In anticipation of a safari we're going on in February, I started looking into renting a long telephoto. I found out it is cheaper to buy this (and then possibly sell it) than rent a lens for the amount of time we are there, then decided if I'm buying it, it's better to do so early so I can practice. So, it arrived today! It is heavier than I'd use for a walk-about, but it is feasible to use it handheld. Better clearly with a tripod (I assume that requires the animals to stand perfectly still, though!). Very excited to start learning to use it.
Thank you for all the comments and favs on the sunset posted last night!
I look forward to seeing your pics from this lens and your to hear your thoughts about it. It's the sort of lens that I would love to have in a game park.
This will be perfect for your safari Taffy! I saw Sarah's @piximac safari photos yesterday and they were stunning! The animals were so close! She was using 500mm lens which I would not be able to carry round as she does. Happy shooting! I look forward to seeing your shots!
I have the first generation Tamron 150-600mm and am quite happy with it, the G2 has some features that I'm missing on my older version (better weather sealing, flex zoom lock) and is reportedly sharper at the longer end. It's been on safari with me to Tanzania and on my latest trip this summer to Southern Africa. I would recommend you to bring a large size bean bag with you on safari (empty, buy some rice when you get there). For walking around I use a sling style camera strap like this: http://www.blackrapid.com/all/camerastraps When I use the lens in a zoo I always have it on a sturdy monopod. Have a lot of fun with it, looking forward to your images
Love my lens and just back from Africa with it. I know @pixiemac loves hers although she does use a monster 500mm. Talk about little and large. If you can fine tune it to the camera , made a world of difference for Sarah although mine has been fine.
@padlock@taffy I loved and adored the Tamron G2 on holiday, took SO many photos with it that I'm thrilled with. All hand held or resting on a bean bag. Clive's 100% right, calibrate it to your camera, it sharpened mine a little more. And yes, as Pam says, my tripod travelled thousands of miles and wasn't used, not even for the very kindly loaned 500mm, that was rested on a bean bag .... or when desperate hand held, which must have looked ridiculous frankly as it's as big as me!😂
Would love one of these for wildlife and aviation photography some what out of my price range currently so I'm rather envious. Will be interesting to see your safari shots :)
Oh my, you are going to have such fun! We recently bought a Sigma 150-500mm for our wildlife photography and we love it. It is a bit heavy, but a tripod/bean bag for the edge of the vehicle help.
Happy learning! Can't wait to see your photos!
@padlock@pixiemac
Glad to know that the two of you both found the lens worked well. I took it out today and was happy with the few images I took today. Hoping to get more practice!
@lesip Good idea for when I return to Chicago. I figured it would be good practice to be in the 'wild' on the island, and then do some stable work with a monopod or tripod at the zoo or along the lake once back home. I know I need a LOT of practice with this. And some upper body strength training!
@mikegifford I was looking at getting this lens and teleconverter too, so let me know your thoughts and feedback. Right now I'm waiting on picking up my Nikon D850 which is supposed to arrive by Friday of this week.
This lens wil serve you well in Africa. The bean bag idea is a good one. I found the tripod I took to South Africa was useless for wildlife shots because you'll be shooting from a vehicle for most of the safari. I'll bet you're excited!
@redy4et Thanks Elizabeth! I'm so glad you and others mentioned the lack of need for a tripod -- takes up so much space and weight that it would have been frustrating to have carried it and then not used it! I'm quite excited about the upcoming trip and have had fun practicing with this lens.
Happy learning! Can't wait to see your photos!
Glad to know that the two of you both found the lens worked well. I took it out today and was happy with the few images I took today. Hoping to get more practice!