Tamron Di III VC 150-500mm f/5-6.7 VXD
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong versatility (84th percentile) 84th
Cons
- Below average macro (14th percentile)
- Below average optical (20th percentile)
- Below average social proof (30th percentile)
- Below average build (32nd percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q2 202697/100
Reviews in Q2 2026 overwhelmingly praise the Tamron 150-500mm lens for its sharp image quality, fast autofocus, effective stabilization, and portability for its range, with most reviewers highly recommending it. A repeated mention of weight/handling is noted.
- Sharp image quality across the zoom range, even at 500mm.
- Fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus; effective vibration reduction.
- Good value, combining performance with a lower price than alternatives.
- Lens is heavy but manageable with proper support; some note weight as a drawback.
- Q4 202583/100
Buyers praise its value, sharpness, and compact size for a telephoto zoom, though some note it is not the sharpest and requires stabilization for video.
- Great value for the price compared to higher-end telephoto lenses.
- Sharp image quality and good color accuracy, especially for bird and landscape photography.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and hand-hold.
- Autofocus works well but stabilization is needed to avoid shakes and micro jitters, especially for video.
- Q1 202567/100
Buyers praised this lens for focus speed, tracking, and value, but several noted it is heavy, though manageable with a monopod.
- Fast and precise autofocus with excellent tracking and hit rate.
- Weight is a common complaint, but many find it acceptable or manageable.
- Excellent value compared to alternatives, especially for its size and range.
- Great for wildlife and sports; lock prevents lens creep while walking.
Based on 47 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 150 |
| Focal Length Max | 500 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/5 |
| Constant | Yes |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
vs Competition
| Spec | Tamron Di III VC 150-500mm f/5-6.7 VXD | Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Viltrox Pro AF 27mm f/1.2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 150-500mm | 18-50mm | 17-28mm | 12-35mm | 18-135mm | 27mm |
| Max Aperture | f/5 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.2 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E | Nikon Z | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | false | false | true | true | false |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | true | true | false | true |
| Weight (g) | - | 290 | 450 | 306 | 326 | 560 |
| AF Type | - | stepping motor | Stepping Motor | Autofocus | Linear motor | STM |
| Lens Type | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | prime |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamron Di III VC 150-500mm f/5-6.7 VXD | 53.9 | 53.8 | 32.3 | 14.2 | 20.2 | 54.4 | 84.2 | 29.5 | 36.8 |
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Compare | 86.8 | 81.8 | 86 | 91.7 | 82.2 | 83.9 | 78.6 | 89.8 | 36.8 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Compare | 86.8 | 87 | 75.1 | 85.8 | 88.2 | 83.9 | 68 | 69.6 | 36.8 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 Compare | 53.9 | 81.8 | 85.4 | 51 | 86.5 | 83.9 | 80.6 | 85.4 | 96.9 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 98 | 75.4 | 72.4 | 40.3 | 78.5 | 77.3 | 95.8 | 89.8 | 82.4 |
| Viltrox Pro AF 27mm f/1.2 Compare | 86.8 | 98.5 | 67.4 | 38.5 | 82.2 | 98.6 | 33.6 | 89.8 | 36.8 |
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
