In-Depth Review: Tamron 150-600 f/5-6.3 VC

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

This lens is going to be in short supply and a big seller for a long time. It's appealing for two distinct types of photogs, those like the reviewer that don't primarily use the long lenses and those that do who want a packable alternative.

I think you are probably right. We saw the warning signs when it jumped to the top of the best selling charts in Japan. I think it will take several months before supply stabilizes. I won't be able to get one for myself (to own) for a while, although I will get another run with a loaner in February.

I find it encouraging that other reviewers are coming to similar conclusions with me. I think that will help those interested to feel more confident about moving ahead.

 

[jthomson]

I find it encouraging that other reviewers are coming to similar conclusions with me. I think that will help those interested to feel more confident about moving ahead.

Ordered mine this morning. Big step up from my Sigma 150-500.

 

[Rienzphotoz]

This lens is going to be in short supply and a big seller for a long time. It's appealing for two distinct types of photogs, those like the reviewer that don't primarily use the long lenses and those that do who want a packable alternative.

I think you are probably right. We saw the warning signs when it jumped to the top of the best selling charts in Japan. I think it will take several months before supply stabilizes. I won't be able to get one for myself (to own) for a while, although I will get another run with a loaner in February.

I find it encouraging that other reviewers are coming to similar conclusions with me. I think that will help those interested to feel more confident about moving ahead.

I think it has a high probability of getting a price hike, especially if they are selling it at a loss for brand recognition ... seeing how popular this lens turned out to be, in such a short time, I wouldn't be surprised if they raise the price. My ex-boss (who is bringing the lens for me next month) just sent me an email saying that the seller on Amazon (Japan) has changed his shipping time from 1 to 3 months (earlier it was 1 to 2 weeks) ... so he is now looking for other sellers who can deliver before he leaves from Japan. :'(

 

[Rienzphotoz]

This lens is going to be in short supply and a big seller for a long time. It's appealing for two distinct types of photogs, those like the reviewer that don't primarily use the long lenses and those that do who want a packable alternative.

I think you are probably right. We saw the warning signs when it jumped to the top of the best selling charts in Japan. I think it will take several months before supply stabilizes. I won't be able to get one for myself (to own) for a while, although I will get another run with a loaner in February.

I find it encouraging that other reviewers are coming to similar conclusions with me. I think that will help those interested to feel more confident about moving ahead.

I think it has a high probability of getting a price hike, especially if they are selling it at a loss for brand recognition ... seeing how popular this lens turned out to be, in such a short time, I wouldn't be surprised if they raise the price. My ex-boss (who is bringing the lens for me next month) just sent me an email saying that the seller on Amazon (Japan) has changed his shipping time from 1 to 3 months (earlier it was 1 to 2 weeks) ... so he is now looking for other sellers who can deliver before he leaves from Japan. :'(

My ex-boss just emailed me again a few minutes ago, saying that the price is now JPY 123800 (US$1188) with one week delivery ... earlier it was JPY 107,820 (US$ 1036), but they changed the delivery timing as 1 to 3 months.

 

[Zv]

This lens is going to be in short supply and a big seller for a long time. It's appealing for two distinct types of photogs, those like the reviewer that don't primarily use the long lenses and those that do who want a packable alternative.

I think you are probably right. We saw the warning signs when it jumped to the top of the best selling charts in Japan. I think it will take several months before supply stabilizes. I won't be able to get one for myself (to own) for a while, although I will get another run with a loaner in February.

I find it encouraging that other reviewers are coming to similar conclusions with me. I think that will help those interested to feel more confident about moving ahead.

I think it has a high probability of getting a price hike, especially if they are selling it at a loss for brand recognition ... seeing how popular this lens turned out to be, in such a short time, I wouldn't be surprised if they raise the price. My ex-boss (who is bringing the lens for me next month) just sent me an email saying that the seller on Amazon (Japan) has changed his shipping time from 1 to 3 months (earlier it was 1 to 2 weeks) ... so he is now looking for other sellers who can deliver before he leaves from Japan. :'(

My ex-boss just emailed me again a few minutes ago, saying that the price is now JPY 123800 (US$1188) with one week delivery ... earlier it was JPY 107,820 (US$ 1036), but they changed the delivery timing as 1 to 3 months.

