A budget alternative. Tamron 150-500mm Superzoom.

ivanjoshualoh

Tamron. Like many other major lens manufacturers, are producing more lenses for X-mount. The 150-500mm F5-6.7 is indeed abudget alternative to Fujiiflm XF150-600mm F5.6-F8. The current price is USD $1999 for Fujifilm and USD $1499 for Tamron. The saving is $500. I did see this same lens for Sony E mount that is going for $1299 at B&H. If this same lens for X-mount is at USD $1299, we truly have a budget alternative. One need to note we are losing 100mm in extra focal length vs the Fujifilm.  This make-believe saving is almost 35%, which is $700! One could only wait and see if the price would match the E mount option in the months ahead; after the glitz is over.

@433mm F6.3
@150mm F5


Now, lets zoom in; to see what I think of this lens? This is a non-birding photographer’s first impression. I had a week with this superzoom lens. And a shout out to Tamron Singapore for this opportunity. I am basically clueless like any new photographer that wanna venture into the superzoom territories. I brought the Tamron to the Jurong Bird Park, to attempt to shoot some birds, obviously.  This is what amateur does! After spending USD $25 for the entrance ticket; my venture only lasted for 30 minutes and it begin to rain cats and dogs. Of course the X-H2S and Tamron are both weather resistant; but not me! 

Jurong Bird Park @345mm F5.6
Jurong Lake Park @500mm F6.7
@150mm F5 Isn’t this lens sharp?
Jurong Bird Park @500mm F6.7
Singapore Botanical Garden @500mm F6.7
Jurong Lake Park @370mm F5.6
Jurong Lake Park @150mm F5
@500mm F6.7
Jurong Bird Park @370mm F5.6
@500mm F6.7
@500mm F6.7
@486mm F6.7
Check out those eyelashes!
@150mm
@500mm Fully extended
@500mm F6.7
Singapore Botanical Gardens @500mm F6.7
@460mm F6.3
@357mm F5.6
@500mm F6.7
@500mm F6.7
@500mm F6.7
@500mm F6.7
@486mm F6.7
@500mm F6.7
@150mm F5
@272mm F5.6

This lens runs on high-precision linear motor. Therefore I have no complain on the AF ability of this lens. I mount it on the new X-H2S and they work well. The zoom turning ring; takes just a 90 degree turn to achieve from 150mm to 500mm. This lens has VC ( Vibration Compensation). How many stops of compensation; I have no idea. Another plus point; at 150mm, one could take some pretty close up.

@150mm F5
@321mm F5.6

The built quality is nice. It’s plastic but feel pretty luxe. The weight is about 1.7kg. Is it heavy? If I compare with XF150-600mm, its heavier by 100 grams and has 100mm lesser reach. So that is a down side for me. I guess the selling point for 3rd party lens has to be the price. This Tamron is versatile, has good glass and fast AF. All this at a lower price. So what is there not to love? 

Published by ivanjoshualoh

Ivan Loh, A Fuji X-photographer is known for his quirky and different approach through his lens. He has received numerous accolades from the International Photography Award, New York and Photography Master Cup. Most Recently a Gold, 1st Place at the 2014 PX3 Prix De La Photographie in Paris . Ivan started shooting since his teenage years with his father’s Nikon SLR and he hasn’t stopped since. He has lensed campaigns for clients such as Singapore Airlines, MTV Asia, Nike, Bossini, Nanyang Technological University(NTU) Tuas Power, Allianz Insurance, Manulife Insurance, HSBC Insurance, DHL. TNT, UOB, CAAS, Hilton Group, Intercontinental Hotel Group, Raffles Hotel, Diegeo, Embraer, Carlson, TATA Communication, HDB, Clark Quay, HOT FM 91.3, Kiss 92FM, JIA 88.3, Power 98, and CHIMJES. His editorial works have appeared in magazines such as Conde Nast, Home+Living, TopGear Singapore, Her World, Cleo, Seventeen, FHM, Parents World and Home & Decor. His works have also glossed the pages of international magazines such as Asian Photography and Digital Photography(UK).

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