Featuring an improved design, the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Nikon) sports a 21 elements in 13 groups lens construction which includes three Low Dispersion lens elements to reduce chromatic aberrations. Meanwhile, its eBAND Nano Coating prevents ghosting and flaring and its Flouride coating makes the front part of the lens resistant to oil and water. Although the lens has a 150-600mm focal length, improvements from its predecessor has given way to a 2.2m minimum object distance for improved macro photography. As the f/5-6.3 maximum aperture gives the lens credibility even in low-light settings, it also locks subjects without delay or noise thanks to the Ultrasonic Silent Drive for faster AF. In connection with this, the lens maintains a clear image despite camera or lens shake with the help of its three Vibration Compensation modes. This lens is also built with an electromagnetic diaphragm for precise aperture control through pulse signals and a Flex Zoom Lock that allows quick resetting of the zoom.
Product Features in Detail
Improved lens construction
The SP 150-600mm G2 includes three LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements which completely eliminate axial and transverse chromatic aberrations. It also features upgraded optical construction (21 elements in 13 groups).
Optimal design
The design includes the front portion of the lens composed of curved surfaces that comfortably fit in the palm of a photographer’s hand, the focus ring and zoom ring with the groove width optimized to improve user-friendliness, the focus limiter switch allowing for easy operation, the easy-to-hold grip compatible with the Arca-Swiss type quick release system, and other features. The lens hood with smooth curves that fit the lens barrel has a design that allows for its easy attachment and removal. While using metal as the exterior material and adding numerous new functions such as the FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism, the SP 150-600mm G2 achieves a size and weight making comfortable handheld shooting possible, with a slim and stylish appearance design to top it all off.
eBAND and BBAR Coating
Anti-reflection technologies, eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating improve light transmission and suppress internal reflections, including light reflected off the camera’s image sensors. So even when taking a backlit or semi-backlit photograph, ghosting and flare caused by reflected light are fully eliminated.
Fluorine coating
The front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that is water- and oil-repellant. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, dust, moisture and fingerprints.
Modifications in the M.O.D
Additional enhancements expand the lens’ versatility. For example, MOD (Minimum Object Distance) has been reduced to 2.2m (86.6 in) so you can enjoy tele-macro photography and dramatic bokeh.
Sharp and accurate shots
The lens is equipped with the USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ring-type motor that delivers excellent responsiveness and control. AF speed is significantly improved from current model, and it enables accurate high-speed focus even when capturing moving subjects.
When shooting with AF, the Full-time Manual Focus override allows you to instantly make fine focusing adjustments manually, without having to switch between modes.
Vibration Compensation
The VC (Vibration Compensation) effectiveness is equivalent to 4.5 stops, based on image stabilization performance levels established by CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) when using in VC MODE 3. Model A022 now has three types of VC modes, and it is possible to choose the optimum VC mode according to the situation for taking a photograph, such as when wishing to pan the camera.
The improved VC minimizes blurring caused by slight camera movement, which is prevalent with long telephoto lenses and even more troublesome with higher-resolution cameras. VC enhances the freedom of hand-held shooting at slower shutter speeds required by low-light conditions such as dusk.
VC MODE 1 is the standard mode that strikes a great balance between the stability of the viewfinder image and the stabilization effects.
VC MODE 2 is exclusively used for panning.
VC MODE 3 prioritizes the stabilization of the captured images and forgoes the stabilization of the viewfinder image.
Flex Zoom Ring
FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism quickly locks or unlocks the zoom at any position simply by sliding the zoom ring. Photographers can shoot from any angle without the zoom extending unintentionally. Additionally, the customary Zoom Lock switch prevents unwanted barrel extension during transportation.
Tripod mount
A new textured grip and Arca-Swiss style tripod interface enhance both speed and utility. And because the tripod mount is made of lightweight magnesium, it is much easier to carry.
TAMRON TAP-in Console compatibility
The optional TAP-in Console™ provides a USB connection to your personal computer, enabling you to easily update your lens’s firmware as well as customize features including fine adjustments to the AF and VC.
Available lens mounts
The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 is available for Canon and Nikon mounts. There's also a version for Sony mounts without Vibration Compensation.
