First test
BIG BIRD This cormorant was photographed with the Tamron 150-500mm at the 500mm end, shown full-frame (left), and you can see from the enlarged image that the lens delivers a fine-quality file that can be cropped. It was a handheld shot taken on a Sony A7R IV, with an exposure of 1/500sec at f/6.7 and ISO 400. The Raw was put through DxO PureRaw before processing in Adobe Lightroom
“THIS LONG TAMRON ZOOM PERFORMEDWITH GREAT CREDIT AT ALL-IMPORTANT
TEST PICTURES These pictures were taken using a Sony A7R IV, loaned from Hireacamera. Test chart shots were with the camera mounted on a Leofoto LS-324C tripod, with an Arca-Swiss ball head. Raws were processed through Adobe Lightroom.
500mm
300mm
150mm
WIDER LENS APERTURES”
eliciting even better results. Moving on to 500mm, the lens again delivered good results – especially at f/6.7 and f/8 apertures – although sharpness was probably not quite up to the level seen at shorter focal lengths. To sum up, this long Tamron zoom performed with great credit at the all-important wider lens apertures. This is where long lenses are most commonly used, and with a good camera and quality focusing technique, you will be rewarded with impressive results. Fine, high-frequency details like bird feathers look refined – even at high magnifications that could be improved further in editing. WC
F/5.6
F/5.6
F/5
F/5
F/6.7
F/6.7
F/8
F/5.6
F/8
F/8
F/5.6
F/8
F/8
F/11
F/11
F/11
F/8
F/11
Verdict If you want a long telephoto for action and wildlife shooting, this Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD has much to recommend it. It’s a capable performer, handles well and is nicely priced. PROS Fine optical performance at key wider apertures, Flex Zoom Lock, Arca-Swiss fit tripod foot, good handling CONS 1.8m minimum focus at 500mm is OK, but could be even better
F/16
F/11
F/16
F/16
F/11
F/16
F/22
F/16
F/22
F/22
F/22
F/16
F/32
F/32
F/25
F/25
F/22
F/22
Issue 94 | Photography News 59
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