Forgot to mention the Tamron 150-500mm has a USBC port at the rear you can use for future firmware updates. Unfortunately, you can’t use the Tamron combined with Nikon TC’s 😢 I’m currently using the Nikon Z 180-600mm specifically for bird and wildlife photography. I make use of that extra 100mm reach. I also need that steady VR for recording video B roll handheld for all you good folk here on TH-cam 🙏📸
For 6 years I’ve used the d500 and Nikon 200-500. I’ve just upgraded to the z8 with FTZ adapter and now looking for that Z-lens. Thanks for the wonderful review.
I just received the Nikon Z 180-600mm and I have to tell you that this lens is a top performer. Truth be known I would have paid an extra $600 for it; the images are the sharpest and the best I have ever seen. I honestly can't tell the difference in the Nikon Z 400mm 2.8 and this? Plus, you don't have to spend the price of a car for the Nikon Z 400 2.8.
I’m glad you mentioned the stabilisation performance of the Tamron. Coming from a G9 and 100-400mm lens, which was very good at the long end, I actually thought the stabilisation was off on the Tamron when I first used it! I’ve found that the stabilisation is effective at allowing me to take shots at lower shutter speed (500mm @ 1/50s) but it’s not very good at providing a stabilised viewfinder image. The main benefit for me though is the stored size of the lens, which means that I can use smaller backpacks when I want a more stealthy option.
I own the Nikon 180-600mm and after a hike of 10km I found this lens very very heavy, so I consider switch to the Nikon 100-400mm and trade in my Nikon Z6ii into the Z8 and use DX mode for additional 200mm.
Bingo! I, like you, am a run and gun bird photographer with birds in flight as my focus. I was interested in the Tamron as a nice travel lens when I go whale and puffin watching next summer but I mostly photograph birds locally. You confirmed that I should be purchasing the 180-600 to best meet my needs.
Adrian, great honest review. To me, when I am ready to retire my 200-500 I will be purchasing the Nikon 180-600. Shooting birds or air shows as I’m doing today that extra 100 mm reach is worth the price, weight and length. Also, I like the fact it is an internal zoom. Many times I have been caught in a south Florida rain shower and have had to collapse my 200-500 to 200 mm to avoid getting water on the barrel and risky moisture inside the lens. Again, nice job as always and have a good weekend.
You’ve just confirmed my finding between these 2 lenses . For me compactness is more on my consideration since when I go out to shoot I will be doing a variety of photography. If I get the Nikon I’ll be just bring out this lens only for wild life photography I wouldn’t be carrying other lenses.
@@R.Hogarth This is my opinion too in a way. I love the idea of the 180-600 nikon, but I wonder if it's too much to be carrying around while I'm wandering around woodlands and maybe a deer pops out while i scouting for woodland scenes. I may get the tamron instead as the aperture range is decent too considering woodland ain't always bright!
Great comparison, I originally wanted the Z100-400 after hiring one for a week, I mainly shoot aviation and motorsport and the zoom range was perfect on my Nikon Z50, but now I think I’m going for the Tamron 150-500 for that little extra reach and half the cost of the Z100-400. For me on a Aps-c sensor the Z180-600 is just to long at the short end and the extra 100mm at the long end doesn’t make that much real world difference, the weight and size difference is also a massive consideration when carrying around most of the day.
When you’re hiking through the highlands of Iceland, the Tamron is perfect for travel photography. It fits easily in your backpack and does the job without the extra weight and size of the Nikon option.
A lot of people have been waiting for this comparison. Thanks a lot. I bought the tarmron and i used it as a second lens with the 800mm. It was the correct decision. The nikon is to large and to heavy. Greetings from Germany. If i can use only one lens and weight is important, i use the 500mm pf lens
Great video! I did decide to send the tamron back and wait for the 180-600. I feel the internal focus alone is worth the price difference not to mention the 5 stops of stabilization in the Nikon. Thanks for doing what you do📸📸😎😎
I actually just bought both. Keep in mind there are 2 shooters that will be using these at the same time but I also want each for different needs which center around the obvious points Adrian makes. Look forward to seeing if one becomes my favorite. Both are a nice jump from my old 200-500 5.6 and much more manageable for my shooting needs.
I can’t wait to get my Nikon Z 180-600. It will be the next lens in my kit! No need to spend thousands in a 400 mm 2.8, it is just amazing what you get for the price. The Nikon Z system is an outstanding camera system.
In my world...the answer is both. You nailed it in end...different use case and I'm glad the Tamron is available. I still haven't made it out with the Tamron for a test run (that's coming tomorrow) but I've already found the Nikon to be cumbersome to just take along during Travel. Really need a reason for it being there. Despite the weight (The Tamron is a chunck) it will fit nicely in my travel bag so is likely to make the cut and be in the bag more often for Travel. Nice video as always. Cheers!
