Considering its pairing with mirrorless cameras, TAMRON pursued a compact size that allows handheld shooting while developing the 150-500mm F5-6.7 (a full-frame equivalent of 225-750mm on APS-C cameras)1. With a length of 209.6mm (8.3in)2 and maximum diameter of 93mm, the 150-500mm F5-6.7 is astonishingly compact for a 500mm-class ultra-telephoto zoom lens. Even when extended to the 500mm telephoto end, the lens has a length of around 283mm (11.1in)2. Another distinctive feature is that the arc of rotation of the zoom ring is small—only 75°—which enables swift adjustment to the desired focal length with minimal movement.
1 When a full-frame camera is used, focal length is 150-500mm.
When an APS-C camera is used, the focal length is 225-750mm (full-frame equivalent).
2 Length and weight are based on the Sony-mount lens.
In addition to covering a broad range of focal lengths, the 150-500mm F5-6.7 has high resolving power with excellent image-rendering performance across the entire zoom range. The optical construction features 25 elements in 16 groups. The effective placement of special lens elements—including one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), five LD (Low Dispersion) and two hybrid aspherical lens elements—enables the 150-500mm F5-6.7 to produce clear images while controlling chromatic aberrations. BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating is used to suppress ghosting and flare, which commonly occur under backlit conditions. These features allow the lens to produce finely detailed images of a wide variety of subjects including wild animals, birds, nature, and sports, while producing soft and beautiful bokeh effects.
The 150-500mm F5-6.7 zoom’s AF drive system is equipped with the VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism. VXD delivers extreme high-speed and high-precision movement and ensures exceptionally responsive performance. Focus tracking performance is also very high. The linear motor also suppresses drive noise and vibrations during focusing, making it ideal for shooting both still photos and video in environments that demand quietness.
When shooting in the ultra-telephoto range, even the smallest vibrations can lead to loss of image clarity. The 150-500mm F5-6.7 is equipped with VC (Vibration Compensation)3 functionality to support sharp images despite unavoidable camera shake. VC delivers powerful support for handheld shooting of scenes with low light levels, such as evening scenes and indoor shots, without the use of a tripod.
3 For 150-500mm F5-6.7 for Nikon Z mount, VC ON/OFF should be selected on the camera body.
The 150-500mm F5-6.7 lets users freely enjoy telephoto macro shooting of subjects at close-up distances. The lens has an MOD of 0.6m (23.6in) at the 150mm end, and 1.8m (70.9in) at the 500mm end. More remarkably, the maximum magnification ratio at the 150mm end is 1:3.1, offering excellent close-up shooting capabilities for an ultra-telephoto zoom lens. In addition to capturing dynamic shots by getting close to the subject, it enables tele-macro photography at close range, something that is not possible with conventional ultra-telephoto zoom lenses. The 150-500mm F5-6.7 can be used in a wide range of situations from plants to insects to tabletop photography.
[For Sony E and FUJIFILM X-mount]
The Sony E and FUJIFILM X-mount version features a VC mode selection switch with three modes, thereby enabling selection of the ideal VC mode to match shooting conditions and preferences.
-Mode 1: Standard
-Mode 2: Exclusively for panning
-Mode 3: Framing priority
[For FUJIFLM X-mount]
The FUJIFILM X-mount version features an "MF SPEED switch”. The switch allows you to select between two focusing speeds during manual focus shooting. This switch is useful when you are using the camera's LCD monitor to magnify the image for precise focusing. It facilitates accurate shooting in the telephoto to ultra-telephoto range of 225-750mm (full-frame equivalent).
-Mode 1: For normal manual focusing
-Mode 2: When fine manual focusing adjustment is required
[For Nikon Z mount]
The Nikon Z mount version features a Linear/Non-Linear switch to change the response of the focus ring when using the manual focusing setting. This allows you to shoot according to your intention, depending on the shooting scene, such as focusing precisely on subjects in the distance or video recording.
-Non-Linear: The rotation speed of the focus ring changes the amount of focus movement.
-Linear: The rotation angle of the focus ring changes the amount of focus movement.
With the Nikon Z mount version, users can employ the dedicated TAMRON Lens Utility software that was developed in-house by TAMRON4. This application enables users to easily update the lens to the latest firmware themselves without going through the camera5.
4 To connect your PC and lens, use the TAMRON Connection Cable (USB Type-A to Type-C/ Model CC-150, or USB Type-C to Type-C/ Model CC-350) sold separately.
5 As the 150-500mm F5-6.7 is not equipped with a Focus Set Button, certain functions cannot be customized.
① Lens hood designed with rubberized front
The end of the included lens hood is protected with flexible, shock-absorbing front rim to prevent cracks and damage.
② Fast, smooth zooming operation with minimal movement
The arc of rotation of the zoom ring is only 75° to enable swift adjustment to the desired focal length with minimal movement.
③ FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism
The FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism quickly locks or unlocks the zoom at any position simply by sliding the zoom ring. Photographers can shoot at any zoom setting without the lens extending unintentionally.
④ Redesigned slide switches for improved operability
The design of the slide switches has been improved for better operability based on ergonomics. The sloped bevel around the slide switch draws your finger naturally to the right position. To prevent accidental operation, for example, when removing the lens from a case or camera bag, the switches have a low profile. This new design provides a smooth and comfortable user experience.
⑤ Arca-Swiss compatible tripod mount with strap attachment holes included
Strap attachment holes are conveniently located in the Arca-Swiss compatible tripod mount, and the overall balance with the strap attached, with regard to center of gravity, is excellent.
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BBAR G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating Innovative coating technology that prevents ghosting and flare
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Circular Aperture A several-blade diaphragm is configured to retain a smooth, circular-shaped aperture opening even when stopped down by two stops from the wide-open aperture
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Lens hood designed with rubberized front The end of the included lens hood is protected with flexible, shock-absorbing front rim to prevent cracks and damage
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Moisture-Resistant Construction Leak-resistant seals throughout the lens barrel help protect your equipment when shooting outdoors
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XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) lens elements XLD lens elements made from specialized ultra-high-grade glass allow much greater control over chromatic aberration and magnification aberrations
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LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements The characteristic of less of a tendency to separate a ray of light into a rainbow of colors effectively compensates for chromatic and lateral chromatic aberration
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Fluorine Coating A highly durable protective fluorine compound that is water- and oil-repellant
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VC (Vibration Compensation) TAMRON's unique VC mechanism effectively minimizes the effect of camera-shake and delivers a stable viewfinder image
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VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) A linear motor focus mechanism for the highest levels of autofocus speed and precision
Accessories
Catalog Download
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General Lens Catalog
Published November 2023
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150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
Published March 2021
