Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z)

Overview of the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z)

The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) is a professional super-telephoto zoom lens designed for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. Its 150-500mm focal range is ideal for photographing distant subjects, making it perfect for wildlife, sports, aviation, and outdoor photography. Featuring a fast VXD linear motor for precise autofocus and VC (Vibration Compensation) technology to reduce blur, this lens ensures sharp and stable images. Despite its long reach, the lens remains portable, offering both versatility and high-end optical performance for enthusiasts and professional photographers.

Technical Specifications for the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z)

The following table provides a detailed overview of the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z). These specifications help photographers understand the lens’s capabilities, key features, and compatibility.

 

Specification	Details
Lens Type	Super-Telephoto Zoom
Mount Compatibility	Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras
Focal Length	150-500mm
Maximum Aperture	f/5 – f/6.7
Minimum Aperture	f/32 – f/40
Lens Construction	22 elements in 15 groups
Diaphragm Blades	9, rounded
Minimum Focus Distance	0.60m / 23.6 inches
Image Stabilization	VC (Vibration Compensation)
Autofocus Motor	VXD linear motor
Filter Size	82mm
Weight	Approx. 1,730g
Dimensions	95mm diameter x 221mm length

 

These specifications highlight the lens’s super-telephoto capabilities, optical performance, and advanced features, giving photographers a clear understanding of what to expect from the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z).

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) Price in Kenya

The following table presents the estimated market price for the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) in Kenya. These figures serve as a reference for budgeting, while actual costs may vary depending on the retailer and warranty options.

 

Product Name	Price in Kenya (Estimated)
Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z)	KSh 170,000 – KSh 190,000

 

This price range reflects the premium quality and professional performance of the lens, helping buyers plan their investment accordingly.

Compatible Devices

The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) is compatible with Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras, including:

• Nikon Z6, Z6 II, Z7, Z7 II, Z9
• Other Nikon Z-mount full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras

Always confirm your camera mount before purchase to ensure optimal compatibility.

Standout Features

Extensive 150-500mm super-telephoto range for distant subjects

• Fast and precise VXD linear motor autofocus
• VC (Vibration Compensation) for stable handheld shots
• High-quality optics with 22 lens elements for sharp images
• Rounded diaphragm blades for smooth bokeh
• Lightweight and portable for a long-range zoom lens

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Ideal for wildlife, sports, and outdoor photography
• High-quality optics and minimal distortion
• Reliable autofocus and image stabilization
• Portable and manageable for a super-telephoto lens

Cons

• Maximum aperture narrows to f/6.7, limiting low-light performance
• Premium price point
• Lacks full weather sealing

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will this lens work with all Nikon cameras?
  Only Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras are compatible. Always check your camera’s mount type.
• Does it feature image stabilization?
  Yes, the lens includes VC (Vibration Compensation) for reduced camera shake.
• Is it suitable for wildlife photography?
  Yes, the 500mm reach makes it ideal for photographing distant wildlife.
• Can it be used for sports photography?
  Yes, fast VXD autofocus enables accurate tracking of moving subjects.
• How heavy is the lens?
  The lens weighs approximately 1,730 grams and measures 95mm in diameter by 221mm in length.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) Overview of Features

The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) is a super-telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. This lens integrates advanced optical engineering, precise autofocus mechanics, and stabilization technology to provide professional-grade performance across its wide focal range. Every feature of the lens is focused on delivering sharp, high-contrast images and reliable performance, whether shooting wildlife, sports, or distant subjects.

The lens is constructed to balance maximum reach with usability. Its optical components, autofocus system, stabilization, and physical design are engineered to ensure accurate focus, reduced aberrations, and steady capture at all focal lengths. Each feature contributes directly to image quality and operational efficiency, making it suitable for photographers who require both range and precision.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) Optical Construction

The optical design of the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) includes multiple specialized elements to maintain image quality throughout its zoom range:

• Low-Dispersion (LD) Lens Elements: These elements minimize chromatic aberration and color fringing, ensuring accurate color reproduction and sharpness even at extreme telephoto focal lengths. They are especially important for wildlife or bird photography, where fine details must remain clear at distances of hundreds of meters.
• Aspherical Lens Elements: Correct spherical aberrations to maintain edge-to-edge sharpness and prevent image softening at the frame periphery. This ensures consistent image quality from the center to the edges of the frame.
• Advanced Anti-Reflection Coatings: Tamron’s proprietary coatings reduce flare and ghosting that can occur when shooting into bright light sources. These coatings maintain contrast and color fidelity, particularly in high-contrast lighting or backlit conditions.
• Lens Element Arrangement: The precise alignment of optical components ensures minimal distortion, improved contrast, and high resolution throughout the zoom range. The lens maintains clarity and definition from 150mm up to its 500mm maximum focal length.

