Tamron vs sigma 100 400 – Tamron vs Sigma 100-400: A showdown of titans in the telephoto lens arena. Both lenses offer incredible reach for capturing distant subjects, but their strengths and weaknesses differentiate them for specific photographic endeavors. The 100-400mm focal length range is a staple for wildlife, sports, and even landscape photographers, allowing them to bring faraway subjects closer.
But which lens reigns supreme? Let’s delve into the details to discover the champion.
The Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses are popular choices for photographers seeking a versatile telephoto option. They share similarities, but their differences in image quality, autofocus performance, and build quality can make a significant impact on your photography. This comprehensive comparison explores the features, performance, and suitability of each lens to help you decide which one aligns with your photographic needs.
Introduction
Tamron and Sigma are renowned third-party manufacturers of high-quality camera lenses, offering a wide range of options for photographers of all levels. Both companies have gained a strong reputation for producing lenses that rival, and in some cases even surpass, the performance of those produced by camera manufacturers themselves.The 100-400mm focal length range is particularly significant for photographers who specialize in wildlife, sports, and nature photography.
This range allows for a versatile combination of wide-angle and telephoto perspectives, enabling photographers to capture subjects both near and far with exceptional detail and clarity. This versatility makes the 100-400mm range a popular choice for capturing a wide variety of subjects in various environments.
Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm Lenses
Both Tamron and Sigma offer 100-400mm lenses designed for full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras. These lenses are known for their excellent optical performance, autofocus speed, and build quality. While both lenses share similar features, they also have distinct characteristics that cater to different photographic needs and preferences.
Features and Specifications
The Tamron SP 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 and the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary are both popular telephoto zoom lenses designed for photographers seeking a versatile and affordable option for wildlife, sports, and other subjects. Both lenses offer a similar focal length range and aperture, but they differ in several key features that might make one a better choice for your specific needs.
Focal Length Range and Maximum Aperture
The focal length range of a lens determines the field of view it captures. Both the Tamron and Sigma lenses offer a 100-400mm focal length range, which provides a good balance between wide-angle and telephoto perspectives. This range is ideal for capturing a variety of subjects, from landscapes to wildlife.The maximum aperture of a lens refers to its ability to let in light.
A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows more light to enter the lens, resulting in brighter images and shallower depth of field. Both lenses have a maximum aperture of f/4.5 at the wide end and f/6.3 at the telephoto end. This aperture range is typical for telephoto zoom lenses in this price category.
| Feature | Tamron SP 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 | Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length Range | 100-400mm | 100-400mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5-6.3 | f/5-6.3 |
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization (IS) is a crucial feature for telephoto lenses, as it helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially in low light or when shooting handheld. Both the Tamron and Sigma lenses offer built-in image stabilization. Tamron’s system is called VC (Vibration Compensation), while Sigma’s system is called OS (Optical Stabilizer).
The Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses are popular choices for wildlife photographers, offering impressive reach and image quality. However, these lenses were often paired with cameras like the Minolta DiMAGE F100 camera , a compact powerhouse known for its speed and versatility.
While the DiMAGE F100 offered impressive capabilities for its time, its smaller sensor size meant that it couldn’t fully exploit the potential of these telephoto lenses. This limitation highlights the importance of choosing a camera body that can fully leverage the capabilities of your lenses, whether you’re capturing majestic landscapes or fast-moving wildlife.
Both systems effectively reduce camera shake, but Tamron’s VC system is generally considered to be slightly more effective.
Autofocus System
Autofocus speed and accuracy are essential for capturing fast-moving subjects. Both lenses feature a dedicated autofocus motor: Tamron uses a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) motor, while Sigma uses an HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor).
Both systems provide fast and accurate autofocus, with the Tamron’s USD motor being slightly faster and quieter.
Minimum Focusing Distance
The minimum focusing distance (MFD) determines how close you can get to your subject while still achieving sharp focus. Both lenses offer a minimum focusing distance of approximately 1.5 meters (4.9 feet). This is a typical MFD for telephoto zoom lenses, allowing for some close-up shots.
