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10 Best Tamron Lenses 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD for Nikon Z Mount Mirrorless Cameras

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,109
Image Stabilization
Autofocus

Most important from
30 reviews

Image Stabilization
Exceeded expectations with incredible photos and a great stabilizer.
Autofocus
Images are razor sharp, with spot-on and nearly silent autofocus.

The Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD lens offers a versatile ultra-telephoto zoom range, making it an excellent choice for wildlife and sports photography where capturing distant subjects is crucial. Its compact and relatively lightweight design for a lens of this range, at just 8.4 inches in length when retracted and 4.14 pounds in weight, makes it more manageable during extended shooting sessions or travel. The focal length of 150-500mm gives ample reach, and the variable aperture of f/5-6.7 is typical for lenses in this category, though it might require good lighting conditions for optimal performance.

Image stabilization is a positive feature, reducing camera shake and helping to achieve sharp images even at longer focal lengths. The autofocus system is noteworthy with its VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) motor, which ensures fast and precise focusing, suitable for tracking moving subjects. The lens is designed for the Nikon Z mount, ensuring compatibility and seamless integration with the mirrorless camera system.

Build quality appears robust with moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine coating to protect against dust and fingerprints, making it a good companion for outdoor photography. The lens hood's flexible protective section adds an extra layer of safety for the front element. However, those looking for macro capabilities might need to look elsewhere, as this lens isn't designed for close-up photography.

While the lens performs well in many aspects, some users might find the maximum aperture of f/6.7 at the telephoto end to be limiting in low-light scenarios, necessitating a tripod or higher ISO settings. Nonetheless, for those needing a reliable telephoto lens for a Nikon Z mount, this Tamron offering combines quality with practicality at a reasonable price point.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,109
Image Stabilization
Autofocus

Most important from
30 reviews

Image Stabilization
Exceeded expectations with incredible photos and a great stabilizer.
Autofocus
Images are razor sharp, with spot-on and nearly silent autofocus.
#2

Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD for Sony E-Mount Full Frame/APS-C (6 Year Limited USA Warranty)

Rating
9.4
Focal Length
Aperture
Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Most important from
137 reviews

Focal Length
The range of this lens is perfect; I sold off my 24-70/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8, as I barely used them since I started using this extensively.
Aperture
This lens is just terrific, both in terms of its range, its aperture, and its overall optical excellence.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
The build quality is solid; I fell into a black abyss climbing a roof at night and smashed this thing on the ground, nothing happened.

The Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD is a versatile zoom lens designed for Sony E-mount full-frame and APS-C cameras. Its focal length range from 35mm to 150mm makes it suitable for a wide range of photography styles, from landscapes to portraiture. One of its standout features is the fast aperture of F2-2.8, which allows for exceptional low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh). The VXD linear motor ensures fast and precise autofocus, making it a reliable choice for capturing moving subjects or for video work.

The build quality is robust, and while the lens is not explicitly stated as weather-sealed, Tamron lenses in this range typically offer some level of protection against the elements. The lens also boasts a close focusing capability of 13 inches at the wide end, making it handy for macro or close-up photography. Customization of lens functions via a connector port and additional USB cable might be more suited for advanced users.

At 2.57 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might be a drawback for those seeking a lighter setup. This lens is a strong contender for those looking for a zoom lens with a versatile focal range, fast aperture, and reliable autofocus performance, while the weight could be a potential downside depending on the user's needs.

Rating
9.4
Focal Length
Aperture
Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Most important from
137 reviews

Focal Length
The range of this lens is perfect; I sold off my 24-70/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8, as I barely used them since I started using this extensively.
Aperture
This lens is just terrific, both in terms of its range, its aperture, and its overall optical excellence.
Build Quality and Weather Sealing
The build quality is solid; I fell into a black abyss climbing a roof at night and smashed this thing on the ground, nothing happened.
#3

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens for Full Frame Sony Mirrorless Camera

Rating
9.1
Focal Length
Image Stabilization
Autofocus

Most important from
195 reviews

Focal Length
Very sharp, generous focal range, and compact due to external zooming.
Image Stabilization
Stabilization is extremely helpful zoomed all the way in.
Autofocus
Tracks very well for a third-party lens when connected to my Sony a7R V.

The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens is an impressive option for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless camera users, providing a versatile ultra-telephoto zoom range. With a focal length of 150-500mm (225-750mm equivalent on APS-C cameras), this lens is particularly suited for capturing distant subjects like wildlife, sports, and landscapes. The variable aperture range of f/5-6.7 may not be ideal for low-light conditions but is acceptable for outdoor and well-lit environments.

