Tamron 150-500mm Fuji use

[JulietteM]

I have been researching this topic for the last two months. I've tried the Tamron so far but now must decide between 150-600 native or the 100-400... or stick with my 70-300mm until Fuji comes out with something better.

I was torn between the Fuji 150-600 and the other sparse options but ended up getting the Tamron 150-500. I tried it out a couple of days on my XH2S. The first day I shot at the 500mm length in my yard on nice daylight it performed well. The images were beautiful! I thought it was a keeper.

Today on a group hike during overcast light I found that it is not such a smooth operator. The glide on the zoom feels like there’s sand in it, only just at times. Nevertheless, I wondered if there literally is debris trapped. The zoom in general is cumbersome for my small hands, but worst of all was the inability to acquire focus in shady areas.

I want to find out if it's me and my inexperience with larger lenses. (I've been shooting for 25 years but never wildlife until 2020). Or is there a problem with this copy.

Other issue: the back button focus failed to work a couple of times. This really was puzzling. So, I put my 70-300mm on and no issues - smooth as butter...

Curious to know if any other Tamron users have comments/feedback.

 

[Patographer]

Hello.

Have you updated the firmware that came out two days ago for the Fuji 70-300mm lens? The focus is much better

XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR | Support | Descargas | Firmware | Objetivos | FUJIFILM X Series & GFX - Spain

Overview

fujifilm-x.com

 

[GMacF]

I have been researching this topic for the last two months. I've tried the Tamron so far but now must decide between 150-600 native or the 100-400... or stick with my 70-300mm until Fuji comes out with something better.

I was torn between the Fuji 150-600 and the other sparse options but ended up getting the Tamron 150-500. I tried it out a couple of days on my XH2S. The first day I shot at the 500mm length in my yard on nice daylight it performed well. The images were beautiful! I thought it was a keeper.

Today on a group hike during overcast light I found that it is not such a smooth operator. The glide on the zoom feels like there’s sand in it, only just at times. Nevertheless, I wondered if there literally is debris trapped. The zoom in general is cumbersome for my small hands, but worst of all was the inability to acquire focus in shady areas.

I want to find out if it's me and my inexperience with larger lenses. (I've been shooting for 25 years but never wildlife until 2020). Or is there a problem with this copy.

Other issue: the back button focus failed to work a couple of times. This really was puzzling. So, I put my 70-300mm on and no issues - smooth as butter...

Curious to know if any other Tamron users have comments/feedback.

A couple of things. Firstly there was a recall for a batch of these Tamron lenses for an AF issue - it doesn’t seem like his is what you’re experiencing but always worth a check.

Secondly, I bought the Tamron (which I still have actually but am in the process of selling) and also bought the Fuji 150-600.
I started a few of threads on both lenses so I’ll try not to ramble on but my summary is roughly that for pure IQ/output the two lenses are pretty much equal, save for a few nuanced differences at certain focal lengths/apertures etc. What I did find was that when it came to shooting experience and ease of use the Fuji wins, not by much but still wins. The zooming mechanism is definitely a win for the Fuji. I don’t find my Tamron bad, certainly not like there is grit in it, but the Fuji just has a lovely zoom feel mostly due to its internal nature I assume.
As for AF, I performed no metrics nor have any quantifiable answer so all I can say is [anecdotally] I didn’t notice much, if any, difference in the two lenses.

 

[Truman Prevatt]

I have this lens for the Nikon Z mount. i am quite pleased with the image quality and operation. It is faster than the Fuji 150-600.

It is a heavy lens - no doubt. The zoom ring is stiff but in reality that probably is a good thing. i find the ability to lock the focal length very nice. I've come to the conclusion that this lens and my Nikon Z8 are heavy. While I can hand hold it for short periods, in general a monopod or tripod would be a great tool to have around if one wants to use it all day.

If you hear a grinding or some other indication of grit on a not smooth zoom mechanism, then i would send it back. Mine is stiff, but it is smooth.

 

[JulietteM]

Hello.

Have you updated the firmware that came out two days ago for the Fuji 70-300mm lens? The focus is much better

https://fujifilm-x.com/es-es/support/download/firmware/lenses/xf70-300mmf4-56-r-lm-ois-wr/

Hi, thanks but I am not having problems with the 70-30mm. This post is about problems with the Tamron.