Filter Size
The filter size of a lens determines the size of filters that can be attached to the front of the lens. Both the Tamron and Sigma lenses have a filter size of 77mm. This is a common filter size, making it easy to find a wide variety of filters for these lenses.
Weight and Dimensions
The weight and dimensions of a lens are important considerations, especially if you plan to carry it around for extended periods. The Tamron lens is slightly heavier and larger than the Sigma lens.
| Feature | Tamron SP 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 | Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1,170g (41.3oz) | 905g (31.9oz) |
| Dimensions | 93.5 x 206.5mm (3.68 x 8.13in) | 86.6 x 186.5mm (3.41 x 7.34in) |
Image Quality
The image quality of a lens is crucial for photographers, as it determines the sharpness, detail, and overall aesthetic appeal of the final image. Both the Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses are known for their exceptional image quality, but there are subtle differences that can influence the final outcome.
Sharpness and Resolution, Tamron vs sigma 100 400
Sharpness and resolution are key factors in image quality, determining the level of detail captured in an image. Both the Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses offer impressive sharpness, especially at the center of the frame.
- The Tamron lens generally exhibits slightly better sharpness throughout the frame, particularly at the edges, when compared to the Sigma lens. This is attributed to its superior optical design, which incorporates more lens elements and special coatings.
- The Sigma lens, while still sharp, might show a slight drop in sharpness towards the edges, especially at longer focal lengths. However, this difference is often negligible and can be easily corrected in post-processing.
Sharpness is measured by the ability of a lens to render fine details with clarity, while resolution refers to the number of pixels captured by the sensor, which determines the overall detail and clarity of an image.
Bokeh (Background Blur)
Bokeh, the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in an image, is a crucial aspect of portrait and wildlife photography. Both the Tamron and Sigma lenses produce pleasing bokeh, characterized by smooth and creamy out-of-focus areas.
- The Tamron lens tends to exhibit a slightly smoother and more pleasing bokeh than the Sigma lens, with less noticeable onion rings or other artifacts. This is due to its unique lens element design and coatings, which contribute to a more natural and aesthetically pleasing background blur.
- The Sigma lens also produces good bokeh, but it may exhibit slightly more pronounced onion rings, especially at wider apertures. However, these artifacts are generally minor and can be minimized by adjusting the aperture or focusing distance.
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration is a lens defect that causes colored fringes to appear around high-contrast edges, particularly in images taken at wide apertures. Both the Tamron and Sigma lenses effectively minimize chromatic aberration.
- The Tamron lens generally exhibits less chromatic aberration than the Sigma lens, especially at longer focal lengths. This is due to its superior optical design and coatings, which effectively correct for this common lens defect.
- The Sigma lens, while still performing well, may exhibit a slightly higher level of chromatic aberration, especially at the edges of the frame and at wide apertures. However, this aberration is generally manageable and can be easily corrected in post-processing.
Distortion
Distortion is a lens defect that causes straight lines to appear curved or warped in the image. Both the Tamron and Sigma lenses exhibit minimal distortion.
- The Tamron lens typically exhibits less distortion than the Sigma lens, particularly at wider focal lengths. This is due to its optimized optical design, which minimizes distortion across the entire zoom range.
- The Sigma lens, while generally exhibiting low distortion, may show a slight amount of barrel distortion at wider focal lengths. However, this distortion is generally negligible and can be easily corrected in post-processing.
Performance
The performance of a lens is crucial for photographers, as it determines the quality and usability of the captured images. This section will compare the Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses in terms of autofocus speed and accuracy, image stabilization effectiveness, and build quality and durability.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
The autofocus performance of a lens is essential for capturing fast-moving subjects. Both the Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses offer autofocus capabilities, but their performance varies. The Tamron lens utilizes a linear motor for autofocus, while the Sigma lens uses a stepping motor.
The Tamron lens generally exhibits faster autofocus speeds, particularly when tracking moving subjects. The Sigma lens, while slower, provides more accurate autofocus performance.
The Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses are popular choices for wildlife photographers, offering impressive reach and image quality. However, if you’re looking for a lens with a wider perspective and exceptional low-light performance, the leica 15mm f 1.7 might be a better fit.
Its wide aperture allows for shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh, ideal for capturing landscapes, architecture, or even portraits. While the Tamron and Sigma lenses excel at capturing distant subjects, the Leica 15mm f 1.7 excels at capturing the world close up, offering a unique perspective that can be just as captivating.
Image Stabilization Effectiveness
Image stabilization technology helps reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially in low-light conditions or when using longer focal lengths. Both the Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses incorporate image stabilization systems. The Tamron lens features a 4-stop image stabilization system, while the Sigma lens offers a 5-stop system.
This indicates that the Sigma lens can effectively reduce camera shake by up to five stops, allowing for longer shutter speeds without introducing blur.
Build Quality and Durability
The build quality and durability of a lens are essential for photographers who use their equipment in challenging environments. Both the Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses are constructed using high-quality materials. The Tamron lens features a magnesium alloy construction, providing strength and rigidity.
The Sigma lens, on the other hand, uses a polycarbonate composite material, which is lightweight and durable. Both lenses offer weather sealing, protecting them from dust and moisture.
The Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses are both popular choices for wildlife photographers, each offering its own strengths and weaknesses. When it comes to printing your stunning captures, the Canon PIXMA Pro-100 printer, known for its vibrant color reproduction and sharp detail, can truly bring your images to life.
Canon PIXMA Pro 100 ink is specifically formulated to deliver exceptional results, making it a perfect match for capturing the intricate details of your wildlife subjects. Ultimately, the choice between Tamron and Sigma depends on your individual needs and preferences, but a high-quality printer like the Canon PIXMA Pro-100 can help you showcase your images in all their glory.
Usage and Applications
The Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses are versatile telephoto zooms, each with strengths that make them suitable for various photographic genres. Their reach and performance make them valuable tools for capturing distant subjects, but their specific features cater to different shooting styles and preferences.
Wildlife Photography
Wildlife photography demands a lens capable of capturing distant subjects with detail and clarity, even in challenging lighting conditions. The Tamron 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 excels in this domain, offering exceptional image quality and a powerful vibration compensation system.
The Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses are both popular choices for wildlife photographers, each offering unique advantages in terms of image quality, autofocus speed, and build. However, if you’re a photographer who still enjoys the classic feel of shooting with film, you’ll need a way to digitize your negatives.
A dedicated negative film scanner can produce high-resolution scans, capturing the nuances and detail of your film images. Once you’ve scanned your negatives, you can then compare the performance of the Tamron and Sigma lenses on your digital images, making an informed decision about which lens best suits your photographic needs.
The Tamron’s VC system effectively minimizes camera shake, enabling sharp images even at longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds, crucial for capturing fleeting wildlife moments.
While the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS Contemporary is also capable, its VC system is slightly less effective, making it less ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. The Tamron’s slightly faster maximum aperture at the long end also provides a slight advantage in low-light conditions.
Sports Photography
Sports photography requires a lens that can freeze fast action and capture details from a distance. Both the Tamron and Sigma lenses offer fast autofocus and reach, making them suitable for sports photography.
The Tamron’s autofocus system is generally considered faster and more responsive, particularly when tracking moving subjects.
This advantage is particularly noticeable when photographing fast-paced sports like soccer or basketball. However, the Sigma’s lighter weight and more compact size might be preferred for shooting sports that require more mobility, like track and field or gymnastics.
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These cameras offer excellent image quality and features, allowing you to pair them with your chosen lens and start capturing stunning wildlife images.
Landscape Photography
Landscape photography often benefits from lenses with wide apertures for capturing depth of field and creating stunning compositions. While neither lens boasts an exceptionally wide aperture, both the Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses can be used effectively for landscape photography.
The Tamron’s slightly faster aperture at the long end can be beneficial for capturing landscapes with dramatic skies or distant subjects, allowing for a shallower depth of field.
