That is very useful information indeed.
I've no experience of the EOS R (I use a 6D and EOS 3 and EOS 30 film cameras, all of which my Sigma works OK on) so can only suggest you do an internet review or forum posting search for EOS R and each of the two Tamron and Sigma lenses, bearing in mind the Sigma's focus performance was improved by a firmware update after it was first launched, which was after quite a lot of the initial reviews were done. So perhaps try and find feedback from EOS R users within the last three years or so for a fair comparison with the Tamron version? Best of luck. finding something that suits.
That's a fair point, not sure what the impact of would be for landscapes and wildlife which will be the main uses.
It's a case of size (and weight) matters too, if the lens is too big and heavy, once the novelty wears off will you really want to take it with you on your trips into the countryside? I think there's been a few 150-600 lenses sold or gathering dust because of that factor. One of the reasons I decided to get the Sigma 100-400 was that it would fit in my existing camera bag and wasn't all that much larger than Canon EF 70-300 IS Mk II that I had at the time - a bit heavier and chunkier in girth, but nothing I wouldn't mind carrying. I'm glad I swapped though, that extra 100mm at the top end does make a difference.
should you wish to try one out (its in the classifieds)A mark 2 would be fab but my budget is nowhere near that sadly.The image quality of the Mk II is far superior to the mk I. What are you trying to photograph? It is a cracking lens but for some things does not have the reach that is normally required (eg birds).
Not a sales pitch but I have a mk II for sale, just down the A1
I believe that review was done before the firmware update I mentioned before, which apparently improved AF speed and image stabilisation - I can't comment as to whether or not this improved things significantly as I didn't try the lens before updating the firmware.
I think my mind is settled on this one so I will go in search of a Sigma 100-400mm.I believe that review was done before the firmware update I mentioned before, which apparently improved AF speed and image stabilisation - I can't comment as to whether or not this improved things significantly as I didn't try the lens before updating the firmware.
To give you an idea of expected image quality from the Sigma, here's one I took to test the depth of field at 400mm at f/6.3. This was once I'd fine tuned the focus (worth doing but needs the Sigma dock for this), with the point of focus being a newly installed electricity pole. This also shows how thin the DoF is at f/6.3 at 400mm, so perhaps less of a worry about it being f/6.3 at 400mm? (taken with a Canon 6D - click on the image to view full size in Flickr and to see shutter speed, ISO, etc.).
Plus another test shot at 315mm at f/6.3.
I did the research too, some said the Sigma was slightly better at 400mm, the Tamron was reputedly slightly sharper in the centre of the image but the Sigma was more consistent across the full frame. Some maintained the AF was better at tracking fast moving objects on the Tamron (using a DSLR), but I believe that was before the Sigma got the firmware update, similar story with the OS (image stabilisation). As mentioned previously, the Sigma zoom turns the same way as Canon zooms, the Tamron turns the opposite way, which you may find annoying. The Sigma also allegedly offers more 'tweakability' with its Sigma dock system, including a 4 position fine tuning facility for the focus. The Tamron has full weatherproofing where the Sigma has partial weatherproofing, but I don't take my kit out in the rain or use it in dusty conditions, so weatherproofing wasn't a deciding factor for me. However, I believe the Tamron is more expensive than the Sigma, unless there's an offer on somewhere.Aaaarrrggghhhhh..............
I believe the Mk1 Canon EF 100-400 was reputed to be a bit of a dust magnet too, possibly due to the trombone push/pull zoom system? I've never owned one so can't confirm that, but decided to go down the Sigma/Tamron type route due to size and weight rather than a buying a used Mk1 EF, which are getting on a bit age wise too - whether Canon still support this lens if it comes to a repair, service or spare parts is perhaps another consideration?
I've decided and put a wanted ad up for a Sigma.I did the research too, some said the Sigma was slightly better at 400mm, the Tamron was reputedly slightly sharper in the centre of the image but the Sigma was more consistent across the full frame. Some maintained the AF was better at tracking fast moving objects on the Tamron (using a DSLR), but I believe that was before the Sigma got the firmware update, similar story with the OS (image stabilisation). As mentioned previously, the Sigma zoom turns the same way as Canon zooms, the Tamron turns the opposite way, which you may find annoying. The Sigma also allegedly offers more 'tweakability' with its Sigma dock system, including a 4 position fine tuning facility for the focus. The Tamron has full weatherproofing where the Sigma has partial weatherproofing, but I don't take my kit out in the rain or use it in dusty conditions, so weatherproofing wasn't a deciding factor for me. However, I believe the Tamron is more expensive than the Sigma, unless there's an offer on somewhere.
All in all, I don't think you can probably put a cigarette paper between them in terms of real world use for landscape and casual wildlife (rather than lightning fast AF and tracking, where the MkII Canon 100-400L should really shine). With such apparently minor optical differences between the Sig and Tam, any 'advantage' one allegedly has over the other may well vary with individual copies of each mass-produced lens. Results from a well-tuned and accurately focussing lens should always look better than one that's slightly off straight out of the box.
I also like the colour and contrast of photos taken with my Sigma lens, which might be a factor if you compare some 'unprocessed' shots from each lens when used on a Canon - a Flickr search might help there, but as we know, not everyone uploads full-size, unaltered photos to Flickr, and you need to compare like with like. So there's another hour or so of your life that you won't get back looking at that lot!
It might be better to see if Wex, MPB, or other such well-established 'shops' have a mintish used one is stock, as you should get some warranty with it then.I've decided and put a wanted ad up for a Sigma.
So just a waiting game now.
Thanks for all your help
2nd hand stocks are thin on the ground as are brand new ones.
OK, best of luck and I hope you like the lens when you get one.
Was it maybe a bad copy you got as certainly there are plenty sample images showing it to fair pretty sharp at the long end of the zoom?
It was before they introduced the Sport / Contemporary / Art designations, so probably a previous version, and possibly a bad copy.
That would make sense as I used to have the old Signa 50-500mm and it was soft at the long end too.
www.sigmaphoto.com
The way I read that article is that the 100-400mm is on the compatible list but a couple of in camera settings will need to be adjusted for optimum usability -I would make sure you check the compatibility of the 3rd party lenses with the EOS R.
When I moved to the RP earlier this year I had two Tamron lenses, the 70-300 VC worked straight off without a problem. But the Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro VC didn't work, so I had to send it off to have the firmware updated. This was free of charge and now it works fine on the RP.
Take a look at the Tamron site to see about compatibility: https://www.tamron.eu/service/service-news/
I would be careful about the Sigma models too.
The 100-400 is not on their list of compatible lenses:
Annoyingly, I had access to a Sigma 100-400 recently, but didn't try it on my RP.SIGMA Corporation of America | SIGMA Corporation of America
Sigma Corporation of America is a subsidiary of the Sigma Corporation, a Japanese based family owned manufacturer of DSLR cameras, camera lenses and camera accessories. Founded in 1961, Sigma Corporation prides itself on high quality and innovative photographic equipment
If you can find a store that has one in stock, I would go and test it.
Yes, sounds like a different lens, are you sure it wasn't the 120-400? We're discussing the current model Sigma 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary (who thinks of these names!).