However, I didn't know about the firmware update for the 70-300mm so thank you! A good lens only getting better is good news to me .

 

[JulietteM]

I have been researching this topic for the last two months. I've tried the Tamron so far but now must decide between 150-600 native or the 100-400... or stick with my 70-300mm until Fuji comes out with something better.

I was torn between the Fuji 150-600 and the other sparse options but ended up getting the Tamron 150-500. I tried it out a couple of days on my XH2S. The first day I shot at the 500mm length in my yard on nice daylight it performed well. The images were beautiful! I thought it was a keeper.

Today on a group hike during overcast light I found that it is not such a smooth operator. The glide on the zoom feels like there’s sand in it, only just at times. Nevertheless, I wondered if there literally is debris trapped. The zoom in general is cumbersome for my small hands, but worst of all was the inability to acquire focus in shady areas.

I want to find out if it's me and my inexperience with larger lenses. (I've been shooting for 25 years but never wildlife until 2020). Or is there a problem with this copy.

Other issue: the back button focus failed to work a couple of times. This really was puzzling. So, I put my 70-300mm on and no issues - smooth as butter...

Curious to know if any other Tamron users have comments/feedback.

A couple of things. Firstly there was a recall for a batch of these Tamron lenses for an AF issue - it doesn’t seem like his is what you’re experiencing but always worth a check.

Secondly, I bought the Tamron (which I still have actually but am in the process of selling) and also bought the Fuji 150-600.
I started a few of threads on both lenses so I’ll try not to ramble on but my summary is roughly that for pure IQ/output the two lenses are pretty much equal, save for a few nuanced differences at certain focal lengths/apertures etc. What I did find was that when it came to shooting experience and ease of use the Fuji wins, not by much but still wins. The zooming mechanism is definitely a win for the Fuji. I don’t find my Tamron bad, certainly not like there is grit in it, but the Fuji just has a lovely zoom feel mostly due to its internal nature I assume.
As for AF, I performed no metrics nor have any quantifiable answer so all I can say is [anecdotally] I didn’t notice much, if any, difference in the two lenses.

Thanks for this. I will definitely check to see if it's a recalled lens. I still think something is possibly wrong with it regardless.

And it's good to know about your testing showing that both the 150 lenses are similar in IQ. If you also included the 100-400 in your testing, I'd love to know.

I have been super hesitant on the Fuji 150 because of the size for travel alone - and was close to just getting a used 400 to tide me over until ... well, until I see what Fujifilm does or frankly, if the Z6iii fits the bill and then I'd switch back to Nikon for wildlife/birds.

I love Fujifilm for everything else but for only for this type of photography I may switch teams if options don't work for me. That's a big IF though because the likelihood of the future Nikon z6iii and an appropriate lens being same or less weight is dim.

 

[GMacF]

I have been researching this topic for the last two months. I've tried the Tamron so far but now must decide between 150-600 native or the 100-400... or stick with my 70-300mm until Fuji comes out with something better.

I was torn between the Fuji 150-600 and the other sparse options but ended up getting the Tamron 150-500. I tried it out a couple of days on my XH2S. The first day I shot at the 500mm length in my yard on nice daylight it performed well. The images were beautiful! I thought it was a keeper.

Today on a group hike during overcast light I found that it is not such a smooth operator. The glide on the zoom feels like there’s sand in it, only just at times. Nevertheless, I wondered if there literally is debris trapped. The zoom in general is cumbersome for my small hands, but worst of all was the inability to acquire focus in shady areas.

I want to find out if it's me and my inexperience with larger lenses. (I've been shooting for 25 years but never wildlife until 2020). Or is there a problem with this copy.

Other issue: the back button focus failed to work a couple of times. This really was puzzling. So, I put my 70-300mm on and no issues - smooth as butter...

Curious to know if any other Tamron users have comments/feedback.

A couple of things. Firstly there was a recall for a batch of these Tamron lenses for an AF issue - it doesn’t seem like his is what you’re experiencing but always worth a check.

