Tamron Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Nikon Review
The Tamron 150-600mm G2 delivers pro-level reach and sharpness for a fraction of the cost. Just don't expect it to be good at anything else.
Overview
This Tamron 150-600mm G2 is a one-trick pony, but it's a very, very good trick. If you need to reach out and grab distant wildlife or sports action without spending five figures, this is the lens you're looking for. Forget about it for anything else, though. It's big, heavy, and slow, but for that specific job, it punches way above its price tag.
Performance
The optical performance is the real shocker here, landing in the 97th percentile. For a super-telephoto zoom at this price, the sharpness is excellent, especially when you stop it down a bit. The stabilization is also top-notch at 93rd percentile, which is critical for hand-holding at 600mm. The autofocus, however, is just average, sitting right at the 49th percentile. It's fine for predictable action, but don't expect it to keep up with the fastest pro sports bodies.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Optical quality is fantastic for the price. 97th
- VC stabilization is incredibly effective for handheld shots. 93th
- You get a massive 600mm reach without a massive price. 86th
- The fluorine coatings make cleaning the huge front element easy.
Cons
- It's a beast at nearly 2kg. This is not a walk-around lens. 9th
- Build quality is in the 6th percentile. It feels plasticky and isn't weather-sealed. 16th
- The f/5-6.3 aperture is slow, limiting you in low light. 32th
- Autofocus is merely adequate and can hunt in tricky light.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 600 |
| Focal Length Max | 600 |
| Elements | 21 |
| Groups | 13 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/5 |
| Min Aperture | f/32 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Weight | 2.0 kg / 4.4 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 95 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 2200 |
| Max Magnification | 1:3.85 |
Value & Pricing
At $1699, it's a steal for the reach and image quality you get. You're paying for the glass and stabilization, not a fancy metal barrel. If your goal is getting close-up shots of far-away subjects on a budget, the value is undeniable.
Price History
vs Competition
Don't get this confused with the listed competitors like the Viltrox 35mm or Sony 24-240mm. Those are general-purpose lenses. The real competition is the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E. The Nikon is sharper in the center, has slightly better build, and native autofocus compatibility. But the Tamron gives you an extra 100mm of reach and better stabilization. If you need every millimeter, get the Tamron. If you prioritize absolute sharpness and build, get the Nikon.
| Spec | Tamron Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Nikon | Meike Meike 50mm F1.8 Full Frame AF STM Lens Standard | Viltrox VILTROX 35mm F1.7 Lens, X Mount 35mm F1.7 Auto | Canon Canon - RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Standard Zoom Lens | Panasonic Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II | Fujifilm VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 600mm | 50mm | 35mm | 28-70mm | 14-140mm | 25mm |
| Max Aperture | f/5 | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.7 |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon Z | Fujifilm X | Canon RF | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 1987 | 301 | 301 | 499 | 27 | 400 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | STM | Autofocus | — | STM |
| Lens Type | Telephoto | — | — | Standard Zoom | Telephoto | — |
Verdict
Buy this lens. But only if you know exactly what you're getting into. It's a specialized tool for wildlife and sports photographers who need long reach on a sensible budget. The image quality is superb where it counts, and the stabilization is a lifesaver. Just be ready for the weight and the mediocre build feel.