Tamron Goes Long with the SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 Lens

Succeeding Tamron’s immensely popular 150-600mm lens from 2013, a new SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens has been announced, and features an improved optical design along with updated ergonomics and enhanced controls. This versatile telephoto to super-telephoto zoom is prized for its reach and flexibility, especially among birders, wildlife photographers, and sports shooters, and the G2 version expands on the control and quality afforded by the excellent initial release. Alongside the lens release are two new teleconverters, a 1.4x and 2x, which are designed to match the optical quality of the 150-600mm and provide improved reach.

Beginning with the optical design, the G2 version has a new 21 elements in 13 groups design, which includes three low dispersion (LD) elements to reduce axial and transverse chromatic aberrations, along with color fringing, for increased clarity and color accuracy. Both eBAND and BBAR coatings are featured, too, to control lens flare and ghosting when shooting in strong, backlit situations. The updated optics also afford a closer minimum focusing distance of 7.2', rather than 8.9' from the predecessor, and an improved 1:3.9 reproduction ratio for working with close-up subjects.

Beyond the optical qualities, the 150-600mm G2 lens also sees the inclusion of a new FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism, which allows you to lock the zoom extension at any focal-length position to prevent unwanted zoom movement while shooting. A conventional zoom lock switch is also featured, to secure the zoom extension at the 150mm position for traveling and storage. Vibration Compensation is also incorporated, in the Canon EF and Nikon F models, to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to 4.5 stops for sharper handheld shooting in difficult lighting conditions. A ring-type USD autofocus motor also benefits shooting in trying scenarios, and provides accurate and quick focusing performance to suit working with fast-moving subjects.

Updated physical construction brings it up-to-date with other recent SP-series lenses, and it features a moisture-resistant, sealed design along with a fluorine-coated front element to guard against dust, dirt, and smudging. A removable tripod collar is also included, which features an Arca-type compatible foot for streamlined use on a tripod or monopod.

If 150-600mm just isn’t enough, Tamron has developed two new teleconverters to work with this lens. The 1.4x teleconverter boosts the range to 210-840mm f/7.1-9, while the 2x creates a monster 300-1200mm f/10-14 optic. These teleconverters feature contacts to maintain full functionality of the lens, including Vibration Compensation and autofocus. They also utilize BBAR coatings to combat flare and ghosting while the 2x incorporates an LD element to minimize aberrations. Additionally, they have an aluminum construction and are moisture- and dust resistant to match the lens.

The SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 is available in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, and the SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di USD G2, without VC, is available for Sony A mount. An optional lens case with zipper closure is also being released and will work with both the SP 150-600mm G2 and original SP 150-600mm. The 1.4x and 2x Teleconverters will be available in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts.