Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens Sony FE

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens Summary

The newly developed Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD super telephoto lens has been designed to provide a high quality, compact, hand-holdable zoom for full frame (FE) Sony camera users. It comes with Tamron’s latest lens technologies including an effective optical stabilisation system (Vibration Compensation), VXD linear motor focus mechanism and produces extremely sharp results thanks to a complex optical design. A number of glass elements had to be employed to achieve this level of quality, so whilst being super compact the telephoto weighs 1725g. which isn’t too bad considering it reaches a very useful 500mm.

Features at a glance

• Hand-holdable full-frame 500mm lens measuring around 21cm long
• Superb image results from 25 optical elements arranged in 16 groups
• Fast, quiet and accurate VXD linear motor focus compatible with Sony AF systems
• Highly effective mode selectable VC mechanism
• Versatile zoom range with 0.6m clo
• Arca-Swiss compatible tripod mount
• Moisture resistant construction with front element fluorine coat

Tamron lenses are typically characterised by their compact nature, well suited to mirrorless cameras and the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 telephoto follows this trend measuring just 209.6mm long, extending to 283mm when zoomed to 500mm. This makes it one of the most compact telephoto zooms found amongst Sony E-mount lenses and eminently portable.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens Sony FE in More Detail

Well thought out design

This is a hand-holdable full-frame 500mm lens with a maximum diameter of 93mm, measuring 21-28cm throughout the zoom range, which is an astoundingly compact size for a 500mm ultra-telephoto zoom for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The lens zooms from 150mm to 500mm by rotating the zoom ring through less than one-quarter of a turn at just 75°. This helps quick zooming throughout the range to capture the shot.

High image quality

A complex optical design features 25 lens elements in 16 groups. The effective use of special lens elements raises image quality and includes one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), five LD (Low Dispersion) and two Hybrid Aspherical lens elements. Combined these thoroughly control aberrations including axial chromatic aberrations. This design enables users to maintain high quality whilst benefiting from a compact and portable lens size.

Fast Quiet VXD Focussing

Tamron’s 150-500mm F/5-6.7 features the same successful VXD linear motor focus mechanism first seen in the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD. VXD delivers high-speed and high-precision movement for highly responsive performance. The 150-500mm F5-6.7 provides fast, comfortable and accurate focusing at all shooting distances, from near to far.

Focus tracking has been improved to capture fast-moving subjects. This is particularly useful for those shooting sporting events, birds or aviation photography and capturing videos. The linear motor also reduces drive noise and vibrations making it ideal for shooting both stills and video even in quiet environments.

Ultra stable Vibration Compensation (VC)

The 150-500mm lens is equipped with Tamron’s VC mechanism with a VC mode selection switch with three settings (Mode 1: Standard, Mode 2: Exclusively for Panning, and Mode 3: Framing Priority). This feature delivers excellent image stabilisation performance enabling efficient reduction of image blurring caused by camera shake along with extra versatility for different shooting situations.

Tele-macro capability

This highly capable super telephoto also offers excellent close-up shooting capabilities. The minimum object distance (MOD) is 0.6m at the wide end and 1.8m fully zoomed to 500mm. Maximum magnification at 150mm is exceptionally high at 1:3.1 enabling users to capture close-up telephoto-macro images, exceeding many conventional ultra-telephoto zoom lenses.

Versatile features

• Arca-Swiss compatible tripod mount with strap attachment holes
• Lens hood with flexible protective front end
• New switch design for improved operability
• FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism

Effective ghosting and flare reduction

A BBAR-G2 coating (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) suppresses ghosting and flare to a minimum level and reveals fine details even when the subject is backlit. This also helps to achieve natural colours and rich saturation.

Excellent weather resistance

Outdoor conditions can be changeable so Tamron has employed a moisture resistant construction to protect the lens. The front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that is water and oil-repellent, which is easily wiped to remove marks.

Sony systems compatible

The 150-500mm F/5-6.7 lens is compatible with an array of special features  found in Sony Mirrorless cameras including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF.

What’s in the box

• Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens for Sony E-mount
• Round-shaped hood
• Lens caps
• Arca-Swiss compatible tripod mount

Optional Accessories

• Hoya REVO SMC 82mm UV Filter - extra front element protection and reduction of UV over telephoto distances
• Hoya REVO SMC 82mm CPL Filter - A circular polariser is often used for outdoor photography to reduce reflections and glare

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens Specifications