing on the furthest runway from where I am,
Personal choice really,
70-300 is around £300 new,
150-600 G2 highly recommended too,
Not sure about the G1 but there can’t be that much in it can there ?
 
Major said:
Thank you all for input.

Dominic
I've read a lot about Tamron recently (including one almost 200 pages thread on one forum) and some people do say it is sharper at 500 than 200-500. What worries me is dust gathering, loose fitting and few mentioned autofocus/metering problems. I don't expect Nikkor quality, but 800 quid is not exactly petty cash... As much as I did like shots of few chickens, I am not too sure yet.

Also thanks for mentioning Ebay, I wanted to go to local Jessops and try it on (as apparently quality of 3rd party glass varies from one piece to another), but G2 there is over a grand. Deffo something to think about.

GC
once again thanks for reply. Jolly good shot Sir! :D :)

Paul
that is good example, thank you. If you managed to shoot a bird handheld and get this result, I guess it will perform much better with aircraft - I found birds much more difficult to shoot...

Snerkler
Thank you for suggestion. I'm not really concerned about weight that much, but will read upon mentioned Sigma.

Edit:
Just checked E-Infinity, they don't have G2 or even G1 in stock...
Click to expand...
The Tamron is a dust pump tbh, although it doesn’t affect IQ. At least mine doesn’t and it must be getting on for 3 years old now if not more. If you look on my Flickr the Airbus from today (not the best light), and 99% of my Wildlife pics are with the Tamron.

I’ve not had any metering or autofocus issues, although once in a blue moon my D750 froze when using it. When I say once in a blue moon it’s happened twice off the top of my head. That’s over a 3 year or so period taking 10’s of thousands of pics with it.
 
Looks good Mike - another lens to read about then, thanks!

Snerkler
that's reasurring. Airbus looks good!
 
I have the sigma 150-600c which I use for bif and wildlife. I have also used it for air shows. It is a very capable lens. My advice is go and try them I did. My choice was a canon 100-400mk2 or the sigma. I went for the reach but both were excellent lenses. Hope this helps
 
Major said:
Liam, that Singapore looks awesome!
Click to expand...
The Tamron 150-600 G2 is a real nice lens,
Took me a while to decide on this one over the sigma equivalent and the G1,
But at the time I had the money so I went in for the G2,
I don’t regret it whatsoever,
I’m sure the G1 will be good also
 
Couple of RIAT shots in the gloom last year, both on the 200-500mm at around 430mm:

40197306680_c11919760a_b.jpg


40197305940_bf30878f15_b.jpg


And a TUI pig at Munich, don't forget there's a lot air in between you and the subject at this sort of distance and heat haze plays a much more substantial part than lens sharpness (although a bit of sun at Fairford would make a nice change!):

40197310520_4ecf7e5dfe_b.jpg


GC
 
Have you considered a used D800 and the tamron 70-300vc?

The d800 crops a lot and detail is fab! My stepdad had a 150-500 siggy on an 800 at goodwood and cropping in lost no detail at all! It was amazing
 
There's always the Sigma 150-600 C (not sport) which is reasonably light and the optics tend to be very good. I used to run the Sport version (weatherproofed and a lot heavier) on my Canon gear, but I believe the optics are the same on both lenses.
 
Mark
yeah, full frame was on the list in few weeks but since RIAT came in the way, I will need to wait with that a bit longer. Even used D800 and 70-300VC will be far out of my budget now as lens is not my only concern before show. Need to get SD cards, batteries, prepare motorcycle for long journey, show ticket etc.

Jason
good shots and very kind offer, thank you. I will try and find some free time before show, will keep you updated.

Wave01
good shot too, deffo something to consider.


Thank you all for posting.
 
Jelster said:
There's always the Sigma 150-600 C (not sport) which is reasonably light and the optics tend to be very good. I used to run the Sport version (weatherproofed and a lot heavier) on my Canon gear, but I believe the optics are the same on both lenses.
Click to expand...

Sigma C = 20 elements in 14 groups

Sigma S = 24 elements in 16 groups
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Tamron Gen 1 is plenty sharp enough for me. (Probably better looked at on Flickr as this forum seems to degrade the IQ of my images lately.)


