First launched in December 2013, the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD ultra-telephoto lens is now seeing its first update. The second generation (G2) lens will feature improvements to several areas including faster speed and better accuracy. Canon, Nikon, and Sony A mount versions of the lens start shipping September 28 at a cost of $1,399.
The 150-600mm G2 telephoto lens features 21 elements in 13 groups, with 3 low dispersion glass elements that according to Tamron completely eliminates axial and transverse chromatic aberrations. The lens elements also have Tamron’s eBAND coating which offers higher light transmission, anti-reflectiveness, and reduced ghosting and flaring. There’s even fluorine coating on the front surface that is water and oil repellent for easy cleaning. The second generation lens takes advantage of newer manufacturing technology to improve the sharpness and resolution over the previous version.
Tamron has also improved the lens’ autofocus system with a quicker ultrasonic silent drive ring-type motor that is said to provide accurate high-speed focus even when capturing moving subjects. There’s also a full-time manual focus override allowing a user to make manual adjustments at any time without switching focus modes.
The vibration compensation (VC) featured in the Nikon and Canon mount versions of the lens offer up to a 4.5 stop equivalence of stabilization. There are three different VC modes that can be used depending on the shooting situation. There’s even a specific mode used for panning.
Sample marketing image by Ian Plant.
If you want to read even more details about the new 150-600mm f/5-6.3 lens, including the new Flex Zoom Lock, Arca Swiss tripod interface, electromagnetic diaphragm system for Nikon-mount lenses, closer focusing distance, and two new teleconverters, check out the Tamron website.
You can pre-order the Tamron SP 150-600 f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 now for $1,399. The Sony-mount version without VC is also taking pre-orders for $1,399. Orders will begin to ship on September 28 based on availability.
There is a dude on flickr who pairs up this lens with a d7100 for amature birding photos, whats great is in his exif data he shoots the 7100 in auto and his photos are ridiculously tack sharp...TACK. Chris Lue Shing.
Name please?
He wrote his name there. Chris Lue Shing :) https://www.flickr.com/photos/ccimaging/
Ha wow I suck lol. I don't see anything that says G2.
It's an amazing lens for that price... I use it in combo with my D750 and am really happy with the results, especially when you get the chance to stop down to f/8 (see below). Wide open at 600mm could use a little more sharpness, but hey, we're talking of a lens that sells for ~1000$ vs the 10000$ for a 600mm prime
https://fstoppers.com/photo/137537
I'll assume this is the first gen model you shot this with. Looks good however, if the new lens has upped the ante on IQ than it should a good deal for it's price.
yes it's the 1st gen. I'm really looking forward to see how the new one will perform
It'll be interesting to see if they improve the formula enough to give the lens good sharpness across the plane wide open. There's never enough light when you need it. ;-)
I'm the same - I only use the Gen 1 lens at f/8 and am extremely happy with the results.
I wonder if Sony gets embarrassed anytime someone make an A-mount lens...
"The 150-600mm G2 telephoto lens features 21 elements in 3 groups..."
That's 13 groups.
Thanks
I assume this is in response to the Sigma 150-600 Sport, it'll be interesting to see a side-by-side shootout.
Good point, that will be an interesting comparison.
The existing Tamron 150-600 can be extremely slow at focusing. The updated one is much cheaper than the Sigma Sport, and presumably still much lighter (as is the first model).
Awaiting a review with measurements, hope to see a nice improvement in all areas compared to gen. 1
I had borrowed the first version of 150-600 for an Vintage Glider event, pics at: https://dismason.org/check-out/tamron-lenses-150-600/ so the update of this lens feels welcome.
I'm glad to see Tamron pursuing this range, and improving it. I have the Sigma version, and no complaints.
Shameless plug: my Sigma 300-800 f/5.6 for Canon is up for sale. In case anyone wants more, reach, speed, and sharpness. ;)