Commack, NY—Along with the new 11–20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD fast-aperture ultrawide-angle zoom lens for E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras, the Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (model A057) lens was announced. The ultra-telephoto zoom lens is for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras.
The 150–500mm f/5–6.7 is Tamron’s first ultra-telephoto zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras that reaches the 500mm focal length. Moreover, when used on APS-C-format mirrorless cameras, its zoom range is a 225–750mm equivalent.
Even when extended to the 500mm telephoto end, the lens is compact enough for handheld shooting. Furthermore, to support handheld shooting in the ultra-telephoto range, the lens employs Tamron’s VXD (voice-coil eXtreme-torque drive). Tamron integrated the linear motor focus mechanism to deliver quiet, agile performance. In addition, the company included its proprietary VC (vibration compensation) mechanism for high-level image stabilization.
Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Key Features
For comfortable handheld shooting, the 150–500mm f/5–6.7 is 8.3 inches long. Even when extended to the 500mm telephoto end, it’s still compact at 11.1 inches. What’s more, with a maximum Ø93mm diameter, it zooms from 150mm to 500mm by rotating the zoom ring through an arc of just 75°; that’s less than one-quarter of a turn. This feature enables rapid adjustment to the desired angle of view with minimal movement.
In addition, its optical construction comprises 25 elements in 16 groups. Notably, it uses special lens elements: one XLD (extra-low dispersion); five LD (low dispersion); as well as two hybrid aspherical lens elements. They control aberrations such as axial chromatic aberrations.
Further, the lens employs the same VXD linear motor focus mechanism first introduced in the 70–180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD. The mechanism delivers high-speed, high-precision movement to ensure responsive performance.
“Even when shooting at the ultra-telephoto end with a focal length of 500mm, the 150–500mm provides fast, comfortable and accurate focusing at all shooting distances, from near to far,” the company announced. 
Focus tracking was also improved to capture stills and video of fast-moving subjects like sports, birds and aircraft. The linear motor also reduces drive noise and vibrations produced during focusing, making it a tool for shooting in low-noise environments.
The slim 150–500mm lens also features a VC mode selection switch with three settings (mode 1, standard; mode 2, panning; and mode 3, framing priority). This functionality delivers improved image stabilization, enabling efficient reduction of blurring caused by camera shake.
What’s more, for macro shooting, the lens has close-up capabilities. The MOD is 23.6 inches at the 150mm end and 70.9 inches at the 500mm telephoto end. The maximum magnification ratio at 150mm is 1:3.1.
Additional Features
In addition, the 150–500mm lens has an Arca-Swiss compatible tripod mount with strap attachment holes. And it sports a new switch design for improved operability; a flex zoom lock also supports usability.
Other features include Tamron’s BBAR-G2 coating to minimize ghosting and flare; moisture-resistant construction; a fluorine coating for extra protection; as well as compatibility with camera-specific features and functions, such as fast Hybrid AF and eye AF.
The Tamron 150–500mm f/5–6.7 Di III VC VXD lens has a planned launch date of June 10, 2021. It will have a suggested retail price of $1,399.
