Ahead of Photokina, Tamron announced earlier today an update to their lens lineup, the Tamron 150-600m f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2. The second generation “G2” (Model A022) lens builds on the success of the SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011), which launched back in 2013.
Optical Design Refresh
Tamron reports that the G2 was developed to provide superior optical performance including speed and accuracy performance of AF and VC (vibration compensation). The optical design features three LD (low dispersion) lens elements to eliminate chromatic aberrations and new optical construction of 21 elements in 13 groups.
Due to what Tamron touts as “advanced manufacturing technology”, they have reduced the minimum object distance of the lens to 86.6 in compared to last generation’s 106.3 in, allowing for tele-macro photography with a magnification ratio of 1:3.9.
Improved VC Performance with 3 Modes
The model A022 now has three types of VC modes, each allowing different control to image stabilization. Tamron’s version of image stabilization, VC, has an effective equivalent to 4.5 stops based on performance levels established by the CIPA when using VC Mode 3. VC Mode 2 is specifically for panning, while Mode 1 is a good balance for everyday shooting.
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FLEX ZOOM LOCK
A FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism as been implemented in the 150-500m f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2. The Flex Zoom Lock quickly locks and unlocks the zoom at any position simply by sliding the zoom ring forward. Photographers can shoot from any angle without the zoom extending unintentionally.
Here are the full specs for the G2:
| Model | : A022 |
| Focal Length | : 150-600mm |
| Maximum Aperture | : F/5-6.3 |
| Angle of View (diagonal) | : 16°25′ – 4°8′ (for full-frame format) : 10°38′ – 2°40′ (for APS-C format) |
| Optical Construction | : 21 elements in 13 groups |
| Minimum Object Distance | : 86.6 in |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | : 1:3.9 |
| Filter Size | : Ø95mm |
| Maximum Diameter | : Ø108.4mm |
| Length[1] | : for Canon 10.2 in / for Nikon 10.1 in |
| Weight[2] | : for Canon 70.9 oz / for Nikon 70.2 oz |
| Aperture Blades | : 9 (circular diaphragm[3]) |
| Minimum Aperture | : F/32-40 |
| Image Stabilization Performance | : 4.5 stops (using VC Mode 3) CIPA Standards Compliant (For Canon : EOS-5D Mark III is used / For Nikon : D810 is used) |
| Standard Accessories | : Lens hood, Lens caps, Lens case |
| Compatible Mounts | : Canon, Nikon, Sony A-mount[4] |
The Tamron 150-500m f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 will come in standard Canon and Nikon mounts with VC. The Sony A version will forgo VC since “the bodies of Sony DSLR cameras include built-in image stabilization functionality”. The Canon and Nikon mounts will be available for $1399 on September 23rd with preorders now from B&H, with the Sony A-mount to be delivered at a later date.
Tamron also released two new teleconverters alongside the Model A022. A 1.4x and a 2x that will also be available on September 23rd for $419 and $439 respectfully.
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