The combination of LD and aspherical elements, together with advanced coatings, allows the lens to deliver professional-quality results without the need for additional post-processing correction.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) Vibration Compensation

A key feature of the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) is its Vibration Compensation (VC) system, which stabilizes images in real-time to reduce the effects of camera shake:

• Handheld Telephoto Shooting: VC allows photographers to shoot at long focal lengths without a tripod, maintaining sharpness even at 500mm.
• Low-Light Performance: By compensating for small hand movements, the VC system enables slower shutter speeds while preserving image clarity.
• Video Recording Support: The VC system stabilizes handheld video, minimizing motion blur and creating smooth footage at telephoto distances.
• Multi-Axis Stabilization: Corrects shake along multiple axes, including pitch and yaw, ensuring consistent image sharpness across all focal lengths.

This stabilization feature is crucial for super-telephoto photography, where even minor camera movements are magnified. The VC system allows photographers to achieve professional-level stability without additional equipment.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) Autofocus Technology

The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) uses a VXD linear motor autofocus system, providing fast, precise, and silent focusing:

• High-Speed Autofocus: Capable of tracking fast-moving subjects such as birds or athletes, maintaining sharp focus throughout the zoom range.
• Quiet Operation: The linear motor operates silently, which is essential for wildlife photography and recording video without disruptive noise.
• Accurate Focus: The system ensures consistent focus even on small or distant subjects, maintaining edge-to-edge sharpness.
• Eye Detection Compatibility: When paired with Nikon Z cameras that support Eye AF, the lens locks focus precisely on animal or human eyes, enhancing subject isolation.
• Responsive Tracking: The autofocus system quickly adjusts to changes in subject position, reducing the chance of missed shots during fast action sequences.

The VXD autofocus system ensures that photographers can rely on precise focus and responsive performance even in dynamic shooting conditions.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) Focal Length and Aperture

The 150-500mm focal range allows the lens to cover medium telephoto to extreme super-telephoto applications:

• 150mm Wide Telephoto: Suitable for portraits, moderate sports, and general photography at a distance.
• 500mm Super-Telephoto: Ideal for wildlife, birding, and sports where reach is critical.

The variable aperture of f/5-6.7 contributes to a compact and lightweight design while still providing sufficient depth-of-field control for subject separation and background blur. At longer focal lengths, the lens maintains smooth bokeh, highlighting subjects against distant backgrounds.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) Close-Focus Capability

While primarily a super-telephoto lens, the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) supports close-up shooting:

• Minimum Focus Distance: Allows capturing subjects at relatively close distances while using telephoto zoom, expanding versatility.
• Maximum Magnification Ratio (Approx. 1:3.1): Provides near-macro capabilities, enabling detailed shots of smaller subjects without additional lenses.
• Edge-to-Edge Sharpness at Close Range: Maintains clarity and minimal distortion when focusing on near subjects.

These features allow the lens to be used for both long-range and detailed close-up photography without compromising image quality.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) Zoom and Focus Mechanisms

The mechanical construction of the lens supports precise and smooth operation:

• Smooth Zoom Ring: Offers controlled and responsive adjustments, essential for framing subjects at long distances without losing focus.
• Manual Focus Override: Allows photographers to fine-tune focus quickly without switching modes, useful in dynamic shooting situations.
• Focus Limiter Switch: Reduces focus hunting by limiting the focus range, improving autofocus speed in specific scenarios.
• Zoom Lock Mechanism: Prevents lens extension when carrying or during transport, maintaining compact form factor.

These mechanisms contribute directly to operational efficiency and user control, ensuring the lens performs reliably in the field.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) Lens Construction and Build

The physical construction of the lens ensures durability while maintaining portability:

• Lightweight Materials: Reduces strain during handheld use, making it suitable for long shoots.
• Balanced Design: Maintains even weight distribution, enhancing stability and usability.
• Durable Components: Resistant to wear and tear from regular professional use.
• Weather-Resistant Design: Provides protection against dust and light moisture, making it practical for outdoor conditions.

The lens construction supports extended use in challenging environments without compromising optical performance.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z) Lens Mount and Compatibility

The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens is designed exclusively for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras:

• Full Compatibility with Nikon Z Series: Ensures autofocus, image stabilization, and lens data are fully supported.
• Seamless Integration with Camera Functions: Compatible with Nikon camera features such as exposure metering, focus modes, and Eye AF.
• Electronic Communication: Enables real-time transmission of lens information to the camera body for accurate shooting data and image correction.

Compatibility ensures photographers can take full advantage of the lens’s performance and features on Nikon Z-mount systems.