Tamron 150-600 f/5-6.3 VC Availability

[Canon Rumors]

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<p><strong>Tamron 150-600 f/5-6.3 VC

</strong>The Tamron 150-600 f/5-6.3 VC lens will be available in the USA on January 17, 2014. Pricing hasn’t yet been confirmed, however we have heard it would be under $1100.</p>
<p><em>Thanks Johnathon</em></p>
<p><strong>Tamron Press Release</strong></p>
<p><em><strong>December 13, 2013, Commack, N.Y.</strong></em> - Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading manufacturer of precision optics, has announced the release of an innovative ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a focal length range of 150mm to 600mm for full-frame and APS-C format DSLR cameras. The SP 150-600mm Di VC USD lens will be available in the USA on January 17, 2014.</p>
<p>Tamron’s current 200-500mm (Model A08) is a popular, compact, easy-to-use ultra-telephoto zoom lens, but customers have shown great interest in having a lens that provides an even greater focal length range</p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p>This all-new ultra-telephoto zoom lens features VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization, speedy, precise USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)(3), state-of-the-art eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating, which significantly reduces the unwanted light reflections that cause flare and ghosting, and a sophisticated and stylish new external finish.</p>
<p>Its 4x ultra-telephoto zoom capabilities, with a focal length range from 150mm to 600mm, enhance the creative potential of telephoto photography, a captivating feature for all photographers, particularly nature, wildlife, and sports shooters.</p>
<p><strong>Product Highlights</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>4x ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a focal length range of 150mm to 600mm</strong><strong> </strong>

The focal length range of this lens was extended by 50mm on the wide-angle side and 100mm on the telephoto side compared to the existing model A08, making it possible to take even more striking photographs of birds, wildlife, sports, and other distant subjects. Mounted on APS-C DSLR cameras, it has a stunning near1000mm telephoto equivalent focal length range of 233mm to 930mm.</li>
<li><strong>World class image quality</strong>

Employing 20 elements in 13 groups and boasting an advanced optical design, the lens delivers a superior balance of resolution and contrast for sharp, clear images. The front group contains three LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements (two in the first group, one in the third) for enhanced optical correction effectiveness, enabling the lens to thoroughly compensate for on-axis aberrations at the telephoto end. The lens also adopts eBAND Coating, developed from state-of-the-art coating technologies, and conventional BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating to greatly suppress ghosting and flare even when shooting under adverse lighting conditions.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Achieves a 600mm focal length in a compact easy-to-handle package</strong>

Ingenious optical design features minimize the movement of lens groups within the lens when zooming. This reduces the amount of barrel extension needed to cover the complete focusing range, making the entire lens more compact.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Beautiful background blur effects </strong>

Adopting a 9 blade circular diaphragm enables users to create beautiful background blur effects (Bokeh), which provide even greater potential for creative expression. This circular diaphragm retains a nearly circular shape even at two stops down from its maximum aperture.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism creates greater opportunities for sharper handheld photography</strong>

Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization system uses a three-coil system, delivering significantly sharper images and creating greater opportunities for handheld ultra-telephoto photography.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Comfortable autofocus</strong>

Tamron’s new SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD features a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ultrasonic motor drive for swift and accurate AF response, it delivers high torque, very fast response times, and very low noise. The full-time manual focus mechanism allows users to make fine manual focus adjustments at any time even when AF is engaged.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>New elegant, high-class external finish</strong>

Tamron has upgraded the cosmetic design and finish of this lens to create a more sophisticated, high-end look in keeping with the demands of discerning full-frame DSLR users. Employing a sophisticated linear pattern rubber grip on the zoom and focus rings and an attractive and stylish tungsten silver brand ring, this newly designed model accentuates its visceral presence with understated elegance and class.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Easy-to-use tripod mount</strong>

The tripod mount has been completely redesigned to provide superior stability, durability, ease of use, and portability.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Comes with “SILKYPIX Developer Studio for Tamron”, RAW image development processing software for Tamron’s SP lenses</strong>

The SILKYPIX Developer Studio software can develop high-quality images from RAW data, incorporating adjustments that can express the personal style and taste of the photographer. These include white balance, color, sharpness, and the tonal curves recorded by digital cameras. The SILKYPIX Developer Studio for Tamron provides a range of functions, in addition to the basic adjustment capabilities, such as correcting aberrations (chromatic aberrations of magnification, distortion, peripheral light fall-off), based on the optical data. Used in tandem with Tamron’s SP series lenses – renowned for their high-depiction capability – this advanced technology efficiently produces images that meet photographers’ most exacting demands.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

 

[Loswr]

For $1100, it wouldn't surprise me if an image cropped from the current Canon 100-400L at 400mm gives IQ that's at least as good as the Tamron at 600mm.

