This is a tele-zoom lens from Tamron and it has already received rave opinions and reviews over the last few months since released . This biggie was announced November last year and has been available to buy from various dealers under $1300 or £1000 now. Compared to the other pricy tele-zoom lenses from Canon and Nikon which are not available at this lens’s maximum focal length except in fixed telephoto format (which are way too expensive for average Joe), Tamron’s this latest product with new dynamics shines defintely as far as sports and wildlife photographers are concerned. Tamron had SP AF 200-500mm F/5-6.3 Di LD available from 2010(read review here) , which has been a good choice telephoto lens for around $1000. But it has only 13 elements in 10 groups compared to 20 in 13 groups of which 3 are ELD (extra low dispersion) elements to maintain tight focusing of all colours – and to prevent what we see as coloured fringes on high-contrast edges. And it have given great advantage over its predecessor in terms of image quality along with new eBAND coating to prevent unwanted reflection and ghosting and Tamron’s VC image stabilization, even though on portablity side remains bit more heavy (1951 g).
Tamron 150-600 lens Features
Internal-Focusing (IF)-System – The extension length of the lens does not change during focussing and the close focussing distance is significantly reduced across the entire focusing range.
VC (Vibration Compensation)The VC Image Stabilizer delivers sharp and shake-free images, as well as a smooth viewfinder image.
USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)- Powerful ultrasonic motor for quick and dynamic subjects. It is extremely quiet, precise and allows manual control at any time.
Super Performance -Tamron’s Super Performance series delivers a range of lenses that meet the highest standards.
LD (Low Dispersion)- Lens element for greater image sharpness and the correction of chromatic aberration.
eBAND Coating- Nano-structured lens coating to protect against unwanted reflection and ghosting.
XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) Glass- A special glass with an extremely low colour dispersion index for the greatest level of sharpness and compensation of chromatic aberration.
Zoom Lock (ZL) Mechanism- Protects against undesired extension of the lens barrel.
Other Specifications inlcude:-
Mount Type: Nikon F-Bayonet (also available for Canon and Sony mounts)
Focal Length Range: 150-600mm
Maximum Aperture: f/5-6.3
Minimum Aperture: f/32-40
Angle of View (DX-format): 10°38’ – 2°40’
Angle of View (FX-format): 16°25’ – 4°8’
Lens (Elements): 20
Lens (Groups): 13
Compatible Format(s): FX, DX, FX in DX Crop Mode, 35mm Film
Diaphragm Blades: 9
LD Glass (Elements): 3
Autofocus: Yes
USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive): Yes
Minimum Focus Distance: 106.3 in (2.7m)
Focus Mode: AF/MF
Filter Size: 95mm
Accepts Filter Type: Screw-on
Length: 10.1 in (257.8mm)
Weight (Approx.): 68.8 oz (1,951 g)
Lens Hood: Flower-shaped HA007 lens hood
While it received great reputation for being unique with the maximum focal range and by its price, Sigma corporation announced two 150-600mm lenses last month with most of the specifications same. But the price tag still unkown and likely more expensive than Tamron counterpart, its unlikely Sigma going to be a close competition for Tamron ( we will know soon). Below we can compare the images taken with Tamron 150-600mm lens with Tamron 200-500mm and Sigma 150-500mm lenses. We are still waiting for the new Sigma lenses mentioned above to be released and will compare later as they are the ones to be compared for a typical comparison. Although the images (courtesy – Pixel-peeper) are taken at similar focal length, they are taken with different brand cameras. Please right click and open image in new tab for full size view.
Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD image sample
Tamron 200-500mm F/5-6.3 Di LD image sample
Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM image sample
More Sample in image gallery
1 Comment
Thanx for the detailed review and specs and of course the samples . Looks nice