The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD ($1,069) is an intriguing lens for capturing nature, outdoor sports, and other distant action. It's compatible with full-frame cameras , although many shooters are likely to pair it with an APS-C body to enjoy some added telephoto reach.

Long telephoto reach; Optical stabilization; Strong center sharpness; Attractive price point; Zoom locking mechanism; Includes tripod collar and hood; Available for multiple systems

Pincushion distortion throughout range; Focus can be a little slow; Some blurriness at edges unless stopped down

The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD ($1,069) is an intriguing lens for capturing nature, outdoor sports, and other distant action. It's compatible with full-frame cameras, although many shooters are likely to pair it with an APS-C body to enjoy some added telephoto reach. The lens is an overall solid performer, but its edge performance is disappointing beyond 300mm, and I found that the autofocus motor couldn't quite keep up with some fast moving action. It's by no means a bad lens, but it's not quite as good as our Editors' Choice Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG HSM Contemporary ($899.00 at Amazon) , which sells for just $20 more. DesignThe SP 150-600mm ($1,069.00 at Amazon)  isn't small, but when you consider its extreme telephoto reach and zoom design, its 10.2-by-4.2-inch (HD) frame and 4.3-pound weight don't seem out of line. A reversible hood is included, which adds a few inches to the height. It's about the same size and weight as the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary (10.2 by 4...

The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD lens covers a long zoom range and produces sharp results through most of the frame, but it isn't perfect.

Long telephoto reach; Optical stabilization; Strong center sharpness; Attractive price point; Zoom locking mechanism; Includes tripod collar and hood; Available for multiple systems

Pincushion distortion throughout range; Focus can be a little slow; Some blurriness at edges unless stopped down

If you've been looking for a long telephoto lens for less than £1000, odds are you've been disappointed. Until now that is, as the new Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 VC USD boasts an impressive zoom range and just sneaks in under the £1000 bracket.

I recently purchased this lens and used it almost exclusively during a stay of a week on an island photographing all manner of seabirds including the ubiquitous Puffin; for the price I paid the lens was outstanding producing sharp and detailed images sometimes at great range.

Durable; Great Features; Great Picture Quality; Simple Controls

taking unlimited hydroplane boat races

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Fast / accurate auto-focus; Rugged; Strong Construction

Heavy

In it's class of super telephoto lenses this is a great value for the cost. Photos are sharp and clear. I took the time to calibrate (AF) the lens to camera and found the lens right on the money w/o adjustment.

The focus is faster than the other telephoto zooms I tested before buying. I am impressed with the quality of the hand-held shots even when extended to the full 600mm focal length. Low light doesn't seem to be challenge as I used the moon for some shots and got excellent results.

Used with Canon EOS 1D M4 and compared to Canon EF 300L F2.8 IS M2 with 2xTC M3. Tamron's actual max focal length is 580mm. At the max focal length pictures are lucking about 5% of sharpness against EF 300L F2.8 IS M2 with 2xTC M3 converter.

Easy to use

I really like this lens. It is very sharp and quite fast focusing. It is quite heavy but I find the weight helps to steady it when shooting without a tripod.

I bought this lens because it offered 600mm over the 400mm of my canon lens that had gone in for repairs. I read numerous reviews which praised the lens for its value for money. I took the lens to Lake Mungo National Park where I had 2 days bright sunshine and a day of overcast skies and rain.