DSC_6863 by TDG-77, on Flickr

DSC_1114-Edit by TDG-77, on Flickr


This is a 1:1 crop

DSC_0598 by TDG-77, on Flickr
 
Last edited:
Are you concerned about weight or size at all? Would you want to use the lens for anything else? Ive gone full circle starting with a 70-300 af-s then getting the 200-500, 80-400 and now the 70-300 af-p. For my intended use I struggle with the weight of the 200-500 walking about with it. A 70-300 is no problem.

The af-p is a nice improvement over the af-s.

QuestBADxfaSnProYcJxYVSqVpVGY38Lhvavr6hfQiiBYynUammKRjmHlPC2cmfwxl8ffbz8JTIFFlrUV4vv8PFzTxL2BKKSkE1POQC4krBvAFFql_D7B8Zc0YiZ76GAUeCNDvNKwqwHQANPFky3OC_gDFgYmQjuLYHTWJAvoBDthhDrMfULXZRoHnF2Md0Obysnedon5xYBRr3l6Q9pH29FynJvPtVwI8aI2ny1UEf1FzT6a6j44NeRa-AMZRwLqene9WqEMqowDDTrcx54Os-OhEx1lYyClcC9rouLTjA-EIwnxLnYkL2RtN8yPOHwZSQgqQAcUID8JxnftLVQrtHuA6x7hfo5LHOGUsEC55RiwbbX4RRYTuxUWGEtJXmvlua3jRhOrzdvhqO_pxme1GCqugoqKOcfpyzk9h52f06Qu8UxBVHqCa8Mx1HKQQiWOb4C52xC-1g8MNahMEOh4PEVqciOkhha0UBTMYwGbQglTXFtaaSFqVgjdIJ8zZDe0zrmIn6e3MC-E2-HQ6aTW3ccNwfzVCiYCwkrQuqx18QizHi4WngFEiWwz5rlzGDTv3sNWccGFw2ClX4pTSm9YRQ2B8hiphciNCkAyh5y=w1391-h1093-no

bdbGYwFn8AYnfWfJG5G2rlJnpLYwMhkab5W6zFK5eGXVi4rIdwCexqOFgYVmvi_MCHUrGWNm4yCpeIgEE9ELymPX13IOwePdbLQjIcR0Nz76BpnAeId33Zwyb4AzUlQOFu8Lz3K90nwB7R4MCOreoeM2Dze2LCV9kI4Kf3oZ2CzUHunKyRyomHJ38Ed9nXfO48knLdTSpVMfYyxR_3cF2KaPeEKHC5XtyJ5PB8ibcatfxexqpV34WBD55pBwwf9QHUkziv5nPPe-K_x3w-QVYr7ld2ksDjBSAXO-fyaDIfjTi6nu_EX9agZ-BYek_ApW0fh7lOxKXN6HA7NCHaKdYOCzNYYUXyFFJI6Hf86PMYOBwCe5aCVMf_yLtlqFHIP8poIpyvrXgN6BbrmGjqkA6vcuLkZVQDylYootz6RdHyDPEBfe71Kg6YsZa4rAAo3i3HiWyfCEdFFDngKkAbn72jpu7WLfDvfvrSYyUArkHn6fSNVQvKtt5BboQUPLRNUipavP5Av2XknZmstnaNwPLMm-y5p59MvWxiPE1D2NQftkgEv74vj39FT_IOIeRf49yKrIYbnCIwN8mlQXJ7iK8fI7Hlno5-_C0kC-KSrE=w1024-h1093-no
 
RichardMills said:
Are you concerned about weight or size at all? Would you want to use the lens for anything else? Ive gone full circle starting with a 70-300 af-s then getting the 200-500, 80-400 and now the 70-300 af-p. For my intended use I struggle with the weight of the 200-500 walking about with it. A 70-300 is no problem.

The af-p is a nice improvement over the af-s.