Randy Bocksnick( Mont-USA) First I would like to Thank you Adrian for sending me a notice that your video for the comparison of the Z 180-600 and Tamron 150-500 ! Your thoughts on both lenes, says you really like both equally! Well done Adrian! Take care of yourself.
Thanks for your video, Adrian! I have had my new Nikkor Z 180-600 for five days, but only got to use it for two because the birds left our yard or it got too dark. Then, I spent the better part of those two days in chat rooms or on the phone with Nikon and Adobe. Nikon advised that I try a "power cycle". When that did not work, they recommended that I clean the contacts. Now, they want files that will take them at least two days to review. In the meantime, I want to return the lens if it is a dud (although I am willing to admit it could be user error). I shot with our Z7ii and Z9, Manual and Shutter priority, on a tripod for each camera, using my MC30 with the Z9, and I double / triple checked my camera settings, but the results remained poor. The Histogram looks good as does the image at time of shot, but the curves slider must be moved a good distance from the left to the right in NX Studio. Today, I took light meter readings of where the birds would land on the feeder. I switched the WB to Kevin 5620, set the shutter to 640, set the F-stop to 6.3 at 600mm, and ISO to 100. I removed the lens hood and purposely underexposed my shots by -1 EV. I still am not satisfied with the grain and desaturated colors. Dating back to 1975, I do not recall ever having an experience like this with my cameras and lenses. I borrowed a Tamron Z 150-500 from our local camera store before I purchased the 100-600. The Tamron worked immediately, without a "power cycle" or cleaning contacts. Do you have any recommendations? Is there a setting, perhaps, in the Z9 that I forgot to set?
Thanks for watching. Without physically being there to see what’s happening I could only guess which I don’t like doing. However if the Tamron works perfectly then that indicates to me it’s a lens issue. Maybe return for another new lens
Tamron has just released a firmware update to fix some VC issues. I have to do some more tests, but it seems more stable than before when used handheld.
I chose the Tamron 150-500mm over the Nikon 180-600mm as my nature lens because of the close focus at 150mm. That way I can photograph birds, mammals, plants and insects with the same lens when I am out hiking. The results are great on my Z50, which I hope to replace by a better DX body at some point.
@@nielskristianbechjensen1626 The Z50 doesn't have that internal stabilization, which is one of the reasons I upgraded to a Z8. I still have the Z50 as a backup and for limited use-- but for longer lenses, the lack of the internal stabilization really makes a difference, particularly since a number of lenses essentially require that feature.
About time I had to decide which one to choose for my Sri Lanka travel , you come up with this very helpful video. Thanks for the quick and detailed comparison. The size difference is huge, especially considering you can just fit Tamron in your camera bag, I just hope they come up with FW update to address that VR issue.
Hmm, the internal zoom mechanism of the Nikon plus its ability to accept teleconverters are the main features that makes me lean towards it, but the Tamron certainly packs into a smaller package. Thanks for this comparison review. Much appreciate, and cheers from BC 🇨🇦
Hey Adrian, as always a great comparison between the two. II have had my 180-600 for a week and it's insanely sharp and I prefer the internal zoom. Yep.. it's a bit heavy but the build quality is top of the line.And my 800 mm is happy to have it's little brother join the family. Lol I haven't had good success with Tamron lenses. But, it's a good option. Greg
Thank you for making this video! As a Z6 user and a photograther in cetacean research team, dolphins, whales and seabirds are all my target. Now I still use Sigma 100-400 with FTZ, and considering which of these two lens should I buy. You answered all my question.
Great lens comparison Adrian, good information about them both, I do like the Nikon lens. Many thanks for sharing the information and have a great weekend
Great comparison, Adrian! I love the small size of the Tamron! if I didn't have the ultra-compact Canon RF 100-500 for travel, I would consider the Tamron for that alone.
I really wish the Nikon 100-400 Z was the same style as the 180-600, internal zoom has many advantages! Great review, thanks for sharing your findings! Cheers from the UK 👏👍😀
Very tough call. For travelling, definitely be having that Tamron in my bag. I do love that Nikon though for birds and wildlife. Thanks for watching, cheers 🙏
Thank you for the comparison! Just by size alone the Tamron wins hands down in my book - collapsed I can fit it in my photobag no problem, but the 180-600 is just too damn long. Add to that the vastly better close focusing capability, the Arca-Swiss compatible foot (Nikon, why the hell do you *still* not incorporate that into your tele lenses?!), and it's almost a no-brainer. 500 vs 600 is nigh-on inperceptible IMO, even from 24MP you can just crop that away without any serious compromises. Shame about the sub-par VC performance though... the ooold 70-300 VC (F-mount) was really amazing in that regard, so if that can be improved upon in firmware (fingers crossed!), that would be the clincher for me.
