Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
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Tamron’s new SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 might look like little more than a refined version the previous 150-600mm, but the new version is actually a substantial redesign.
Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
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The ‘G2’ in the name stands for second generation, reflecting several improvements to the design, including the now-standard SP level of build quality, and revamped Vibration Correction (VC) offering up to 4.5 stops of compensation. Optical construction comprises 21 elements in 13 groups, including three LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements.
Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
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Tamron’s ‘SP’ (Special Performance) designation is given only to the company’s highest-performing lenses, and the SP 150-600mm is the first zoom in Tamron’s new SP lineup. It is compatible with Tamron’s ‘TAP-in’ Console, which allows the lens to be customized to user preferences.
Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
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The 150-600mm has three VC settings, and one additional custom option (enabled via the Tap-In Console) activates Vibration Correction in video mode. This view also shows the rubber seal around the lens-mount, which keeps dust and moisture from getting into the camera.
Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
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At full extension, the SP 150-600mm is a hefty lens, but the relatively small maximum aperture range keeps the deign relatively compact considering the telephoto reach. On an APS-C format camera, the effective focal length range increases to about 233-930mm equivalent.
Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
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In addition to the main zoom lock, which prevents the zoom from extending beyond 150mm, a ‘Flex Zoom Lock’ mechanism has been added to keep the lens barrel fixed at any focal length of your choosing.
Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
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The SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 was launched alongside two new teleconverters. The 1.4X and 2X converters are moisture and dust-resistant, and turn the 150-600mm into a 210-840mm or 300-1200mm equivalent zoom on full-frame, respectively.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)