QuestBADxfaSnProYcJxYVSqVpVGY38Lhvavr6hfQiiBYynUammKRjmHlPC2cmfwxl8ffbz8JTIFFlrUV4vv8PFzTxL2BKKSkE1POQC4krBvAFFql_D7B8Zc0YiZ76GAUeCNDvNKwqwHQANPFky3OC_gDFgYmQjuLYHTWJAvoBDthhDrMfULXZRoHnF2Md0Obysnedon5xYBRr3l6Q9pH29FynJvPtVwI8aI2ny1UEf1FzT6a6j44NeRa-AMZRwLqene9WqEMqowDDTrcx54Os-OhEx1lYyClcC9rouLTjA-EIwnxLnYkL2RtN8yPOHwZSQgqQAcUID8JxnftLVQrtHuA6x7hfo5LHOGUsEC55RiwbbX4RRYTuxUWGEtJXmvlua3jRhOrzdvhqO_pxme1GCqugoqKOcfpyzk9h52f06Qu8UxBVHqCa8Mx1HKQQiWOb4C52xC-1g8MNahMEOh4PEVqciOkhha0UBTMYwGbQglTXFtaaSFqVgjdIJ8zZDe0zrmIn6e3MC-E2-HQ6aTW3ccNwfzVCiYCwkrQuqx18QizHi4WngFEiWwz5rlzGDTv3sNWccGFw2ClX4pTSm9YRQ2B8hiphciNCkAyh5y=w1391-h1093-no

bdbGYwFn8AYnfWfJG5G2rlJnpLYwMhkab5W6zFK5eGXVi4rIdwCexqOFgYVmvi_MCHUrGWNm4yCpeIgEE9ELymPX13IOwePdbLQjIcR0Nz76BpnAeId33Zwyb4AzUlQOFu8Lz3K90nwB7R4MCOreoeM2Dze2LCV9kI4Kf3oZ2CzUHunKyRyomHJ38Ed9nXfO48knLdTSpVMfYyxR_3cF2KaPeEKHC5XtyJ5PB8ibcatfxexqpV34WBD55pBwwf9QHUkziv5nPPe-K_x3w-QVYr7ld2ksDjBSAXO-fyaDIfjTi6nu_EX9agZ-BYek_ApW0fh7lOxKXN6HA7NCHaKdYOCzNYYUXyFFJI6Hf86PMYOBwCe5aCVMf_yLtlqFHIP8poIpyvrXgN6BbrmGjqkA6vcuLkZVQDylYootz6RdHyDPEBfe71Kg6YsZa4rAAo3i3HiWyfCEdFFDngKkAbn72jpu7WLfDvfvrSYyUArkHn6fSNVQvKtt5BboQUPLRNUipavP5Av2XknZmstnaNwPLMm-y5p59MvWxiPE1D2NQftkgEv74vj39FT_IOIeRf49yKrIYbnCIwN8mlQXJ7iK8fI7Hlno5-_C0kC-KSrE=w1024-h1093-no
Click to expand...
What’s the main differences you’re seeing with the AF-P 70-300mm over the G VR?
 
I've only used it on one outing so far but the results are impressive. Vr, af and sharpness are better than the af-s. And it's a bit lighter. (Although it does feel a bit more plasticy)
 
Last edited:
Richard, weight and size are not a problem. After RIAT I will keep the lens for other airshows/spotting - including high altitude spotting as I have fleet of Belugas flying over my house :). Last time I took pic of one I used DMC-FX35 and 15x60 binos....
 
Plenty of good advice above re. zooms.
All I would add is that I went a couple of years ago with a D500 and 300 PF + 1.4 tc and regretted not having a zoom.
This year i will take 70-300 AF-P as I want to do less photography and enjoy the show.
 
Had a Nikon 300mm f4 and that was a great lens. Obvious issue was not being able to zoom, not normally an issue as I would crop anyway but at times was too close at places like Old Warden. Great IQ, not too heavy and used, around £500.

The Sigma 100-300 f4 is supposed to be good.

I went from the Nikon to a Tamron 150-600, probably the G1 - a fine lens. IQ may not have been as great as the Nikon, but as I was shooting around f9 or f10 often it was very good. Any IQ difference could more be down to shooting at 1/200 at 600mm as opposed to 300mm. I would say that any IQ difference was marginal, and the lens very flexible. Used you can get this for £500 or so, get it and use it, if you don't like it sell it for a similar amount!
 
Sigma 120-300? Can be found used for around that money. Might even be able to get one a tad cheaper leaving room for a 1.4x TC
 
Sorry to hijack the thread but has anyone got experience of using both the Nikon 80-400mm G VR and either the Tamron 150-600mm or Sigma 150-600mm C and can comment on how the IQ compares please? I'm needing a long-ish zoom lens but wider than 150mm at the short end. I possible even want slightly wider than the Sigma 100-400mm hence why I'm looking at the Nikon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top