That sucks but if your boss converted dollars to yen then he prob got a decent rate and the price is still pretty good. Prices are going up here, the sales tax is going up in April from 5 to 8%, get the lens while you can folks!

 

[Albi86]

In europe its stabilizing on 999£ / 1199€. I've seen someone reporting a 949£ price tag, that's a good price.

I'm sure it will go below 900£/1000€ after the first wave of orders have shipped.

 

[Zv]

In europe its stabilizing on 999£ / 1199€. I've seen someone reporting a 949£ price tag, that's a good price.

I'm sure it will go below 900£/1000€ after the first wave of orders have shipped.

It seems unfair for you guys paying in Euros. Big diff between $1000 and €1000.

 

[Albi86]

In europe its stabilizing on 999£ / 1199€. I've seen someone reporting a 949£ price tag, that's a good price.

I'm sure it will go below 900£/1000€ after the first wave of orders have shipped.

It seems unfair for you guys paying in Euros. Big diff between $1000 and €1000.

It's always like this

Eventually prices tend to stabilize at around 600$ to 500€ change, or 1000$ to 900€. I also have to say that our prices are always inclusive of VAT and in most EU countries retailers must offer 2 years of warranty - disregarding whatever the manufacturer is offering them.

So this is why I think this lens will soon sell for around 950€ street price.

 

[photonius]

Re: More reviews appearing: Tamron 150-600 f/5-6.3 VC

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/tamron-sp-150-600mm-f-5-6-3-di-vc-usd-lens-review-23866

 

[MarcPool]

Official Retail price in the Netherlands is 1359,00 euro inc. 21% VAT. Web shops are already taking pre orders at 1099,00 euro inc. 21 VAT.
Don't know if I am going to go for it, probably wait and see if prices drop a bit after a couple of months.

 

[Lichtgestalt]

It is a closely guarded secret. Unfortunately, the secret has become exposed: it is written immediately under the photo (and under all my posts) that I have a 300mm f/2.8 and 2xTC. The data are also in the exif of the photo that it was taken on a Canon 7D with 300mm f/2.8 and 2xTC.

I always download photos that I discuss and check their exifs for information. In turn, I always included the exifs on what I upload so anyone can find out what mine were taken on and with.

well then it´s not too hard to write that info instead to expect that others check every photos exif.... not?

and from what is see in dustin´s review, you choose a bad example... to make a point?
there are cleary better images at 600mm that show the potential of this lens.

 

[AlanF]

It is a closely guarded secret. Unfortunately, the secret has become exposed: it is written immediately under the photo (and under all my posts) that I have a 300mm f/2.8 and 2xTC. The data are also in the exif of the photo that it was taken on a Canon 7D with 300mm f/2.8 and 2xTC.

I always download photos that I discuss and check their exifs for information. In turn, I always included the exifs on what I upload so anyone can find out what mine were taken on and with.

well then it´s not too hard to write that info instead to expect that others check every photos exif.... not?

and from what is see in dustin´s review, you choose a bad example... to make a point?
there are cleary better images at 600mm that show the potential of this lens.

You write nasty little comments like "how long do you take pictures?". You clearly like making points and getting personal, I don't like doing either. In common with most CR regulars, I try to look at all evidence objectively and weigh up what is in front of us. From what I have seen so far the Tamron 150-600 lens is excellent value for money and is better than the 100-400. It is not up to the primes but is a good alternative if you are not looking for the highest resolution. The ephotozine image at 600mm is OK but still somewhat soft. I might buy one because it does look like a very good lens, but will wait until the spring to see what Canon comes up with. I sold my 100-400 yesterday to make room for a new lens.

