MJL

Depends on what the "function" is.  If it is a classic play which has only few action, you can get by using ISO >3200 at f/5.6 with 1/250 sec.  If it is a dance performance, rock concert or sport event which require 1/500 sec or faster, even f/4.5 is not enough.

The 70-200/2.8 was my standard lens on DX cameras for such events, but I am using the 120-300/2.8 more since switching into FX due to the 1.5X reach.

I finally found this Tarmon 150-600 in stock from Quebec last month.  My original plan was to do sport photography but work schedule interfered so far.  Fortunately I did found time to try it out with different subjects and would like to share few samples here.

All sample images were taken with D800 at 600mm on monopod or tripod with SP turned off.  No cropping or PP except JPEG compressed down further for size.  The pedestrain was shot about a city block away and the birds ~ 4m away.

Tamron amazingly delivered such great handling long telephoto zoom with good IQ at a very reasonable price.  AF speed & VC is acceptable with bird photography to me.  Probably due to the manageable weight and afforbale price, I feel the material (especially the hood) & electronics will unlikely stand up to serious uses.

The Bower, Rokinon, Samyang or Vivitar 8/3.5 lens is my favorite DX choice for special effect in tight space.  This is a sample I have posted earlier.

http://www.nikonforu...chevrolet-volt/

I use an older version of this Berlebach wooden mini tripod for my heavy film camera gears.
 
http://www.berlebach...sprache=english

Yeap, the "Bigma" are never reputed to be sharp at the maximum reach and a 36M sensor would definitely confirm it.  Your photo is actually already better than what I can get from my 50-500.  I usually have to do a lot of PP to get an acceptable image for publishing.  BTW, their focusing speed are acceptable at best, I think that have something to do with the small aperture kick in very early, e.g. f/6.3 starting at ~ 300mm.

Hi Thumper & K-9,

Glad you enjoy the photo.

The LED street lamps really have that SciFi shape & color comparing to the regular lamps.  It turns out better than I expected with the white dash.

I bought the D2X from a Pro and that was the first "road test".  The only thing it lacks is the modern sensor (pixel number & ISO) IMHO.  The Rokinon 8mm is also a superb lens for the price.

Look forward to sharing more photo here!

Vic

This shot was taken inside a Chevrolet Volt which has a very unique instrutment panel.

The "lightning bolt" pattern was from the new LED street lamps overhead.

D2X with Rokinon 8mm/3.5.