Ooo could you do a shootout these 2 and the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary and Nikon 200-500mm for nikon F-mount ? I've got an ftz adapter and am saving money for one of the 4 lenses.
I could save you a bit of time there. If you have a Z mount camera, try to stick with Z mount lenses if your budget will allow when buying new. Either the Tamron or Nikon will do then depending on your photography needs 🙏
Adrian for me it would be a difficult choice, both fantastic lenses, for the budget minded the tamron would probably be the choice, I do like the min focus distance on the tamron, but if i was spending big money on a nikon camera I would probably choose the the nikon lens
I've already made a video comparing the 200-500mm F mount to the Nikon 180-600mm Z. The 180-600mm is very similar to the Tamron. You can gauge from that - th-cam.com/video/PZ-ro84yNj8/w-d-xo.html
I think the tamron is better for hiking and getting deep into the woods, i would even look at the 100 to 400 i totally agree with you, the 600. nikon is nice but that one i wouldnt take hiking its just to long and way more expensive.
Tbh, the biggest draw for me is the ability to usefully use a TC to get to 840mm as you can never get close enough to birds. However, if Tamron bring out a decent TC I'd rethink as the size and weight of the Nikon makes it less likely I'll have it with me. Also, I've been using push-pull lenses for 20 years and I've never had one fail due to moisture or dust so I think the IF benefits are oversold.
Adrian I am thinking of getting the tamron due to budget and using it on my zfc for bird and wildlife. I don't own a full frame yet but will be in a couple of months hopefully so in a way I'd be future proofing myself plus in the meantime am I correct in saying I would be getting more reach by attaching it to the zfc?? Great Channel. Enjoy your videos.
Hi Adrian, a great review, buddy! In my experience, the size is an important factor for longer lenses. The 180-600 is definitely a bit big for having it in your bag all the time, whilst the 150-500 would be small enough therefore. I see it with my Sony 200-600 lens: I need to go out for dedicated shootings just with that lens ☺ A very interesting comparison. Thank you for sharing! Have a great weekend, Christian
Thanks for watching Christian. After using both these lenses I think they’re both great value for money. So either way you’re on a winner. Have a great weekend buddy cheers 🍻 🙏
Great review, I am novice wildlife photographer and have been deciding on either the Tamaron 150-500, Nikon 400 f4 or Nikon 180-600 as my first long lens for wildlife. I currently own the Nikon 24-120 and is a great combo with my Z8. Regarding the differences in stabilization, with the Nikon being considerable better than the Tamaron, would using this lens in sport mode on the Z8 improve the VC when using the Tamaron? Thanks again for a great review. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for watching. If I owned the Z8 I would be leaning towards the Z 180-600mm. If you weren’t traveling / hiking etc that is. For wildlife trust me youll want every bit of extra focal length you can get on the long end 👍
Thank you, forgot to mention majority of my photography is long treks and travel, 100 mm of extra reach is huge as you mentioned but the weight and ease of fitting into travel pack slight edge over that 100mm. I plan on adding the Nikon 400 f4 in the future.
Really loved this review! I'm looking forward to renting the Tamron next week. Do you have any update on the internal VR in the Tamron and how does it compare with the camera's internal VR turned on? Thanks!
Must admit Adrian after using lenses that have external zoom and internal zoom I really do love internal zoom. The Nikon seems very similar to the Sony 200-600 and annoyingly both have no focus lock which can be a pain if your panning on a bean bag because the zoom can zoom in as you turn! Nive video mate!👍
Informative video! I wanted to ask about the manual focusing ergonomics of the two lenses; I've read that the 180-600, like all the Z lenses uses focus by wire for MF which may not be responsive enough for many people. How's the MF on the Tamron? Is it electronic as well?
Thanks for watching. I found the manual focusing better on the Tamron. The Nikon seemed a bit touchy, like it jumped too far past the subject instead of spot on. The Tamron was smooth in manual and using the focus peaking on the Z7 helped a lot.
@@adrianalfordphotography Thanks for the reply and pin. It looks like the Tamron may be better for people using a lot of manual focus, like landscape, macro or astro shooters.
I think for long term use the Tamron would still be better when all things considered esp when considering how photographers can change in terms of taste and style.
Had the Tamron 150-500 for Fuji prior to switching to the z8 + 180-600mm. Overall I was pretty happy with it, but the stabilization was just terrible. Another point I found pretty annoying, is the fact that there's no way to lock the lens hood. It fell off quite often.
Adrian - I know in the past you were a big proponent of the af-s Nikkor 80-400. I am currently deciding between a used copy of that ($850 ish) on my ftzii, or saving up for the tamron 150-500. I would love a “should you upgrade” video…it sounds like you have decided to upgrade yourself. Do you still use your 80-400?