 

[dpc]

Hi! I am an enthusiast who does a fair bit of birding and wildlife shooting. I am trying to optimize my longer range lens collection without breaking the bank. I have used the Canon 400mm f/5.6 L. I found it a great lens in many ways. However I had difficulty handholding it and getting decent shots (I am aware of upping the shutter speed, using a tripod or monopod - I would like a lens with good image stabilization). I know others find it quite handhold able but that is not my experience. I am presently using the 300mm f/4 L with the Extender EF 1.4x III and am quite happy with it. I would like something longer, however. I had the Sigma 150-500mm for a while. It took good pictures but was a bit soft on the long end where my interest lies. I know the Tamron 150-600mm is just out, is decently priced and has some positive reviews. Does anyone have any initial thoughts on whether the Tamron at the 600mm end would be reasonably comparable to the Canon 300mm f/4 L with the 1.4 extender and is the Canon extender usable on the Tamron and, if it is, what are the likely effects on sharpness? I shoot with both a 7D and 5D Mark II. Thanks for any advice you may have. I will wait for more reviews but would appreciate any thoughts with what we now know.

 

[AlanF]

Hi! I am an enthusiast who does a fair bit of birding and wildlife shooting. I am trying to optimize my longer range lens collection without breaking the bank. I have used the Canon 400mm f/5.6 L. I found it a great lens in many ways. However I had difficulty handholding it and getting decent shots (I am aware of upping the shutter speed, using a tripod or monopod - I would like a lens with good image stabilization). I know others find it quite handhold able but that is not my experience. I am presently using the 300mm f/4 L with the Extender EF 1.4x III and am quite happy with it. I would like something longer, however. I had the Sigma 150-500mm for a while. It took good pictures but was a bit soft on the long end where my interest lies. I know the Tamron 150-600mm is just out, is decently priced and has some positive reviews. Does anyone have any initial thoughts on whether the Tamron at the 600mm end would be reasonably comparable to the Canon 300mm f/4 L with the 1.4 extender and is the Canon extender usable on the Tamron and, if it is, what are the likely effects on sharpness? I shoot with both a 7D and 5D Mark II. Thanks for any advice you may have. I will wait for more reviews but would appreciate any thoughts with what we now know.

It's difficult to judge how good the lens is at 600mm from published images because few have been taken under optimal conditions. The published ones of birds are mainly at f/6.3 where the lens is softest. It does seem from the MTFs and good images, that at 400mm, the Tamron is close to the 100-400L, which means similar to or better than your 300 + 1.4xTCIII. It looks like that the Tamron at 600mm and f/8 - f/11 would give a significantly better image than the 400mm lens cropped.

The use of extenders is probably problematic. The Canon extender will narrow the maximum aperture to f/8 and your 7D would not autofocus. On a camera that will, such as the 5DIII, you would have to use f/11 - f/16 to get into the sharper regions at 600mm, drawing you into high iso and extenders aren't usually good unless the naked lens is very sharp.

 

[iowapipe]

Very nicely done review, I appreciate the writing and tests. Being newer to photography than the regulars here I am just beginning to build my lens inventory. Fortunately I'm not game to have a lot, so I'm trying to be picky.

I passed up a good deal on a very good copy of the 100-400 Canon this last August, because after looking at the 400 f/5.6 prime, I had decided I wanted the lens for the long end and not the range of zoom. (my 70-200 serves me very well around town) So it was then an easy decision in favor of the prime. I planned on holding off for a sale. Then the release of the Tamron was announced and I decided to hold off a bit more.

Now I'm just waiting to see a comparison to the 400mm Canon f/5.6 to make my final decision. I sway towards the Canon because it's much lighter, but the reach of the Tamron and quite decent image quality might be the push that pulls the trigger for it. I am going to be walking around with either lens, possibly with a monopod, but most likely not. The weight won't bother me after I buy a proper strap like the Black Rapid or whatever.

Now, I'm just waiting to see a comparison to the Canon 400mm f/5.6. I'm guessing it will be sharper (since it is as compared to the 100-400). Though any discrepancy with color/contrast is quickly adjusted. Fingers crossed!

And a note to everyone on here: many of you make the process of gaining useful knowledge much easier. Thank You! I'm a researcher by training and temperament both, so I don't mind the process of searching out useful material. This forum and site make it much easier thanks to many of you.