The Sigma’s compact size and lighter weight make it more convenient for hiking and exploring diverse landscapes.
Portrait Photography
While not traditionally considered portrait lenses, both the Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses can be used for portrait photography, particularly when shooting environmental portraits or emphasizing the subject’s surroundings.
The Tamron’s smoother bokeh and sharper rendering at longer focal lengths can create pleasing portraits with a more natural background blur.
The Sigma’s more compact size and lighter weight might be more convenient for mobile portrait photographers who want to capture candid shots.
Lens Applications Table
| Lens | Wildlife | Sports | Landscape | Portrait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamron 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS Contemporary | Good | Good | Good | Good |
Price and Value: Tamron Vs Sigma 100 400
The price of a lens is a crucial factor for photographers, especially when considering high-end telephoto lenses like the Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 lenses. Both lenses offer excellent performance and features, but their price points and value propositions differ.
Price Comparison
The Tamron 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 is generally priced lower than the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS Contemporary. This price difference can be attributed to factors such as production costs, brand recognition, and targeted market segments.
Value Proposition
- Tamron 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2:This lens offers a compelling value proposition, balancing impressive performance with an affordable price tag. Its features like the VC (Vibration Compensation) system and USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) autofocus motor make it a versatile lens for wildlife, sports, and general photography.
- Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS Contemporary:This lens, while priced higher, often boasts slightly superior image quality and performance, particularly in terms of sharpness and contrast. Its OS (Optical Stabilizer) system provides effective image stabilization, and the overall build quality is considered robust.
Future Updates and New Versions
Both Tamron and Sigma are known for continuously updating their lens lines. Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect future updates or new versions of these lenses, incorporating advanced technologies or design improvements. For instance, Tamron has a history of releasing updated versions of their popular lenses, such as the Tamron 150-600mm G2, which significantly improved upon the original G1 version.
Similarly, Sigma has introduced new versions of their lenses, like the Sigma 150-600mm Sport, which offered enhanced features and performance.It’s important to note that predicting future product releases is speculative. However, considering the competitive landscape and the constant advancements in lens technology, it’s likely that both Tamron and Sigma will continue to innovate and release new versions of their 100-400mm lenses in the future.
Conclusion
The Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 and Contemporary lenses, respectively, are both excellent options for wildlife and sports photographers seeking a versatile telephoto zoom. While they share similarities in their specifications and intended purpose, they also possess distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Key Advantages and Disadvantages
- The Tamron 100-400mm G2 excels in image quality, particularly at the longer end of the zoom range. Its superior sharpness, especially at the edges, makes it ideal for capturing intricate details. It also boasts impressive autofocus speed and accuracy, ensuring that you don’t miss crucial moments.
However, it is heavier and bulkier than the Sigma, which can be a significant factor for photographers on the move.
- The Sigma 100-400mm Contemporary, on the other hand, is lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry and maneuver. Its image quality is still excellent, especially in the center of the frame. It also features a more affordable price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious photographers.
However, it might not be as sharp as the Tamron, especially at the edges, and its autofocus performance is slightly slower.
Recommendation for Photographers
- For photographers who prioritize image quality and speed, especially at the longer focal lengths, the Tamron 100-400mm G2 is the better choice. Its superior sharpness and autofocus make it an ideal option for capturing fast-moving subjects with intricate details.
However, its weight and size might be a concern for photographers who need a more portable setup.
- For photographers who value portability and affordability, the Sigma 100-400mm Contemporary is an excellent option. Its lighter weight and lower price point make it an attractive choice for those who prioritize convenience. However, photographers who need the highest image quality and fastest autofocus speed might find the Tamron to be a better investment.
Final Summary
The Tamron and Sigma 100-400mm lenses are both exceptional telephoto options, offering outstanding image quality and performance. The Tamron lens excels in sharpness and affordability, making it a strong contender for wildlife and sports photographers. The Sigma lens boasts superior image stabilization and build quality, making it a better choice for those prioritizing stability and durability.
Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring photographer, carefully considering the features and performance of each lens will lead you to the perfect companion for your photographic adventures.