Some of the first results are coming in around the web about the new Tamron 150-600mm regarding its performance. One of the best controlled tests that I have seen yet was done by the guys at LensRentals.com who just had quick “lab test” shootout between the Tamron 150-600, Tamron 200-500(the old version), Canon 100-400L, and Sigma 50-500.
This is one of those zoom ranges that is not usually filled by professional photographers looking for top image quality, but rather hobbyists or enthusiasts that need as much range as possible, at the lowest possible price. From the results shared in their testing, it is easy to see that the Tamron competes well in this space, providing quality results throughout the focal range. It will not beat out professional 2.8 zooms or primes, like the Canon 300mm F/2.8L, but it will provide results that should satisfy the majority of its target market.
[REWIND: Sample Tamron 150-600mm VC Images Leak Online]
An interesting note, according to the results of this Lensrentals.com test, the new Tamron performs equally to the Canon 100-400mmL, at almost $700 cheaper.
The bottom line, though, is at 400mm the Tamron 150-600 VC and Canon 100-400 IS are virtually identical, with the Tamron 200-500 and Sigma 50-500 a bit behind. Let’s keep it in perspective, though, both the Sigma and Tamron 200-500 are still very good at 400mm.
Roger, who conducted the test, went on to say…
It’s pretty obvious that the Tamron has both 600mm range and the lowest price. These tests, and everything I see from photographers using the lens in the field, support that it’s of at least equal image quality. Some people will prefer the extra wide range of the Sigma, others the lighter weight of the Canon. But for a lot of people, the Tamron is going to be the best bang for the buck.
So there you have it. If you are looking for an affordable ultra-telephoto zoom lens at an affordable price that will get you good results, then it appears the Tamron 150-600mm VC, coming in at $1069, is a lens that you should look into. At the very least you should consider renting it and giving it a shot (3 Days For Only $49 from BorrowLenses or $50 from LensRentals), it never hurts to test lenses out before you buy them.
I highly recommend heading over to LensRentals.com and checking out the full write up so you can have the full context of the post. I have a request in for a copy of this lens to review, and hopefully, I will be able to get it soon and share my results with you.
What are your thoughts on the performance of this lens? Do you place more stock in lab tests or real world tests? Share your comments below to join the discussion.
[via LensRentals Blog]
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great lens
i had plans to purcase this monster lens for my d800 Nikon when it realeses for Nikon but not aneymore in different forums i can read the lens has serius problems on AF or focus tracking for canon bodeys the focus stalls it is a common problem on maney lenses im happy whit my bigmoos perhaps not the sharpest on 500mm but it never fails me never there is more to worry about than sharpnes sorrey for my bad inglish thanks for any reply on my comment
equally to the Canon 100-400mmL ha ha but the canon 100-400l is old as the dinosurs and not half as good as the 70-300l is usm
That may be the case, but given the price of the Tamron vs the price of the Canon 100-400L it is a big plus that the Tamron meets or exceeds the Canon performance.
Αppreciate the recommendation. ʟet me trʏ
it out.
Will the Canon 2X Teleconverter III work wit the Tamron 150-600 mm lens?
Can the Canon 2x Teleconverter, III be used with the Tamron 150-600 mm lens?
It won’t autofocus on any Canon body due to the high f-stop from what I can gather.
Nice Lens…
Still ticked Tamron abandoned the Pentax market. I still have two of their lenses on my Pentax DSLR :-P
I want them to hurry up and release the Nikon version in europe!!
tamron has issues with the 150-600mm on canon bodeys af problem ust read on the forums the af stalls that needs to be solved perhaps that is the reason for delay for Nikon Mount ,half of the People that alredy has the lens has AF problem it stops focusing but the other half has no issues at all
Another one to add to the wishlist…