 

[Drizzt321]

Hi! I am an enthusiast who does a fair bit of birding and wildlife shooting. I am trying to optimize my longer range lens collection without breaking the bank. I have used the Canon 400mm f/5.6 L. I found it a great lens in many ways. However I had difficulty handholding it and getting decent shots (I am aware of upping the shutter speed, using a tripod or monopod - I would like a lens with good image stabilization). I know others find it quite handhold able but that is not my experience. I am presently using the 300mm f/4 L with the Extender EF 1.4x III and am quite happy with it. I would like something longer, however. I had the Sigma 150-500mm for a while. It took good pictures but was a bit soft on the long end where my interest lies. I know the Tamron 150-600mm is just out, is decently priced and has some positive reviews. Does anyone have any initial thoughts on whether the Tamron at the 600mm end would be reasonably comparable to the Canon 300mm f/4 L with the 1.4 extender and is the Canon extender usable on the Tamron and, if it is, what are the likely effects on sharpness? I shoot with both a 7D and 5D Mark II. Thanks for any advice you may have. I will wait for more reviews but would appreciate any thoughts with what we now know.

It's difficult to judge how good the lens is at 600mm from published images because few have been taken under optimal conditions. The published ones of birds are mainly at f/6.3 where the lens is softest. It does seem from the MTFs and good images, that at 400mm, the Tamron is close to the 100-400L, which means similar to or better than your 300 + 1.4xTCIII. It looks like that the Tamron at 600mm and f/8 - f/11 would give a significantly better image than the 400mm lens cropped.

The use of extenders is probably problematic. The Canon extender will narrow the maximum aperture to f/8 and your 7D would not autofocus. On a camera that will, such as the 5DIII, you would have to use f/11 - f/16 to get into the sharper regions at 600mm, drawing you into high iso and extenders aren't usually good unless the naked lens is very sharp.

Yea, from what I've read/seen it looks like at 400mm it's more or less on par with the Canon 100-400L, at 500mm it's still quite good, but then drops off quite a bit to 600mm. As Roger states on the LensRentals.com review, most people have been saying stopped down to f/8-f/11 towards the end of the zoom range things get a good bit better.

LensRentals.com review MTF chart:


Unfortunately the ePphotoZine.com review doesn't actually give numbers, but it at least shows general range. And their numbers wouldn't be exactly comparable to Roger's either, as they are probably using a somewhat different testing methodology & charts than he is, despite both of them using Imatest.
ePhotoZine.com review

 

[9VIII]

Re: More reviews appearing: Tamron 150-600 f/5-6.3 VC

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/tamron-sp-150-600mm-f-5-6-3-di-vc-usd-lens-review-23866

Thanks for posting that.

Both the Tamron and 70-300L are tested on the same body by that site, and it looks like on the long end (600mm and 300mm respectively) they both perform similarly.

I'd say that's a massive win for the Tamron.

 

[Drizzt321]

Re: More reviews appearing: Tamron 150-600 f/5-6.3 VC

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/tamron-sp-150-600mm-f-5-6-3-di-vc-usd-lens-review-23866

Thanks for posting that.

Both the Tamron and 70-300L are tested on the same body by that site, and it looks like on the long end (600mm and 300mm respectively) they both perform similarly.

I'd say that's a massive win for the Tamron.

Thanks, but someone else posted that link earlier. I'm just quoting it

But yes, I agree, the Tamron looks pretty good, and a great value based on it's cost. Especially for those like me who wouldn't really use a BWL all that much, but certainly would use a super-telephoto if given the option of a reasonably priced one with acceptable performance.

 

[Dylan777]

Wow...at fraction of Canon 600mm f4, this Tammy will stir the pot for sure. Very interesting :

 

[Drizzt321]

Wow...at fraction of Canon 600mm f4, this Tammy will stir the pot for sure. Very interesting :

Some I agree, but the 600L is targeted at different people than this. Not that I wouldn't take the 600L if I was offered one, but it's not going to ever (I say that now...) be a primary focal length for me, although it'd be useful to have something with that amount of reach now and then for me.