Secondly, I bought the Tamron (which I still have actually but am in the process of selling) and also bought the Fuji 150-600.
I started a few of threads on both lenses so I’ll try not to ramble on but my summary is roughly that for pure IQ/output the two lenses are pretty much equal, save for a few nuanced differences at certain focal lengths/apertures etc. What I did find was that when it came to shooting experience and ease of use the Fuji wins, not by much but still wins. The zooming mechanism is definitely a win for the Fuji. I don’t find my Tamron bad, certainly not like there is grit in it, but the Fuji just has a lovely zoom feel mostly due to its internal nature I assume.
As for AF, I performed no metrics nor have any quantifiable answer so all I can say is [anecdotally] I didn’t notice much, if any, difference in the two lenses.

Thanks for this. I will definitely check to see if it's a recalled lens. I still think something is possibly wrong with it regardless.

Here's the link to the Tamron recall notice:

https://www.tamron.com/global/consumer/support/news/detail/20230322220240.html

And it's good to know about your testing showing that both the 150 lenses are similar in IQ. If you also included the 100-400 in your testing, I'd love to know.

I did.
Of the three the 100-400 is definitely the weakest in terms of sharpness and more noticeably (for me at least) contrast. I said it on my other posts, but if you're buying new then the 100-400 makes no sense at all given the price points of each lens. However, given how little a used copy can be picked up for, it needs to be considered. Personally, I wouldn't pay anything over half price, so around £700-800 here in the UK. Any more than that and I'd rather have the Tamron.

I have been super hesitant on the Fuji 150 because of the size for travel alone - and was close to just getting a used 400 to tide me over until ... well, until I see what Fujifilm does or frankly, if the Z6iii fits the bill and then I'd switch back to Nikon for wildlife/birds.

It is long I'll give it that. My needs are different in that I use mine for sports work so I only have it when I need it and it's usually on a monopod or a gimbal head with tripod. For travel I take the 70-300.

I love Fujifilm for everything else but for only for this type of photography I may switch teams if options don't work for me. That's a big IF though because the likelihood of the future Nikon z6iii and an appropriate lens being same or less weight is dim.

There is also now the Sigma 100-400. I have no experience with this and only have the online reviews to go by but by all accounts it appears to be very good value for money.

 

[JulietteM]

Thank you so much for the link to the recall notice. It turns out my lens is not one of the ones recalled. However, I did do a little digging in the manual (which is confusing and the print is TINY). It says the following, which describes my scenario:

• When MODE 1 or MODE 2 is set (For Sony E / FUJIFILM X), the viewfinder image may become blurred immediately after the shutter button is pressed halfway. This is due to the principles of the vibration compensation mechanism and not a malfunction. (For Sony E / FUJIFILM X / Nikon Z)

It also states the same for MODE 3. I'm not sure I understand exactly what's happening from a technical perspective, but it's worth giving it a little more mileage before I decide. I was shooting in low light at the time.

Thank goodness B&H has an extended return policy through the holidays!

 

[GMacF]

Thank you so much for the link to the recall notice. It turns out my lens is not one of the ones recalled. However, I did do a little digging in the manual (which is confusing and the print is TINY). It says the following, which describes my scenario:

• When MODE 1 or MODE 2 is set (For Sony E / FUJIFILM X), the viewfinder image may become blurred immediately after the shutter button is pressed halfway. This is due to the principles of the vibration compensation mechanism and not a malfunction. (For Sony E / FUJIFILM X / Nikon Z)

It also states the same for MODE 3. I'm not sure I understand exactly what's happening from a technical perspective, but it's worth giving it a little more mileage before I decide. I was shooting in low light at the time.

Thank goodness B&H has an extended return policy through the holidays!

Yes the manual isn’t great at, well, being a manual! For 99% of handheld shooting you want to be in Mode 3 for the optical stabilisation or Vibration Compensation as Tamron call it. This made no sense to me as generally speaking Mode 1 is the standard mode on other such lenses. Otherwise for tripod shooting just switch it off altogether.