The lens excels in image stabilization with its VC (Vibration Compensation) system, offering three modes to enhance handheld shooting at long focal lengths, ensuring sharper images even at the 500mm mark. Autofocus performance is reliable due to the VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor, providing fast and precise focusing, which is crucial for moving subjects. The optical design includes advanced elements like XLD, LD, and GM, significantly reducing color fringing and aberrations, resulting in high clarity and color accuracy throughout the zoom range. Compatibility with Sony E-mount cameras adds to its versatility.

The build quality is robust, featuring a rotating Arca-type tripod mount for stability and strap attachment loops, enhancing usability during prolonged shoots. Although it lacks full weather sealing, it is designed to withstand some degree of environmental stress. One drawback is its relatively heavy weight of 4.14 pounds, making it less portable for extended handheld use. However, the redesigned switches and Flex Zoom Lock mechanism improve operability and ensure the zoom position is maintained. This lens is best suited for enthusiasts and professionals looking for a versatile telephoto lens with excellent image stabilization and autofocus performance, ideal for nature, sports, and wildlife photography.

Rating
9.1
Focal Length
Image Stabilization
Autofocus

Most important from
195 reviews

Focal Length
Very sharp, generous focal range, and compact due to external zooming.
Image Stabilization
Stabilization is extremely helpful zoomed all the way in.
Autofocus
Tracks very well for a third-party lens when connected to my Sony a7R V.

Buying Guide for the Best Tamron Lenses

Choosing the right Tamron lens for your camera can significantly enhance your photography experience. Tamron offers a wide range of lenses suitable for various types of photography, from portraits to landscapes to macro shots. To make an informed decision, it's essential to understand the key specifications of lenses and how they align with your photography needs. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting a Tamron lens.
Focal LengthFocal length determines the field of view and how much of the scene will be captured. It is measured in millimeters (mm). A shorter focal length (e.g., 10-35mm) offers a wider angle, ideal for landscapes and architecture. A medium focal length (e.g., 35-70mm) is versatile and great for general photography, including portraits. A longer focal length (e.g., 70-300mm) allows for zooming in on distant subjects, perfect for wildlife and sports photography. Choose a focal length based on the type of photography you plan to do most often.
ApertureAperture refers to the size of the lens opening that allows light to enter the camera. It is expressed as an f-number (e.g., f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6). A lower f-number means a larger aperture, which allows more light and is beneficial for low-light conditions and achieving a shallow depth of field (blurry background). A higher f-number means a smaller aperture, suitable for well-lit conditions and greater depth of field (more of the scene in focus). If you often shoot in low light or want to create a bokeh effect, opt for a lens with a lower f-number.
Image StabilizationImage stabilization (IS) helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, especially in low-light conditions or when using a long focal length. Tamron's Vibration Compensation (VC) is their version of image stabilization. Lenses with VC are beneficial for handheld shooting and can make a significant difference in image sharpness. If you frequently shoot in situations where a tripod isn't practical, consider a lens with image stabilization.
AutofocusAutofocus (AF) is the lens's ability to automatically focus on a subject. Tamron lenses often feature advanced autofocus systems for quick and accurate focusing. Some lenses have silent AF motors, which are ideal for video recording. If you shoot fast-moving subjects, such as in sports or wildlife photography, a lens with a fast and reliable autofocus system is crucial. For general photography, a standard AF system will suffice.
Lens Mount CompatibilityLens mount compatibility ensures that the lens can be attached to your camera body. Tamron lenses are available for various camera mounts, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and others. It's essential to choose a lens that is compatible with your camera's mount. Check your camera's specifications to determine the correct mount type before purchasing a lens.
Build Quality and Weather SealingBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the lens. High-quality lenses are often more durable and can withstand rough handling. Weather sealing is an additional feature that protects the lens from dust and moisture, making it suitable for outdoor and challenging environments. If you frequently shoot outdoors or in harsh conditions, a lens with robust build quality and weather sealing is a wise choice.
Macro CapabilityMacro capability allows the lens to focus very close to the subject, capturing fine details at a high magnification. This is particularly useful for photographing small subjects like insects, flowers, and other close-up objects. If macro photography interests you, look for a lens with a high reproduction ratio (e.g., 1:1) and a short minimum focusing distance.

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