Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Review (and sample pics) – updated

January 2, 2014
Canon Reviews
6 Comments

All pictures copyright by Frank Wong, used with permission.

Update 2: the original post is online again.

Update: Frank Wong’s server is experiencing heavy traffic load, it may be unreachable. You can download a zip file with all pics here (27MB). Please be aware that the pics are without description, so to get the whole story you have to wait for Frank’s server to come online again (hopefully soon).

Frank Wong published a review of Tamron’s latest lens, the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD superzoom (Adorama | B&H Photo). Moreover, Frank was so kind to provide an English version of his review (thanks!). More about the Tamron 150-600mm, auto-focus test video, and product and sample pics after the break.

Frank found the lens to be a good performer, with some vignetting between f/6.3 and f/8. Contrast and sharpness also improve stopping down to f/8. Focus speed is good (see videos below). Overall Frank found that the Tamron can not match up with Canon’s EF 500mm f/4 IS (price & specs) and EF 600mm f/4 IS (price & specs), at least not for focus speed and optical performance (but then the Tamron has a pretty lower price tag, $1069, not to mention the flexibility and reach of the zoom range). This appears to be an excellent lens for sport and wildlife photographers. A Canon EOS 5D Mark III was used for the test.

I really encourage you to have a look at Frank’s review, which comes with lots of product pics and sample pics (original size can be downloaded).

Below: focus speed in bright light

Below: focus speed in low light

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