 

[Truman Prevatt]

Thank you so much for the link to the recall notice. It turns out my lens is not one of the ones recalled. However, I did do a little digging in the manual (which is confusing and the print is TINY). It says the following, which describes my scenario:

• When MODE 1 or MODE 2 is set (For Sony E / FUJIFILM X), the viewfinder image may become blurred immediately after the shutter button is pressed halfway. This is due to the principles of the vibration compensation mechanism and not a malfunction. (For Sony E / FUJIFILM X / Nikon Z)

It also states the same for MODE 3. I'm not sure I understand exactly what's happening from a technical perspective, but it's worth giving it a little more mileage before I decide. I was shooting in low light at the time.

Thank goodness B&H has an extended return policy through the holidays!

Yes the manual isn’t great at, well, being a manual! For 99% of handheld shooting you want to be in Mode 3 for the optical stabilisation or Vibration Compensation as Tamron call it. This made no sense to me as generally speaking Mode 1 is the standard mode on other such lenses. Otherwise for tripod shooting just switch it off altogether.

Looking at reviews of this lens, I was confused by the descriptions of VC "modes." This turns out only to be an issue with the E mount and X mount versions. With the Z mount lens, the VC switch on the lens does not exist. The physical switch is there but it is devoted to switching between linear and non-linear response of the focusing ring. The VC settings are set in the camera. Here there is no mention of three modes, just a standard mode and a panning mode, just like all other Z mount lenses. I believe because of the close relationship between Tamron and Nikon, that the integration with the Nikon mount is cleaner that with the other mounts. Nikon has actually some Tamron Z mount lenses putting their own name on them.

The VC and viewfinder using the 150-500 on my Z8 is identical when I'm using my Nikkor Z 24-120 f4 S.

 

[Yannis1976]

I have been researching this topic for the last two months. I've tried the Tamron so far but now must decide between 150-600 native or the 100-400... or stick with my 70-300mm until Fuji comes out with something better.

I was torn between the Fuji 150-600 and the other sparse options but ended up getting the Tamron 150-500. I tried it out a couple of days on my XH2S. The first day I shot at the 500mm length in my yard on nice daylight it performed well. The images were beautiful! I thought it was a keeper.

Today on a group hike during overcast light I found that it is not such a smooth operator. The glide on the zoom feels like there’s sand in it, only just at times. Nevertheless, I wondered if there literally is debris trapped. The zoom in general is cumbersome for my small hands, but worst of all was the inability to acquire focus in shady areas.

I want to find out if it's me and my inexperience with larger lenses. (I've been shooting for 25 years but never wildlife until 2020). Or is there a problem with this copy.

Other issue: the back button focus failed to work a couple of times. This really was puzzling. So, I put my 70-300mm on and no issues - smooth as butter...

Curious to know if any other Tamron users have comments/feedback.

I would also compare if possible the 100-400+1.4x vs the TAMRON…

 

[GMacF]

I have been researching this topic for the last two months. I've tried the Tamron so far but now must decide between 150-600 native or the 100-400... or stick with my 70-300mm until Fuji comes out with something better.

I was torn between the Fuji 150-600 and the other sparse options but ended up getting the Tamron 150-500. I tried it out a couple of days on my XH2S. The first day I shot at the 500mm length in my yard on nice daylight it performed well. The images were beautiful! I thought it was a keeper.

Today on a group hike during overcast light I found that it is not such a smooth operator. The glide on the zoom feels like there’s sand in it, only just at times. Nevertheless, I wondered if there literally is debris trapped. The zoom in general is cumbersome for my small hands, but worst of all was the inability to acquire focus in shady areas.

I want to find out if it's me and my inexperience with larger lenses. (I've been shooting for 25 years but never wildlife until 2020). Or is there a problem with this copy.

Other issue: the back button focus failed to work a couple of times. This really was puzzling. So, I put my 70-300mm on and no issues - smooth as butter...

Curious to know if any other Tamron users have comments/feedback.

I would also compare if possible the 100-400+1.4x vs the TAMRON…

I've done that too - there’s no contest in my opinion. Once you add the TC to the 100-400 the AF slows down and there is significant loss of contrast, particularly at the long end. Fortunately IQ does stand up for the most part when adding the TC but since the 100-400 tails off in terms of sharpness at the long end then this is only exacerbated with the TC.

