500mm Where to buy/view - Kansas City

[Petroica]

I'm looking at getting a 500mm lens for my D200. I prefer wildlife and bird photography, and have been researching which lens' would best suit within my budget (which sadly does not come near any Nikkor or similar options).
With this in mind I'm looking at the Sigma 170-500 and 50-500 lenses, however my local camera store doesn't stock them so I haven't been able to try them out. I'm going to Kansas City in a few weeks, can anyone recommend a camera store there?
Aside from that any comments re either lens would also be appreciated.
Thanks
Rach

[nirofo]

Go for the Tamron 200-500, it's the best by far and is well acclaimed. Check out the threads on Bird Forum and others. I use one myself and can vouch for it's quality both in image taking and build! WELL RECCOMMENDED.

nirofo.

[postcardcv]

Originally Posted by nirofo

Go for the Tamron 200-500, it's the best by far and is well acclaimed.

I agree that the Tamron 200-500 is worth looking at along side the two Sigmas, but I think claiming it's the "best by far" is going a bit far. I know a number of people who have tried them side by side, some have bought the Tamron while others went for a Sigma...

[Petroica]

thanks Postcardcv & Nirofo. I haven't looked into Tamron at all so I will do some research on them, and check the forum's old posts.
Nirofo - for you why does the Tamron stand out as better than the Sigma? ie: weight, clarity, light gathering?

[nirofo]

Originally Posted by Petroica

thanks Postcardcv & Nirofo. I haven't looked into Tamron at all so I will do some research on them, and check the forum's old posts.
Nirofo - for you why does the Tamron stand out as better than the Sigma? ie: weight, clarity, light gathering?

I use mine mainly for bird photography from the car window via a purpose built window ledge and bean bag, or for flight shots, I also use a Nikon f4 500mm AFS. Whilst the Nikon has obvious build and image quality it is not as versatile as the Tamron and the photographs I have obtained with it so far are not that far behind either, certainly not £4400 behind?? I have also used various Sigma lenses which optically are quite good, however for wildlife versatility and clarity of image, I would go for the Tamron every time.

Here's a few images from the Tamron.



http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...fo/Eiders5.jpg

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...1stWinter2.jpg



http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...lldrinking.jpg



http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...ankcalling.jpg


nirofo.

[Petroica]

Wow, they sure are impressive shots!
I also mainly do bird photography and shoot from the car (it's easier from the car with 3 little kids) so your set up is very relevant to me. I do like to (try) and photograph warblers and other smaller birds in the woods - how does the Tamron fare with lower light?
Thanks for the info and examples, now I just have to find somewhere over here to see the lenses and have a play!
Rach

[nirofo]

Here's a few more images from the Tamron!

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...heronwall2.jpg

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...eakcloseup.jpg

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...aircalling.jpg



http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...eadWinter2.jpg


nirofo.

[nirofo]

Even in poor light the lens still performs admirably, here's a few images in far from good light.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...ommonGull2.jpg


http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...nfencepost.jpg


http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o...RockPipit3.jpg


nirofo.

[robski]

Another point of view on the Tamron

http://bobatkins.com/photography/rev...n_200_500.html

[Joe]

I don't know how important it is to you, but the Tamron has a constant f/5.6 aperture through the whole zoom range, where-as both Sigma's listed vary through the zoom range (darken down at the tele ends)
Mostly not a problem with modern auto systems...but if you plan shooting in manual mode, it's something perhaps to keep in mind?