Shannon took the Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 for a spin in the wild and we got the juicy details…
We want to know a bit more about your experience with the Tamron 150-600mm lens. How has it made a difference to your work and what would you say are the standout features?
It’s been all over the world with me. From trekking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest searching for Mountain Gorillas to the far reaches of the Arctic photographing polar bears, and the forests of India photographing leopards and tigers. Its weight and versatility are key features for me.
Common concerns with telephoto lenses are weight and portability – how did the Tamron 150-600mm hold up on your wildlife photography expeditions?
It’s all relative. The Tamron 150-600 can seem large and heavy on first impression but compared to prime lenses of the same or similar focal lengths, it’s actually surprisingly compact and manageable. Like anything, it requires a certain level of fitness that develops with continued use, but as someone who’s not terribly large, I can manage this lens all day, everyday. And know I’m going to get the versatility of various focal lengths quickly, without having to change lenses and potentially miss important shots.
How important is quality vibration compensation (VC) in contribution to getting sharp images, especially while shooting handheld, or from a vehicle?
Nature photographers know how important natural light is and often the best light is early morning or late afternoon, meaning it’s going to push your equipment to get the most out of it in ‘less’ light. This means that quality vibration compensation is essential, and often means the difference between a usable and unusable shot. When it’s your job to produce quality images in these kinds of circumstances, you need equipment that’s going to support this, it’s a no brainer! Otherwise I could be out of a job, especially since a lot of my work often involves not only a moving subject, but also me constantly moving to get into the right position or changing the composition.
How did the Tamron 150-600mm compare to similar lenses you’ve used in the past?
Like any quality lens, it has its place in my collection. It’s a fantastic all rounder that I can use in a variety of situations. Especially for my line of work, which involves making decisions on the fly and often not knowing what I’m going to photograph next, what the conditions may be. I can’t afford to miss a single shot and this helps me achieve a higher ‘capture’ rate than working with prime lenses.
What are the top reasons you’d recommend this lens to someone else?
To summarise, the versatility of this lens is what stands out for me. It’s lightweight enough to use daily and provides a wide focal length range perfect for wildlife photography, giving me the flexibility and responsiveness I need in a lens. (Especially as someone who wants a variety of compositions from each scene I encounter.) The stabilisation is a lifesaver, which allows me to work longer into low light situations.
Shannon Wild is an awarded National Geographic photographer and filmmaker who lives and breathes all things nature inspired. We managed to catch up with her between trips and found she is still the warmhearted woman with an unwavering dedication to her craft. If you’d like to learn some more, you can read the interview on your blog site, Catching up with Shannon Wild.
While many have dreams, Shannon is living hers, accompanied by the Tamron 150-600.
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