Tamron AF 150-500mm f/5.0-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Sony FE)

Mastering the Magical World of 500mm Ultra-Telephoto Zoom Lenses

An astonishingly compact ultra-telephoto zoom lens for mirrorless cameras

The 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Model A057) zoom lens for Sony E-mount upends conventional wisdom for ultra-telephoto zoom lenses, with a truly compact design and high image quality. The focal length range is 150-500mm (a full-frame equivalent of 225-750mm)¹. The 150-500mm F5-6.7 achieves a 500mm focal length while retaining a compact size, enabling comfortable ultra-telephoto photography. 

The design places major emphasis on image quality by utilizing special lens elements and hybrid aspherical lens elements to control various potential aberrations. The 150-500mm F5-6.7 is equipped with a high-speed, high-precision linear motor focus mechanism VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) and VC (Vibration Compensation), ensuring that no photogenic moment is ever missed.

Additionally, the lens has an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.6m at the 150mm end and remarkable overall usability. The Arca-Swiss compatible tripod mount has strap attachment holes and there are various features to support outdoor shooting, including Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating.

The 150-500mm F5-6.7 is a highly versatile lens that lets you capture a wide array of subjects ranging from landscapes and birds to sports and wildlife. You will be amazed when you experience the powerful and unique world of ultra-telephoto lenses for yourself.

Ultra-Telephoto 500mm Provides Shooting Enjoyment in a Truly Compact Size

Considering its pairing with mirrorless cameras, TAMRON pursued a compact size that allows handheld shooting while developing the 150-500mm F5-6.7. With a length of 209.6mm² 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.

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.

Uncompromising High Image Quality Throughout the Entire Zoom Range

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 XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), LD (Low Dispersion) and 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.

High-Speed, High-Precision AF means You'll Never Miss a Photo Opportunity

The 150-500mm F5-6.7 zoom’s AF drive system is equipped with the VXD 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.

VC Image Stabilization for Steady Shooting, Particularly in the Ultra-Telephoto Range

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 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. The lens also features a VC mode selection switch with three modes including a dedicated panning mode (Mode 1: Standard, Mode 2: Exclusively for Panning, and Mode 3: Framing Priority), thereby enabling selection of the ideal VC mode to match shooting conditions and preferences.

MOD of 0.6m When Shooting at the 150mm Setting

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 at the 150mm end, and 1.8m 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.

An Ultra-Telephoto Zoom Lens with Extreme Usability

In the development and design of the 150-500mm F5-6.7 zoom, TAMRON emphasized usability so that users can fully immerse themselves in the world of ultra-telephoto zoom lenses without minor annoyances.

[1] Lens Hood Designed with Rubberized Front

[2] Fast, Smooth Zooming Operation with Minimal Movement

[3] FLEX ZOOM LOCK Mechanism

[4] Redesigned Slide Switches for Improved Operability

[5] Arca-Swiss Compatible Tripod Mount with Strap Attachment Holes Included

Circular Aperture to Produce a Smooth-Edged Bokeh

A 7-blade diaphragm is configured to retain a smooth, circular-shaped aperture opening even when stopped down by two stops from the wide-open aperture. This produces a smooth-edged bokeh in background highlights.

BBAR-G2 Coating Delivers Stunning Clarity and Contrast

TAMRON has long been an innovator of coating technologies that prevent ghosting and flare. Second-generation BBAR-G2 Coating is a groundbreaking advancement that provides vastly improved performance compared to the original BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating. The coating corrects for ghosting and flare to an unprecedented extent and renders fine subject detail with true clarity and stunning contrast even under backlit conditions.

Moisture-Resistant Construction Protects Your Lens

For greater protection when shooting outdoors, leak-resistant seals throughout the lens barrel help protect your equipment.

Fluorine Coating for Protection and Safe Cleaning

The front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that is water- and oil-repellant. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, dust, moisture, and fingerprints.

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.