Thanks for watching. If you look at my review of the Tamron you’ll see for the Nikon Z version there is no modes. As I mentioned the VR has to be activated inside the Z full frame cameras
There is a great difference indeed between VC vs. VR! Do you know is it the same thing in Z mount as it is at least with Olympus that with native Nikkor lenses the camera is able to combine both IBIS and lens stabilization and maybe with Tamron that's not possible?! Thinking the same also with the older Nikkor lenses with the adapter attached...
The VC on the Tamron works exactly the sane as Nikon native lenses with VR. Everything the same… it’s just the Tamron is not quite as good. As I said, can probably be fixed or at least improved in a future firmware update
Both are nice lenses, but in all my tests the Tamron was sharper on the long end and felt better build and is more compact. The only thing that was apparent was worse stabilisation on video.
Could you please advise if the Tamron will be okay for aviation photography such as air show? Focal length seems to be okay but I am just a little bit concerned for it not being internal zoom and susceptible to dust etc.
I’ve been looking for a shoulder strap for my Z8 and 180-600mm combo for walking around. Which strap would you recommend? Does it come with the safety strap that attaches to the camera’s eyelets?
@@adrianalfordphotography dang, thanks for the awesome video! Do you the the Nikon tc is worth it? Haven't used it and in the US the 180-600 isn't even available anywhere yet
Honestly, and I'm only saying this as a friend, Please don't waste your money on teleconverters. I believe it's far better to just crop in post for a clearer and sharper result. In fact a lot of other TH-camrs have made videos backing up my theory there showing examples. @@micaht52
@@adrianalfordphotography That's exactly the kind of answer I was looking for! Thanks for saving me 500 bucks. I am new to wildlife photography and I just know that my 70 to 300 doesn't quite have enough reach and I can't decide if that extra hundred millimeters for the Nikon is worth waiting and indefinite amount of time to become available.
J’ai remplacé mon d850 par le z8 et le 180/600z vous avez raison le nikon par rapport au tamron époustouflant à 600 et les autres focale vous m’avez faire le bon choix encore merci bonne continuation.
Forgot to mention the Tamron 150-500mm has a USBC port at the rear you can use for future firmware updates. Unfortunately, you can’t use the Tamron combined with Nikon TC’s 😢
I’m currently using the Nikon Z 180-600mm specifically for bird and wildlife photography. I make use of that extra 100mm reach. I also need that steady VR for recording video B roll handheld for all you good folk here on TH-cam 🙏📸
ah.... that is too bad, i would have done it as a spare travel lens if the teleconverter worked. Ugh. Thanks for all the info!
For 6 years I’ve used the d500 and Nikon 200-500. I’ve just upgraded to the z8 with FTZ adapter and now looking for that Z-lens. Thanks for the wonderful review.
I just received the Nikon Z 180-600mm and I have to tell you that this lens is a top performer. Truth be known I would have paid an extra $600 for it; the images are the sharpest and the best I have ever seen. I honestly can't tell the difference in the Nikon Z 400mm 2.8 and this? Plus, you don't have to spend the price of a car for the Nikon Z 400 2.8.
I had the 180-600 briefly and I'm delighted with my swap to the 150-500. Both are great but the 150-500 fits in my bag! A big (ha a pun) advantage.
How has the image quality been with the tamron?
Thank you Adrian for taking the time to review and compare these two lenses......Very helpful....Cheers Ron
My pleasure my friend. Have a great weekend, cheers 🙏
I’m glad you mentioned the stabilisation performance of the Tamron. Coming from a G9 and 100-400mm lens, which was very good at the long end, I actually thought the stabilisation was off on the Tamron when I first used it! I’ve found that the stabilisation is effective at allowing me to take shots at lower shutter speed (500mm @ 1/50s) but it’s not very good at providing a stabilised viewfinder image. The main benefit for me though is the stored size of the lens, which means that I can use smaller backpacks when I want a more stealthy option.
I own the Nikon 180-600mm and after a hike of 10km I found this lens very very heavy, so I consider switch to the Nikon 100-400mm and trade in my Nikon Z6ii into the Z8 and use DX mode for additional 200mm.
@@R.Hogarth thx for advice, I also consider the 400mm f/4.5 which is 1100grams, so 1kg less comparing the 180-600mm
Thanks for watching. Cheers 🙏
@@57sapke 400mm f4.5 is great for a slightly more narrow use case than the 100-400 and these two. I'm in the same boat but have not decided yet
Same here, I think tamron will be the choice and crop the image!
Walking with the Z8 won’t be easy either. Maybe a z6iii with the Tamron would be ideal.
Bingo! I, like you, am a run and gun bird photographer with birds in flight as my focus. I was interested in the Tamron as a nice travel lens when I go whale and puffin watching next summer but I mostly photograph birds locally. You confirmed that I should be purchasing the 180-600 to best meet my needs.