 

[photonius]

For $1100, it wouldn't surprise me if an image cropped from the current Canon 100-400L at 400mm gives IQ that's at least as good as the Tamron at 600mm.

with that price tag, yes, it wouldn't be surprising. Still, one can hope for a miracle. :

 

[candc]

sample images

http://blog.naver.com/sp_marketing/70179201020

no exif but claimed to be from this lens.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

For $1100, it wouldn't surprise me if an image cropped from the current Canon 100-400L at 400mm gives IQ that's at least as good as the Tamron at 600mm.

I haven't gotten my hands on the pre-release copy yet (hopefully over the next few weeks), but even full size images are supposed to look very good according to my contact in the company. I'm skeptical at your statement. The 100-400L is hardly a new design. I wouldn't be surprised if this were true of a redesign of the 100-400LII, but not the older one (of which there is huge sample variation anyway).

 

[Loswr]

For $1100, it wouldn't surprise me if an image cropped from the current Canon 100-400L at 400mm gives IQ that's at least as good as the Tamron at 600mm.

I haven't gotten my hands on the pre-release copy yet (hopefully over the next few weeks), but even full size images are supposed to look very good according to my contact in the company. I'm skeptical at your statement. The 100-400L is hardly a new design. I wouldn't be surprised if this were true of a redesign of the 100-400LII, but not the older one (of which there is huge sample variation anyway).

The Sigma 150-500mm DG OS HSM APO is 10 years newer than the 100-400L, and in the same price range as the new Tamron (a little cheaper, but 100mm shorter). The cropped 100-400L is optically superior, as is the 100-400L + 1.4x TC (and the lens takes a big IQ hit from the TC). So, I'm skeptical of your skepticism.

Also, since Tamron is sending you a copy, I'm frankly skeptical that your tests will be representative of production lenses (nothing against your testing, but I don't put much faith in reviews where the lens isn't purchased through a normal retail channel).

 

[Don Haines]

For $1100, it wouldn't surprise me if an image cropped from the current Canon 100-400L at 400mm gives IQ that's at least as good as the Tamron at 600mm.

I haven't gotten my hands on the pre-release copy yet (hopefully over the next few weeks), but even full size images are supposed to look very good according to my contact in the company. I'm skeptical at your statement. The 100-400L is hardly a new design. I wouldn't be surprised if this were true of a redesign of the 100-400LII, but not the older one (of which there is huge sample variation anyway).

The Sigma 150-500mm DG OS HSM APO is 10 years newer than the 100-400L, and in the same price range as the new Tamron (a little cheaper, but 100mm shorter). The cropped 100-400L is optically superior, as is the 100-400L + 1.4x TC (and the lens takes a big IQ hit from the TC. So, I'm skeptical of your skepticism.

Also, since Tamron is sending you a copy, I'm frankly skeptical that your tests will be representative of production lenses (nothing against your testing, but I don't put much faith in reviews where the lens isn't purchased through a normal retail channel).

I suspect it will out resolve the 100-400, but am very curious how it will compare to the 400F5.6....

 

[Loswr]

...even full size images are supposed to look very good according to my contact in the company.

They're going to send you a preproduction copy to review, they know you're going to publish that review, and a company rep tells you the images look very good. Amazing... :

 

[Don Haines]

...even full size images are supposed to look very good according to my contact in the company.

They're going to send you a preproduction copy to review, they know you're going to publish that review, and a company rep tells you the images look very good. Amazing... :

I want to see what happens when Roger from Lens Rentals runs a dozen through his test bench. Evaluation based on a single copy, although interesting, is inherently flawed as it is statistically insignificant, particularly when that single lens may or may not have been specially selected.

Also, when you look at the published MTF curves, it seems to indicate a soft lens once you get away from the center when it is zoomed out.....

 

[hoodlum]

...even full size images are supposed to look very good according to my contact in the company.

They're going to send you a preproduction copy to review, they know you're going to publish that review, and a company rep tells you the images look very good. Amazing... :

I want to see what happens when Roger from Lens Rentals runs a dozen through his test bench. Evaluation based on a single copy, although interesting, is inherently flawed as it is statistically insignificant, particularly when that single lens may or may not have been specially selected.

Also, when you look at the published MTF curves, it seems to indicate a soft lens once you get away from the center when it is zoomed out.....

We will likely find out later in January as I am sure Roger will have a few on order.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

...even full size images are supposed to look very good according to my contact in the company.

They're going to send you a preproduction copy to review, they know you're going to publish that review, and a company rep tells you the images look very good. Amazing... :

I want to see what happens when Roger from Lens Rentals runs a dozen through his test bench. Evaluation based on a single copy, although interesting, is inherently flawed as it is statistically insignificant, particularly when that single lens may or may not have been specially selected.

Also, when you look at the published MTF curves, it seems to indicate a soft lens once you get away from the center when it is zoomed out.....

We will likely find out later in January as I am sure Roger will have a few on order.

That is always one of the most important benchmarks for me, too. It gives you a better sense of your "odds" in the sample variation lottery.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

For $1100, it wouldn't surprise me if an image cropped from the current Canon 100-400L at 400mm gives IQ that's at least as good as the Tamron at 600mm.

