Nikon 300mm f4 or Tamron 150-600 lens? Discuss

[cambsno]

Have had the 300mm for a couple of years - great lens, pretty light and great IQ. Only ever gets used about 4/6 times a year at airshows, normally used around f8-f13 as favour props and need to keep shutter down to around 1/250.

However at times I find a shorter lens is better or need that extra length. Can shoot on DX or FF (normally DX) so this becomes a 450mm. Did try a 1.4 TC last year but found i had a lot less keepers - panning at effectively 630mm at 1/250 is not easy!!!

Cost to change would be £300 roughly but may sell my 70-200 VR1 and break even by getting an 85mm.

Thoughts?

 

[danbroad]

It's all about micro contrast for me
The 300 prime will outresolve the 600 zoom for lunch
There's a prime sharpness when cropping never seen from any zoom, especially one packing such a varied focal length.

 

[mikew]

We have a member using one for air shows with a Nikon D610
https://www.flickr.com/photos/77016346@N03/with/16466917220/

If you look for the same bite you get with the 300mm i think you would be disappointed but thats the same with nearly all good primes V zooms it doesnt stop it being a good lens.

 

[cambsno]

It's all about micro contrast for me
The 300 prime will outresolve the 600 zoom for lunch
There's a prime sharpness when cropping never seen from any zoom, especially one packing such a varied focal length.

That's my dilemma. I like primes. I know that maybe with the exception of the expensive 200-400 no zoom with touch the 300. It's that classic sharpness v convenience factor. I know though I have lost shots with the 300 being too short or too long.

My hope is by shooting around f8/f11 the tamarin would be at the sweet spot.

 

[AdamSi]

The other option although more expensive is the newer nikon 80-400VR

 

[chris malcolm]

Or another prime lens on another body. At the cost of some of these exceptionally good long zooms that's a financially viable option!

 

[gramps]

Personally I would struggle to sell my 70-200 for the Tamron 150-600 ... don't get me wrong, I love the Tamron, it is a really versatile lens but the 70-200 is my sharpest lens.
The Tamron has much going for it, weight, convenience, zoom length and image quality but it isn't a quality prime - for me it is the ability to get 600mm reach with all of the above at a reasonable cost and maybe a little more careful processing.
You will get the opportunity of getting those closer or further shots than you can with the 300 f4 but you will notice at least some difference in detail/contrast as a result.
If you can live with that, you will enjoy the lens

 

[StewartR]

panning at effectively 630mm at 1/250 is not easy!!!

It would be with VR / VC / OS / IS.