Thanks for watching and yes I agree with everything you mentioned 🙏
Adrian, great honest review. To me, when I am ready to retire my 200-500 I will be purchasing the Nikon 180-600. Shooting birds or air shows as I’m doing today that extra 100 mm reach is worth the price, weight and length. Also, I like the fact it is an internal zoom. Many times I have been caught in a south Florida rain shower and have had to collapse my 200-500 to 200 mm to avoid getting water on the barrel and risky moisture inside the lens. Again, nice job as always and have a good weekend.
Thanks so much for watching. Yes I think the Nikon will suit you better in what you photograph. Have a fantastic weekend, cheers 🙏
You’ve just confirmed my finding between these 2 lenses . For me compactness is more on my consideration since when I go out to shoot I will be doing a variety of photography. If I get the Nikon I’ll be just bring out this lens only for wild life photography I wouldn’t be carrying other lenses.
@@R.Hogarth This is my opinion too in a way. I love the idea of the 180-600 nikon, but I wonder if it's too much to be carrying around while I'm wandering around woodlands and maybe a deer pops out while i scouting for woodland scenes. I may get the tamron instead as the aperture range is decent too considering woodland ain't always bright!
Thanks for watching and have a great weekend 🙏
Great comparison, I originally wanted the Z100-400 after hiring one for a week, I mainly shoot aviation and motorsport and the zoom range was perfect on my Nikon Z50, but now I think I’m going for the Tamron 150-500 for that little extra reach and half the cost of the Z100-400.
For me on a Aps-c sensor the Z180-600 is just to long at the short end and the extra 100mm at the long end doesn’t make that much real world difference, the weight and size difference is also a massive consideration when carrying around most of the day.
When you’re hiking through the highlands of Iceland, the Tamron is perfect for travel photography. It fits easily in your backpack and does the job without the extra weight and size of the Nikon option.
Totally agree. Thanks for watching 🙏
A lot of people have been waiting for this comparison. Thanks a lot. I bought the tarmron and i used it as a second lens with the 800mm. It was the correct decision. The nikon is to large and to heavy. Greetings from Germany. If i can use only one lens and weight is important, i use the 500mm pf lens
Many thanks for watching and commenting. Have a great weekend 🙏
Great video! I did decide to send the tamron back and wait for the 180-600. I feel the internal focus alone is worth the price difference not to mention the 5 stops of stabilization in the Nikon. Thanks for doing what you do📸📸😎😎
Thanks for watching 🙏
I actually just bought both. Keep in mind there are 2 shooters that will be using these at the same time but I also want each for different needs which center around the obvious points Adrian makes. Look forward to seeing if one becomes my favorite. Both are a nice jump from my old 200-500 5.6 and much more manageable for my shooting needs.
@@speedbumpmedia9584 do you have a favourite so far? Did you keep one and sold the other or do you still have them both?
I can’t wait to get my Nikon Z 180-600. It will be the next lens in my kit! No need to spend thousands in a 400 mm 2.8, it is just amazing what you get for the price. The Nikon Z system is an outstanding camera system.
In my world...the answer is both. You nailed it in end...different use case and I'm glad the Tamron is available. I still haven't made it out with the Tamron for a test run (that's coming tomorrow) but I've already found the Nikon to be cumbersome to just take along during Travel. Really need a reason for it being there. Despite the weight (The Tamron is a chunck) it will fit nicely in my travel bag so is likely to make the cut and be in the bag more often for Travel. Nice video as always. Cheers!
Thanks very much for watching and glad you enjoyed the video. Have a great weekend, take care 🙏
Thanks for the review. I was leaning towards the Tamron because I have an APS-C and I like the smaller size. This video sold me on it
Randy Bocksnick( Mont-USA) First I would like to Thank you Adrian for sending me a notice that your video for the comparison of the Z 180-600 and Tamron 150-500 ! Your thoughts on both lenes, says you really like both equally! Well done Adrian! Take care of yourself.
Thank you for watching and commenting Randy much appreciated. Have a great week ahead 📸🙏
Nice comparison, with the price and size advantage I would lean towards the Tamron. Thank you
Thanks for watching Tony. Much appreciated. The Tamron is a very good lens for the price. Have a great weekend 🙏
Great run down & comparison. All important points to consider when making the choice to buy, certainly helps to make a decision. Thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful! Appreciate you watching, cheers 🙏
Thanks for your video, Adrian!
I have had my new Nikkor Z 180-600 for five days, but only got to use it for two because the birds left our yard or it got too dark. Then, I spent the better part of those two days in chat rooms or on the phone with Nikon and Adobe.
Nikon advised that I try a "power cycle". When that did not work, they recommended that I clean the contacts. Now, they want files that will take them at least two days to review. In the meantime, I want to return the lens if it is a dud (although I am willing to admit it could be user error).
I shot with our Z7ii and Z9, Manual and Shutter priority, on a tripod for each camera, using my MC30 with the Z9, and I double / triple checked my camera settings, but the results remained poor. The Histogram looks good as does the image at time of shot, but the curves slider must be moved a good distance from the left to the right in NX Studio.
