Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD

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 recent Sony bodies. Testers compare it favourably with Sony's FE 200-600mm on size and close focus, but note the slower f/6.7 aperture, the seven-blade diaphragm and the lack of teleconverter support on the Sony version.

Owners like the reach-to-weight ratio, the zoom lock and the Arca foot, and many choose it over the 200-600mm 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 report that the tripod foot is hard to remove quickly, and a few mention softer results at 500mm at long distances in heat haze.