 

[JulietteM]

Thank you so much for the link to the recall notice. It turns out my lens is not one of the ones recalled. However, I did do a little digging in the manual (which is confusing and the print is TINY). It says the following, which describes my scenario:

• When MODE 1 or MODE 2 is set (For Sony E / FUJIFILM X), the viewfinder image may become blurred immediately after the shutter button is pressed halfway. This is due to the principles of the vibration compensation mechanism and not a malfunction. (For Sony E / FUJIFILM X / Nikon Z)

It also states the same for MODE 3. I'm not sure I understand exactly what's happening from a technical perspective, but it's worth giving it a little more mileage before I decide. I was shooting in low light at the time.

Thank goodness B&H has an extended return policy through the holidays!

Yes the manual isn’t great at, well, being a manual! For 99% of handheld shooting you want to be in Mode 3 for the optical stabilisation or Vibration Compensation as Tamron call it. This made no sense to me as generally speaking Mode 1 is the standard mode on other such lenses. Otherwise for tripod shooting just switch it off altogether.

Thank you @GMacF. So far, I'm no longer missing shots in Mode 3 nor is the shutter misbehaving. I will continue testing but feeling hopeful!

 

[Yannis1976]

I have been researching this topic for the last two months. I've tried the Tamron so far but now must decide between 150-600 native or the 100-400... or stick with my 70-300mm until Fuji comes out with something better.

I was torn between the Fuji 150-600 and the other sparse options but ended up getting the Tamron 150-500. I tried it out a couple of days on my XH2S. The first day I shot at the 500mm length in my yard on nice daylight it performed well. The images were beautiful! I thought it was a keeper.

Today on a group hike during overcast light I found that it is not such a smooth operator. The glide on the zoom feels like there’s sand in it, only just at times. Nevertheless, I wondered if there literally is debris trapped. The zoom in general is cumbersome for my small hands, but worst of all was the inability to acquire focus in shady areas.

I want to find out if it's me and my inexperience with larger lenses. (I've been shooting for 25 years but never wildlife until 2020). Or is there a problem with this copy.

Other issue: the back button focus failed to work a couple of times. This really was puzzling. So, I put my 70-300mm on and no issues - smooth as butter...

Curious to know if any other Tamron users have comments/feedback.

I would also compare if possible the 100-400+1.4x vs the TAMRON…

I've done that too - there’s no contest in my opinion. Once you add the TC to the 100-400 the AF slows down and there is significant loss of contrast, particularly at the long end. Fortunately IQ does stand up for the most part when adding the TC but since the 100-400 tails off in terms of sharpness at the long end then this is only exacerbated with the TC.

So, the Tamron is sharper at 500mm vs the Fuji at 400mm? If that is the case, then yes adding the TC would only increase the difference.

 

[JulietteM]

I have been researching this topic for the last two months. I've tried the Tamron so far but now must decide between 150-600 native or the 100-400... or stick with my 70-300mm until Fuji comes out with something better.

I was torn between the Fuji 150-600 and the other sparse options but ended up getting the Tamron 150-500. I tried it out a couple of days on my XH2S. The first day I shot at the 500mm length in my yard on nice daylight it performed well. The images were beautiful! I thought it was a keeper.

Today on a group hike during overcast light I found that it is not such a smooth operator. The glide on the zoom feels like there’s sand in it, only just at times. Nevertheless, I wondered if there literally is debris trapped. The zoom in general is cumbersome for my small hands, but worst of all was the inability to acquire focus in shady areas.

I want to find out if it's me and my inexperience with larger lenses. (I've been shooting for 25 years but never wildlife until 2020). Or is there a problem with this copy.

Other issue: the back button focus failed to work a couple of times. This really was puzzling. So, I put my 70-300mm on and no issues - smooth as butter...

Curious to know if any other Tamron users have comments/feedback.

I would also compare if possible the 100-400+1.4x vs the TAMRON…

I've done that too - there’s no contest in my opinion. Once you add the TC to the 100-400 the AF slows down and there is significant loss of contrast, particularly at the long end. Fortunately IQ does stand up for the most part when adding the TC but since the 100-400 tails off in terms of sharpness at the long end then this is only exacerbated with the TC.

I have to say, that's what I've heard as well and with all factors considered, it doesn't make sense for me. I've spent several days now with the Tamron and quite pleased! No issues anymore.