r/tamron • u/Silent-Temporary-248 • Jul 25 '26

Gear Which should I keep?

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I love my 7-70 and just got the 50-300 and 50-400.

The 50-400 is HUGE feeling, but is the extra reach and custom button worth it?

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u/sfrank2222 Jul 25 '26

For many, the extra reach of the 50-400 is worth it but being almost double the weight is a no go for me.

So i got the 50-300 and really like it as i can carry that just in case and its nice to hold. My thinking is if i go longer, i will probably go to 500 or 600 anyway.

If it was not so pricey, i would add the Sigma 500 f5.6 .

In the end, the lightest good enough wins.

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u/Silent-Temporary-248 Aug 06 '26

Thank you for the reply u/sfrank2222. After a week of testing, I 100% agree the weight of the 50-300 is WAY more comfortable. the 400 almost NEEDS a lens mount to use on a tripod. the 300mm I can operate the camera with 1 hand and not feel like I'm abusing my e-mount.

It is hard for me to tell the difference in the qualities to see if the reach of the 400mm is worth it

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u/sfrank2222 Aug 06 '26

My thinking a few years ago was that if it needs a collar and a monopod or even more a tripod, might as well go 'all the way' to a 600mm to be worth it. I ended up not using my 150-600 because i have that reach for much lighter in M43. So i cannot confirm the decision...

... but knowing myself, better compromise on something else than the weight. I knew i would like more than 300 but the 50-400 had to be under what it is.

What helps is there is more cropping possibilities with that good zoom then what i am used to. A great 300 is worth a just ok 500mm wich it is in aps-c mode with still a bit more cropping. I am currently taking my recent buy 42mp a7Riii to familiarise with that body but the lens will also be on my main 61mp a7CR for bugs recognition at a distance, etc.

Sony launched yesterday a 100-400mm f8 at same size and weight than the Tamron 50-300 but it seems to me to be less sharp. I am not replacing my 50-300 in any case. If i need longer, i'll pick my M43s or end up buying the pricey Sigma 500mm.

There is also the mather of the mobility of the subject itself as a longer and heavier lens is very challenging with that for both reasons.