Today, I took light meter readings of where the birds would land on the feeder. I switched the WB to Kevin 5620, set the shutter to 640, set the F-stop to 6.3 at 600mm, and ISO to 100. I removed the lens hood and purposely underexposed my shots by -1 EV. I still am not satisfied with the grain and desaturated colors. Dating back to 1975, I do not recall ever having an experience like this with my cameras and lenses. I borrowed a Tamron Z 150-500 from our local camera store before I purchased the 100-600. The Tamron worked immediately, without a "power cycle" or cleaning contacts.
Do you have any recommendations? Is there a setting, perhaps, in the Z9 that I forgot to set?
Thanks for watching. Without physically being there to see what’s happening I could only guess which I don’t like doing. However if the Tamron works perfectly then that indicates to me it’s a lens issue. Maybe return for another new lens
@@adrianalfordphotography - thank you!
Nice review I own the 100-400 s so I am sticking with that lens but love to see what else is available.
Tamron has just released a firmware update to fix some VC issues. I have to do some more tests, but it seems more stable than before when used handheld.
Exactly the comparison I was looking for! Thank you for that, now I know I'm going for the Nikon! 👍
Glad you found the comparison video helpful. Have a great weekend 🙏
I chose the Tamron 150-500mm over the Nikon 180-600mm as my nature lens because of the close focus at 150mm. That way I can photograph birds, mammals, plants and insects with the same lens when I am out hiking. The results are great on my Z50, which I hope to replace by a better DX body at some point.
Perfect 👍
Does the vibration reduction work on the z 50 with the tamron lens
@@daleshaw7662Yes. You just have to turn it on i the camera body.
@@nielskristianbechjensen1626 The Z50 doesn't have that internal stabilization, which is one of the reasons I upgraded to a Z8. I still have the Z50 as a backup and for limited use-- but for longer lenses, the lack of the internal stabilization really makes a difference, particularly since a number of lenses essentially require that feature.
About time I had to decide which one to choose for my Sri Lanka travel , you come up with this very helpful video. Thanks for the quick and detailed comparison. The size difference is huge, especially considering you can just fit Tamron in your camera bag, I just hope they come up with FW update to address that VR issue.
Sounds like the Tamron is best for your travels. Both lenses are very good, but if I was traveling I’d lean towards the Tamron 🙏
Hmm, the internal zoom mechanism of the Nikon plus its ability to accept teleconverters are the main features that makes me lean towards it, but the Tamron certainly packs into a smaller package. Thanks for this comparison review. Much appreciate, and cheers from BC 🇨🇦
Hey Adrian, as always a great comparison between the two. II have had my 180-600 for a week and it's insanely sharp and I prefer the internal zoom. Yep.. it's a bit heavy but the build quality is top of the line.And my 800 mm is happy to have it's little brother join the family. Lol
I haven't had good success with Tamron lenses. But, it's a good option. Greg
Thanks for watching and commenting Greg. Have a great weekend, cheers 🙏
Thank you for making this video! As a Z6 user and a photograther in cetacean research team, dolphins, whales and seabirds are all my target. Now I still use Sigma 100-400 with FTZ, and considering which of these two lens should I buy. You answered all my question.
Thanks for watching 🙏
Great lens comparison Adrian, good information about them both, I do like the Nikon lens. Many thanks for sharing the information and have a great weekend
Thanks for watching Shaun. Have a great week ahead mate, cheers 🍻 🙏
Excellent content.
Thanks for watching and commenting 🙏
Great comparison, Adrian! I love the small size of the Tamron! if I didn't have the ultra-compact Canon RF 100-500 for travel, I would consider the Tamron for that alone.
Thanks for watching Phil. Glad you enjoyed the comparison. Have a great weekend buddy, cheers 🙏
I really wish the Nikon 100-400 Z was the same style as the 180-600, internal zoom has many advantages! Great review, thanks for sharing your findings! Cheers from the UK 👏👍😀
Awesome comparison video man. Both good from the looks. Tough call?
Very tough call. For travelling, definitely be having that Tamron in my bag. I do love that Nikon though for birds and wildlife. Thanks for watching, cheers 🙏
Thank you for the comparison! Just by size alone the Tamron wins hands down in my book - collapsed I can fit it in my photobag no problem, but the 180-600 is just too damn long. Add to that the vastly better close focusing capability, the Arca-Swiss compatible foot (Nikon, why the hell do you *still* not incorporate that into your tele lenses?!), and it's almost a no-brainer.
500 vs 600 is nigh-on inperceptible IMO, even from 24MP you can just crop that away without any serious compromises. Shame about the sub-par VC performance though... the ooold 70-300 VC (F-mount) was really amazing in that regard, so if that can be improved upon in firmware (fingers crossed!), that would be the clincher for me.
