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.
| SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 | SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD | |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF Nikon F Sony A |
Canon EF Nikon F Sony A |
| Focal Length | 150-600mm | 150-600mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5-6.3 | f/5-6.3 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32-40 | f/32-40 |
| Angle of View | 16° 25' - 4° 8' | 16° 25' - 4° 8' |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 7.2' / 2.2 m | 8.9' / 2.7 m |
| Image Stabilization | Yes (except Sony) | Yes (except Sony) |
| Magnification | 1:3.9 | 1:5 |
| Lens Construction | 21 elements in 13 groups | 20 elements in 13 groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, rounded | 9, rounded |
| Filter Ring Diameter | 95mm | 95mm |
| Dimensions | Canon EF: 4.3 x 10.2" / 108.4 x 260.2mm Nikon F: 4.3 x 10.2" / 108.4 x 257.7mm Sony A: Not specified |
Canon EF: 4.2 x 10.2" / 105.6 x 25.7.8mm Nikon F: 4.2 x 10.2" / 105.6 x 257.8mm Sony A: Not specified |
| Weight | Canon EF: 4.4 lb / 2010 g Nikon F: 4.4 lb / 1990 g Sony A: Not specified |
Canon EF: 4.3 lb / 1950 g Nikon F: 4.3 lb / 1950 g Sony A: Not specified |
37 Comments
In a word, for value and quality, SIGMA!! We who spend that kind of money on glass should would be wise to do the research, rent both or al three brands and I believe Sigma's build quality and glass will amaze beyond even Nikon and Cannon in the focallenth and price range and this is coming from a Nikon guy.
The first version of this lens was an absolute disapointment. One of the softest lens I have ever used and the color resolution was not nearly as nice as with my other lens and obviously almost useless at night football games high school especially and college to a lesser degree. Used on Canon 7D II and 5D III. My fault because I was trying to save money. Recently just bought the sigma 120-300 2.8. In a different class and less reach but it's a WOW lens.
They need to make this in Pentax K mount.
Will this fit on Minolta 7D in a sony A mount?
yes
Will this 150-600 work with the CANON 1.4x and 2.0x extenders? If so is the light loss consistent as with Canon lenses?
No. The Canon brand 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters will only work with Canon lenses. The Tamron Teleconverter 1.4x for Canon EF and Tamron Teleconverter 2.0x for Canon EF would be compatible with this lens and would also have a similar 1.5-2 stop light reduction.
Wonder why the teleconverters are not offered in the Sony A mount? Perhaps because vibration reduction information is also passed through the teleconverter, and for some reason, that would make it inoperable in the Sony A version which sadly lacks lens stabilization?
Unfortunately we would not be able to speculate as to why Tamron would or would not offer a specific products.
So this seems to confirm that there are/were problems with the 1st generation ???? I have talked to a number of 1st generation owners that were not happy with the lens.
Add me to that list. Adequate to mid range but sharpness falls off noticably out to 600. Should have chose the Canon 100-400 Mk2.
Well, this just figures! I just purchased the now, older model about two months ago and now they come out with an upgraded, improved version of this lens. I have been somewhat disappointed as many others with the quality of my shots and especially in low-light settings. Bummer!
Any updates on when we could expect to receive one here on the East Coast USA?
Unfortunately there is still no ETA as of yet.
Will a nikon 1.4 teleconverter work o this lens?
The Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 G2 would not be compatible with the Nikon 1.4X teleconverters. The Nikon teleconverters are only compatible with a select number of Nikon’s pro-level telephoto lenses.
What is reason Sony does not have image stabilization?
Hi Luiz-
Sony's A-mount cameras, such as the a99, a77II, and a68, all feature in-camera sensor-shift type image stabilization (Sony's name for this is SteadyShot INSIDE) and do not require lens-based image stabilization. Canon and Nikon DSLRs do not have in-camera stabilization, so image stabilization must instead be incorporated into the lens designs.
Will Tamron include an E-mount version?
It is unlikely a native E-mount version will be made available; the previous version of this lens, and the majority of Tamron's lenses, have only been designed for SLR mounts. Any of the available mounts can be easily adapted to Sony E, though, with a Metabones or similar lens mount adapter.
Will these teleconverters work with Nokon DX cameras, or only FX models?
HI Ken,
Yes, the teleconverters will work with both FX and DX cameras with no issues.
Exciting times lens wise! The upgrades in this lens "refresh" make it certainly worth the extra $320 over the original (at introduction) "big Tammy". In particular the noted ability to work with the just released TAP-IN console from Tamron. And the improved AI-Servo tracking AF speeds...well, claimed as improved anyway. Can't wait for some reviews to see how the AF is in reality as well as the IQ at the long-end of the zoom. But a claimed 4.5 stops of VC as well as more VC modes make this a very interesting proposition... I might need to start counting my nickels and dimes and saving them.
Will the Sigma 150-160mm f5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens work on my full frame Canon EOS 5D MKIII and my Canon EOS 5Ds?
Yes, it absolutely will.
Is this weather sealed as Sigma 150-600 sport model?
No it is not, but it does have some weather resistant features that the original Tamron 150-600mm does not.
It is hard to acurately confirm how effective the weather-sealing is on this new Tamron 150-600mm G2 as of yet, especially compared to the Sigma, but it does appear to have improved moisture resistance compared to the previous Tamron 150-600mm.
Will this lens in the Canon format work on a Sony A7Rii with the Metabones adaptor?
Yes it will
Yes, the lens will work, however autofocus speeds may not be quite as fast as compared to its use on a Canon DSLR.
this could be interesting if it is as sharp as the Sigma 150-600 sport and weigh the same as the contemporary with Fluoride front. 2 pounds light than the sport model and $600 less too. The proof is in the pudding- is it sharp or soft near 600mm and with the tele converters ? If so , why buy Nikon and Canon primes?
The original Tamron was far from as sharp as the Sigma Sport, and neither are weather sealed like the Sigma is. As for the primes? Well if you can live with F6.3 light, then maybe this is the lens for you, far from a fixed F2.8 of F4 lens though when you need the wide aperture for low light shooting.
Better optics.
Will these teleconverters be compatible with the older Tamrons or just the G2?
They will work with the older lenses, but are designed to maintain AF with the new G2 lens only.
While they may physically fit older models, they are specifically designed for use with the new SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD lens. Maintained autoexposure, Vibration Compensation, and autofocus (with the 1.4x only) is only supported with this new lens.