Sigma 738109 150-500mm
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
What Buyers Say
Sigma 738109 150-500mm
The Sigma 50-500mm OS HSM lens is widely praised for its incredible versatility, sharp image quality, and excellent optical stabilization, offering a massive zoom range that covers everything from standard to super-telephoto. Users consistently highlight its great value for money compared to expensive brand-name alternatives, though many note the significant weight and the need for a tripod or monopod for extended handheld use. Some users report autofocus hunting in low light or with small subjects, and a few mention reliability issues like the lens extending under its own weight or requiring repair, but overall satisfaction remains very high.
Pros
- Excellent image sharpness and clarity
- Incredible 50-500mm zoom versatility
- Great value for money vs. brand lenses
- Effective optical stabilization (OS)
- Solid, professional build quality
Cons
- Very heavy, tiring for handheld use
- Autofocus hunts in low light
- Lens extends under its own weight
- Requires good light or high ISO body
- Slow aperture at long end (f/6.3)
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
The Tamron 28-300mm super-zoom wins praise for its lightweight design, versatile focal range, and solid image quality. Users appreciate the compact build and smooth zoom mechanism, but note the slow aperture and trade-offs in sharpness compared to more expensive zooms. Verified reviewers find it an ideal travel lens that pairs well with Sony bodies.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Versatile 28-300mm focal range
- Smooth zoom ring operation
- Compact build for travel
- Good integration with Sony bodies
Cons
- Small maximum aperture (f/4-7.1)
- Reduced sharpness vs. premium zooms
- Not an internal zoom lens
- Slow autofocus at high fps on some bodies
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma 738109 150-500mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 150 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 500 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | — | 20 |
| Groups | — | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/5 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 4.5-6.3 | 4-7.1 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | — | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Pentax KAF3 | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 1.97 kg | 0.59 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 95 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | HSM | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 500 mm | 190 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:3.8★ |
Pros & Cons
Sigma 738109 150-500mm
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong social proof (72nd percentile)
- Below average build (9th percentile)9th %ile
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong versatility (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.