Nikon z 180-600 👍
Ooo could you do a shootout these 2 and the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary and Nikon 200-500mm for nikon F-mount ?
I've got an ftz adapter and am saving money for one of the 4 lenses.
I could save you a bit of time there. If you have a Z mount camera, try to stick with Z mount lenses if your budget will allow when buying new. Either the Tamron or Nikon will do then depending on your photography needs 🙏
@@adrianalfordphotography Thank you very much Adrian I'll keep that in mind 😊
I have Tamron 150-600 G2 F mount and it works with FTZ on my Zf, which I am very happy about.
Yes, I’ve used that Tamron on my D850
I bought it for my D850 which I am still using.
Adrian for me it would be a difficult choice, both fantastic lenses, for the budget minded the tamron would probably be the choice, I do like the min focus distance on the tamron, but if i was spending big money on a nikon camera I would probably choose the the nikon lens
Thanks for watching John. It’s a tough decision. Have a great day mate cheers 🍻 🙏
Thanks for the video! Its very useful!! Can you compare the tamron with the 200-500 f lense??
I've already made a video comparing the 200-500mm F mount to the Nikon 180-600mm Z. The 180-600mm is very similar to the Tamron. You can gauge from that - th-cam.com/video/PZ-ro84yNj8/w-d-xo.html
I think the tamron is better for hiking and getting deep into the woods, i would even look at the 100 to 400 i totally agree with you, the 600. nikon is nice but that one i wouldnt take hiking its just to long and way more expensive.
Tbh, the biggest draw for me is the ability to usefully use a TC to get to 840mm as you can never get close enough to birds. However, if Tamron bring out a decent TC I'd rethink as the size and weight of the Nikon makes it less likely I'll have it with me. Also, I've been using push-pull lenses for 20 years and I've never had one fail due to moisture or dust so I think the IF benefits are oversold.
Is the Tamron 150-500 sharper than the Nikon 80-400 G? Love all your videos by the way! Long time subscriber here!
@@Lightsource101 thank you for watching my videos - yes the Tamron is sharper being a new more advanced tech lens 🙏
Adrian I am thinking of getting the tamron due to budget and using it on my zfc for bird and wildlife. I don't own a full frame yet but will be in a couple of months hopefully so in a way I'd be future proofing myself plus in the meantime am I correct in saying I would be getting more reach by attaching it to the zfc?? Great Channel. Enjoy your videos.
Yes on the Zfc the full frame equivalent of the 150-500mm will be 225mm-750mm
Hi Adrian, a great review, buddy! In my experience, the size is an important factor for longer lenses. The 180-600 is definitely a bit big for having it in your bag all the time, whilst the 150-500 would be small enough therefore. I see it with my Sony 200-600 lens: I need to go out for dedicated shootings just with that lens ☺
A very interesting comparison. Thank you for sharing!
Have a great weekend,
Christian
Thanks for watching Christian. After using both these lenses I think they’re both great value for money. So either way you’re on a winner. Have a great weekend buddy cheers 🍻 🙏
“Been able to choose between these two lenses, without this in depth comparison by Adrian one wouldn’t have.” ( Old Yodish Proverb )😜😎
Haha! Thanks Peter. Have a great weekend mate, cheers 🙏
Great video. I really like your reviews. Also the Nikon is a third of a stop faster at 600mm😀
Thanks for watching. Have a great weekend 🙏
Great review, I am novice wildlife photographer and have been deciding on either the Tamaron 150-500, Nikon 400 f4 or Nikon 180-600 as my first long lens for wildlife. I currently own the Nikon 24-120 and is a great combo with my Z8. Regarding the differences in stabilization, with the Nikon being considerable better than the Tamaron, would using this lens in sport mode on the Z8 improve the VC when using the Tamaron? Thanks again for a great review. Keep up the great work!
Thank you for watching. If I owned the Z8 I would be leaning towards the Z 180-600mm. If you weren’t traveling / hiking etc that is. For wildlife trust me youll want every bit of extra focal length you can get on the long end 👍
Thank you, forgot to mention majority of my photography is long treks and travel, 100 mm of extra reach is huge as you mentioned but the weight and ease of fitting into travel pack slight edge over that 100mm. I plan on adding the Nikon 400 f4 in the future.
Really loved this review! I'm looking forward to renting the Tamron next week. Do you have any update on the internal VR in the Tamron and how does it compare with the camera's internal VR turned on?
Thanks!
Must admit Adrian after using lenses that have external zoom and internal zoom I really do love internal zoom. The Nikon seems very similar to the Sony 200-600 and annoyingly both have no focus lock which can be a pain if your panning on a bean bag because the zoom can zoom in as you turn! Nive video mate!👍
Thanks for watching Scott. Have a great weekend mate, cheers 🙏
Informative video! I wanted to ask about the manual focusing ergonomics of the two lenses; I've read that the 180-600, like all the Z lenses uses focus by wire for MF which may not be responsive enough for many people. How's the MF on the Tamron? Is it electronic as well?
