TAMRON announces compact 150-500mm ultra-telephoto zoom for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras

150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD （Model A057)

High-speed, high precision AF and TAMRON’s VC make comfortable handheld photography with a compact 500mm zoom a reality.

April 22, 2021, Saitama, Japan – TAMRON Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Model A057), an ultra-telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras on June 10, 2021. Due to the current global health crisis, the release date or product supply schedule could change.

Model A057

PRODUCT NAME	DATE OF LAUNCH
150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Model A057)	June 10, 2021 *Due to the spread of COVID-19, the release date or the product supply schedule could be delayed.

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The 150-500mm F5-6.7 is TAMRON’s first ultra-telephoto zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras that reaches the 500mm focal length. Even when extended to the 500mm telephoto end, the lens is still compact enough for comfortable handheld shooting. This lens enables users to enjoy casual shooting with steady performance and high image quality in the ultra-telephoto realm where conventional wisdom once dictated a tripod. To support handheld shooting in the ultra-telephoto range, the new zoom is equipped with VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive), a linear motor focus mechanism that delivers excellent quietness and agile performance, and TAMRON’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism for high-level image stabilization. At the 150mm end, the lens offers an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.6m (23.6 in) for powerful and dramatic close-ups.

 

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

1. A hand-holdable full-frame 500mm lens that defies conventional wisdom

The 150-500mm F5-6.7 is just 209.6mm (8.3 in) long with a maximum diameter of 93mm, an astoundingly compact size for a 500mm-class ultra-telephoto zoom for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Even when extended to the 500mm telephoto end, the lens is still remarkably compact at only 283mm (11.1 in). The lens zooms from 150mm to 500mm by rotating the zoom ring through an arc of just 75° — less than one-quarter of a turn. This feature enables rapid adjustment to the desired angle of view with minimal movement, avoiding missed opportunities and facilitating intuitive composition. TAMRON’s renowned VC mechanism also significantly improves handheld performance by counteracting camera shake.

* For APS-C mirrorless format: approximately 225-750mm equivalent zoom range.

2. Amazing high image quality despite its compact size

The optical construction features 25 elements in 16 groups. The generous and effective use of special lens elements including one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), five LD (Low Dispersion), and two Hybrid Aspherical lens elements thoroughly controls aberrations including axial chromatic aberrations. This 150-500mm F5-6.7 ultra-telephoto zoom lens is designed and constructed with strong emphasis on compact size and usability without compromising image quality, so users can enjoy exceptionally high resolving power across the entire image.

3. VXD AF motor provides high speed, high precision, and excellent quietness

The 150-500mm F5-6.7 features the same highly acclaimed VXD linear motor focus mechanism that was first introduced in the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056). VXD delivers extreme high-speed and high-precision movement and ensures exceedingly responsive performance. Even when shooting at the ultra-telephoto end with a focal length of 500mm, the 150-500mm F5-6.7 provides fast, comfortable and accurate focusing at all shooting distances, from near to far.

Focus tracking has been vastly improved to facilitate capturing fast-moving subjects, for example sporting events, birds and aviation photography. This ensures that those dramatic, action-packed moments are never missed, whether shooting still photos or video. Additionally, the linear motor also reduces drive noise and vibrations produced during focusing (as compared to a conventional drive system), making it ideal for shooting both still photos and video in low-noise environments.

4. TAMRON’s acclaimed Vibration Compensation delivers excellent image stabilization

The slim, compact 150-500mm F5-6.7 is equipped with TAMRON’s VC mechanism. The lens features a VC mode selection switch with three settings (Mode 1: Standard, Mode 2: Exclusively for Panning, and Mode 3: Framing Priority) so the ideal VC mode can be invoked to match shooting conditions. This functionality delivers excellent image stabilization performance, enabling efficient reduction of image blurring caused by camera shake. 

5. Exciting telephoto macro focuses as close as 0.6m (23.6 in)

The 150-500mm F5-6.7 offers excellent close-up shooting capabilities for an ultra-telephoto lens. The MOD is 0.6m (23.6 in) at the 150mm end and 1.8m (70.9 in) at the 500mm telephoto end. The maximum magnification ratio at 150mm is exceptionally high at 1:3.1. Users can shoot powerful telephoto-macro images of subjects including flowers and insects while maintaining a reasonable shooting distance — closer than you can get with conventional ultra-telephoto zoom lenses. 

6. Additional features for greater convenience

• Arca-Swiss compatible tripod mount with strap attachment holes included
• Lens hood with flexible, protective front portion
• New switch design for improved operability
• FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism to support greater usability 

7. BBAR-G2 Coating minimizes ghosting and flare
8. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating provide extra protection
9. Compatible with many camera-specific features and functions, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Model	: A057
Focal Length	: 150-500mm
Maximum Aperture	: F5-6.7
Angle of View (diagonal)	: 16° 25′-4° 57’　(for full-frame mirrorless format)
Optical Construction	: 25 elements in 16 groups
Minimum Object Distance	: 0.6m /23.6 in (WIDE), 1.8m /70.9 in (TELE)
Maximum Magnification Ratio	: 1:3.1 (WIDE) / 1:3.7 (TELE)
Filter Size	: φ82mm
Maximum Diameter	: φ93mm
Length*	: 209.6mm (8.3 in)
Weight	: 1,725g (60.8 oz) (without tripod mount) / Tipod mount 155g (5.5 oz)
Aperture Blades	: 7 (circular diaphragm)**
Minimum Aperture	: F22-32
Standard Accessories	: Round-shaped hood, Lens caps, Tripod mount
Compatible Mounts	: Sony E-mount

 

* Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face.
** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.

Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.

This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.

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About TAMRON Co., Ltd.

TAMRON provides a wide range of original optical products, from interchangeable lenses for digital cameras to various optical devices for both the general consumer and OEM. We make optical products that contribute to a range of different industries and will continue to devote its rich creativity and leading-edge technical prowess to various industrial fields. Furthermore, TAMRON is fully aware of its responsibility to the environment and aspires to help preserve the natural environment in all its business activities. 

Optical Product Line-up:

Interchangeable lenses for 35mm / Digital SLR camera, Interchangeable lenses for Non-Reflex type camera, Camcorder lenses, Digital still camera lenses, Drone lenses, Optical device units, Surveillance camera lenses, FA and Machine vision lenses, Automotive camera lenses, Camera module, Test plates, etc.

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