Tamron 150-500mm f5-6.7 Di III VXD now also for Fuji X Cameras

The Japanese lens manufacturer is now releasing its “Tamron 150-500mm f5-6.7 Di III VXD” lens for Fujifilm X Mount. The Tamron lens was first introduced back in April 2021 for the “Sony E” mount cameras that can be used on mirrorless Alpha models with a sensor in 35mm full format as well as those with an APS-C sensor.

The Tamron 150-500mm f5-6.7 Di III VXD offers a relatively compact size and impressive image quality right into the corners of the image. You can easily take pictures even with a focal length setting of 500mm. The integrated VC image stabilizer (Vibration Compensation) and the fast VXD autofocus enable sharp image results without a tripod, even with ultra-long focal lengths. At 150 mm, the close-up distance is only 0.6 m, so the lens can also be used for expressive close-ups. Because of its focal length range, the lens is primarily suitable for the usual telephoto motifs of wild animals, sports scenes, and distant landscape details.

Measuring 209.6mm in length and 93mm in diameter, the 150-500mm is an unusually compact 750mm super-telephoto zoom1 for full-frame mirrorless cameras. When fully extended, it measures just 284.9 mm in length and remains remarkably handy even with the longest focal length. To switch between 150mm and 500mm, the zoom ring only needs to rotate 75 degrees – less than a quarter turn. The desired focal length can be reached with a small movement. Since the image section can be quickly adjusted, very intuitive work is possible.

The optical construction includes 25 elements in 16 groups. Several special glasses, including one XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) and five LD (Low Dispersion) elements as well as two hybrid aspherical lenses, effectively correct optical image errors, such as longitudinal chromatic aberrations or axial chromatic aberrations. Since the 150-500mm was originally developed for full-frame mirrorless cameras, it delivers exceptionally high image quality on the APS-C sensor over the entire zoom range with an impressive resolution both in the center and in the corners of the image.

The Tamron 150-500mm f5-6.7 Di III VXD features the acclaimed VXD technology that ensures fast and precise focusing. The VXD linear motor works almost silently: Unlike conventional AF systems, there is practically no operating noise or vibration. That makes the lens ideal for photo and video recording in environments where absolute silence is required.

Despite its slim body, the 150-500mm features the VC image stabilization system developed by Tamron. Depending on the subject, you can choose between three different VC modes: standard mode for normal subject situations, panning mode for horizontal panning, and maximum stabilization of the recorded image without viewfinder image stabilization. This functionality enables excellent stabilization performance in every situation and effectively prevents blurred images caused by unwanted camera movements at the moment of exposure.

The Tamron lens offers an exceptionally short focusing distance for a super-telephoto lens and is also suitable for close-up shots. With a focal length of 150mm, photographs can be taken from a distance of just 0.6 m, which enables magnification of 1:3.1. At 500mm, the shortest focusing distance increases to just 1.8m, resulting in the largest possible magnification of 1:3.7. With the 150-500mm, you can take impressive close-ups that cannot be achieved with conventional super-telephoto zoom lenses.

Price and availability

The Tamron 150-500mm f5-6.7 Di III VXD with “Fujifilm X” mount is available to pre-order on Bhphotovideo.com at $1,499 and will be released on October 13th, 2022.

Tamron 150-500mm f5-6.7 Di III VXD specifications

• Focal Length: 150 to 500mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 225 to 750mm)
• Maximum Aperture: f/5 to 6.7
• Minimum Aperture: f/22 to 32
• Lens Mount: Fujifilm X
• Lens Format Coverage: APS-C
• Angle of View: 16° 25′ to 4° 57′
• Minimum Focus Distance: 60 cm
• Optical Design: 25 Elements in 16 Groups
• Diaphragm Blades: 7, Rounded
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Tripod Collar: Removable and Rotating
• Front Filter Size: 82 mm
• Dimensions (ø x L): 93 x 209.9 mm
• Weight: 3.77 lb / 1.71 kg