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

Reviewers find it sharp in the centre throughout the range, with some loss of corner and contrast at 500mm wide open that improves by f/8. Chromatic aberration is well controlled, and VC gives several stops of help at the long end.

The VXD motor tracks birds in flight well on Z8, Z9 and Z6III-class bodies, though tracking is not quite as sure as Nikon's own long lenses on older Z bodies. Testers compare it with the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm and find the Tamron shorter, lighter and much better at close focus, but slower at f/6.7, limited to a seven-blade diaphragm and without the Nikkor's teleconverter support.

Owners like the reach-to-weight ratio, the zoom lock and the Arca foot, and some choose it over the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm for travel and hiking. The close-focus ability at 150mm is a frequent surprise.

Complaints focus on f/6.7 in poor light, the extending barrel, and a front-heavy balance when fully zoomed. Some owners miss a physical VC switch and report that the tripod foot is hard to remove quickly, and a few mention softer results at 500mm at long distances in heat haze.