Thanks for watching. I found the manual focusing better on the Tamron. The Nikon seemed a bit touchy, like it jumped too far past the subject instead of spot on. The Tamron was smooth in manual and using the focus peaking on the Z7 helped a lot.
@@adrianalfordphotography Thanks for the reply and pin. It looks like the Tamron may be better for people using a lot of manual focus, like landscape, macro or astro shooters.
I think for long term use the Tamron would still be better when all things considered esp when considering how photographers can change in terms of taste and style.
Had the Tamron 150-500 for Fuji prior to switching to the z8 + 180-600mm. Overall I was pretty happy with it, but the stabilization was just terrible. Another point I found pretty annoying, is the fact that there's no way to lock the lens hood. It fell off quite often.
Adrian - I know in the past you were a big proponent of the af-s Nikkor 80-400. I am currently deciding between a used copy of that ($850 ish) on my ftzii, or saving up for the tamron 150-500. I would love a “should you upgrade” video…it sounds like you have decided to upgrade yourself. Do you still use your 80-400?
@@nelsonbarss can I suggest you watch this video I made - th-cam.com/video/yLxmw3GfT8E/w-d-xo.htmlsi=IhWSVRkcBJHMoRGP
I’d love to see you do a comparison between Nikon Z100-400 v Tamron 150-500
Thats my Dream lens
Hi Adrian, Thakk you for the video. Did you try "Mode 3" regarding the VC on the Tamron? It does a much better job than "Mode 1".
Thanks for watching. If you look at my review of the Tamron you’ll see for the Nikon Z version there is no modes. As I mentioned the VR has to be activated inside the Z full frame cameras
Go to 8:56 👉 th-cam.com/video/4iGM5KEmanI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=l4xNokG7VsD8sjzl
There is a great difference indeed between VC vs. VR!
Do you know is it the same thing in Z mount as it is at least with Olympus that with native Nikkor lenses the camera is able to combine both IBIS and lens stabilization and maybe with Tamron that's not possible?! Thinking the same also with the older Nikkor lenses with the adapter attached...
The VC on the Tamron works exactly the sane as Nikon native lenses with VR. Everything the same… it’s just the Tamron is not quite as good. As I said, can probably be fixed or at least improved in a future firmware update
Both are nice lenses, but in all my tests the Tamron was sharper on the long end and felt better build and is more compact. The only thing that was apparent was worse stabilisation on video.
So, basically exactly what I said in the video
@@adrianalfordphotography
Pretty much, yeah. Sorry, I just wanted to put out my own experience.
The Tamron 150-500mm is a no-brainer for air travel, especially with the strict airline regulations.
How so I take my camera backpack on board the plane with me, period?
Could you please advise if the Tamron will be okay for aviation photography such as air show? Focal length seems to be okay but I am just a little bit concerned for it not being internal zoom and susceptible to dust etc.
You can use either lens for air shows. Both are weather sealed
I’ve been looking for a shoulder strap for my Z8 and 180-600mm combo for walking around. Which strap would you recommend? Does it come with the safety strap that attaches to the camera’s eyelets?
There’s a tonne of cheap shoulder straps on eBay 🙏
Not sure I'd trust cheap ones from eBay. Was looking at the blackrapid one, but still deciding whether to get the QD type one.
Adrian is this Tamron lens even better than the Nikkor z 100-400mm?
I would prefer the Tamron
Does the Tamron work with the Nikon teleconverter?
See pinned comment
@@adrianalfordphotography dang, thanks for the awesome video! Do you the the Nikon tc is worth it? Haven't used it and in the US the 180-600 isn't even available anywhere yet
Honestly, and I'm only saying this as a friend, Please don't waste your money on teleconverters. I believe it's far better to just crop in post for a clearer and sharper result. In fact a lot of other TH-camrs have made videos backing up my theory there showing examples. @@micaht52
@@adrianalfordphotography That's exactly the kind of answer I was looking for! Thanks for saving me 500 bucks. I am new to wildlife photography and I just know that my 70 to 300 doesn't quite have enough reach and I can't decide if that extra hundred millimeters for the Nikon is worth waiting and indefinite amount of time to become available.
Bonjour pour vous qui a le meilleur piqué à 600 le tamron 150-600 ou le nikon 180 600mm merci
180-600mm 🙏
J’ai remplacé mon d850 par le z8 et le 180/600z vous avez raison le nikon par rapport au tamron époustouflant à 600 et les autres focale vous m’avez faire le bon choix encore merci bonne continuation.
Nice review.If u ask me i thought Tarmon made that Nikon lens as well 😅since their IQ almost alike