I haven't gotten my hands on the pre-release copy yet (hopefully over the next few weeks), but even full size images are supposed to look very good according to my contact in the company. I'm skeptical at your statement. The 100-400L is hardly a new design. I wouldn't be surprised if this were true of a redesign of the 100-400LII, but not the older one (of which there is huge sample variation anyway).

The Sigma 150-500mm DG OS HSM APO is 10 years newer than the 100-400L, and in the same price range as the new Tamron (a little cheaper, but 100mm shorter). The cropped 100-400L is optically superior, as is the 100-400L + 1.4x TC (and the lens takes a big IQ hit from the TC). So, I'm skeptical of your skepticism.

Also, since Tamron is sending you a copy, I'm frankly skeptical that your tests will be representative of production lenses (nothing against your testing, but I don't put much faith in reviews where the lens isn't purchased through a normal retail channel).

Fair enough. Tell you what, if you hear/read that I am buying the lens for myself, that should send a pretty clear signal 8)

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

...even full size images are supposed to look very good according to my contact in the company.

They're going to send you a preproduction copy to review, they know you're going to publish that review, and a company rep tells you the images look very good. Amazing... :

While I understand your skepticism, if you have read my reviews you should know that I attempt to be completely frank about lens' weaknesses as well as strengths. There has never been any attempt to bias my results, and, since my primary occupation is as a pastor, I do value honesty.

 

[hoodlum]

150-600mm Sample Images

These are the sample images from Tamron's site.

http://www.tamron.com.hk/A011/

I thought this one looked very good for a 600mm zoom. Certainly much better than 400mm + TC.
http://www.tamron.com.hk/A011/Fukuda_14.tif

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

Re: 150-600mm Sample Images

These are the sample images from Tamron's site.

http://www.tamron.com.hk/A011/

I thought this one looked very good for a 600mm zoom. Certainly much better than 400mm + TC.
http://www.tamron.com.hk/A011/Fukuda_14.tif

Just brought that image (TIF) into Lightroom and looked at it @ 100%. It is stopped down a stop from wide open (f/9), but even so it looks pretty sharp. Individual hairs are resolved quite well. Even better, the transition zone looks good (and that was a real weakness for their 70-300 VC).

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

I downloaded more of those TIF files, and I have to say that I'm pretty excited for this lens. I'm not a birder or a real wildlife shooter, but if I could get this kind of reach with fairly good image quality it would be very appealing to me. My investment would be more in line with the amount of time that I will actually be using the lens. This is the reason that I have never purchased one of the great whites; I just wouldn't use it enough to personally justify the expense. But absorbing this kind of cost even it only accounts for 5% of my overall shooting would be a different story.

 

[Albi86]

MTF charts don't look bad at all.

There is concern only for the meridional 30lppm line at 600mm WO, that has a steep decline towards the edge. Well, first of all one could have expected as much. Moreover we don't know how it is when stopped to, say, f/8 or at 550 mm instead of 600mm.

We need more comprehensive reviews, but I see good potential here. It might be a particularly good performer on APS-C.

 

[Don Haines]

Fair enough. Tell you what, if you hear/read that I am buying the lens for myself, that should send a pretty clear signal 8)

Yes, putting one's own cash on the table speaks very loud and clear...

 

[Loswr]

There has never been any attempt to bias my results, and, since my primary occupation is as a pastor, I do value honesty.

Just to be clear, I'm not in any way suggesting dishonesty or bias on your part. What I'm suggesting is that if you're testing lenses provided directly to you (as a reviewer) by the manufacturer, your results may be biased through no fault of your own, but due to the manufacturer hand picking and pre-testing the lenses you receive. Also, pre-production lenses, by definition, aren't representative of lenses that come from the established production line.

If you like the lens well enough to purchase your own copy, I trust you will update your review if the production lens you buy differs substantially from the preproduction lens Tamron sent you for testing.

 

[lescrane]

I really don't see a need to question Dustin Abbott's integrity on lens testing. I would argue that large magazines and websites that make their money through advertising by big camera companies, or click-throughs to stores have more to gain by biased reviews.

I think *all* reviews should be questioned, not so much because of intentional bias, but because of testing variations, and as mentioned by previous posters, variation between copies, esp. w/big glasss. when the lens is out, we should have 5 or more reviews to look at, and unless there's some conspiracy, we should get a consensus on qualities based on bench tests.

My only concern is how will this lens work for me. That's not just theoretical, it's practical. For example, I do not use a tripod, I shoot either handheld or with a monopod. So even if I had a sharpest lens ever made, I would introduce some shake which would affect results. I value a fast and effective stabilization system and that's my biggest hope for this lens. I'm sure it will have to be stopped down at least one full stop for optimum optical sharpness, and that it will *not* be sharpest at 600mm. So, the question is...how will this work for me at 400-500mm compared to a more expensive 100-400 L? or the Bigma??? I think we'll all find out soon and that will end the some of the speculation.